Jakfruit Season nearly here

 

Exotic Fruit in Season - September

As the weather warms up, the exotic fruit starts to ripen. Here are some photos of fruit in the orchard at Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm in mid September

Daintree River Report 25th August, 2008

Hi,
We have been blessed with Fat Albert’s (5m croc) presence for three days this week which is more than usual. It may have something to do with all the feral pigs we’ve been seeing lately, but now there is one less as Elizabeth (2.5m croc) was swimming around with a small one in her mouth.
The Sunbirds are taking longer to build their nests than usual as they only work on sunny warm days; I guess that’s why they are called Sunbirds.

Thanks for your support.
David & Tyna White

Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises
http://www.solarwhisper.com/

Daintree River Report 4th August, 2008

Hi,
The crocs have been great as usual due to the sunny days. The snakes went into a mini hibernation due to the very cool nights and were quite hard to find. Luckily we had one very reliable 1 ½ m tree snake shedding its skin. When they are shedding, they cannot see very well as the skin is lifting off their whole body including the eyes, so the vision goes blurry.
Spring seems to be in the air early as the Orioles are using their mating call and we saw four happy snakes on top of each other today.

David & Tyna White

Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises

Daintree River Report 28th July, 2008

Hi,
This week the weather is absolutely stunning and the river is beautiful. Thornton’s Peak appears really close with the clear air and is a great backdrop to the emerald green of the mangroves and rainforest; the sort of green that we are accustomed to and people from Adelaide marvel at.
Today we saw lots of crocs, many colourful birds, a python, 2 tree snakes, fish, crabs, butterflies and a Blossom Bat.

Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 28/7 - 2/8

Although most of last week was windy, the weather improved on the weekend with calm winds and sunshine. I went out in the boat and Coral Trout is once again on the menu!

The wind is forecast to strengthen on Tuesday and Wednesday, but not to the previous levels and the weather is forecast to be fine most of the week. The early part of the week in particular looks like it will be glorious weather.

The forest is looking great and there have been lots of good croc sightings on river cruises and nightwalks again this week. The nights are cool and this is a great time for those who don’t like insects to visit.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTCool morning along the coast, cold on the tablelands with widespread frosts.Fine and sunny. Light to moderate S to SE winds and afternoon seabreezes nearthe coast. Outlook for Wednesday ... Fine. Cool to cold morning. Widespread frost areas onthe Tablelands.
Outlook for Thursday ... Fine. Cool morning.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTCool morning along the coast, cold on the tablelands with widespread frosts.Fine and sunny. Light to moderate S to SE winds and afternoon seabreezes nearthe coast. Outlook for Wednesday ... Fine. Cool to cold morning. Widespread frost areas onthe Tablelands.
Outlook for Thursday ... Fine. Cool morning. There are still significant delays on the Cook Highway north of Cairns due to roadworks, but all other roads are open. The Bloomfield Track is a bit rough with some fallen trees and washouts, but open with care.
Tides this week are high early morning and low early to mid afternoon.

Daintree Caost Weekly Report 21/7 - 27/7

Once again the relentless southeast wind has continued, sometimes dropping to 10 to 15 knots, sometimes up to 30knots. The best day was Saturday.

The wind is forecast to strengthen on Tuesday and Wednesday, not sure what later in the week will bring. I am still waiting for calm weather to go fishing!

The forest is looking great and there have been lots of good croc sightings on river cruises and nightwalks this week, and many Cassowaries seen as well. A couple of warmer nights have seen snakes active as well. Boyds Dragons are coming out, so the bonus is that more wildlife is seen in wet weather.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTPatches of rain. Light to moderate SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Widespread areas of rain, with some moderate falls. Outlook for Wednesday ... Widespread areas of rain, with some moderate falls.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE winds 10/15 knots increasing to 15/20 knots by evening. Seas from 1.3 to 1.6 metres outside the reef, 1 to 1.4 metres inside the reef. Light rain. Tuesday: SE/E winds 20/25 knots increasing to 20/30 knots south of Cairns. Seas 2.2 metres north, 2.8 metres south of Cairns outside the reef. Seas 1.6 to 1.8 metres inside the reef. Light rain. Wednesday: S/SE winds 20/25 knots north, 20/30 knots south.
There are still significant delays on the Cook Highway north of Cairns due to roadworks, but all other roads are open. The Bloomfield Track is a bit rough with some fallen trees and washouts, but open with care. Tides this week are tending to neap with no really high daytime tides.

Solar Whisper Daintree River Report 14th July 08

Hi,
The conditions on the river have been excellent for all wildlife with some great sightings of the Great Billed Heron and Little Kingfisher. One day the huge Heron remained all day on a log directly over the place where we have been seeing a little hatchling croc and we have not seen it since, so it may have become one of the 99% that don’t make it (from the egg to adulthood).
We have had a 3 ½ m croc in our area that we don’t know. It is either a big female or a young male and we will have a better idea when it starts to interact with other crocs.

Thanks for your support.
David & Tyna White

Daintree Coasts Weekly Report 14/7 - 20/7

The weather last week has been ok, but the southeast wind seems relentless, sometimes dropping to 10 to 15 knots, sometimes up to 30knots. Unfortunately rain is forecast for midweek.

