Cairns

We went out for dinner shortly after arriving in Cairns. Downtown, near several public buildings, there was a huge flight of creatures and lots of squawking, not unlike when we see flights of crows back home. However, these were flying foxes or fruit bats. They are sizable animals and very graceful flyers. Unfortunately for the residents of Cairns, they have decided to take their daytime rest in these trees in the center of the city. So, the areas below are rather unpleasant. Interesting to have seen them.

Kathie and I are continually fascinated by the different kinds of plants, flowers, and trees we have seen. In this region of northern Queensland, which is a true tropical rain forest, there are lots of new things for us to enjoy, such as this lipstick palm.

Our first day in Cairns was a rainy one, and our intended trip out to the Franklin Islands for some snorkeling was canceled because of the cyclone conditions. So, we visited a market in the morning where we found many fruits we had not seen or eaten before. Margaret picked out a number of them for us to try.

As we wandered around, I noticed what you see below. I have no explanation.

In the afternoon, we decided to visit Hartley's Crocodile Adventure. There are lots of touristy attractions throughout Australia and this region, and just like in the U.S., some of them can seem a little questionable. However, Margaret and Murray know the good ones, having visited them before, so we have enjoyed all we have done. Hartley's involves lots of education, which we like of course. A part of their operation is also a farm, because there is a market for both hides and meat. Our tour began with a stop at some of the farming pens, where the crocs are separated by sizes into groups. They are social animals, we were told, and don't mind being together.

This little girl was so cute as she petted a small croc, whose mouth is banded shut as you may see.

This is an Australian stork, quite a pretty and majestic bird.

At the talk on snakes, we saw a constrictor take a rat at feeding time

I wanted to handle one of the larger constrictors, but there was so much competition for access to him, that I only got a touch.

I got this picture of his grand head, though.

I forget what kind of duck this is, but the young ones are cute to see.

Of course, every croc exhibit has to have a feeding show. At this one, they demonstrated how far a croc can leap into the air to take prey. In the days leading up to and following this one, we had seen lots of warnings about crocs near streams and beaches. These guys are estuarine, which means they can be found in the sea and in waters leading from the sea into rivers and streams. They will travel to ponds and other bodies of water too. Everyone who lives here seems to understand the kinds of precautions they need to take to avoid problems.