Although we went to bed fairly early, it stilled seemed like a short night. We had decided to break away from the tour today to do our own adventure in the rain forest. Collette had told us that there would be little time in Kuranda, a village in the rainforest and so we decided that the way they had the day scheduled wasn’t how we wanted to do it.
Up and at ‘em for a 7:10 departure to the SkyRail. We had about a 45 minute wait until they opened and we were on the first gondola out for the day.
It was a bit foggy as we headed up and into the rainforest. There was some rain as we stopped at the first stop - Red Peak. Had a virtually private tour as we walked the board walk to see some of the more interesting trees that are part of this ecosystem. This area was one of the main settings for Avatar.
The strangler fig was having its way with the pine tree.
A kauri tree is 400 years old and really looks much like a pole.
Back on the SkyRail to Barron Falls. What a remarkable view to see the falls and the rock formations.
It was just a short ride to Kuranda from Barron Falls. We opted to start the morning there by going to the RainForest Station Nature Park. Our first activity there was to do the Duck Boat Tour. Phil, the tour guide, did a remarkable job of describing the plants in that part of the rain forest. The rule is don’t touch anything since so much is toxic. But the plants in the rain forest and some of the animals have such a symbiotic relationship that it keeps it all surviving and growing. The palms and ferns were amazing The rainforest is lush and green despite the continual dying of trees. Rejuvenation in nature is miraculous.
After the duck boat tour we headed to the amphitheater for the Pamajirri Aboriginal Experience. This consisted of a number of dances accompanied by a didgeridoo. The men who performed the dances also explained their significance to the culture.
From there we went to the Koala and Wildlife Park. The kangaroos were hopping and resting throughout the grounds. They were extremely friendly and both Sharon and I had a chance to pet them, And then there was Jack, the 80 year crocodile. The koalas were very sleepy in the trees, but one did have a joey in her pouch. We waited to try to see him poke his head out, but to no avail.
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| Jack, the 80 year old croc |
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| Barramundi |
We headed back to Kuranda village and walked through the Heritage Market, at the end of which was the restaurant Frogs, where we decided to get some lunch. Sharon and I split a pizza and Earle had mutton curry. With that fortification, we decided to roam through the village and the shops - some very nice and classy, others full of touristy knick-knacks.
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| St. Saviours’s Anglican Church |
By then, it was 3:00 and time to head back to the SkyRail for our return to the base station and our trip back to the hotel. The rest of the Collette group were just arriving. On the way down we got a glimpse of Barbara, Charles, and Lois heading up on the gondolas.
We got back to the hotel and conferred about dinner plans. We decided to head over to the Esplanade, a walk along the water, and find the Prawn Star, where our friends Sue and Ron had eaten. We decided that it might not be a good choice for all of us so walked back to the Waterbar Grill and Steakhouse. They were able to get us a table and we sat down. Drinks and then to order. Lois, Sharon, and Earle all had burgers. Barbara had a pesto pasta, Gerald enjoyed barramundi, Charles ribs, and I had lamb ribs. Just delicious.
Back to the hotel. Downloaded some pictures and wrote a bit of the blog. It can be finished while we are waiting at the airport.
Another tragic loss for the Bucs. We desperately need some pitching.
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