The wind is forecast to strengthen on Tuesday and Wednesday, not sure what later in the week will bring. I am still waiting for calm weather to go fishing!

The forest is looking great and there have been lots of good croc sightings on river cruises and nightwalks this week, and many Cassowaries seen as well. A couple of warmer nights have seen snakes active as well.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTMainly fine except for some isolated coastal showers, mainly during the morningand evening. Moderate SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Widespread showers near the coast, tending moreisolated over the Tablelands. Outlook for Wednesday ... Widespread showers, easing during the day. North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: SE winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.7 metres outside the reef and to 1.2 metres inside the reef. Showers.
Tuesday: SE winds 15/20 knots reaching 20/25 knots in the north. Seas to 1.7 to 2.2 metres outside the reef and to 1.2 metres inside the reef. Showers.
Wednesday: SE winds 20/25 knots. There are still significant delays on the Cook Highway north of Cairns due to roadworks, but all other roads are open. The Bloomfield Track is a bit rough with some fallen trees, but open with care. Tides this week are high morning and low afternoon all this week

Daintree River Fishing & Photography Tours - Award

Travelling in Australia Magazine, Issue 117 May 2008

Daintree River Fishing and Photography Tours has been selected as Runner Up for Australia’s Best Fishing Experience in the Travelling in Australia Magazine’s 20 Best Experience Awards.

The nomination was one of many supplied by various tourism bodies to an international panel of premier Aussie specialists, who voted in secrecy for the best of the best.

“This award is a significant acknowledgement of your contribution to, and recognition from, the inbound tourism sector”. - TIAM

Daintree River Report 30th June, 2008

Hi,
The weather has provided great conditions for all wildlife spotting; even pigs. One morning we saw two sows with about twelve piglets chewing and digging up everything. The two mothers then laid down for the kids to have a drink and one little piggy was going from one mother to the other to see which milk was better.

Thanks for your support.
David & Tyna White

Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 30/6 - 6/7

Sorry no report last week, too busy and didn’t get to it until Friday

The weather on the Daintree Coast has been a mixed bag last week, with some sunny days, and some days with misty rain. Today looks good with the sun shining, and the outlook is for fine weather later in the week. The days are cool and even with high humidity, it is comfortable weather, even for southerners!

The wind is forecast to ease on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the strengthen on Thursday, so those wanting to visit the reef should try to do so on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The forest is looking great and there have been lots of good croc sightings on river cruises and nightwalks this week, and many Cassowaries seen as well.


North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE winds 20/25 knots, easing to 15/20 knots by afternoon. Seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef and to 1.6 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.Tuesday: SE winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.7 metres outside the reef and to 1.3 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.Wednesday: SE winds 15/20 knots, increasing to 20/25 knots in the north.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTIsolated coastal showers, and drizzle patches on the Tablelands. Fine elsewhere.Light to moderate S to SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Isolated coastal showers, and drizzle patches on theTablelands. Light to moderate S to SE winds. Outlook for Wednesday ... Fine. Moderate to fresh S to SE winds.
There are still significant delays on the Cook Highway north of Cairns due to roadworks, but all other roads are open.
The Bloomfield Track is a bit rough with some fallen trees, but open with care.

Tides this week are high morning and low afternoon all this week

Daintree River Report 26th June, 2008

Today was much nicer than yesterday and the crocs enjoyed the sun on their backs. We had Scarface out and his ex girlfriend Elizabeth. Plenty of tree snakes, four species of kingfishers and the Brahminy Kites were very active.

Thanks for your support.

David & Tyna White

Solar Whisper Wildlife Cruises

http://www.solarwhisper.com/

Daintree River Report - 23 June 2008

Some very cool days this week have made the crocs stay in the water but all the more eager to get out when it warms up. We have seen two frogs become part of the food chain; one to a snake and the other to a Brahminy Kite. The birds have been very good with sightings of all the regulars plus some rare ones.

Thanks for your support.
David & Tyna White
http://www.solarwhisper.com/
info@solarwhisper.com

The White Tailed Rat (Giant Tree Rat)

These huge (up to 700g) rats are common on the Daintree Coast. The most commonly seen evidence of them is Coconuts with round holes chewed in them. The rats have strong teeth and are able to open a Coconut in about one hour. Once they can get their upper and lower incisors inside, they can strip all the flesh out.
Most visitors imagine tha Coconuts are native and the rats introduced, but the reverse is true. Coconuts are first recorded on the Frankland Islands in about 1838, but the White Tailed Rats are part of a group of rats called 'old endemics' that have probably been in Australia for at least a couple of million years. It is believed their ancestors 'rafted' here on masses of vegetation ripped out in tropical storms in Asia. Although cute, these rats are capable of doing real damage in you home; teeth that can open coconuts can open almost anything! Thsi one was photgraphed on a Mason's nighwalk on 13 June 2008.

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 16/6 - 22/6

This week the weather has been showery, with strong winds and cloudy weather. While it is disappointing for visitors, this weather is ideal for the forest, and is what makes this area so special. It is interesting that most of Cape York gets similar rainfall to us in the Wet, but virtually none in the dry. It is this ‘Dry Season’ rain that allows the rainforest to grow here. One definition of Wet Tropical Rainforest suggests that in order for it to grow, 100mm average rain must fall over the two driest months of the year.

