Daintree and Environs - October 22

Awake at 4 A.M. Alas poor neighbors since every sound the human body is capable of making could be heard by all cabin occupants within our row. I wonder as to their dispositions when Ron heated up the coffee water (everything instant) in a machine that put out decibles akin to a leaf blower. He apologized that the coffee was probably not quite up to temperature since he had to turn off the pot prematurely. At first light, the rain forest came alive. Think oo oo ah ah ah ah. The birds made such a ruckus and in the bass clef. We tried, but simply could not see them because of the dense tree canopy. Our gratis breakfast included some wonderful stuff - great breads, lovely home-made type yogurt, good coffee (yippee!) and pretty, dainty bites of tropical fruit. The best yet. Then off for a nice hike and many tries at getting a photo of the swimming hole turtle. I didn't swim although it looked wonderful and crytal clear. Our locatoin was a portion of Queensland on the east coast almost where the road ends. Ron got a photo of a kangeroo rat, one of the family that lives on the premises. Lots of animals only found here. Much moisture. My skin and hair were thrilled and dewy, but so were our clothes. We left the lodge and drove down the mountain, again took the ferry across the river, and drove to Mossman Gorge, on the south end of Daintree. Several people joined us to enjoy the scenery and to bathe. The water was refreshing and cool. I eased in for a swim, getting into mid-stream where the very swift current plucked me up and propelled me, pretty much against my will. I was able to take refuge behind a large rock, but could not climb up onto it. I did manage to get enough purchase to shove off and fling myself toward the shore where I gained a much-welcomed toe hold. As Ron pointed out, I am a strong swimmer so that even if I'd been swept downstream, I'd have made it to shore, albeit somewhat banged up. I didn't take comfort. But, I'm really glad I did it and, except for a few wild-eyed moments, I really enjoyed it. We then set out to find the secret swimming hole. We followed the road in, only to discover that it meant putting our car interally into the stream to cross over. This worked only because the water was very shallow at that point. we parked along the road and were alone except for a few passers-by. Very beautiful place with rushing currents on one side and still deep water on the other. I was content to admire the water from the road and to splash about only up to my ankles this time. Then on to Port Arthur for lunch, stopping in to talk to an interesting shop owner specializing in Aboriginal art. I am developing a huge liking for it. Ron, not so much. Once back in Cairnes, we walked along the esplanade in search of "take away" for our dinner. Challenge of the day: Finidng some place to get food that pleases both of us when we're tired and cranky, and the streets don't go through and there's one round about after another and it's hard to remember to look right and stay left. But, no worries and friends again in a minute or two!