Port Douglas
Yesterday we said goodbye to Uluru, flying from Yulara/Ayers Rock airport to Cairns.
A last look at Uluru under the plane wing.
After grabbing our bags and loading the bus, we road along the ocean up to Port Douglas. The route we took suffered extreme damage in a cyclone back in December. Sections were totally washed out and still now there are places where the road is only one lane wide forcing the opposing traffic to stop and wait. Despite the challenges, we still arrived at the Oaks Resort in time to do laundry and lounge about before dinner.
Pool area just before dinner.
After a delicious dinner, Verna and Frank — a couple of our travel companions — invited anyone in the group who was interested to enjoy a nightcap at their place. They had purchased some “F——ing Good Port” at a roadside stop in the outback and had carried with them here but didn’t want to have to cart it to Sydney. So, some of us had a nice little party before turning in early.
The next day we had a leisurely breakfast and didn’t have to get on the bus until 9:30. Our first stop was a visit with “Link” who taught us about the flora on the beach. We learned about various uses of hibiscus, mangroves, and green ants. Goodness green ants have a startlingly strong smell when crushed.
Various artifacts and treasures from the area.
After trying our hand a spear hunting, we loaded onto the bus for a trip into the Daintree forest, where we participated in a “smoking ceremony” welcoming us into the community who calls this area their country. A young father told us about his infant son and about his experiences growing up while he painted his arm with a pattern that places him in his community and on this land.
In front of his knee is his palate of ochre paints for decorating his arm for hunting.
Then we went on a 45 minute walk through the rainforest. Mid day isn’t the best time to see wild life, but Robert got a good photo of a green pigeon and I saw a bronze skink.
Green pigeon (Wompoo) in Daintree Rainforest. Photo credit: Robert Reynolds.
A very still bronze skink. I hope he's okay.
Later, during happy hour, we will learn more about the Great Barrier Reef ahead of our day-long catamaran cruise and snorkel tomorrow.