Wildlife has been good to us this week with Cassowaries being seen all around the area, even one on our Volleyball Court at the shop! Boyd’s Dragons have been regularly seen on Mason’s Nightwalks, and snakes have been active. Crocodile sightings have been good on the rivers.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE/E winds 15/20 knots, reaching 20/25 knots north. Lighter S'ly winds inshore early. Seas to 1.7 metres, reaching 2 metres north outside the reef. Seas 1.4 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers. Tuesday: SE/E winds 15/20 knots, reaching 20/25 knots north. Lighter S'ly winds inshore early. Seas to 1.7 metres, reaching 2 metres north outside the reef. Seas 1.4 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.Wednesday: SE/E winds 15/20 knots, reaching 20/25 knots north.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTCloudy with isolated showers on the north coast, extending to the remainder ofthe coast overnight. Moderate SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered coastal showers, tending to patchy drizzleon the Tablelands. Fine elsewhere. Moderate SE winds. Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered coastal showers, tending to patchy drizzleon the Tablelands. Fine elsewhere. Moderate SE winds.

All roads are open, but drivers coming north from Cairns should be aware of roadworks at Clifton Beach, Redcliff Point, north of Wangetti and at Port Douglas. All are under traffic control and delays are likely. The Bloomfield Road is open, but very rough with lots of potholes. Until it is graded it will continue to worsen. Rain will make the surface slippery.

Tides this week are high in the morning, low in the afternoon with no really big highs or lows

Now Showing At Whet Flicks

SHOWING 13th - 19th June 2008

RUN FAT BOY RUN

Love. Commitment. Responsibility. There’s nothing he can’t run away from. Dennis is a clueless and slightly overweight guy, who left his pregnant fiancée five years earlier at the alter. When he discovers that Libby has found a new partner, frustration grows, and Dennis vows, that for once in his life, he will finish something - a marathon.


Starring: Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton, Hank Azaria
Director: David Schwimmer
Rating: M
Genre: Romantic Comedy











SHOWING 13th - 26th June 2008

DEATH DEFYING ACTS

During Harry Houdini’s tour of Britain in 1926, the master escapologist enters into a passionate affair with a Scottish psychic. The psychic and her daughter attempt to con Houdini during a highly publicized séance to contact his mother whose death has haunted him for many years. However all does not go to plan…


Starring: Guy Pearce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Timothy Spall

Director: Gillian Armstrong

Rating: PG

SHOWING 20th - 26th June 2008

SEMI-PRO

When the national Basketball league announces a plan to discard all the squads except the top four teams, Jackie Moon rallies his teammates including Monix and Clarence 'Coffee' Black to work together for glory and popularity, to make their basketball dreams come true.

Starring: Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, Andre Benjamin
Director: Kent Alterman
Rating: M
Genre: Comedy

Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm products now ECO Certified

Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm now has both the Bed and Breakfast Cottages and the Exotic Fruit Tasting as ECO Certified Ecotourism products. This certification is a guarantee that you will experience genuine and authentic tours, attractions and accommodation, that look after the environment.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast Report 9/6- 15/6/08

Weekly Report Daintree Coast Report 9/6- 15/6/08


It has been windy and showery for the most part on the Daintree Coast this week. You have to think we are paying for the wonderful fine weather in April!

The weather has been ok for reef visits, and ideal for land touring. Unfortunately wind is forecast to continue this week.

The cloud cover this week made it warmer, especially at night, and snake sightings were good, with Pythons and Brown Tree Snakes making an appearance.


Also the Crocs are more likely to bask on the banks, dramatically improving the chance of seeing one on a cruise. Good croc sightings have been reported on the Daintree River, and remarkably I have regularly been seeing a croc on a riverbank only a few kms from Port Douglas. (not on a tour). Mason’s nightwalks have had excellent croc sightings over the last week again.

Forecasts:

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Tuesday until midnight: SE winds 20/25 knots. Seas to 1.5 metres inside the reef and 2.5 metres outside the reef. Scattered showers.Wednesday: SE winds 20/25 knots. Seas to 1.5 metres inside the reef and 2.5 metres outside the reef. Scattered showers. Thursday: SE winds 20/25 knots.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered showers about the coast and nearby ranges. Areas drizzle aboutSouthern Tablelands. Isolated afternoon showers west of the Tablelands. Moderateto fresh SE winds.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers about the coast and ranges. Areasdrizzle about Southern Tablelands. Isolated afternoon showers inland.Outlook for Thursday ... Scattered showers coast and ranges, tending isolatedon the Tablelands and mostly fine further inland.

All roads are open, and in good condition, however the Bloomfield Track from Cape Trib to the Bloomfield River is a bit rough and may be slippery after rain.

Tides this week are high morning and low afternoon, but no tides are particularly high

Weekly Report Daintree Coast Report 2/6- 8/6/08

The last week on the Daintree Coast has been cool, with moderate to strong winds, but the wind moderated on the weekend, and Saturday and Sunday were spectacular.

The weather has been great for reef visits, and ideal for land touring. Unfortunately wind is forecast to increase this week.

