Back to the Tropics

Of all the numerous indicators that we are once again in the wild reaches of Tropical North Queensland, none is more telling to me personally than the fruitless hours I have spent trying to secure a wireless connection. I could write about the crocodile warnings and bottles of vinegar at every water entry point, the lush rainforest against the background of purple mountains, the stunning white beaches, and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, and in fact I have taken dozens of photos of all of these, but I am unable to post them because first the wireless system where we are staying crashed and then the phone company crashed. Combine these two events with a holiday weekend and my own lack of technical expertise, and it would appear that the forty dollars I spent to obtain Internet access will be wasted.

Rather than wallow in frustration, I have given up on wireless access for the moment and am determined to make the most of our remaining time. As our hostess at our villa remarked with a contagious smile accompanied by a shoulder shrug, not only are we in Australia, a country renowned for its lack of Internet connections for tourists, this is northern Queensland where nothing happens in a hurry and inhabitants relish being somewhat behind the times.

One thing we love, beyond the spectacular scenery, is the enthusiasm residents have for their piece of turf. We were the beneficiaries yesterday on our snorkeling tour as every single member of the crew did their utmost to make sure we appreciated the Reef's unique features, plant life, and beautiful fish. They expertly met the needs of our group of eight, from providing solicitous attention and life jackets to the grandparents, a special buoyant water suit for James, narrated tours from marine scientists on the reef for our budding marine biologist (Cameron), sea sickness pills and TLC for our ill teenager, and encouragement for our novice snorkeler Sophie. This meant we saw far more of the reef than last year, and for this we are incredibly grateful.

I look forward to sharing photos in future posts. For now the swimming pool is beckoning. We might even do a little shopping in the boutique stores that line the streets of this pretty little town where the rainforest meets the reef.

Comments

[Shanda Ives]

Ooo, did you get to go shopping?
What is the purpose for the vinegar?

[Christie]

Hi Shanda, I did get to go shopping, and enjoyed trying on some beautiful dresses. The price tags deterred me, however, from purchasing. The vinegar is to treat victims of stingers. It stops the poison from causing further damage, and thus buys some time until the victim can be transported to hospital.