An Alphabetical Stroll Through Bali and Australia-A is for: A BIG, FAT FINALE!! Link to new Africa TR (4/5)

[Steppesister]

Was Fitzroy Island the main destination for people wanting to scuba and snorkel at the Great Barrier reef?

There are several "jump off points" for SCUBA and snorkeling along the East coast. This one just happened to come up on a Google search for me as a good place to go and was among one of the less expensive options, so I went with that. I knew I wanted to have a bigger city to base out of and it was a HUGE bonus (which I found out later after I'd booked Fitzroy) that the Daintree was so close. It was really great how it all turned out as a providential bonus.

The rocks look very slippery.

They weren't too bad actually. Just steep (big steps) at times and very jagged and uneven. My bum knee makes it hard sometimes to navigate stuff like that.

I would be a leery of that snake, especially if I didn't know whether if it was venomous.

For sure! I kept a nice healthy distance between it and myself!

The weather must have been a huge disappointment. At least you had a nice place to stay.

Were you and Anara getting tired of traveling by this point?

It kinda was. I had hoped to just lay on the beach or by the pool under a nice, warm sun, but that was not to be.

 

[Steppesister]

Thinking you weren't overly sad about leaving.

No, and the really ironic part is that we'd be back.

That's when you make lots of noise when heading out.
If people don't mind keeping you up until 4:30, then they obviously won't mind being woken up at 5:30.

Nah, we simply picked up our bags and left after a quick toothbrushing.

Ha, funny you posted that. I just watched that about a week ago. (The Original though)

Ugh.
Whelp... I guess you can't always have nice weather.
It would be nice if they would hold off until after the vacation, though.

No, you always roll the dice with vacay. I've been at WDW many times with sucky weather (cold or rainy) and you just do whatcha gotta do. Ah well...

I love markets too. I almost always find something to buy.

Yes, whether it be food stuffs or other local artsy things.

At first I thought those were potatoes, but... dates? No idea.

No, they were "white peaches". I had taken a photo of the crate label but didn't post it cuz I was already pushing the photo limit.

Sounds delish. Did you eat them cold?

Some, yes. But heated them up in the room's microwave for lunch that day.

Close call! Wouldn't have been so great to discover that after the ferry had left.

Yeah, not so much!

Lots of advertising... and it all looks fun!

It's definitely a HUGE hub for all things Barrier Reef! Loads of boats and tours. But probably not many heading out on that day or any other day all that week.

Poor Anara. But how does one use an alcohol wipe to combat sea sickness?

It does help. I used to use that trick when I worked in PACU (post-anesthesia unit) for folks who had the pukes from anesthesia. It was a good thing to try before pushing any meds or to use as a quick distraction until could pull the med. For a lot of people it will stop the nausea altogether. I guess it just causes a brain re-set.

Wait... Anara was sick... but still managed to eat? Impressive.

A very little. And before she was sick.

Pretty pool... Too bad you couldn't use it.

We did, but only very briefly the next day. And it probably won't surprise you that there were a couple of kids in there for quite a bit longer than we were.

Oh, son of a.... gun.
That's really too bad. I think I'd be crying.

I wasn't really thrilled. Maybe a re-do someday.

Nice and warm!

If a tad... damp.

The actual temp wasn't bad but it still felt so wet which chilled me to the bone. No sun to dry you out and it just "clung".

Well, you're both smiling.
But is Anara wearing a bathing suit?
I'm not sure if that's smart... or just makes the poncho redundant!

Yes, she was. I guess she figured if she was gonna get wet, it may as well be her suit so she could save her clothes. Ponchos only work to a certain, less-than-optimal degree.

That video... talk about an ankle break waiting to happen!

Yeah... steep in places and VERY uneven.

Umm.... (no foreshadowing there at all. Nope. None. )

Stories to come...

I note that I neither heard nor saw Anara. Was she with you on this trek?

Yes, she certainly was. Although she trekked on ahead of me but a lot because 1) I needed to go slower to navigate the "trail" with my messed up knee and older body, and 2) I stop to take a gazillion pix and am slow.

