Our first stop was a cafe before we went to the Daintree river. At the river we got a cup of Daintree tea which was quite good and then we boarded a boat. We did a river cruise to spot crocodiles and wild life. We got to see 4 crocs. One was quite young and small. Scarface was the biggest and alpha male. He was about 80 years old and had no teeth, otherwise known as a gummy. He was sun baking on the shore and was quite massive. We then saw Dusty, one of the females we had just had a meal and was also sun baking on the shore. The last one we saw was Scooter, a 15-20 year old male who would not be there much longer once he got bigger. He would either be killed or forced to leave by Scarface. They were magnificent creatures to look at. We also got to see some colourful birds.
We then drove through the Daintree Rainforest and stopped at Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk. We walked along through the jungle and got to see various palm trees, mangroves, vines and large trees. The rainforest is said to be the oldest rainforest in the world. Plants that were believed to be extinct, like the king fern, which is only found in fossils elsewhere in the world are growing here. The forest was definitely magnificent and magical. The feel of it was very ancient and wise.
We then drove to Cape Tribulation for lunch. While lunch was being made, we walked to the beach. The water was quite warm and we saw little fish and starfish along the coral close to shore. The area is pretty amazing because it is he only known place where the rainforest meets the beach. Normally the rainforest does not like the salty air but for some reason this forest doesn't mind it. We then had a wonderful lunch. Afterwards we drove to the Daintree Ice Cream Company for dessert. They make their own ice cream with tropical fruit that they grow. We had passion fruit, blueberry, sour sop and wattle seed ice cream. They were all fantastic. The wattle seed ice cream tasted like a roasted and smokey coffee flavour but not as bitter. Some of the best ice cream we have ever had.
After this, we stopped at Alexandra Lookout to get pictures of the amazing view. From here we were able to see the mouth of the Daintree River. Then we drove to Mossman Gorge. We started off by walking to a river with an aboriginal guide. He told us about the area and the people we call it home, who are the Bana, meaning "people from the trees". He explained how they do not own the land but the land owns them. He showed us about spears and forest boomerangs. He also showed us what they use to paint their skin, ochre,clay and coloured rocks. He painted some symbols on himself and explained their meanings. He said they always start with three lines to represent father, mother and child. The dots represent the rain and then he did a symbol from his family. He explained the yellow colours represent the sun, the browns represent the earth and white is for the spirit. He then used sarsaparilla leaf to wash it off. The leaves form a lather when rubbed together in water and act as a soap. they are also antiseptic and are good for healing wounds. The bark is also used to treat sore muscles and smells very similar to birch oil/ A535. We then took an electric bus into the gorge. We walked along a suspension bridge and went down to the water. Mike climbed rocks while I sat with my feet in the water. It was very refreshing. The sacredness of the area was very evident. It was a beautiful and magical place.
After this we drove back and did a quick scenic drive around Port Douglas. It is definitely a tourist/resort town. It is full of cafes, little shops and hotels. It is very quaint and reminded us a lot of Mexico. It was a great day and a wonderful experience.
Didgeridoo videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQk1ZPPo7f0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruzI7fzYyV4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK7GWWOfNFM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aGbpq4GbMY
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