Cape Tribulation and Magnetic Island

Things seen in their natural habitat:

Wild Turkeys
Rainbow Lorikeets
Commerants
Various other birds
Crocodiles
Fruit Bats
Flying Fox
Koalas
Geccos
Reef Sharks
Napoleon Maori Wrasse
Various other tropical fish
Dolphins
Dingos
Manta rays
Kookaburra

Since writing about Cairns Kat and I embarked on a few other adventures. We rented a car for 3 days and headed up to the northern area in Queensland. Our first stop was Mossman Gorge for a rainforest hike. The we headed to Daintree National Park and took a cruise down the Daintree River which is known for its wildlife. We were able to see 3 crocs that day. Kat was a little scared, but seeing as they were only babies I was willing to risk my life to protect her! So we had a nice hour long cruise on the river.

After that we headed to Cape Tribulation for a few walks along the beach. It is stinger season up north, so there isn't much swimming to be done. But the coast is lovely. We spent a night at PK's Backpackers and then headed back to Cairns after a dip in a creek. The following day we drove around the Atherton Tablelands with our new buddies, Markus and Benedict. Twas nice to have new friends. We stopped by the Millaa Millaa falls and took a dip. That was what our day of driving consisted of, that and playing the animal alphabet game. Nonetheless it was a fun.

Kat unfortunately had to leave Cairns sooner than expected so I was left to fend for myself. Luckily I had a nice companion to spend my last week in Cairns with. After that I headed to Magnetic Island, which is where many Aussies go on holiday. It is a peaceful place surrounded by blue waters and unique bush. We (me and Paulina) swam and hiked and even saw Koalas in the wild.

Cairns

We have been spending a lot of time in Cairns. I guess to start off a busy backpacking extravaganza we are starting off with a 2 week stay in the north, which I hear is the most beautiful area of this part of the coast. It's most famous attraction would be the Great Barrier Reef but it is surrounded by rainforests, waterfalls and lakes. So the first week has been fairly slow. Kat was able to find a job and we have just been hanging out in the little town that is Cairns. Very touristy and relaxed. One of the days we visited a village in the middle of the bush called Kuranda. We went on a nice hike and got caught in the rain. But that didn't ruin our mood until we were walking in it for more than 2 hours. So we successfully hitched a ride back, which was the first time I have ever hitch hiked a ride.


After many times snorkling in various oceans around the world I decided to try out diving. I didn't think it would be very scary but when you are loaded down with mask, regulator, air tank and wet suit you feel very confined. They teach you a series of skills and you practice them. We dove about 10 meters down and swam just a bit of the reef. I think it was mainly for us to get used to breathing underwater. After that we were able to snorkle the rest of the day, which is my preferred mode of ocean viewing. I overheard someone say that they weren't that impressed with the reef, but that person must live in a world with diamonds on the soles of their shoes because I was extremely impressed. It was an amazing experience. My favorite fish was the Napoleon Maori Wrass which is this big grumpy looking fish.

Another large chunk of our time in Cairns is spent at our lovely youth hostel. It is called JJ's Backpackers and is one of the smaller ones in here. Cairns is actually known for its party scene and we have actually not been out in town yet. Every day and night there are many people hanging our around the tables. I guess that is the key to saving money, drinking cheap booze and chatting with the friends you meet. I am actually the only American of the group so it is great being harassed by all the British. So typically all the travelers that are around are able to stay a year or two, so they buy cars and travel all around Australia. Makes me feel like 5 months is quite short (when I was leaving Cleveland I was worried that 5 months was too long... I guess it is all relative). So I have been searching for the perfect cheap beer since my friends at home spoiled me with microbrews and what not. I will settle now for Toohey's Super Dry. You will see on the table there are many boxes of wine. They call that stuff "goon" and they don't sell it until 4:00 because apparently that is what many aboriginals will get drunk on all day.

So we are doing well here and really enjoying our surroundings. Off for a night in the bush tomorrow.

Sydney

Sydney is a wonderful city. So clean and inviting. The people here seem relaxed and not as uptight as other people in large cities of the world. I have been lucky enough to have a great tour guide in Kat and her buddies, so I have seen some unique areas of Sydney. My first full day I went to Taronga zoo which was fairly nice and had great views of the Harbour. The following day I did a coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Bay, which is where I am staying right now. We have spent lots of time with Kat's boyfriend (yep, Kat has a proper boyfriend) and his mates. They are kind enough to let us stay with them, and we are kind enough to force them to become more "cultured" by taking them to the Australian Museum. Last night Kat and I had a nice Japanese meal with her friend Nat and her boyfriend's Japanese mother and aunt. Newtown in also a lovely area with lots of vintage shops and an indie/alternative vibe. I think perhaps we will have a Thai curry there tonight, which you find all over the city. No more Ohio versions of curry.

A few days ago I was hopping on the train when I saw that everyone around me was extremely dressed up. Girls had on floral print dresses and hats with feathers, boys had on nice suits. I was informed that they were all going to the races. So that was my unique cultural tidbit for the day. So needless to say, I am having a lovely time here. We are off to Cairns tomorrow to snorkle the Great Barrier Reef.

I'm Here

An extremely jet-lagged Sarah has arrived in Sydney. Kat was right where she said she would be with a smile on her face and new threads. It is awesome to see her, so far Sydney is lovely and super pumped to get things underway. Just thought I would let the worry warts of the crowd know I have arrived.

Off We go into the Wild Blue Yonder

Heading out today for another hemisphere. Excited, a little nervous and wondering why the hell I am doing this again. But then I will land, be reunited with Kat and my past life of tramping and feel back at home once again. Living out of a backpack will be rough, sleeping at hostels will be interesting, but most importantly, seeing the sights of Australasia will be spectacular. Goodbye to the Clevelanders and hello to new friends. Peace.