I recall you like snakes. Didn't know you were a "fanatic" about them, though.

I have gone out of my way and on road trips specifically to hunt them out. Twice in Arizona I found gorgeous rattlers (one Mojave Green and a couple of Western Diamondbacks) on a little trip.

Nice shot!
(And yes, pretty snake, too. )

It was one of my better wildlife photos from that trip.

See lots? Or just a couple?

Tons. There were everywhere!

Stunning!
Was it really that colour or is the saturation pumped up? (Which is okay if it is, because... stunning!)

No, I boosted the contrast a little to make the clouds a bit more textured but no colour boost. I think I tinkered with the highlights a little too?

 

[Steppesister]

I absolutely love this mindset! I've grown up hearing my grandma and my Mom always say, "we never let the weather stop our fun!" I'm a huge fan of throw on the poncho and get out there, especially on a vacation! (At home, maybe not so much, LOL!)

The pool and hotel look lovely--too bad you weren't able to enjoy the pool space as you waited for your room though. Love the wildlife you were able to see on your hike adventure, especially all that washed up coral. I don't think I realized it ever washes up in that way.

I feel like if you let the weather ruin your plans or fun, you've just simply wasted money because there ARE ways to just keep trekking. It might not be what you had pictured, but at least you've salvaged what you could.

There was just so much of it! I've never seen anything like it! The East Coast of Australia is definitely a place to go for nature lovers.

 

[zanzibar138]

She did, but by then was out of them. At least she didn't throw up and did recover quickly.

I find it's always a quicker recovery if you can at least stop yourself from actually throwing up. Still awful at the time though.

I'm going to mention Kwells to Anara. I have no idea if they are available here as I've never looked for them.

Pretty sure they have the same stuff in them as Dramamine. I had that as a back-up option in case I ran out of Kwells in the US.

I would still probably have gone though since that was when the wedding was chosen. But will definitely tuck that away for any next times.

Oh, I meant more you were unlucky to hit a cyclone at that time of year.

It was beautiful in a dark and stormy sort of way. And there was still enjoyment to be had. I mean, I wasn't at work or studying so there's that.

I priced out business class for my upcoming trip but it was 10 times more expensive (like over $5,000) so that was a major no-can-do. Someday....

At this stage, we only ever get business class flights using airline points. We both accumulate quite a bit so we can usually make it work at least for the really long haul legs.

I can see that and I'd imagine there are a lot of options for you folks in Perth for cheap commuters. Otherwise, with the amount of travel you all have to do, that'd add up fairly quickly!

The main commuters from Perth are the fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers at the mine sites up north. Ben is one of them. Depending on where you go, there's either commercial or specially chartered options, but they are all paid for by the company so I have no idea if they get a special rate or not!

Between Perth and the eastern states (eg Melbourne), bare basic flights with Jetstar (ie just a seat) start from around $200 each way. It jumps up to around $300 each way with Virgin (this just gives you a seat and a very basic snack and water/tea/coffee). I always fly Qantas when I can, which unfortunately is up at around $400 each way. For that cost though, you get everything included - a reasonably generous checked baggage and carry on allowance, hot meal with alcoholic beverages and something for dessert (usually a small ice-cream), snacks/drinks whenever you like, entertainment streaming (usually via your own device for domestic) and 'social' wifi which allows you to connect to things like Facebook, email and streaming services.

I have also splurged on Qantas Club membership, which gives me access to the airport lounges before flights. It's nice to have a comfortable place to sit and charge devices, plus they have a selection of salads, DIY toasted sandwich station, usually a soup and a hot food option, and some sort of cake/sweets. There's also barista coffee and a full bar after 12pm. Not cheap to join but for me it's worth it. I can even access the lounge if I'm flying Jetstar since they are a subsidiary of Qantas (although sometimes the lounge is in another terminal so it doesn't always work out).

No, they were "white peaches". I had taken a photo of the crate label but didn't post it cuz I was already pushing the photo limit.

Peaches??? They must have been mis-labelled. They are definitely passionfruit. Do you not have passionfruit in North America?

 

[pkondz]

No, and the really ironic part is that we'd be back.

