Sunday, November 4, 2007

Daintreecoast Weekly Update 5/11/2007 - 12/11/2007

The weather this weekend has been superb once again! The water was flat calm. On land there has been a tendency for clouds to form over the mountains in the afternoon, typical for this time of the year. Last night was cool though, hard to believe its November!

The weather is forecast to change, with moderate southeasters later in the week. Although this will not make mariners happy, it will cool it down a bit.

Reptiles are now fully active, with Boyds Dragons, Water Dragons and Snakes seen often day and night. Any sign of rain sees frogs out, and birds are nesting everywhere. Lace Monitors are wandering around the campgrounds and across the roads, and the Crocs are feeling frisky! Cassowaries with chicks are also being seen.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICT
Fine apart from isolated afternoon or evening showers and thunderstorms west of
the Tablelands. Light to moderate SE to NE winds. A moderate to high fire
danger.
Outlook for Tuesday ... Isolated afternoon or evening showers and
thunderstorms west of the Tablelands, fine elsewhere.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Isolated coastal showers. Moderate SE winds, fresh
about the coast during the day.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: Variable winds 5/10 knots with inshore afternoon NE seabreezes up to 10/15 knots. Seas to 1.2 metres.
Tuesday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots with inshore afternoon NE seabreezes at 10/15 knots.
Wednesday: SE/E winds 10/15 knots.

Roads – the road to Cape Trib is open with no flooding. Thompson Creek Causeway is now complete, and both lanes are open. This has significantly improved access around Cape Tribulation and the big queues at this crossing in the wet season will now be a thing of the past. Only one more to go, Cooper Creek! Please be aware of increased snake and frog activity on the road at night. Please don’t run snakes over they are just as biologically important as Cassowaries (or frogs)! Also be aware of forest dragons on the road, as they are in nesting season. They tend to lay eggs in openings in the forest, and roadside verges are ideal. In the days of graded dirt roads, many nests were destroyed as grading was carried out, and the drains were reopened, of course this was the very spot the Boyd’s had decided to lay eggs!

The Bloomfield Track is open to 4WDs only and is in good condition. Some potholes are developing. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are less than knee deep. Dust is bad on the road and lights should be used.


Tides – are high early morning, low early to mid afternoon all week

Although the accommodation houses are not as busy, we still recommend pre booking