next stop.... cairns.... barrier reef etc landed in cairns 21.30 - starving - got dropped off at the legendary 'Gilligans resort' - luxury compared to what we're used to! - there was a bit of a queue so we decided to go for food... came back around half 10 ish to check in. we handed our paperwork over.... to be told we had the wrong dates booked (courtesy of nat!) it was the 16th and we'd booked for the 18th - one word.... homeless! after the worry... we set off to look for a bed for the night - not that easy late at night let me tell you! anyway after a while we found a cheap n cheerful place that would accomodate us! - 'the global palace' which was no such thing! the next night was spent becoming accustomed to highlights of cairns ie. 'the woolshed' -a yocal meat market. highlight of the evening - was the ozzie policeman who came to our rescue when we were amidst a brawl in pj o'briens - irish pub! - yes it was likehome from home - lads fighting over footy!!! losers!!! after getting in at 5am.... we settled our heads for a kip - to be awoken by the alarm clock (7am) - we were off to the great barrier for a spot of snorkling! Journey there was a little testing- with a hangover, poss of meeting sharks, the ride over the waves and the thought of gettin into a wetsuit, brought the memories of last night back and into the toilet. The dive was one of the most incredible things ever tho - real wow factor - and one more wonder of the world conquered! Wet and tired we decided to relax on top deck.... u no catch a few rays.... yes jane u no - iv been applyin els yoghurt ever since!!!!!!!!!!!! Burnt and scarred. Left Cairns this mornin for a 6 hour bus trip to Magnetic Island, where we're now loved up in a shac together, praying that the hairy huntsman of the 8 legged variety wont join us- its a tropical island guys, totally beautiful (n.b. shac = 6 bed triangular hut on the bay) night xx p.s coupe- tash dabber is th least of the worries.. she'l hav no tash left if shes not careful. Hope your hairs ok hon- els glad your bald too! And il be home for some comfort eatin soon lotsa love (serious note hope ur feelin ok)xxxxx pps. jane- tic tacs are rife - every1s in speedos ppps, furby - post card on the way - promise!!!