Cape Tribulation

12/08/14

Second trip in Cairns is to the Tropical Daintree Rainforest for a jam packed day. Got picked up by the tour guide who is aboriginal!!! Called George! He was really funny and spoke a lot in his language telling us the names of places and meanings. 

Drove to the Daintree river crossing, stopping once for coffee and talking to a Spanish girl. Crossed the river on the ferry and George was relaying all the crocodile stories he knew. He knew a lot! 

Drove to a scenic lookout of the river mouth which looked beautiful. Note that Steve Irwin died down there. 

He then took us for a walk through rainforest, pointing out all the trees and insects, telling us about all the medicinal properties and lifestyle uses. He knew everything because the is how his family have always lived. Living off the land. There were some ants that have menthol inside them so when you have flu you let them crawl all over your neck and bite you so they insert the menthol to help your sinus' or you can crush them and eat them. I love these trees that look like they have needed to grow more legs. 

And these with all the roots.

Had a very quick lunch at Cape trib with goannas and turkeys walking about wanting food. Goannas particularly freaky! 

As we were driving George suddenly pulled the bus over and jumped out telling us all to do so too. He had spotted a young cassowary at the side of the road! The bird crossed the road and walked straight towards the group until many of us ran back to the bus which scared it a bit and it ran into the trees. Back on the road again and we saw an adult one, not close but enough to see it's size and blue and red head. George said we were very lucky to see them as they don't come out often and it had made his day too! Apparently out of five the largest species of cassowary lives only in Papau New Guinea. 

We had a five minute stop at the Daintree Icecream factory, growing and selling their fruits as Icecream. They had ready made pots for us: wattle, jackfruit, pineapple and something. 

We were heading at high speed toward our Boat ride down the Daintree river as running a bit late. I really enjoyed the boat ride on the look out for the saltys. Saw 3 big crocs laying around and a few juveniles that were really difficult to see. Also an Azure Kingfisher and a Little Kingfisher with white belly and a jabaroo.

The arial roots of the mangroves were amazing too, like witches fingers. 

Got a scenic lookout of Snapper island which looks like a croc or Homer Simpson lying down with no toes! And a selfie with an aboriginal!

Last stop of the day was Mossman Gorge. If it had been earlier in the day I might have swam but it was freezing water! Plus after a day of croc stories maybe not!