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
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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