Sunday, June 15, 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