"On The Wallaby"

(cathedral tree, more pics later)
So, can't post pics from this net cafe. Hope to find another one in Cairns soon. But just as well, as this is probably going to be a long post, as I did a lot today.
Got picked up from the Cairns Colonial Resort, i asked, their cheapest room is $129 on standby. yowza. Anyway, it was me, our fearless and humorous tour guide Scott and 4 others on the tour today. The weather was pretty nasty so that probably explains the low turnout.
We were going to explore the Tablelands today, so heading North of Cairns, and up!
It was a quick stop to check out the fruit bat colony before continueing on this winding 18km road into the tablelands. Apparently 4-6 people die on this thing every year. The winding road, not the tour. ;-)
Did i mention the crappy weather? The look outs were pretty nill, just fog. But it wasn't too cold, and the sun would pop out from time to time. Mostly it would come out when we got on the bus, and then hide as we stepped off. It was freaky weird at times.
The next stop after the fruit bat colony was the Cathedral Tree. I can't remember what type it is, only that is starts as a seed in the tree top of another tree... sprouts.. grows.. and when it's large enough it starts to strangle the host tree. It actually has no trunk as it is all roots and branches. The canopy is the size of two olympic swimming pools side by side, and the root system forms something similar to the frozen niagra of mammoth cave national park. I'll get pics up asap to help explain. But the thing is HUGE, and around 7oo years old, it's had plenty of time to grow.
We also passed the worlds largest natural free standing pyramid. A mountain basically, but with four corners etc. It's 932 meters tall, and we couldn't see the top, also, the miners that were trapped in the Australian mine accident a year or so back where burried about the same depth IN the groud in a space smaller than our van for about... 14 days? Very intense.
We packed up in the van (again the sun popped back out) and headed to Barrin Lake. Which is a crater lake, one of many in the tablelands, for our rainforest walk. About four months ago there was a rather large cyclone that came through, and the evidence of the fallen trees gave testimoney to it. Apparently this is all volcanic soil, and hard lava about a meter and a half (5 feet?) below the surface. So the trees have a real shallow root system, and a lot of late in the canopy. The rain soaked ground combined with the high winds toppled many a 300+ year old tree. Sad, but also part of the cycle.
Lunch was at lake Echea, rather picturesque, though also drizzly, so blah. But it was a good time to catch up with the other travelers, tell tall tales and exchange stories. The cyclone (hurricane) damage was evident here as well. The picnic area was rather nude of trees with leaves, even four months later. Piles of debris had been pushed into even larger piles (think 7 or so semis stacked side by side and then a few more semis stacked on top). Rough.
Ah, but the Milla Milla Falls (Milla aboriginal for "water") where great. With all the rain they were flowing at full force! But man that water is cold! Four of us jumped in and swam out behind and then beneath the falls. It's about 42 degrees F, fluctuates + or - 4 degrees.... and this IS winter. It was very cold. Good way to wake up though, and just fun to say I've done it. Seems the local town sells medals similar to those given for those who do "polar bear" swims. lol
A quick change and then having the heat going in the bus and we headed towards My Hypithimea National Park. Here we walked up to Crater lake. Formed by the build up of pressure from the lava etc. As it blew out it made a deep lake that's not to very far around in diameter. hard to say though from the distance we saw it. Apparently it's depth tunnels back towards where it would hit the main "lava" tube. No one knows how deep, but very very deep. Eleana (Scottish girl) on the tour could barely get close to the railing. She had to hold onto her b/fs and my arm as she took pictures. it was rather humorous.
At one of the return look outs the sun scared away some of the clouds long enough to take a few pictures, but we were also lucky enough to spot a tree kangaroo on our way back to the main road. He stuck around long enough for us to get a few pictures befoer shuffling off deeper into the trees.
We ended up at the On the Wallaby lodge, which is rather cozy. If it wasn't so far from Cairns I would have stayed and played with the house python, gone platypus hunting, but alas i had to return to civilization.
Now i'm staying at Gilligans, that though i'm in a "dorm" room, it's nicer than the brand new dorms at UK. Every floor has a kitchen and a nice lobby, storage lockers... beds... etc. Very nice. Beats everything else. And only one room mate thus far, should stay that way.
Got a little worried walkign in though, all these girls where in nice dresses, and the fellas where in suits and ties... so i was feeling a little underdressed. Apparently there's a big college pharmacist student convention or some such. Oh well, the place is pretty empty, very relaxing.

