We are impressed with the Cairns region of Australia. Cains is alive on Saturday afternoons unlike other similar sized cities in the country. It may be because of the influx of tourists during the winter season but whatever the cause it contributes much to an energetic urban fabric. They have an excellent market with fresh produce rivalling those of the south Pacific. Prices are of course much more steep.
Half Moon Bay marina is a low key affair with the Yorkeys Knob Boat Club sports bar and restaurant the centre of action especially for Friday night football on the big screens. The weekend also brings live singers and bands who can be good or atrocious.
Everywhere on the water you become aware of the hidden presence of estuarine crocodiles. Supposedly there is a 3-metre croc living in the marina. We took a riverboat on the Daintree River to view the elusive reptile. On this river, about 100 crocodiles live and the tour did not disappoint. We saw both male and female crocs as well as infants who have little chance surviving to adulthood from natural predators - everything from sharks to large groupers.
A new wind generator and VHF radio have been installed on Petite Ourse and the raw water pump on the Volvo diesel repaired. We are re-provisioned to the hilt - everything is packed full to their maximum. Tomorrow we head north to Cape York and then west across the Gulf of Carpentaria skirting along the Arnhem Coast finally to arrive at Darwin. Most of the trip up to Cape York will be day hops. Heading west we will be doing several overnight passages. It is anticipated that this final leg in Australia will take a month.