Nah, we simply picked up our bags and left after a quick toothbrushing.

And slammed the door? Flicked on the lights?

Nothing?

You need to work on your revenge game.

Ha, funny you posted that. I just watched that about a week ago. (The Original though)

"The dog went on the picnic basket!"

No, they were "white peaches". I had taken a photo of the crate label but didn't post it cuz I was already pushing the photo limit.

Ohhh... They just look so... odd? Maybe not the pristine ones you usually see at major grocery stores.

It's definitely a HUGE hub for all things Barrier Reef! Loads of boats and tours. But probably not many heading out on that day or any other day all that week.

I would imagine.

It does help. I used to use that trick when I worked in PACU (post-anesthesia unit) for folks who had the pukes from anesthesia. It was a good thing to try before pushing any meds or to use as a quick distraction until could pull the med. For a lot of people it will stop the nausea altogether. I guess it just causes a brain re-set.

Do you just smell it? Or rub it under your nose? Or... ?

A very little. And before she was sick.

Ah. Poor thing.

We did, but only very briefly the next day. And it probably won't surprise you that there were a couple of kids in there for quite a bit longer than we were.

Pics or it didn't happen!

The actual temp wasn't bad but it still felt so wet which chilled me to the bone. No sun to dry you out and it just "clung".

Ugh. Times when a hot bath or shower is in order.

Yes, she was. I guess she figured if she was gonna get wet, it may as well be her suit so she could save her clothes. Ponchos only work to a certain, less-than-optimal degree.

Smart girl.

Yes, she certainly was. Although she trekked on ahead of me but a lot because 1) I needed to go slower to navigate the "trail" with my messed up knee and older body, and 2) I stop to take a gazillion pix and am slow.

Ah!

Tons. There were everywhere!

Cool!

No, I boosted the contrast a little to make the clouds a bit more textured but no colour boost. I think I tinkered with the highlights a little too?

Wonderful photo.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I have been reading along and loving your updates but haven’t commented much I know. Enjoying the craic between you all though.
My heart did go out to Anara. She really did look queasy. Very much enjoying your trip report and I will try to chat more. Life has just been busy (when isn’t it ) but it’s St Patrick’s Day on Monday which means time to celebrate the driving of the snakes out of Ireland so you can stalk them elsewhere @Steppesister and hopefully extra time to read the dis for me

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

This made me laugh when I saw it

 

[Steppesister]

X is for: X Marks the Spot I Almost Died.​

We might have slept well; we might not have. I have no idea and there’s nothing in my notes. What is in my notes is that I made some instant coffee, and I had the other half of a chocolate croissant we’d brought.

I don’t know a lot about the nature of Southern Hemisphere cyclones, but we had a little break in the rain for some of this day which afforded an opportunity to do a little bit more exploring of the little island. The day before we’d hiked to Nudey Beach (named after a Naval Admiral, NOT because it's a nudist beach) so today we chose to start with taking the short Secret Garden Trail.

Here's a little map for reference:

​

I enjoyed the informational signage along the way and learned quite a bit about the rainforest biome on Fitzroy Island.

​

The “jungle” was filled with hanging vines, and we took turns channeling our “Inner Tarzan”. Sadly, this particular hike was cut short as the torrents of water from the day before created areas too flooded to pass over. The trail just petered out and we had to turn back.

​

With still tons of time to fill, we repeated the short 30-minute walk past Foxy’s and on to Nudey Beach where we did some more beach combing and shelling. On the way back we saw that they closed the Nature Trail altogether.

(The coral that looked like ravioli)




​

We saw a ton more of the Major’s Skinks and some other nifty little critters making for some interesting sightings. I'll include the walking stick here that we saw at the Water Sports Center as well. It was easily 5" long and just chill hanging out there on an outdoor carpet.

​

On the way back from Nudey Beach, we stopped and grabbed a pizza from Foxy’s. It was wonderful that the rain held off for the morning hikes but as we were having lunch, the clouds started building up again and it rained off and on the rest of the day.

