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We have met up with Tara and Lucinda in Cairns for a weeks R n R including some great diving and snorkelling (Pictures already loaded). Sadly the weather didn't do us many favours as the last few days rained hard. On meeting them from the backpakers bus they wanted to have 'dinner' with their friends before enduring parental style travelling. They had a bit of a bender & got in at 3.30 (headaches included) and were even able to get up before us for breakfast (they weren't used to breakfasts being included!) Next day we headed north to Port Douglas for 5 days in one place which was novel for all of us. Ideal place for Reef adventures but every beach had Croc warnings and Stinger warnings about Jellyfish so no one swimming on the beaches which was a shame. We were on guard everytime we went near the beach or water area. In between Snorkelling and Diving on 'tours' we went looking for Crocs on the Daintree river and found one before he shot off into the grey water. Diving tours were fantastic apart from a bit of uncharacteristic seasickness from Bryan (check the photos). First trip was to the Low Islands (inner reef) home to loads of Turtles - we managed to miss them in the water but saw a few from the boat. Next into the rainforest at Mossman Gorge where a 2Km walk took 90 minutes (either we are slow or their distances are wrong!) Next to the Outer Reef for 3 dives seeing Shark, Moray Eel, Cuttle fish, large Maori Wrasse and hundreds of beautiful reef fish. Jane aand Lucinda dived together and Tara and Bryan with Lucinda taking to it like a natural (her first ever dives).  Last day was to the Cairns Zoo, as it was raining again,  with some mad Cockatoos jumping on Tara's head and both girls holding/feeding parrots and the cockatoos and a 'must have' cuddle / Photo with the Koalas. Sad to drop the girls off at Cairns yesterday and they are now back in sunny UK after a guelling 24 hour journey.
We drove 600+Km south and stayed at Airlie Beach which is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Fantastic day today with a trip right around the islands and a superb snorkelling hours with Jane trying to stroke a HUGE Maori Wrasee and literally hundreds of fish swimming round us. We then had an excellent BBQ lunch on Whitehaven Beach including some fresh tuna caught with a spinner off the boat. This must be one of the best beaches in the world - stunning white sand which squeaked as you walked across it.
We are still in shock after hearing about our dear friend Nadine who died a few days ago. Nadine was a lovely lovely person and brave to the last, she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Our thoughts are with Colin, Thomas and Faustine.
B & J
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