The cooler weather means that walking in the forest is no longer the sticky affair that it was a month ago. In fact I have been cold in the forest this week, an unusual experience.

Also the Crocs are more likely to bask on the banks, dramatically improving the chance of seeing one on a cruise. Good croc sightings have been reported on the Daintree River, and remarkably I have regularly been seeing a croc on a riverbank only a few kms from Port Douglas. (not on a tour). Mason’s nightwalks have had excellent croc sightings over the last week too.

Forecasts:

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SW winds 10/15 knots, shifting SE during the day. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef and to 0.8 metres inside the reef in northern waters. Tuesday: S/SE winds 10/15 knots, increasing to 15/20 knots north of Cairns. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef and to 0.8 metres inside the reef. Seas increasing to 1.7 metres north of Cairns. Isolated showers. Wednesday: S/SE winds 10/15 knots, increasing to 15/20 knots north of Cairns.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTFine. Light winds and afternoon coastal seabreezes.Outlook for Tuesday ... Mostly fine, just isolated coastal showers developinglate in the day. Outlook for Wednesday ... Isolated coastal showers. Mostly fine inland.

All roads are open, and in good condition, however the Bloomfield Track from Cape Trib to the Bloomfield River is a bit rough and may be slippery after rain.

Tides this week are high morning and low afternoon until Friday and neap during the day on the weekend.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast Report 26/5- 1/6/08

The last week on the Daintree Coast has been a bit rainy, with moderate to strong winds, but the forest looks fantastic.

The weather has been ok for reef visits, and ideal for land touring. The cooler weather means that walking in the forest is no longer the sticky affair that it was a month ago. The rain has bought out the reptiles and amphibians, with frogs and Dragon Lizards appearing on nightwalks. Also the Crocs are more likely to bask on the banks, dramatically improving the chance of seeing one on a cruise. Despite the rain, good croc sightings have been reported on the Daintree River.

Forecasts:
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered coastal showers, tending isolated about the Tablelands and mainly finefurther inland. Moderate to locally fresh SE winds.Outlook for Wednesday ... Isolated coastal showers, tending mainly fine furtherinland. Moderate to locally fresh SE winds.Outlook for Thursday ... Isolated coastal showers. Fine elsewhere. Moderate tolocally fresh SE winds.
North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Tuesday until midnight: SE winds 15/20 knots, reaching 20/25 knots outside the reef and north of Cairns. Seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef on a 1.5 to 2 metre SE swell. Seas to 1.7 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers. Wednesday: SE winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.8 metres outside the reef on a 2 metre SE swell. Seas to 1.2 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers.Thursday: SE winds 25/30 knots north of Cairns. SE winds 20/25 knots remainder.


All roads are open, and in good condition, however the Bloomfield Track from Cape Trib to the Bloomfield River is a bit rough and may be slippery after rain.

Tides this week neap during the day, until the Friday when they are high early am and early pm.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast Report 18/5- 24/5/08

The last week on the Daintree Coast has been very pleasant with cool nights and warm days. The wind has mostly calm. The forecast is for more of the same.

The weather has been great for reef visits, and ideal for land touring. The cooler weather means that walking in the forest is no longer the sticky affair that it was a month ago. Unfortunately it also means a drop in reptile and amphibian activity in the forest, but the payoff is that when animals are seen, particularly at night, they may be things like the Striped Possum, rarely seen in hot weather. Also the Crocs are more likely to bask on the banks, dramatically improving the chance of seeing one on a cruise.

Forecasts:
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTFine with chiefly light winds.Outlook for Wednesday ... Isolated coastal showers developing later. Fineelsewhere. Light to moderate SE winds. Outlook for Thursday ... Isolated coastal showers grading mainly fine aboutthe Tablelands, and fine further inland. Moderate SE winds.


North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Tuesday until midnight: S/SE winds 10/15 knots, reaching 15/20 knots in northern waters. Lighter S'ly winds inshore early. Winds tending SE/E inshore in the afternoon. Seas to 1.3 metres outside the reef and 0.8 metre inside. Wednesday: S/SE winds 10/15 knots, reaching 15/20 knots in northern waters. Lighter S'ly winds inshore early. Winds tending SE/E inshore in the afternoon. Seas to 1.3 metres outside the reef and 0.8 metre inside. Thursday: S/SE winds 10/15 knots, increasing to 15/20 knots outside the reef by evening.


All roads are open, and in good condition, however the Bloomfield Track from Cape Trib to the Bloomfield River is a bit rough.

Tides this week are high in the early AM and low by afternoon, until the weekend when they are neaps.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast Report 12/9 - 18/9/08

Now I am back from Honeymoon the weekly report will be every week!

The last week on the Daintree Coast has been very pleasant with cool nights and warm days. The wind has been moderate, but not unusually strong. The forecast is for more of the same, but with some rain to add in the mix.

The weather has been reasonable for reef visits, and ideal for land touring. The cooler weather means that walking in the forest is no longer the sticky affair that it was a month ago. Unfortunately it also means a drop in reptile and amphibian activity in the forest, but the payoff is that when animals are seen, particualry at night, they may be things like the Striped Possum, rarely seen in hot weather. Also the Crocs are more likely to bask on the banks, dramatically improving the chance of seeing one on a cruise.

