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So we've whizzed up over to NE Australia from Perth and back in to the tropics, and had a week or so around Cairns and a 4 day sail around the Whitsundays. It's been a frenzy of surf, sun and snorkelling (and a little birthday too...) Mike and Pam are still with us and so far we all remain on talking terms. Quite how this could be the same country after all that flying is a mystery.
We spent a day exploring the Daintree rainforest, though much to Dans dismay no crocs were sighted in spite of the regular warning signs. Keen to get under the water in a safer environment and play with Rhian's new underwater camera we went to the outer Great Barrier Reef for an amazing snorkel trip. Only when we arrived did we realise this too may not be entirely safe as we got to wear some very sexy 'stinger suits' having timed our visit perfectly for stinger (aka deadly Box jellyfish) season. We followed it up with a trip around the Atherton tablelands and a trip to a Mango winery (why not?)
From there we headed a mere 800km drive south to Airlie Beach (we are slowly becoming used to the distances here) and our launch point for a cruise round the Whitsunday islands on a tall ship/pirate boat-depending on your (mental) age. We had a great time with more stinger suit snorkelling, rope swinging (which Mike had to be dragged away from), jumping off the boat bow which even incredibly wimpy me was able to do (one of only 4 in 29 people) thanks to my stag do experience. Not to forget the sailing around the islands itself and celebrating Rhian's 21st birthday...
Getting us through the long drives has now only been some serious catch up gossiping, but also tom tom. We discovered after a week of being instructed around by Paul in his English accent we could choose James/Jimbo the Aussie, who now tells us: 'mate, turn around. If those backseat drivers dont keep it down we'll ditch 'em at the next servo'. (Which is, infact, what has been genuinely threatenend on several occasions.)
From here we head down south to Melbourne and the most anticipated day of the year (for me at least) - the Boxing Day test. Assuming we don't get too much grief from the locals that is.
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Rebekah Ward Hey Guys, Sounds like you are still having tons of fun! You would have passed through Mareeba while you were on the Tablelands, Dales hometown. Hope you enjoyed it. Enjoy a meat pie and an ice cold beer for us.