A brand new day spa has opened on the Daintree Coast. Located on the shores of Coconut Beach, Ocean Spa is a joint venture between Ocean Hotels and Alexandra Rietmeyer and is a fantastic complement to the array of tours and activities available in the Cape Tribulation region.
The spa features Australian-owned and manufactured beauty product ‘organicspa’, which combines medicinal levels of certified organic plant extracts with 100% naturally derived ingredients, embodying the belief that ‘luxury can be provided through nature'.
Treatments include clay wraps, body scrubs, stone therapy, traditional beauty and much more - all from one of the world’s most stunning and unique destinations. The spa held its opening on Saturday September 22nd.
www.coconutbeachresort.com.au/spa/
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Shoo fly!
The crocodiles are being annoyed at this time of the year by March flies and they shake their heads around and use their front and back legs to shoo them off. They are so persistent that some are bleeding around the eyes and nostrils. The flies do not bother us on the boat but it does encourage the crocs to go under water.
It is beautiful weather for cruising on the river and there are some nice orchids flowering now.
David & Tyna White
http://www.solarwhisper.com
info@solarwhisper.com
Ph. 40987131
Mob. 0439 983 140
A/H 40 983 140
It is beautiful weather for cruising on the river and there are some nice orchids flowering now.
David & Tyna White
http://www.solarwhisper.com
info@solarwhisper.com
Ph. 40987131
Mob. 0439 983 140
A/H 40 983 140
Monday, September 17, 2007
HAPPY REUNION
When dad cassowary became separated from his three (three-month-old) chicks the other evening, his distress was awful. He ran about bellowing for his young to respond, but as the light faded, things looked very grim.
Occasionally dingoes are seen with cassowary chicks in their mouths, but the concurrent loss of three chicks was quite puzzling.
It was with great relief, at around midday the following day that the reunited family paraded past our dwelling, stopping along the way to feast on fruit from the Alexandra Palm.
Local residents have been quite optimistic about the increased number of cassowary sightings this year. During July, while the blue quandong trees were fully loaded with fruit, three separate families were seen at the same time in the Cooper Creek area. In each case there were 3 chicks, but their ages ranged from about 2 months old, to 5 months to 8 months.
Tourists have been delighted with the parading of the fathers and their young. There were also 2 females, one male with no chicks and three immature birds in the area.
Numbers could be increasing, but we need to be cautious about this assumption. When the food disappears, cassowaries will not be seen so readily.
This week the father lost one chick, so now there are two.
Prue Hewett
Cooper Creek Wilderness
16 September 2007
Weekly report for 17/09/07 –24/09/07
Rainfall – The weekend has been excellent weather, with blue skies and moderate winds. It has been great to enjoy some sun and fantastic reef trip weather. The Kayaks and the Boats have been making the best of it! The good weather is forecast to continue for some time and we are now moving toward my favourite time of the year, with cool but not cold nights and warm days. Its great weather this week for Reef Trips and Kayaking yet again.
Warmer weather also means that nightwalk sightings are improving as reptiles become more active.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICT
Fine after some early morning fog patches. Light to moderate SE to E winds with
NE afternoon coastal sea breezes. A moderate to high fire danger.
Outlook for Tuesday ... Fine.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Fine.
North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE/E winds 10/15 knots. Afternoon NE seabreezes inshore. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef, and 0.8 metre inside the reef.
Tuesday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots. Afternoon NE seabreezes inshore. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef, and 0.8 metre inside the reef.
Wednesday: SE winds increasing to 15/20 knots.
Thursday: SE winds 15/20 knots, easing to 10/15 knots in the south.
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. The work here is nearly finished and will mean that Thompson Creek rarely floods, even in heavy rain. 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 virtually completely graded. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are less than knee deep. Dust is increasing on the road and lights should be used.
Tides –The tides are neap most of the week, with water ½ way up the beach, but from Friday on the pattern is early morning highs followed by midday lows.
The onset of school holidays mean tours and accommodation will be busier, and people should pre-book to avoid disappointment.
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
Warmer weather also means that nightwalk sightings are improving as reptiles become more active.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICT
Fine after some early morning fog patches. Light to moderate SE to E winds with
NE afternoon coastal sea breezes. A moderate to high fire danger.
Outlook for Tuesday ... Fine.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Fine.
North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE/E winds 10/15 knots. Afternoon NE seabreezes inshore. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef, and 0.8 metre inside the reef.
Tuesday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots. Afternoon NE seabreezes inshore. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef, and 0.8 metre inside the reef.
Wednesday: SE winds increasing to 15/20 knots.
Thursday: SE winds 15/20 knots, easing to 10/15 knots in the south.
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. The work here is nearly finished and will mean that Thompson Creek rarely floods, even in heavy rain. 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 virtually completely graded. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are less than knee deep. Dust is increasing on the road and lights should be used.