Tomorrow I'll book the intro diving trip on the reef, as well as sleep in to say, i dunno, 8am? That seems late enough. Then to check out the sunday markets, and some of the museums. Aight, off to my palatial room! lol

A Kings Table

So I was thinking about moving into a hostel tonight. Just to get into the mix of things... and yet. There was at least one over riding thing keeping from doing so. I mean, having my own room, a shower, a HUGE bed and tons of pillows are nice.... but the food here is just too good! I'm going to have to stay at least one more night.
Sue and Tony make a good team. But we all know that it's Sue's kitchen, and she sets a good board.
I mean, if it was you, fast food, something greasy at a hostel... or this? Ya, you'd be staying too. Besides, i feel i'm really starting to connect with Bo.
I've got a day tour out to the tablelands tomorrow. A day full of hiking, and if it warms up, some swimming. So, after that meal, it's time to crash.

Pictures from Kuranda

The train pulling up at Freshwater station





Crystal Falls (above)



Barron Falls (above, all the rocks are covered with water in the wet season. wow)

No real good pics of the butterflies in the avery, so here!


Flying Fox! Original mode of transport around Barron Gorge! that thing suspended on a wire



Me in the Skyrail, while it was still sorta clear

Ya, this is what it turned into

Kuranda

Early this morning Sue dropped me off at the Freshwater Train Station about 15 minutes from her home.
"Situated in a quiet, leafy suburb, amidst tropical gardens and authentic heritage railway carriages Freshwater Connection provides a perfect venue for visitors to enjoy a hearty breakfast and is an ideal way to begin a Kuranda Scenic Railway journey.
In 1984 Freshwater Connection was built as a tribute to the visionaries and pioneers who built the Kuranda Scenic Railway between 1887 and 1891." Ya, stole that off their brochure.
So it was from this historic platform that i boarded the Kurand Scenic Railway train. Then it was a scenic hour and a half or so ride up the steep slopes into Kuranda.
The coaches were 85 years old, historic and still comfortable. The onboard commentary was helpfull in explaining the history of the rail line as well as the engineering feat it's construction was. Most of the train was crowded with tourist, Japanese tourist, and since I don't speak their langue, or vice versa, i got to read up on the history of Kuranda and the rail line. I have to say, this is one of the few places that actually looked like the postcards. Crystal Falls was amazing, so close you could almost reach out and touch it, and though Barron Falls was little more than a trickle (it is the DRY season after all) compared to the way it boils at flood stage, it was still good to see, got some good pics of it. The overlook is about halfway up the rail to Kuranda, so we stop, get off the train, and when the train blows it's whistle you better com erunning b/c they mean business. I had to jump aboard 4 cars back from mine and walk up the cars b/c the train was starting to move.
Speaking of the dry season, ahem, it started to rain. But as it is a rainforrest, I'll let it slide this time.
Kuranda was nice as well. Mostly covered markets, which were fun to browse through, art galleries of aboriginal artwork and little cafes where you can get some icecream, lunch or coffee. (noticed I listed those in order of importance) I got to spend about half an hour with an Austrian gentleman who does opal jewellery. He mines the stones, tumbles and plishes them, cuts them and puts them in their settings. I learned a lot oabout the opal, the industry as a whole from him. And his artwork was amazing to look at. The variations in the brilliance, reflections, i don't know what to call it, but it was just enjoyable to gaze at.
The art galleries were likewise enjoyable. Some of the art was truly ellaborate. Many of the pieces where illustrations to aboriginal stories, stories passed down through the generations by word of mouth. ALways fascinating learning about other cultures.
The butterfly gallery was a whirl of colors. Brightly colored butterflies would whizz right around your head. I was able to snag a few pics, but not many. Had a short tour that explained the breeding program of the avery, and the various butterflies and their lives in the wild. Interesting.
Now lunch, lunch was great. An enormouse German Bratwurst, with the works! Onion, saurkraught (howerver you spell it) and spicy mustard! on toasted bread. Very good.
The rain had picked up some, and i had seen most of what there was to see, so got on the Skyrail. Though it was raining visibility was still good. And you could look out over the tops of the rainforrest. Even saw a couple of Cockatoos flying around. But I could not see the bottom of the rainforrest. Every time i thought i did, it was really just the lower canopy of the smaller trees. lol. VERY high up. It wasn't long though before visibility was about nil. The clouds had rolled in and there wasn't much to see. Very....eerie. Especially when you see carriages come out of the fog only feet from you... and they all seem to be completly empty...
But the train and the skyrail beat hiking any day!
For now, short nap, then into Cairns for the weekend markets and book some tours for the next few days.
http://www.kurandascenicrailway.com.au/freshwater/kuranda_attractions/default.asp

Arrival in Cairns

So it's been asked if i ever have conversations with guys, and truthfully, no, not very often. Most of the guys i meet are traveling with their buds, and hard to break into a group. Also, seems like most of my room mates end up being girls, and it's just easy to go and grab a bite to eat or something together. Besides, girls, much more complex than guys, fun to talk to. Though a good mixture of both really livens things up!