Forecasts:
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered coastal showers grading isolated on the Tablelands and mainly finefurther inland. Moderate to fresh SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered coastal showers, grading isolated on theTablelands and mainly fine further inland. Moderate to fresh SE winds.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered coastal showers, grading isolated on theTablelands and mainly fine further inland. Moderate to fresh SE winds.


North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE winds 15/20 knots generally, winds reaching 20/25 knots in the far north. Lighter S'ly winds inshore early. Seas to 1.8 metres outside the reef on a 1.4 inside the reef. A SE swell to 2 metres. Scattered showers.Tuesday: SE winds 15/20 knots, lighter S'ly winds inshore early. Seas 1.8 metres outside the reef, 1.4 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers. Wednesday: SE winds 15/20 knots.

All roads are open, and in good condition, however the Bloomfield Track from Cape Trib to the Bloomfield River is a bit rough.

Tides this week are high in the early AM and low by afternoon.

CINEMA IN CAPE TRIB

NOW SHOWING AT WHET FLICKS

FRIDAY 2nd May - Thurs 8th May

MOVIE MEAL DEAL PACKAGES AVAILABLE

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Phone: 4098 0007

THE BUCKET LIST
Stars: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman
Showing Times: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun - 2pm & 8pm
Tues, Thurs, Sat - 4pm
Rated: M


Corporate billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) are worlds apart. At a crossroads in their lives, they share a hospital room and discover they have two things in common: a desire to spend the time they have left doing everything they ever wanted to do before they "kick the bucket".


27 DRESSES
Stars: Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman
Showing Times: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun - 4pm
Tues, Thurs, Sat - 2pm & 8pm
Rated: PG

Jane is an idealistic, romantic and completely selfless woman...a perennial bridal attendant whose own happy ending is nowhere in sight. But when younger sister Tess captures the heart of Jane's boss - with whom Jane is secretly in love - Jane begins to reexamine her "always-a-bridesmaid" lifestlye

Cinema at Whet - American Gangster

Nobody used to notice Frank Lucas (Washington) the quiet driver to one of the inner city's leading black crime bosses. But when his boss suddenly dies, Frank exploits the opening in the power structure to build his own empire and create his own version of the American Dream.

MOVIE MEAL DEAL PACKAGES AVAILABLE

SHOWING AT WHET

18th April - 1st May

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL PHONE 4098 0007
Lot 1 Cape Tribulation Road Cape Tribulation Qld 4873
TICKETS: $15 Adults, $10 Kids, $40 Family (2A,2C 4-14yrs)

Big Screen Comes to Cape Trib

Whet Flicks at Cape Tribulation would have to be one of the most remote cinemas in the world and one of the smallest with only 26 seats.

The tiny venue is the vision of Whet Restaurant owners, chef Matt Wenden and wife, Michelle, who say visitors to the Daintree need more entertainment options.

Located upstairs behind the restaurant, the cinema is fully carpeted and airconditioned, boasts an impressive 12ft screen, and booming surround sound.

Leather lounges, recliners and body-length bean bags offer comfy seating options, while the restaurant bar below serves drinks - all of this while watching a new-ish film.

"We get our movies four to six weeks after they're released at the box office, and before they go to DVD, so they're quite new, Ms Wenden siad.

Screening session times are daily at 4pm and 8pm, and ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 children or $40 for the family.

Crossing Woobadda River 16 March 08

With all the rain on the Bloomfield Track, the Woobadda River has remained high. The river crossing is washed out and the entire front of the 4WD is submerged during the crossing. A snorkel is essential to ensure the success of such a crossing. Mason's Tours have modified their vehicles to make such crossings possible. Please think twice about trying it this deep in a rented or your own 4WD.

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 17/3/08 - 23/3/08

The Wet Season is still here, with significant falls still occurring. So far we have had more than 1m of rain this month. The place is now fully waterlogged, even the frogs are giving up, they have had too much of a good thing! I bought gumboots last week…

I feel very positive about the weather later in the year, as a good wet often means better weather later on. Let’s hope I am right!

Not a good week for the reef unless the winds moderate on Wednesday. While the weather looks bad, it’s worth remembering that March is the wettest month of the year, and there is nothing unusual about the forecasts below.

Rumrunner will not be running between the 22ns March - 4th April due to yearly Boat Maintenance, however Ocean Safari will continue to operate ½ Day Reef Tours during this time.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTFlood warning current for the Tully and Murray Rivers. Scattered showers aboutthe coast and adjacent ranges but widespread north of Cairns during the morning.Isolated showers and local thunderstorms further inland. SE winds, fresh andgusty at times.Outlook for Tuesday ... Isolated showers about the coast and rangesincreasing to scattered later in the day Isolated afternoon showers inland. SEwinds.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers most parts but just isolated in thefar west. SE winds.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Strong wind warning issued for waters south of Cairns.Monday until midnight: SE winds 20/30 knots south of Cairns, easing to 20/25 knots by late morning. SE winds 20/25 knots to the north. Seas to 2.5 metres outside the reef on a 2 metre SE swell. Seas easing to 1.5 metres inside the reef. Scattered squally showers.Tuesday: SE winds 20/25 knots. Seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef on a 2 metre SE swell. Seas to 1.5 metres inside the reef.Wednesday: SE winds 20/25 knots.

