January 8, 2010:

Today went on a daylong trip to the Daintree Rainforest, further up on the eastern coast. There were only 10 of us this time, but we met with another group when we had to cross a crocodile-filled river (the Daintree). We saw three crocs from the ferry - two small ones in the water by the trees and a seven footer sunning out of the water.

We hiked part of the rainforest, made it to Cape Tribulation - the point where the reef meets the rainforest, and swam at the Mossman Gorge. Along the way, we stopped for photos of some stunning views, and could see the Lowe Isles in the distance, the section of the reef where the Crocodile Hunter - Steve Irwin - met his last sting ray while snorkeling.

On our way back, we see a bunch of wild kangaroos and jumped out to take photos. The kangaroos watched us get closer, and when we were about 20 feet away they all began to hop away - I think they were posing for the photos, first a profile than an action shot.

This part of Australia - Cairns, Queensland - thrives on tourism. From the reef excursions, to the Daintree, to the number of other outdoor activities and tour offerings promoted throughout town. It's the gateway to a lot of neat nature, and the guides have been so knowledgeable, and friendly, that you don't feel like you're on a touristy-type activity. Put it this way, you do a lot more exercise out here that you would just riding a double-decker in NYC.

Overall I came away really impressed with the beauty I saw the past couple of days. You could take photo after photo, but I don't think the photos can really capture the feeling of seeing all of this.