Tides –The tides are neap most of the week, with water ½ way up the beach, but from Friday on the pattern is early morning highs followed by midday lows.
The onset of school holidays mean tours and accommodation will be busier, and people should pre-book to avoid disappointment.
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
Monday, September 10, 2007
Weekly report for 10/09/07 –17/09/07
Rainfall – The weekend has excellent weather, with blue skies and light winds. It has been great to enjoy some sum and fantastic reek trip weather. The Kayaks and the Boats have been making the best of it! The good weather is forecast to continue for some time and we are now moving toward my favourite time of the year, with cool but not cold nights and warm days. It's great weather this week for Reef Trips and Kayaking.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICT
Fine apart from isolated early morning fog patches. Light SE winds before moderate E to NE sea breezes by early afternoon.
Outlook for Tuesday ... Fine apart from morning fogs.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Fine apart from morning fogs.
North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: SE winds 10/15 knots. Lighter winds inshore early. Inshore afternoon seabreeze 15 knots. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef. Seas to 0.7 of a metre inside the reef.
Tuesday: SE winds 10/15 knots. Lighter winds inshore early. Inshore afternoon seabreeze 15 knots. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef. Seas to 0.7 of a metre inside the reef.
Wednesday: SE winds 10/15 knots.
Thursday: SE winds 10/15 knots.
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 a single lane section there with a give way sign for northbound traffic. The work here is nearly finished and will mean that Thompson Creek rarely floods, even in heavy rain. 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 3/4 graded. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are less than knee deep. Dust is increasing on the road and lights should be used.
Please slow down around road crews. The week previous a rented 4WD rolled after passing road crews at high speed. The road workers were less that impressed and called Police using one of out vehicle’s Satellite phones. Roadworkers usually wet the road surface to reduce dust and this can make it slippery, that’s one of the reasons speed limits are reduced where they are.
Tides – The tides are high in the morning and low in the afternoon most of the week, but tend to neaps on Saturday and Sunday. Even on the neaps, the tide is slightly higher in the morning. It’s a week for afternoon beach walks!
The area is a bit quieter at present but tours and accommodation still needs to be pre – booked to avoid disappointment. Next week looks busier for us. There are virtually no queues at the Ferry during peak times.
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
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICT
Fine apart from isolated early morning fog patches. Light SE winds before moderate E to NE sea breezes by early afternoon.
Outlook for Tuesday ... Fine apart from morning fogs.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Fine apart from morning fogs.
North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: SE winds 10/15 knots. Lighter winds inshore early. Inshore afternoon seabreeze 15 knots. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef. Seas to 0.7 of a metre inside the reef.
Tuesday: SE winds 10/15 knots. Lighter winds inshore early. Inshore afternoon seabreeze 15 knots. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef. Seas to 0.7 of a metre inside the reef.
Wednesday: SE winds 10/15 knots.
Thursday: SE winds 10/15 knots.
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 a single lane section there with a give way sign for northbound traffic. The work here is nearly finished and will mean that Thompson Creek rarely floods, even in heavy rain. 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 3/4 graded. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are less than knee deep. Dust is increasing on the road and lights should be used.
Please slow down around road crews. The week previous a rented 4WD rolled after passing road crews at high speed. The road workers were less that impressed and called Police using one of out vehicle’s Satellite phones. Roadworkers usually wet the road surface to reduce dust and this can make it slippery, that’s one of the reasons speed limits are reduced where they are.
Tides – The tides are high in the morning and low in the afternoon most of the week, but tend to neaps on Saturday and Sunday. Even on the neaps, the tide is slightly higher in the morning. It’s a week for afternoon beach walks!
The area is a bit quieter at present but tours and accommodation still needs to be pre – booked to avoid disappointment. Next week looks busier for us. There are virtually no queues at the Ferry during peak times.
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
Crocodiles on the move as water warms up
It is warming up on the Daintree (water temp. 26deg.) and the Crocodile behaviour is changing.
The males are moving around more and patrolling their territory and the females are looking for suitable nesting sites.
The other day a second female turned up on the outside of “Pig Island” who hasn’t been their since last nesting season. On a very low tide we saw her moving along the bank looking for a crab or fish to eat and she was heading for our one and only juvenile croc from last year (due to cyclone Monica). When she was about 4m downwind of the little 1 ½ year old she submerged and looped out to approach it from the deep water. Then she kept on getting closer and closer with just her eyes and nostrils out and luckily junior noticed and took off up into the mangrove roots to safety.
David & Tyna White
http://www.solarwhisper.com
info@solarwhisper.com
Ph. 40987131
Mob. 0439 983 140
A/H 40 983 140
The males are moving around more and patrolling their territory and the females are looking for suitable nesting sites.
The other day a second female turned up on the outside of “Pig Island” who hasn’t been their since last nesting season. On a very low tide we saw her moving along the bank looking for a crab or fish to eat and she was heading for our one and only juvenile croc from last year (due to cyclone Monica). When she was about 4m downwind of the little 1 ½ year old she submerged and looped out to approach it from the deep water. Then she kept on getting closer and closer with just her eyes and nostrils out and luckily junior noticed and took off up into the mangrove roots to safety.