The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but after heavy rain, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind.
Yesterday a small rental car attempted to cross Emmagen Creek and was swamped. It is likely to be a write off or a costly repair bill. This crossing is currently challenging for a large 4WD, so why they did this is a mystery.
Please be careful crossing flooded creeks!

The Bloomfield Track is currently closed. I drove as far as the Bloomfield Crossing, and was stopped deep, fast water. The Woobadda River is very deep. I would only recommend heavy duty 4WDs attempt the Bloomfield road at present, and don’t try a crossing that is too deep for your 4WD. Tides are high morning and low afternoon all week, with some high enough to flood the Bloomfield Causeway.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 10/3/08 - 16/3/08

The Wet Season arrived last week, with a number of significant falls, Cape Trib received a number of big falls, with 278mm received in one night. This was small compared with Port Douglas, which received 424mm one night, their highest fall since 1911!! Cape Tribulation had about .7 of a metre of rain last week.

It was good to see my local knowledge works, both Tuesday and Wednesday were the wettest as per my prediction…

The Daintree River reached moderate flood level last week, with Ferry operations halted briefly at high tide; the ramps could not reach the ground! There was severe localized flooding at Cape Trib, with vehicle movements limited on Wednesday, it is worth noting that most roads around Cairns were closed too.

Not a good week for the reef until the winds moderate on Wednesday. While the weather looks bad, it’s worth remembering that March is the wettest month of the year, and there is nothing unusual about the forecasts below.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered showers about the coastal fringe this morning with more isolatedshowers redeveloping tonight. Local early drizzle patches on the Tablelands thena mostly fine day. Fresh and gusty SE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered showers about the coastal fringe. Isolatedshowers inland but mostly fine. Fresh SE winds.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers about the coastal fringe. Isolatedshowers inland but mostly fine. Moderate to fresh SE winds.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE winds 20/25 knots. Seas to 2.2 metres on a 2.0 metre SE swell outside the reef. Seas to 1.6 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers. Tuesday: SE winds 20/25 knots. Seas to 2.2 metres on a 2.0 metre SE swell outside the reef. Seas to 1.6 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers. Wednesday: SE winds 15/20 knots.

The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but after heavy rain, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind. There is a mudslide on Noah Range, with one lane open only.

Last week near Mossman two rented cars were submerged because the drivers attempted to cross ridiculously flooded streams.

The Bloomfield Track is currently closed. I drove as far as Meleelee Creek on Saturday, and was stopped by a huge fallen tree. I have advised the Council of this, but as yet no word on it’s removal. The road is covered in fallen trees and I had to drive over several logs to get that far. The river crossings are washed out and full of large rocks, and in one case a huge tree. I would only recommend heavy duty 4WDs attempt the Bloomfield road at present. Tides are high morning and low afternoon all week, with some high enough to flood the Bloomfield Causeway.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 3/3/08 - 9/3/08

Once again no significant rain to report on the Daintree Coast. It has been humid, overcast, and generally wet seasonish, with showers etc, but there has been no real rain. It seems as if the Central and Southern Coast of Qld is getting all the rain this year. There have been isolated incidents of heavy rain, but the Bloomfield Track is in the best condition I have seen it in March due to the lack of significant rain.

There is enough water around for the frogs though, and each night we get a variety of frog calls serenading us to sleep.

This week again has the chance of rain, with my local knowledge suggesting Tuesday or Wednesday could see heavy rain; it often comes 3 days after a southeast change…

Not a good week for the reef unless the winds moderate, which looks unlikely. While the weather looks bad, it’s worth remembering that March is the wettest month of the year, and there is nothing unusual about the forecasts below.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTA flood warning is current for coastal streams south of Cairns, including theTully and Murray Rivers.Showers, rain periods and thunderstorms with some moderate to heavy falls.Moderate to fresh SE winds, strong about the coast.Outlook for Tuesday ... Showers and rain areas, coast and adjacent rangeswith moderate to heavy falls. Showers elsewhere. SE winds, strong about thecoast.Outlook for Wednesday ... Showers and rain areas, coast and adjacent rangeswith moderate to heavy falls. Showers elsewhere. SE winds, strong about thecoast.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
A gale warning is current.
Monday until midnight: S/SE winds 25/30 knots, though lighter inshore early. Winds increasing to 30/40 knots offshore during the day, and possibly extending to inshore waters in the evening. Seas 3 metres outside the reef, increasing to 3.5 metres during the day. Seas 2 to 2.5 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers, rain areas and isolated thunderstorms.
Tuesday: SE/NE winds easing to 25/30 knots during the morning. Seas decreasing to 3 metres outside the reef, and 2 metres inside the reef. Rain and isolated thunderstorms.
Wednesday: SE winds 25/30 knots.

The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind.

