Kuranda and Great Barrier Reef

On Thursday we took the historic train from Cairns to a little village in the rainforest called Kuranda. The train ride was really cool, right along the edge of Barron River Gorge. Some really lovely views. Kuranda is kind of an arty little town and it was fun to peruse the shops and markets.
Jerry, Bob & Mary went to the Butterfly Sanctuary, while I opted out. To get off the mountain, you can take the train or the Skyway Gondola. We took the gondola for a different perspective. Mary's scooter (aka buggy or cart) got it's own gondola car since it would not fit in with us in ours. It was kind of a funny sight. The gondola goes right over the rainforest canopy, which was impressive.
Today, Friday, we took a reef tour and went snorkeling. Bob tried but the water was very choppy and made it difficult for a 1st time snorkeler. When we left this a.m. from Cairns it was rainy and overcast. It was a little better out on the reef at about 40 miles out, but it never really cleared up and it poured for a while when we were out. I think if it was less choppy and a little warmer it would have been a nicer trip. The tour company has a semi-submersible boat -- kind of a glass bottom type idea -- so both Bob & Mary could see the coral and the fish. Jerry and I snorkeled and had fun. There were a lot of fish and most were fearless of people -- not surprising. We've snorkeled in Florida and Hawaii, and I think this reef is on par with Hawaii as far a color and variation goes, but it was more like our Florida trip when it was a bit rough and out in deeper water.
We are hoping to try again from one of the islands further south since on some of those you can just walk into the water from the beach. I think Bob will have an easier time that way.
We are having a nice time and getting the hang of Australia. I surely hope that the weather improves and we are not rained on for the next 3 weeks. That would stink.
I still promise pictures soon!