Well I have finally logged in to do this so I suppose it better be good.

Set off from Heathrow after a tearful goodbye to the fam and then on to Singapore where I sat on a bench for three hours next to a statue of Ronald McDonald (they love him there apparently), which isn't so odd apart from the herd of tourist of various nationalities who thought I was hilarious and started to take pictures of me and my first travelling buddy. Finally the boys arrived at the gate who were disappointed to hear our flight had been changed to Jetstar airways (rubbish airline) but this did not detract from the obvious delight at seeing me!

Arriving into Cairns City Backpackers was so lovely after a two day journey with not much sleeping involved. So we had a little snooze and headed for our first free dinner at the Woolshed. "Let's take it easy tonight aye?" was the general consensus but eight hours later we emerged with sore ears from shouting and aching legs from dancing on the tables. (We should have had full bellies also but we foolishly declined the half price upgrade and spent the first two hours jealously watching everyone else's plates go past with HUGE steaks etc- this mistake was never to be made again. It was a night of goldfish racing commentated by a guy who rather resembled Matt Sparrow? Maybe The Stag should consider this as an activity one Sunday night?

The next day should have been a day of admin but unfortuantely after rising at four oclock and sluggishly showering and fannying around etc this did not happen. So we decided to book a tour to Cape Tribualation and Port Douglas for the next day. This departed at 7:30 the next morning with a very lively kiwi bus driver providing many an Aussie tale- lots of commentary on the Cane Toad (the BIGGEST mistake ever to be made by Aussie farmers apparently!). We also had a guided walk through the rainforest learning about many a known Aussie killer (snakes, spiders etc) and also the lesser known such as a leaf which killed a German toursit who wiped her backside with it! Then a river cruise- saw a 2 metre croc- very exciting!

On arrival at PK's hostel we checked in and had a spot of lunch where it was decided that David's foot was too bad to walk on (freak full moon party incident involving a stolen kayak), so Jake and I went on a self guided walk through the rainforest. With my eagle eye I spotted two HUGE lizards- I am talking bigger than me, and Jake saw a lovely swimming turtle. We fortunately didn't see any Cassowary's (the large bird which runs a 45km/h and can disembowel a human with the claw on its front foot). We finished along the beach near Cape Trib and headed back to the room.

The boys partied hard that night ending on the beach at three oclock but I retired as jet lag had set in. Met some lovely people who we will hopefully be meeting again on our travels. The next day another walk was attempted by Jake, myself, Andy and Alpha but quickly abandoned at the mention of a "friendly" cassowary in the area and numerous croc sightings- NO THANKYOU!

The bus ride back to Cairns was really cool with a stop at Port Douglas and a swim in Mossman gorge- ABSOLUTELY FREEZING.

The next day was definitely a day of admin and Jake and I rose to the challenge as Dave was forced to reamin bed ridden. Phones were procured, as well as a sailing trip round the Whitsundays, a camping tour round Fraser Island and snorkelling on the reef. Cannot wait for the sailing.

So snorkelling was today and was a real highlight of the trip so far. Many a fish was spotted as well as a giant turtle! Jake missed that which was devastating. The ride back to Cairns on the boat was probably the most sea sickness I have ever felt with fifty foot waves combined with the most annoying Dutch girl singing and laughing like she did it everyday! Jake took that all in his stride which was a great comfort to me as I was pretty terrified! I have now discovered I have burnt the backs of my legs and bum cheeks- RUBBISH- but I was warned! Thank god for the the Guinot Factor 30 -thanks Ellen!

Anyway must dash- see ya later!