Knowing that my window for doing any snorkeling at all was passing me by I decided to tough it out and get my gear rented. Although the Turtle Rehab Center was closed, the Water Sports Center was doing business as usual and even had a small group there to get PADI certified. I got a snorkel, and a prescription mask picked out and paid the $24 for both.

The East Coast of Australia has the dangerous phenomenon of Jelly Season and it was in full swing for the deadly Irukandji Jellyfish- small and mostly invisible and one of the most venomous on earth.

That night, after swimming with them, I took a deeper look.

​

Seeing things like that, I was very happy that I’d also rented a “stinger suit” as well. I was assured that the stinger suit provided adequate protection and was happy with that. You may notice one glaring omission from my rental list however....


I got a bit of advice from the staff about where to go and trotted off that way. The wrong way. Here I am, all geared up:

​

When I got into the warm waters there were a few folks on the beach and I was quite enjoying my little romp with the fishies. At one point I looked back to the shore and the folks that had been at a little shade had packed up and left. The skies grew darker, but I continued on. I have no idea how long I had been out, but again I looked up and to my shock and horror I had gotten WAY too far out. The current must have been stronger than I thought, the tide was probably on its way out, and I was starting to get a bit fatigued. I aimed for getting back to the beach, but started to realize I was really having to work pretty hard to make any headway at all and, with no fins, my body began to panic and struggle. About halfway back, I vaguely heard someone shout to me, “Do you need help?!” I was too weak or too addled to respond and when I finally was able to reply, he was gone.

I struggled on. I truly, truly thought “this is it; I’m probably going to drown out here”. But I fought on against the outgoing tide and actively swam, arms and all, barely making it back.

I collapsed on the beach, completely out of breath, and shaking from head to toe. I was cold and absolutely exhausted only able to lay there for what seemed like half an hour or more.

Finally, I was able to walk back to the room where I took a hot shower, still trembling, nauseous, and with my ears ringing, and fell asleep until dinner.

I had broken every single rule of being in the water, no fins, not having a buddy, going into unfamiliar waters, misunderstanding the directions the staff had given me…. It was really silly and I’m very grateful to be alive. Turns out the deadly jellyfish were the least of my worries.

I woke back up around 6 or so and felt quite a bit better. I took another hot shower and the two of us made our way to dinner. By then, the rain had returned in torrents and we noticed that they’d closed both trails now due to flooding which didn’t surprise me at all. Anara ordered a burger and said she enjoyed it a lot. I, on the other hand, had made a reservation at the very fancy Zephyr and headed there when she was finished at 7:00.

Another short break in the rain and a really beautiful scene!

​

After a fairly traumatic afternoon, (yes, I do still have a bit of leftover water fear but am trying to still enjoy snorkeling) I can definitely say that I enjoyed my dinner a LOT! The menu was lovely!

​

I started with a glass of Australian red wine and enjoyed that very much along with my duck breast “salad”. I looked at the menu today and it has changed so I imagine it’s a seasonal, rotating menu. The duck was done perfectly and was so flavorful and tender. I really loved it!

​

But, by then was almost too full to enjoy the barramundi main course I’d ordered. It was a HUGE portion and incredibly delicious. It seemed appropriate to celebrate being alive with a glass of champagne. The menu is prix fixe and included dessert, so I chose the baked chocolate tart to take back to the room, along with most of my main dish, with me and share with Anara. It too was fantastic! Sadly, I forgot that I had such a yummy meal in the fridge and left it behind.

​

To the sound of torrential rain and thunder we were both asleep by 9:00.


A bonus random photo because I apparently took it that day. Isn't their money pretty?!

​

 

[zanzibar138]

What a journey! With every new paragraph I wondered if that was going to be the moment... from your foreboding comments on the weather, the maps, the washed-out trails, the jellyfish... no wonder people get nervous about coming to Australia lol!

I don’t a lot about the nature of Southern Hemisphere cyclones, but we had a little break in the rain for some of this day which afforded an opportunity to do a little bit more exploring of the little island.

Lucky!

Love these photos of the fungi. Also your Tarzan-esque shots!

Sadly, this particular hike was cut short as the torrents of water from the day before created areas too flooded to pass over.