Anyway, that was the random thought of the day.
So arrived in Cairns a little after 1pm today. That was after catching the 5:50am bus, the 6:20 ferry and the 7am greyhound. up waaaaaaaaaaaay too early. But cousin Russell had told his friends that i wouldn't be in till Saturday. So they were rather surprised by my phone call. But we got it all worked out and where able to roll with it.
And the food! Oh man, lambchops, potatos, broccoli, peas, a real good wholesome meal. Beats the traveling food i had been eating any day of the week.
Booked myself onto the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail for the return from Kuranda. It takes me through the rain forest, and then ABOVE the rain forest. How cool is that going to be?
Sue and Tony are great though. Tony is an ex-navy guy and Sue is just so full of energy. It's fun being around them both, I've really lucked out. I mean, good food, good bed, and really good company.
After I get back tomorrow afternoon, i'm going to work out the diving trip and the day trips to the Tablelands, Cape Tribulation and the rest.

Another early morning, so off to bed!

Magnetic Island

So named b/c when Captain Cook passed by here his compas kinda went haywire. though there is not magnetic field to this island. Something i learned, actually, just one of the many things i've learned while on the island.

early this morning i was able to watch the sunrise through my window. I was unable to drag myself out of bed when my alarm went off. some part of me figures that since i've got to catch the 6:20 ferry tomorrow, i can catch the sunrise then. It made since at the time, so i just rolled over and went to bed. However, I was still up around 7 and grabbed some breakfast with Gus, the canadian dude, before starting my 5 hour jaunt.

It was such a beautifull day. Still is. But started off heading towards Balding Bay. The trails are all really well done, smooth sand or stone pathways heading up into the hills. Basically, you go up, across a ridge, and hike down into the bays. Easy, except the whole up and down part of it. I'm pretty sore. But worth all the gallons of sweat.
Balding Bay was beautifull, one of the smallest and secluded bays, and the unofficial nude beaches. Be glad this pc won't let me post pictures, bunch of rolly polly creepy old guys there. lol. Ain't that the way it always is? But i did talk to a few english girls who showed up as i was leaving, wished them all my best with the old codgers that were staring at them. I found it humorous, the girls, slightly less so. lol.
But then on to Radical Bay. Walking up and down the beach i was able to find washed up pieces of coral, and just kinda kick back and relax and recover my strength. Still somewhat early in the morning so not many people about. Met a nice Canadian, Robin. We kinda exchanged mini versions of life stories, and tossed out ideas about the future and how there's so much to do, and just so little time.
Ah, the journey continues to the Forts. Probably the best lookouts on the island. An old gun post set up to control the approaches to the harbor and an early radar station to warn against japanese attacks. Townsville was bombed durring WWII. But the fort is mostly just concrete foundations, though the gun foundations make for a good lookout. The old signal station is still in use, as a phone tower i believe, or relay? i dunno cause i get no cell phone service out here. But you get a good 360 view of the island. I got a few good pics. To be posted later hopefully.
I covered most of the northern part of the island, even got to see some native wildlife. Mainly a Koala's furry bum taking a snooze in a tree, and a rock wallabee running across the road.

Since being back, i've just been chillin, resting up my feet. Spending a little time at the beach. Though again, going to get some sunburn treatment for my shoulders soon. HAH! I bought a boonie hat to ward off the sun, and i lost it this morning as i set out on the first sunny day since i'd bought the stinkin thing! totally...ugh.

gonna wash up, pack up, so i can roll outta bed and hit the road. Probably gonna find a good spot to watch the stars for a while, and then sleep. Because Cairns is coming up and that place is gonna be rockin and rollin when i get there.

Townsville

Again, pictures later. Promise. 'Cause by God I trekked (hike just doesn't cover it) so TREKKED up this goat path to the top of Castel Hill where I got some amazing shots of the islands and coats and beaches. I about died on the way up, so there will be pictures!

