Sunday, February 24, 2008

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.