Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Weekly report for 27/08/07 –02/09/07

Rainfall – The weekend has been average weather, with some rain periods. Currently it is overcast with showers.

This would seem to be forecast to continue for some days…as does the strong southeast winds.

The nightwalks have seen a bit more wildlife lately…the increase in temperature and humidity has improved sightings of reptiles and amphibians. The rainforest always looks better in the rain, and land based activities are largely unaffected by wind and rain.

NO RAIN = NO RAINFOREST!

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICT
Isolated showers, scattered at first and again later this evening about the coast. Mild with cloudy periods and moderate to fresh southeast winds.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Isolated showers, scattered at times about the coast and ranges. Fresh southeast winds.
Outlook for Thursday ... Isolated showers, scattered at times about the coast and ranges. Fresh southeast winds.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Tuesday until midnight: SE winds 20/25 knots. Lighter S/SE winds inshore early. Seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef and to 1.4 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.
Wednesday: SE winds 20/25 knots, increasing to 25/30 knots in the evening. Lighter S/SE winds inshore early. Seas 2.2 metres outside the reef, rising to 3 metres in the evening. Seas 1.3 metres inside the reef, rising to 1.6 metres in the evening. Scattered showers.
Thursday: SE winds 25/30 knots.
Friday: SE winds 20/30 knots.

NOTE THAT THIS WEATHER APPLIES TO ALL AREAS AROUND CAIRNS NOT JUST US!!!

Roads – the road to Cape Trib is open with no flooding, there are minor delays at Thompson Creek just north of Coconut Beach due to roadworks. There is single lane section there with a give way sign for northbound traffic. Drivers need to be aware of cassowaries with many crossing the road at present, some males with chicks as well as increased snake activity on the road at night. Please don’t run snakes over they are just as biologically important as Cassowaries!

The Bloomfield Track is open to 4WDs only and has been half graded. Graded sections are very slippery after rain. (The Cowie flats were like a skating rink Monday Afternoon). Cowie Range north side has boggy patches between the concrete sections which are challenging after rain, however the road crew has nearly reached this section. Drivers need to drive to the conditions to avoid accidents. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are less than knee deep. Trailers should not be taken on the road at present.

Tides – Early in the week the tides are high in the morning and low in the afternoon, with afternoons ideal for beach walks. The tides tend toward highs in the late morning /early afternoon on Saturday and Sunday.

The area is very busy at present and tours and accommodation needs to be pre – booked to avoid disappointment. There are small queues at the Ferry during peak times however the wait is rarely more than one ferry trip.

Lawrence Mason

Manager
Mason's Tours Cape Tribulation
CMA 4
Cape Tribulation
Qld 4873
Phone 40980070 Int 61 7 40980070
Fax 40980026 Int 61 7 40980026
Mobile/Cell 0427012772

www.masonstours.com.au