Bummer

With still tons of time to fill, we repeated the short 30-minute walk past Foxy’s and on to Nudey Beach where we did some more beach combing and shelling.

Some great finds there!

I'll include the walking stick here that we saw at the Water Sports Center as well.

This caused me much confusion until I saw your photos... assume you were talking about the stick insect lol!

The East Coast of Australia has the dangerous phenomenon of Jelly Season and it was in full swing for the deadly Irukandji Jellyfish- small a one of the most venomous on earth.

Ah, the joys of the Australian ocean. I absolutely refuse to go anywhere near the coast during stinger season.

The current must have been stronger than I thought and I was starting to get a bit fatigued. I aimed for the getting back to the beach, but started to realize I was really having to work pretty hard to make any headway at all and, with no fins, my body began to panic and struggle.

That must have been so scary! Sounds like you were caught in a rip (for those unfamiliar with the term, it's what Aussies call the narrow areas of very strong currents that drag you out to sea and are almost impossible to swim against). You must be a pretty good swimmer to have been able to get yourself back to the beach. Rips are actually pretty common at Aussie beaches, but most of the popular ones will have flags designating the safest area for swimming.

Between ocean creatures and rips/surf, I've never understood the appeal of ocean swimming!

About halfway back, I vaguely heard someone shout to me, “Do you need help?!” I was too weak or too addled to respond and when I finally was able to reply, he was gone.

He left??? I think if I called out to ask if someone needed help and I didn't get a response, I would consider the default answer to be 'yes'.

Finally, I was able to walk back to the room where I took a hot shower, still trembling, nauseous, and with ears ringing, and fell asleep until dinner.

Wow what a traumatic experience. I'm glad you didn't seem to have any longer-term effects from it!

I woke back up around 6 or so and felt quite a bit better.

Thank goodness!

I can definitely say that I enjoyed my dinner a LOT!

Definitely very well deserved. And absolutely worthy of a glass of bubbly!

Isn't their money pretty?!

At least you have different colours for different denominations now. I have no idea how you could tell the different notes apart before when it was just all green!

 

[pkondz]

X is for: X Marks the Spot I Almost Died.

The day before we’d hiked to Nudey Beach (named after a Naval Admiral, NOT because it's a nudist beach)

so today we chose to start with taking the short Secret Garden Trail.

Named after Bob and Gina Secret, NOT because it's a secretive trail.

Nice shot. Although there's not mush room left for any more.

Reminds me of the Florida mangroves.

Colourful!
I imagine, quite poisonous.

The “jungle” was filled with hanging vines, and we took turns channeling our “Inner Tarzan”.

Do you remember the rhyme from when you were a kid?
Tarzan swings,
Tarzan falls....

?

Sadly, this particular hike was cut short as the torrents of water from the day before created areas too flooded to pass over. The trail just petered out and we had to turn back.

Bummer.

I can still see you her!
Her camouflage skills need some work!

Whee!

Like momma, like daughta.

Good way to get around quickly, I would imagine.

On the way back we saw that they closed the Nature Trail altogether.

Whoa! You're lucky you got to do any of it at all!

(The coral that looked like ravioli)

Was it al dente?

Quite the collection.

I'll include the walking stick here that we saw at the Water Sports Center as well. It was easily 5" long

Big!
Must be Australian.

I got a snorkel, and a prescription mask picked out and paid the $24 for both.

Not too bad.

The East Coast of Australia has the dangerous phenomenon of Jelly Season and it was in full swing for the deadly Irukandji Jellyfish- small and mostly invisible and one of the most venomous on earth.

Um... So of course you decided not to go...

And you swam in that anyway?????????????????

You may notice one glaring omission from my rental list however....

Face protection from stings?
Streak of self-preservation?

I got a bit of advice from the staff about where to go and trotted off that way. The wrong way.

I have no idea how long I had been out, but again I looked up and to my shock and horror I had gotten WAY too far out. The current must have been stronger than I thought, the tide was probably on its way out, and I was starting to get a bit fatigued.

Yikes. I have been there.

with no fins,

Oh, no...
Who goes snorkeling without fins???

