Port Douglas

Wednesday Feb 8^th 2012

Another tender Port today. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Kuranda & Scenic Railway Ships Tour today. We were late arriving so the whole day seemed rushed.

Straight from the tender to 4 waiting buses and off to Cairns we went. Over and hour on the well air-conditioned bus before arriving at the start of the Skyrail.

The Scenery was lovely as we went across the top of the rainforest. The humidity level was very high today so it was and energy draining day. The cable car ride is about 7 km and you end up in Kuranda.

We only had 40 mins to eat and explore the town, before being shuttled to the Railway Station.

The Scenic Railway traverses through the Kuranda Mountains, passing waterfalls, crossing 37 bridges, and travelling through 15 tunnels in the Baron Gorge National Park. The views were great, but the carriages were very stuffy.

Our buses were waiting for us when we arrived in Cairns and so e we driven back to Port Douglas in our wonderfully cool coaches. I slept much of the way.

Back in Port Douglas we were herded onto the tenders with no time to even get a glimpse of what the town had to offer.

Cairns from Skyrail

Baron Gorge from Skyrail

Baron gorge from Train

Kuranda Local

Scenic railway

Skycar View

Airlie Beach

Tuesday Feb 7^th 2012

The Alarm woke us at 6-30am, so we could be ready to meet for our ships tour at 8.30 - The Great Barrier Reef Experience.

Our transport picked us up so no tender ride for us today. The catamaran ride to the Knuckle Reef Pontoon was 2.5 hours+.

I did not really enjoy the ride it was bumpy, but thanks to my seasick pills I dozed a lot of the way.

Once we arrived we were given wetsuits and snorkel gear to wear. I also took a pool noodle for a little extra buoyancy.

The current was very strong we had to keep hold of ropes so that we did not get carried away. The underwater viewing was lovely, but due to the current it was a little hard to relax and enjoy it fully.

Time was not on our side for this trip, we were no sooner out of the water and having lunch, with only about 2hours on the Pontoon it was soon time to head back on the long 2.5 hour trek. No chance for a second entry in the water. Oh well we can at least say we have been to the Great Barrier Reef.

Airlie Beach is somewhere we will have to visit another time. We did not set foot on Terra Firma today.

Getting to know the Diamond

Days 1 & 2 At Sea

 Our first day was spent getting to know our new home. She is a big ship and there are many hidden spots.

Craft Classes are held each afternoon. Day 1 we gave a little porcelain doll a body and Day 2 we made a gift tag.

We spotted Whales and Dolphins while walking the decks.

Flying to Sydney in the Morning

Late Thursday, 2nd February.

Well the bags are packed. I bought an extra bag space on the plane for $20, it is carrying all the tracksuits my mates and I made for the Vietnam orphans we will be visiting in March.

200 Days to go

A new adventure is on the books. The countdown clock is reading 200 Days. Before we know it, final payment will be due and then we will be sailing away. Departure Day is 4th February 2012.
Sydney to Singapore by way of China. 39 days at sea on the Diamond Princess and then a few days in Singapore before flying home to Adelaide.

Home again

Sad but true it is all over. We made many wonderful friends this trip. Had a ball. Will just have to do it all again soon.
Hawaii and Tahiti are back on the list of places to visit.

Day 33-34 - Sea days

The Final 2 days at sea. Not enough time in the day to do all on offer. New friends to have a final coffee with, games to play, food to eat and the not so good, pack the bags. We all hate the bag packing and that is when the cruise blues sets in. Time to go home, but never fear we can always book another cruise.