Castle Hill was a look out point and part military point from WWII. Even has the old pill boxes set up. Anyway, it's only about a 1 km hike, but it's brutal. It's uphill (duh) and steep. As soon as i got done i walked back down and ducked inside this internet cafe to rest my feet. lol. But a lot of people RUN up the path as a form of excercise. And i mean, it's brutal, those people are in shape. Some of my friends went hiking witih me at natural bridge state park in kentucky, it was rough going uphill on the stairs and the worse one it hink was Devils Gulch, or gorge or some such. So... think that kind of steep climb, with just a little bit of a less steeper footpath breaking up the rock climb up. lol

Defenitly worked off that quarter pounder and cheese from yesterday.

But i've also been to Reef HQ. An aquarium dedicated to , the Great Barrier Reef, where i learned that SURPRISE! there are lots of things on the reef that can kill you. lol, just like the land part of Australia. But i was surprised to find that one of the sheels, a conch like dsheell, very small, can fit in your pocket, holds a muscle that shoots a "harpoon" attached to a venom sack. Thta's how it get's it's prey. Wow, neat. But some guy had picked one up recently, and placed it in his pcoket. He was found on the beach dead. The only way that anyone figured out what had happened was b/c they found this shell and creature in one of his pockets.

I also learned about the coral, and how to ID certain types. I hope i get to take a cheat sheet with me. As well as for the fish. But it was eye opening to learn about the history of the reef. HOw it was exploited commercially, and how it's been brought back and recovered, and the line of give and take they set to stabalize industry with conservationism.
(Me finally at the top!)
But for now, off to lunch, then catching athe ferry over to Magnetic Island. Going to do a lot more hiking, staying at a hostel on the beach, and working on my farmers tan.

ps. my typing seems so bad b/c this computer , the words only show up about 154 seconds after i type so i just keep going b/c they charge me by the minute. lol, those sneaky buggers.

also, the sun is back out. Making up for the past few days. Some of the clearest weather they've had in a long time. sweet.

ok, so you've noticed the pictures? good, check out the last three or so blogs for the pics posted there. :-)

Randomness

First i would like to say, still no port for my camera in these past few internet cafe's. very upsetting. I'll have to add pictures in sometime soon i hope.

But had a craving for a burger last night. I mean a craving--a NEED! I was walking up the main street of Airrlie Beach and there it was, the Golden Arches. A quarter pounder with cheese, some FRENCH FRIES and a Coke. An all American Meal. lol. Defenitly hit the spot. It was crowded with fellow travelers, so I chatted it up with the folks sitting next to me. Surprisingly a couple of americans (first i'd seen in a loong time) and a couple of girls from england. We tried putting our heads together to come up with something to do for the night besides drinking at the local bars. But there really was nothing else to do. The only places to hang out are the bars, the nearest movie theatre is over an hours drive. So the two nurses (as i came to find out) form England decided to stop whining and man up at the bar. lol. Life is rough. Oh ya, one of the girls names was Jordana. How kewl is that?

So I mentioned the fact that i went snorkelling yesterday. It was a blast, even in the codl and rain. And the water was still a strong blue. But clips from the movie jaws and all the discovery channel shows about sharks kept playing through my head. I'm surprised i'm not cross eyed with one eye constantly looking for danger while the other one enjoyed the reef. lol After awhile though you just get over it. I mean there are twenty other people, i have only a 1 in 20 chance of being eaten. lol (James taught me that when we went surfing)

In Europe apparently you graduate highschool at 19 or so, and take 6 months to a year off to travel. How amazing is that/ I mean not everyone does it, but almost everyone i meet here in australia who is european is on a working vacation. Spend a week or three at every town. Working 4 days out of 5, but generally only 5 or 6 hours a day. Then night and evenings free. SO you get to meet some of you fellow travellers really well, really get a feel for the place. I've got too much going on at home ot just ditch for a year, or even half a year. Though... I wonder if I could work through Europe? Somethign to keep in the back of my mind. Or just win the lotto, retire, and travel the world at 22!

Not to omany overweight people here. I think it's more to do with the price of food than anythign else. It's also easier walking around at times than to drive and worry abuot parking. Ya, must be the price of food. lol.

Whitsunday: Islands, Beaches, and Rain

(I sat at the very front of the baot)
I didn't take too many pictures. It was rainy. BUt first,

last night I grabbed my two bunk house mates and the canadian and aussie girls next door and we went into town to Beaches, a hostel/bar. It was a fun time. Just chatting it up over a few beers, listening to the grease soundtrack at insane volumes. lol, it was defenitly a good time. Charlie was from the states, Stewart from south of Yorkshire, Racheal and Holly from Toronto and the two Aussie girls Jenna and Vicki from Melbourne. We hung out till early in the morning just swapping stories, talking about the differences in life, and woe unto me, we even went to a dance club. :-( It was a not a pretty sight, i mean t he girls, ya, us guys, NO! lol. Bunch ofwhite guys dancing. ugh.