About halfway back, I vaguely heard someone shout to me, “Do you need help?!” I was too weak or too addled to respond and when I finally was able to reply, he was gone.

"Hmmm... looks like they're too weak to shout for help... Meh. Not my problem."

I struggled on. I truly, truly thought “this is it; I’m probably going to drown out here”. But I fought on against the outgoing tide and actively swam, arms and all, barely making it back.

I know first hand how terrifying this is.
I've been there. Exactly that.

I collapsed on the beach, completely out of breath, and shaking from head to toe.

Yes. I'm completely familiar with this. I don't think I was shaking, but I do recall collapsing on the beach, completely spent.

I had broken every single rule of being in the water, no fins, not having a buddy, going into unfamiliar waters, misunderstanding the directions the staff had given me…. It was really silly and I’m very grateful to be alive.

Yes. Yes you are. I knew someone who wasn't so lucky.

Turns out the deadly jellyfish were the least of my worries.

Sharks?

I woke back up around 6 or so and felt quite a bit better.

Not dead, still?

Gorgeous. Love the yellow in there. Quite the contrast!

After a fairly traumatic afternoon, (yes, I do still have a bit of leftover water fear but am trying to still enjoy snorkeling)

I believe you. It's been 50 years or more for me, but I still have leftover water fear.

Looks good!

It seemed appropriate to celebrate being alive with a glass of champagne.

Sadly, I forgot that I had such a yummy meal in the fridge and left it behind.

Where's the fish?!?

To the sound of torrential rain and thunder we were both asleep by 9:00.

Best thing to fall asleep to.

Isn't their money pretty?!

I don't know much of the history of Oz, but it looks like there's a ton of it on that bill.

 

[pkondz]

Bummer

I swear to God I didn't read your comments before I posted mine!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I'm glad that you had enough strength to get back to the beach. That must have been a very scary experience.

 

[Paulaparm]

Oh my goodness!! What an awful experience to go through! Glad you were feeling good enough to enjoy that meal. It looks delicious!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

So glad you ended your day on a positive note with a delicious dinner after what must have been a truly terrifying experience. Can’t believe that man left the beach after shouting out to you but glad you’re here to tell the tale.

 

[disneyAndi14]

I would have been terrified if I was you! Thank goodness you made it back to the shoreline. Yikes very scary! Rip currents here are very dangerous on Lake Superior and every year someone dies getting stuck out past the current and they can’t get back to the shore!
I will dig up some pictures of our time at The Daintree Rain forest and the Great Barrier Reef and post!

 

[Steppesister]

Y is for: You Survived Fitzroy Snorkeling Once, Will you Again?​

I did sleep fairly well despite a few intrusive nightmares of my harrowing experience earlier, and we were awake by 8:00. We both decided to do a bit of laundry and tossed that in while we got ready for the day then re-packed what we needed to. With it spinning in the dryer, we left for breakfast at the fancy Zephyr, thankful for the covered walkways as it was again absolutely pouring.

​

We settled on a couple of very tasty options- the avocado toast and a honey-drizzled ham and cheese croissant. I don’t recall if either of us finished them but do remember they were pretty good. Over breakfast I worked very hard at convincing Anara to at least try a little snorkeling. By the time the laundry and packing were finished up, Anara finally relented and agreed to go in. I’d learned some valuable lessons the day before and we started our water adventures with heading straight to the Sports Shack for some fins.

It was her turn to don the stinger suit (luckily, we both fit in the one I’d already rented) and wade on in. I gave her strict instructions to stick close to the shore and look up often, so she knew where she was. I also kept my eyes on her practically without blinking. There was no messing around this time. She spent maybe 30 minutes cruising along and came out declaring it “AMAZING!”. And then it was my turn. I knew that I HAD to conquer my fear and get back in or risk letting it settle in and brew into an overblown phobia that would be harder to face the longer it went on. Gingerly, I eased into the water and paddled around for a little while. To say the fish were indescribably beautiful would be understating the underwater scenes there. There were a lot of coral and brightly colored fish darting around in this much calmer little area. (** Bonus photos of the reef in next post...) The only bummer was that we did not see any turtles or sharks, something she was really hoping to see. Before we headed in to clean up we took a dip in the pool in the rain, but just weren’t feeling it so got out pretty quickly.