The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rain events. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day. Yesterday, Mason’s Tours went through, and encountered a flash flood upon their return to Emmagen Creek. It was necessary to ford about 1m of water to return. Today we cancelled the tour, as more rain has fallen, and the rivers are likely to be too deep. Those attempting the track this week should plan to avoid high morning tides at the Bloomfield Causeway.
Tides are very high morning and low afternoon all week, with the daytime tides tending to neaps later in the week.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 25/02/08 - 02/03/08

Apologies for the lack of a report last week, I had an all day meeting in Port and a busy week, and by the time I got to it the week was nearly over!

Once again no significant rain to report on the Daintree Coast. It has been humid, overcast, and generally wet seasonish, but there has been no real rain. It seems as if the Central and Southern Coast of Qld is getting all the rain this year.

The humid conditions mean that the frogs, lizards and snakes are out in force, and during the last week some nightwalkers with Mason’s Tours were treated to the sight of a Crocodile killing a wild pig. The next night he was still there guarding his kill.

This week again has the chance of rain, but winds are moderate, and it should again be a good time to visit the reef. There are two boats on the Daintree Coast, Rum Runner for a relaxed day out and scuba diving options, and an exciting ½ Day Trip snorkeling with Ocean Safari.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered showers and isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Rain areasnorth of Cairns with localised moderate to heavy falls. Light to moderate E toSE winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms and areasof rain with possible moderate to heavy falls.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms and areasof rain with possible moderate to heavy falls.

UPDATEDNorth Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: S/SE winds 10/15 knots. Seas to 1.2 metres. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Tuesday: S/SE winds 10/15 knots. Seas to 1.2 metres. Showers and squally storms.Wednesday: SE winds 10/15 knots shifting W/SW at 10/15 knots over northern waters. The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind. The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rain events. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day. Tides are high morning and low afternoon all week, with the daytime tides tending to neaps later in the week.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 28/1 - 3/2/08

Last weeks weather was cooler, the southeast change dropped temperatures a bit and we had one decent rainfall during the week. This bought out the red eyed green tree frogs in huge numbers, and closed the Bloomfield Track for a day. The coastal swamps filled again, and the White Lipped Green Tree Frogs are calling in huge numbers again.

This week again has the chance of rain, but winds moderate, and it should be a good time to visit the reef. There are two boats on the Daintree Coast, Rum Runner for a relaxed day out and scuba diving options, and an exciting ½ Day Trip snorkeling with Ocean Safari.

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTIsolated showers developing during the afternoon with isolated thunderstormspossible west of the Tablelands. Light winds and moderate afternoon coastal seabreezes. Outlook for Tuesday ... Showers increasing to scattered with isolatedthunderstorms and tending to rain areas at night.Outlook for Wednesday ... Showers and rain areas with some moderate to heavyfalls about the coast and ranges. Isolated thunderstorms.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:Monday until midnight: SE winds 10/15 knots. Lighter SW winds inshore early. Local NE seabreezes inshore during the afternoon. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef, and 0.6 metres inside. Isolated showers.Tuesday: SE/NE winds 10/15 knots. Lighter SW winds inshore early. Seas to 1.2 metres outside the reef, and 0.6 metres inside. Isolated showers. Wednesday: SE/NE winds 10/15 knots.

The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind.

The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rain events. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day.
Tides are neap early in the week with highs in the early morning from Friday

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 21/1/08 - 27/1/08

To sum up last week in a word….hot. For once it is raining everywhere else in Qld EXCEPT the Daintree Coast. We have had lovely fine hot days with the odd afternoon heat storm. From the looks of the forecast there is more to come.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTContinuing sultry with mostly light NW to SW winds and afternoon coastal seabreezes. Isolated showers during the afternoon with some local thunderstormsinland. Showers tending scattered tonight as winds turn SE and freshen. Outlook for Tuesday ... Showers and isolated thunderstorms with some moderateto heavy falls near the coast south of Cairns.Outlook for Wednesday ... Showers with moderate to heavy falls chiefly coastand ranges.
North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:A strong wind warning has been issued for Tuesday.Monday until midnight: W/SW winds 10/15 knots at first with seas to 1.2 metres. S/SE winds at 15/20 knots developing over far southern waters during the morning then spreading across most areas south of Cooktown by evening. Seas rising to 1.7 metres outside the reef. Showers and isolated thunderstorms increasing to rain in the south.Tuesday: SE winds 15/20 knots increasing to 20/30 knots by late in the day. Seas to 1.7 metres outside the reef rising to 2.5 metres late in the day. Seas to 1.2 metres inside the reef rising to 1.7 metres. Showers and isolated storms.Wednesday: SE winds 20/30 knots.
The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind. The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rain events. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day.
Tides are high in the morning tending to midday later in the week.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 14/1/08 - 20/01/08

