Sunday

Today we were up early again. Left for the Daintree Rainforest tour at 7 am. We stopped on the way for a morning tea break and had Daintree tea that they grow in the area. We then took a cruise on the Daintree River, only saw one crocodile. Then drove up the Alexandra Mountain Range to the rainforest. Took a walk through part of it, stopping every 5 to 10 minutes for our guide to explain something in the area. Very unusual trees, plants, ferns, etc. Later we stopped at a roadside inn and had a barby (not sure if this is how it's spelled). We stopped later at Emmagen Creek and had a swim. It was cool and refreshing, the trees keep a lot of sunlight out and it's shady inside. Our guide made a fire (really used gas) and made tea in a billy can. Sort of like we used to do in Nfld when I was a kid. Made another stop at Cape Tribulation on the way back. Beautiful scenery! No swimming in this area at this time of the year because of deadly jelly fish-2 kinds. On our way back we took a ferry across the river and made our way home. Only 9 of us on the tour and we had a great time. Went downtown for dinner. Tomorrow the reef!

Saturday

Took hotel shuttle to City Square in Cairns this morning. Had breakfast in a sidewalk cafe. Shopped until mid-afternoon. Ray went for a swim and spent some time in the hot tub. Tonight we went for a dinner cruise on the Ocean Spirit and sailed out to Trinity Outlet in Cairns harbour. Met two couples who sat on either side of us and we had a wonderful night. Both were from Australia and were here on vacation. Ben and Danille were celebrating their 10th anniversary and Ron and MaryAnn were our age. Tomorrow we start the touring at 7am. It is a little cooler here, around 30C and humid. Lots of tourists about.

Friday

This morning we checked out of our hotel early and went into Alice Springs to look around. It was so hot we mostly stayed in the mall shops. Did eat brunch outside, only 42C today. We flew to Cairns and arrived at our hotel around 8:30pm. First time we've flown Quantas and it was great. Only a 2 1/2 hour flight and we got a drink and snack plus dinner. We are on the 6 th floor with a balcony. Too dark to see much tonight but will have to check out the city tomorrow. It's only 28C here but humid.

Thursday

Marie has done daily blog, but I'm giving her a rest today. OZ is amazing & awesome. Temp between 23 and 47C in mid afternoon. Worn shorts& sandalssince arriving, but no sunburn. Tilley hat works well to keep sun off. Flies by the 1000's are a nuisance. Bought a net to put over hat & head to keep out of eyes, nose & mouth.Seeing animals galore - lots of sheep, cattle on 1,000,000 acre stations. Saw 100's of wild camels crossing road in front of bus. Woke up with fantastic male peracock o?s our motel balcony. Food/meals much same as home, but 2-3 times cost. Rooms are very nice, but only 2 so far with tub for Marie.Saw ULURU at sunset & sunrise - got up at 4:30am. Saw Venus & Southern Cross in night sky.Clear nights; not many clouds. Ozzies very friendly; meeting people from around globe - all friendly.
Todat, toured Alice Springs. Saw Aboriginal Museum, Royal Flying Doctors Services of Australia, Alice Springs School of the Air (they provide schooling for kids over 50 km away and teach them on computer). Saw first Telegraph Station that connected OZ to rest of World. Last, saw Alice from top of ANZAC hill, a war memorial to all th wars. Had dinner tonight with couple from tour, from Thompson, alberta. A full day. Well, G'day. That's my report

Wednesday

Picked up at 4:55am for a drive to Uluru for the sunrise. It was beautiful. Then we stopped at the Olgas, 36 rock formations, about 30 kilometres from Uluru. Back at the hotel in Ayers Rock Resorts for lunch. Left at 1 pm for the 5 hour ride back to Alice Springs. We stopped on the way back at a large cattle station. On the ride today we saw at least 100 wild camels. They were brought here in the mid 1800's to move good around in the deserts and were left and there are more camels here than anywhere else in the world. Now they are selling them to other countries. Also eating them, although we haven't seen it on a menu yet. Lots of emus today as well and one kangaroo.

Tuesday

They were late picking us up this morning. Finally left the hotel at 7am for the drive to Uluru. Stopped several times on the way to our hotel, the Desert Garden. After lunch we took a tour out to The Rock. Stopped at the Aboriginal Centre to view some of their art and to have a snack. Walked in close to the rock. I almost passed out because it was 46C and I thought I was in Hades! We had wine and cheese & crackers while we sat and watched the sun set over Uluru. Came back to our hotel to cool off. Had a steak dinner in our room. $110.00 and it was tough! Early night tonight, as we have to be at the bus for 4:55am.

Sunday and Monday

Could not get to blog last night. We were on the Ghan train from Adelaide to Alice Springs. It was a long ride, over 25 hours. We could move around on the train, roomy seats and a dining car. Lots of bathrooms and even a shower if we wanted. We passed through several small towns on the way. The further north we got, the trees and schrubs got fewer and fewer. It is almost a desert here and it is very hot. It was 39 C.when we arrived. Our hotel is lovely. I have a bathtub again. Large room with a balcony. Went into town for dinner. Lots of natives around, mostly selling art. Tomorrow we're going out to Ayers Rock. Staying out there for the night.