​

We turned our gear in, and both took a nice, hot shower, changed into dry, freshly laundered clothes and headed to Foxy’s for a drink and a huge chickpea and roast cauliflower salad for lunch.

​

At that point we had 3 hours to kill before the ferry would load up, so we sat on the covered portico and closed our eyes, fiddled on our phones, and generally wasted time. You know that scene in Living with the Land of the Rainforest/Jungle with a thunderstorm? Yeah, it was just like that with lightning and thunder quite close by. It was honestly a pretty cool moment to experience a REAL rainstorm in a REAL rainforest.

(This is what happens when you have a lot of time on your hands and are fiddling with a new iPhone15.) ​

The ferry ride back to Cairns was uneventful and the passenger manifest was mostly comprised of island employees heading back off the island and home. They all knew which seats had the charging ports so by the time we got on, those were all taken. I was amused that all of them do the exact same thing that I do after a long shift.

(Not the Fitzroy Flyer- another company making runs to and from the island.)




(A cool research ship)​

It was still pouring when we docked and were completely soaked through by the time we got on the Uber to our next hotel. It wasn’t a long ride, but we did arrive just at dusk at 6:10. I chose this hotel because it is close to the airport where we’d pick up the car the next morning and because it had a nice pool. Bang went that plan… too dark, too late, too rainy anyway.

(See that "bird" just below the fronds of the 2nd tree from the right? Zoom WAY in! It's a Black Flying Fox Bat!) ​

Plopping our bags down we found a place to grab some dinner within walking distance. We got a lucky break in the rain and enjoyed our dinner at a place called 63. The menu was crazy with tons of options! I let Anara choose something for us to share and the plate of pasta that arrived was massive; between us we couldn’t finish it all. I’m sure the treats of giant hot cocoas didn’t help in that department. It went down easy… realllll easy.

(They sold flowers too!)



​

We walked back in a light drizzle; it was a good thing I’d picked up a cheapo umbrella at the hotel lobby as we walked out the door for dinner. I thought it’d come in handy the next day. Silly me. On the walk back we enjoyed the aerial show of the gigantic fruit bats gliding above us. I’d seen them from our balcony as well and I legit thought they were birds. They literally fly just like birds. I caught a tiny bit of video, but they are pretty hard to see in it. This made me giddy to visit the world’s oldest standing rainforest the next day!

​

Falling asleep was easy in our nice digs; it would be a very long day exploring the vast and untamed Daintree so a little extra sleep would be nice. Especially since we'd be back at Gilligans the next night.

Bonus post next... I finally pulled the photos off the underwater camera and got them edited. I do realize they are grainy and a bit blurry. But this is the best I could do.

 

[Steppesister]

Some of the Reef Photos that turned out a bit. I know they are grainy and blurry but it's the best I could do

(The Thumbprint Emperor)




(Yellow Nudibranchs)



(Lobophyllia Coral? on the left)



(Staghorn or Antler Coral)



(Threadfin Butterflyfish)




(Blackspot Tuskfish)



(Leukosolenia- a genus of a calcareous sponge (the white thing))




(Alveopora Coral (the white one))



(A super cool yellow nudibranch!)





(A Bowtie Black Damsel)



(Indo-Pacific Sargeant Fish- the stripy ones)




(Another Spotfin butterly fish)




(Poritidae Coral)



(Bioluminescent coral on the left!)
​

 

[zanzibar138]

So glad you were able to get back in the water, sounds like you had a great snorkel.

Looking forward to reading about your rainforest adventures!

 

[Wood Nymph]

She spent maybe 30 minutes cruising along and came out declaring it “AMAZING!”. And then it was my turn. I knew that I HAD to conquer my fear and get back in or risk letting it settle in and brew into an overblown phobia that would be harder to face the longer it went on. Gingerly, I eased into the water and paddled around for a little while. To say the fish were indescribably beautiful would be understating the underwater scenes there.

It looks like you had a very successful snorkeling trip in spite of the horrible weather. I love the pictures.