The last week has seen lots of sultry weather again, with patches of rain, typical for this time of the year. Strong westerly winds last night continue today.
The rain has really made the forest green up and there are birds, lizards, frogs and snakes everywhere. It is a great time for wildlife spotting.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTShowers and thunderstorms mainly afternoon and evening and tending to rain areasat night. Local moderate to heavy falls in southern parts. Light to moderate NWto N winds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Further showers and thunderstorms tending to rainareas in the south with some moderate to heavy falls. Winds tending S/SE in thesouth.Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers and thunderstorms. North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: W/NW winds 20/25 knots in northern waters with seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef, 1.6 metres inside the reef. W/NW winds 10/20 knots in the south with seas 1.7 metres outside the reef, 1.3 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms with squalls.
Tuesday: W/NW winds 20/25 knots in northern waters with seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef, 1.6 metres inside the reef. W/NW winds 10/20 knots in the south with seas 1.7 metres outside the reef, 1.3 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms with squalls.
Wednesday: W/NW winds 20/25 knots in northern waters with seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef, 1.6 metres inside the reef. W/NW winds 10/20 knots in the south with seas 1.7 metres outside the reef, 1.3 metres inside the reef. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms with squalls. The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. Drivers should also be aware of fallen branches and trees on the road after wind. The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rain events. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day.

Boyd's Forest Dragon

These beautiful lizards are endemic (restricted) to The Wet Tropics World Hertaige Area, which stretches from Townsville to Cooktown. Although they can be seen all year round, they are much easier to find in wet weather. They sleep at night in the rain on thin trees as per the picture, but also occasionally on the ends of branches, facing inwards.
Described in some books as rare and vulnerable, they are locally common on the Daintree Coast.
I have noticed that mosquitos feast on them, finding blood by going in between the scales. Perhaps there is some kind of relationship, as it seems likely that this would be an excellent way to transmit disease between dragons.
The scales on their necks are enlarged, giving the impression of large white dots. This is probably just decoration. The spikes on their backs are sharp and strong, making them a less appetising meal for a python, whereas the ones on their necks are quite soft, like a chicken's comb.
Scientists call them an 'Ectotherm' they rely totallly on air temperature to regulate their own temperature. To do this, they can change colour slowly from light to dark. They also will hug a tree at night, becoming the same temperature as the tree to prevent being found by infared hunters like the Amethystine Python. In the morning I have seen them hold their whole body away from a tree to allow warm air to circulate.
They rarely if ever sunbake. Boyds that are in sun for very long begin to pant, and as one of my reference books notes " a panting dragon is near death".
They have a sticky tonge which shoots out and they eat insects as well as worms and anything else that catches their eye. They will pounch off a tree, having spotted movement on the ground. Their favourite food, according to researchers, is ants.
There are many places that visitors to the Daintree Coast can see these lovely, but well camoflaged lizards; The Marrdja Board Walk, Jindalba and Dubiji, but the best way is to take a nightwalk with a local guide. They are hard to spot and most local guides have years of experience at finding them.

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 7/1 - 13/1 with extra paragraph!!

The last week has seen lots of sultry weather, with patches of rain, typical for this time of the year. Despite the best efforts of the media in suggesting it was going to happen, no-one has been blown away by a cyclone.
Our weeks weather will likely be influenced by ex tropical cyclone Helen as it crosses the Gulf Coast today. If the Rain Depression comes across this way, we will get heavy rain, if it passes south of us, it will fine up. Bets anyone?
The rain has really made the forest green up and there are birds, lizards, frogs and snakes everywhere. It is a great time for wildlife spotting.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered showers and isolated thunderstorms tending to rain tonight. Somemoderate to heavy falls developing during the day. Light to moderate N to NWwinds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered showers, thunderstorms and areas of rainwith moderate to heavy falls. Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers, thunderstorms and areas of rain.Some moderate to heavy falls. North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: NE/N winds freshening to 15/20 knots with seas to 1.5 metres. Rain areas and isolated thunderstorms.
Tuesday: N/NW winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.5 metres. Rain areas and isolated thunderstorms.
Wednesday: N/NE winds 15/20 knots becoming SE in the south 15/20 knots. The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rainevents. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day. High tides this week start at 9am today and slide to midday by Sunday. Lows start at 3pm and slide to 8pm by Sunday. There are also some good lows around sunrise from Frday.

Weekly Report Daintree Coast 7/1 - 13/1

NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTScattered showers and isolated thunderstorms tending to rain tonight. Somemoderate to heavy falls developing during the day. Light to moderate N to NWwinds.Outlook for Tuesday ... Scattered showers, thunderstorms and areas of rainwith moderate to heavy falls. Outlook for Wednesday ... Scattered showers, thunderstorms and areas of rain.Some moderate to heavy falls. North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: NE/N winds freshening to 15/20 knots with seas to 1.5 metres. Rain areas and isolated thunderstorms.
Tuesday: N/NW winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.5 metres. Rain areas and isolated thunderstorms.
Wednesday: N/NE winds 15/20 knots becoming SE in the south 15/20 knots. The road to Cape Tribulation is open, but if any of the forecast heavy rain evens materialize, there may be localized flooding. I recommend caution when crossing patches of floodwater, even in 4WDs. It is very easy for an inexperienced driver to misjudge this water and be washed away. The Bloomfield Track is currently open, but is also prone to localized flooding after rainevents. Those attempting the track should only do so in heavy duty 4WDs, and be prepared for very deep, washed out and rocky river crossings. It is also a good idea to seek local advice on the day. High tides this week start at 9am today and slide to midday by Sunday. Lows start at 3pm and slide to 8pm by Sunday. There are also some good lows around sunrise from Frday.