March 12

Slept in a bit and ate a cold breakfast in the unit.  Did some laundry in the nice apartment sized washer and dryer.  There is a sunrise off the east shore in front of the unit.  We could throw a ball at the beach from here.  Less storm clouds over the sea.  We are located on the Coral Sea in North Queensland.  NO differentiates itself from  Queensland in its diversity of climate, but they are the same province.  Rain forest, tablelands, huge rivers, agriculture and beaches.  It’s still very hot, mid 90’s and humidity matching.  We head north along the shoreline, passing through Mossman, a very tidy cute old town.  Continuing north along shoreline with Great Barrier Reef just off the shore.  The beaches are nice with white sand but tend to be narrow and the sea has a hard surf.  Requires netted swimming areas, partly for protection from sea critters but the current is strong.  It is obvious they had a big rain last night, water lies in the fields and it weeps down out of the mountains through the sandstone and small waterfalls.  We continue to the small town of Daintree where the road ends in the river.  We have entered the Daintree National Park and huge river.  The surrounding rainforest is the oldest on earth and the number of indigenous plants and animal species are notable.  Austaralia broke away from Asia in history and has been isolated with these isolated species. A high peak in the area is always in the cloud for 6 months.  That’s one of the things we did not anticipate, Australia’s mountains.  The coastal range we see today are the reason for the rainforest, they make their own weather.  And the water that comes down to the narrow coastal area allows for agriculture etc.  The mountains are not very high, three highest are 6 k, they are covered with every kind of plant and tree indigenous to the area forming a canopy of plants that play a great part in CO2, H2O and O2 balance.  They support species of animals and plants found nowhere else.  Along the way we see a small gauge rail called the Cane Railway, small cars and track serving the sugar cane business that is prevalent.  The road ends at the little town of Daintree and the river.  A small gathering of shops, cafes and tours for river cruises for rain forest and croc viewing.  We take one of the Eco river cruises on the Daintree.  Flat bottom, low motor, canopy boat taking us up and down the huge Daintree River.  We enter in the brackish water, tidal salt water meets fresh water.  We are in croc area.  The plant diversity is incredible and lush, just like the hot houses at US botanic gardens.  The water is high after rainfall in the mountains and high tide. We see a few birds but no crocs.  There are dingoes, wild boar also in the area.  At the boat launch they feed Archer fish that spit at the food located above them causing it to fall in the water.  We are onboard with a bunch of NY state students from various colleges, RIT is among them.  We stop at the Daintree car ferry, the only remaining river ferry in Australia.  The cars are winched across the high and fast flowing river with huge cables. We head back down the coast on the same route but stop at Mossman and catch the end of the farmer’s market on the green. There is an historic church opened for viewing on the site (1899) and amazed to see similar open stone structure like some of the Scotland churches..  There are beautiful stained glass windows.  The green has gigantic Raintrees from Jamaica an early settler planted, they are incredibly beautiful and huge, forming a complete shade canopy over the area.  We talk to a local cacao planter and sample some of their homemade chocolate made with no simple sugar and all local ingredients, very rich and good.  We then stop off at the holiday town of Port Douglas. A holiday destination of very wealthy people and yachts.  The streets are lined with identical palm trees and resorts.  The downtown is lined with a canopy of shade trees, trendy cafes and shops.  We stop at the Court House hotel that is over 100 years old and a view to the bay.  Open verandas and nice menu.  Pat has the barramundi, fish caught in the Daintree River, very delicious mild and firm.  We walk the water front park area but it is so hot we can’t stand being out.  We are mid 90’s and the humidity is oppressive.  Back to our unit at Palm Cover for AC recovery!  We are having a sunny day here and it changes the look of the place.  Wine and cheese on the balcony overlooking the Coral Sea.  We have requested a late check out and they are very generous as we are ‘friends of the Knights’.  We join the tour tomorrow night in Cairns just south of us so late start is good for last minute prep.  Great day in this beautiful country.