Got up early to check outta the dorms, and to catch my shuttle in for the ocean rafting trip. Some small part of me was hoping to see a few rays of sunshine, but no, it was not to be. It was overcast and rainy all day. Wicked nasty weather on a boat moving at 24 knots. (it can go up to 48 or so)

It was suffereing, but getting into a wetsuit and jumping into the water around the Whitsunday islands was nice. Outta the wind and it felt warm. We got to see some of the more amazing spots for the coral. The hueghs of blue, of green and the schools of fish and the other more colorfull marine life. Even overcast the water was clear, and easy to see the reef. I mean, just like one of those discovery channels. Snorkeling was easy. Even had a little floaty to keep me up so I could be lazy. But from time to time i'd dive down and get really into the middle of it for as long as i could hold my breath.

The beach we stopped at for lunch was a good beach, just that whole rain thing again. Ugh. Saw a stingray and ya, didn't have to fight off the seagulls for our lunch, a defenite plus. And the ride on the boat was good. Like white water rafting on the ocean. I put up a link if anyone wants to check it out. It was good, but it could have been amazing if there had just been some SUN! (Irish couple, on the beach, ya, we were all wearing the rain gear)
One more night here in airrlie beach, then a bus out early to townsville and magnetic island. Then on to Cairns.

Aight, moving into my new digs, doing some laundry and the rest.

later

Stoney Creek Farm

It's been a few days since i've updated. At the ranch they have a phone and that's about it. They use solar power and generator exclusively as well as getting their water from the creek and rain. There's a bit of a drought at the moment, even though as soon as we get there it's drizzly and overcast. BLAST!
But it was fun. They asked if i could ride, and everyone in Kentucky can ride, whether you can or not. lol, but instead I told them that i just don't fall off horses, and let me tell you, even that got put to the test a few times!
Their property was large, a bit bush and some open fields, and hills, man we climbed some hills. Those where a bit hairy at times. Leaning way forward almost over the neck of the horse, or leaning back on your bumb almost toaching the horses butt with your back trying to keep from falling off. And then the trotting, I was horrible in the beginning, but a bit o practice and i could hold my own. (man, still a bit sore)

There was only one other overnighter staying in the bunkhouse with me, Coral, she was pretty kewl. SHe'd been on holiday for about six months, thailand, laos, australia and a few other places, we got a long pretty well i thought. Just talking and trading stories and viewpoints on things. It was a good way to pass the time at night before zonking out to wake up early for breakfast at the main house.

As usual, my favorite parts of the day where the morning cupper and afternoon smoko. basically, tea time! with grub. I'm not big on tea or coffee, but the scones and pancakes hit the spot!

Riding on the horses, for the most part you just hang on, and check out the scenery. The mountains rising above us where covered in timber, with mists hanging near the tops. Just a real beautifull place, relaxing, except when your heart was in your throat.

My horse was sprocket, one of the largest they had. Apparently i'm a big bloke. I weight 87 kilos. Poor Sprocket. I tried not to eat too much at tea time. lol

but he was a good horse, a lot like me, kinda lazy, liked to munch a lot, but a good nature. And he had some get up and go when you asked him to! Though he did come down a hillside by making his own path, it was a gut clenching moment, with vines wrapping around me and branches in my eyes. But, builds character! lol

Some of the most fun though is sitting outside around the table just talking, telling stories, fleshing out ideas on poiltics, religion, favorite tv shows. Just i really enjoy getting to know people.

Agh, but we did have satellite at the main house, and I'm really starting to get into AFL and Rugby. Rugby by far is the rougher sport, and it's fun to watch the guys almost kill themselves, i suppose it's as close to the gladitorial events as we have these days.
(ya, me in the "shower". It was a camp shower. and cold.)

Got to go, in Airrlie Beach for a couple of days, doing a sailing trip tomorrow, well, more like a quick rafting trip, snorkeling, bush walking and some more.

Bunking with a Californian and a couple of English fella's, so we're gonna check out the twon tonight, We're all pretty much new in to the place.

(do to popular demand, lol, the pic of me in teh camp shower showing of my tan lines was removed. If you're that interested, appointments to see my bum can be made on my earliest return to the states. Have your people call my people.)