It was honestly a pretty cool moment to experience a REAL rainstorm in a REAL rainforest.

It is very cool, especially when you can stay dry.

I chose this hotel because it is close to the airport where we’d pick up the car the next morning and because it had a nice pool.

It looks like a very nice hotel.

On the walk back we enjoyed the aerial show of the gigantic fruit bats gliding above us.

Are these fruit bats similar to the fruit bats in Animal Kingdom?

 

[pkondz]

I did sleep fairly well despite a few intrusive nightmares of my harrowing experience earlier

Not surprised by that.

it was again absolutely pouring.

Must've been an old man snoring somewhere.

Watched the videos... where are the ducks? Perfect weather for ducks... and no ducks! That's just not right.

the avocado toast

Nope.

honey-drizzled ham and cheese croissant.

Maybe.
I'm not a huge fan of cheese breads. But if it's ham and cheese on a croissant, then yes. If it's ham on a cheese croissant, then no.

Over breakfast I worked very hard at convincing Anara to at least try a little snorkeling.

Sure. Makes total sense.
"It's so cool! You get a near-death experience and life flashbacks!"

I’d learned some valuable lessons the day before and we started our water adventures with heading straight to the Sports Shack for some fins.

It was her turn to don the stinger suit (luckily, we both fit in the one I’d already rented)

Convenient you made her that way. Smart.

I gave her strict instructions to stick close to the shore and look up often, so she knew where she was.

I wonder if there was anyone else in your party who could've benefited from those instructions...

She spent maybe 30 minutes cruising along and came out declaring it “AMAZING!”.

So glad she went, then!

And then it was my turn. I knew that I HAD to conquer my fear and get back in or risk letting it settle in and brew into an overblown phobia that would be harder to face the longer it went on.

Hmm... Hadn't thought of that, but maybe you're right.

To say the fish were indescribably beautiful would be understating the underwater scenes there.

Wonderful!

The only bummer was that we did not see any turtles or sharks, something she was really hoping to see.

"Well, my right leg is missing from the knee down, so while I didn't see a shark, I strongly suspect one was there."

Before we headed in to clean up we took a dip in the pool in the rain, but just weren’t feeling it so got out pretty quickly.

Didn't want to get wet?

Four fish, front and center... A Do-not-touch, a Do-not-touch, another Do-not-touch, and last but not least, a Do-not-touch.
If memory serves, the Stonefish is the most venomous fish in the ocean.

ETA: Looked it up. Yes, the Stonefish is the most venomous fish in the world.

More avocado!

You know that scene in Living with the Land of the Rainforest/Jungle with a thunderstorm? Yeah, it was just like that with lightning and thunder quite close by.

Sounds very calming.

(This is what happens when you have a lot of time on your hands and are fiddling with a new iPhone15.)

I'm not sure...

Either it's a nice, candid photo of your DD, or...
"Mom! Why are you taking my picture?!?!?"

I was amused that all of them do the exact same thing that I do after a long shift.

Now I know what you do after work. Put your head back and zone out.
Hopefully you're not driving at the time.

(A cool research ship)

Agreed!

I chose this hotel because it is close to the airport where we’d pick up the car the next morning and because it had a nice pool. Bang went that plan… too dark, too late, too rainy anyway.

D'oh!

(See that "bird" just below the fronds of the 2nd tree from the right? Zoom WAY in! It's a Black Flying Fox Bat!)

Cool!

I let Anara choose something for us to share and the plate of pasta that arrived was massive; between us we couldn’t finish it all.

Sounds like a ton of food!

(They sold flowers too!)

"Oh, look. They sell flowers. It would be nice if you bought me flowers once in a while..."

That is a ton of food!

They literally fly just like birds.

I saw!

Some of the Reef Photos that turned out a bit. I know they are grainy and blurry but it's the best I could do

You got some cool shots! And don't worry about grainy and blurry.
You could get much better shots... if you want to invest in much more expensive camera gear, housing and lights.

No?

(Yellow Nudibranchs)

Cool!

(Bioluminescent coral on the left!)

Even more cool! Never seen that, even in pictures.