David & Tyna White
http://www.solarwhisper.com
info@solarwhisper.com
Ph. 40987131
Mob. 0439 983 140
A/H 40 983 140
Monday, September 3, 2007
Mating Snakes on the Daintree River
Just about every morning this week, we have seen bundles of tree snakes together. There is usually one larger female putting out the pheromones and up to four or five males attracted to her at the same time. We zoomed in on one of the male’s head on the ‘Croc Cam’ and he had a huge yawn, so we guess he wasn’t the first one there, or maybe he was.
One morning ‘Elizabeth’ (2.5m croc) had a 3.5m dead python in her mouth, then ‘Fat Albert’ came along and stole it. He then left it and swam right around “Pig Island” and stole it off her a second time and the he spat it out and swam off again. The next day he was gone and she was lying next to the snake which was still intact. We think the crocs are still full from that cow about a month ago.
David & Tyna White
http://www.solarwhisper.cominfo@solarwhisper.com
Ph. 40987131
Mob. 0439 983 140
A/H 40 983 140
One morning ‘Elizabeth’ (2.5m croc) had a 3.5m dead python in her mouth, then ‘Fat Albert’ came along and stole it. He then left it and swam right around “Pig Island” and stole it off her a second time and the he spat it out and swam off again. The next day he was gone and she was lying next to the snake which was still intact. We think the crocs are still full from that cow about a month ago.
David & Tyna White
http://www.solarwhisper.cominfo@solarwhisper.com
Ph. 40987131
Mob. 0439 983 140
A/H 40 983 140
Weekly report for 02/09/07 –09/09/07
Rainfall – The weekend has been average weather, with some rain periods and fairly strong winds all week. Currently it is sunny but windy. The showers are forecast to continue, and while winds will moderate on Tuesday, they freshen again on Wednesday.
NO RAIN = NO RAINFOREST!
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICT
Isolated showers about the coast. Morning showers southern Tablelands. Fine inland. Moderate southeast winds.
Outlook for Tuesday ... Isolated showers about the coast becoming scattered overnight with patchy rain areas.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers about the coast and ranges,isolated inland. Patchy rain areas. Fresh southeast winds.
North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: SE winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.7 metres outside the reef, 1.2 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.
Tuesday: SE winds 10/15 knots reaching 15/20 knots over far northern waters. Seas 1.3 to 1.7 metres outside the reef, 1 to 1.2 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.
Wednesday: SE winds 15/20 knots, freshening to 20/25 knots.
Thursday: SE winds 20/25 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. The work here is nearly finished and will mean that Thompson Creek rarely floods, even in heavy rain.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 and there have been some accidents attributed to high speed on wet roads. 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.
Please slow down around road crews. Last week a rented 4WD rolled after passing road crews at high speed. The road workers were less that impressed and called Police using one of out vehicle’s Satellite phones. Roadworkers usually wet the road surface to reduce dust and this can make it slippery, that’s one of the reasons speed limits are reduced where they are.
Tides – Early in the week the tides are lowish all day with highs late in the afternoon. The tides tend toward highs in the early morning/late evening from Thursday.
The area is a bit quieter at present but tours and accommodation still needs to be pre – booked to avoid disappointment. There are virtually no queues at the Ferry during peak times.
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
NO RAIN = NO RAINFOREST!
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICT
Isolated showers about the coast. Morning showers southern Tablelands. Fine inland. Moderate southeast winds.
Outlook for Tuesday ... Isolated showers about the coast becoming scattered overnight with patchy rain areas.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers about the coast and ranges,isolated inland. Patchy rain areas. Fresh southeast winds.
North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: SE winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.7 metres outside the reef, 1.2 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.
Tuesday: SE winds 10/15 knots reaching 15/20 knots over far northern waters. Seas 1.3 to 1.7 metres outside the reef, 1 to 1.2 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.
Wednesday: SE winds 15/20 knots, freshening to 20/25 knots.
Thursday: SE winds 20/25 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. The work here is nearly finished and will mean that Thompson Creek rarely floods, even in heavy rain.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 and there have been some accidents attributed to high speed on wet roads. 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.
Please slow down around road crews. Last week a rented 4WD rolled after passing road crews at high speed. The road workers were less that impressed and called Police using one of out vehicle’s Satellite phones. Roadworkers usually wet the road surface to reduce dust and this can make it slippery, that’s one of the reasons speed limits are reduced where they are.
Tides – Early in the week the tides are lowish all day with highs late in the afternoon. The tides tend toward highs in the early morning/late evening from Thursday.
The area is a bit quieter at present but tours and accommodation still needs to be pre – booked to avoid disappointment. There are virtually no queues at the Ferry during peak times.
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
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