Throw Another Shrimp on the Barbie

After leaving Melbourne, we headed to Cairns.  Let me say this about domestic Australian flights - nothing like the U.S.  We thought we would have to be there 2 hours ahead of time, deal with unfriendly airline staff, stand in long freaking lines, be groped by the Australian equivalent of TSA (ah the perks of travel) and have my curling iron once again be mistaken for another handy appliance (It has a cord.  Shouldn't that be a clue it isn't what you think it is).  Nope.  People here are friendly, the lines are short, I didn't get fondled and my curling iron escaped scrutiny.  And bonus - you can take your water bottles in also.  Wow.

Anyway, we arrived in Cairns which was the warm weather portion of our vacation.

The next day we took a snorkeling excursion to the Great Barrier Reef.  I was determined to snorkel which really doesn't mean anything unless you know that I don't swim.  I don't even float.  But I had some grand plan that involved my nieces, floaties, cursing and life long humiliation. Thank goodness for plan B, a patient marine biologist, a life vest and the tour of a lifetime.  Seriously it was like being inside Finding Nemo.  There were clown fish - actually fish of just about every color- and beautiful coral all around you.  Amazing. 

This picture doesn't do it justice.



I nicknamed these two Marlin and Nemo.




Tired of snorkeling, they worked on their tans.







Photo of me without makeup.  About as rare as a Yeti or Loch Ness monster sighting. 


The next day we were off to the town of Kuranda.  We took the scenic railway up the mountain and the cable car on the way down.  There were also a few stops along each way to walk and explore.

Next stop was Hartleys Crocodile Adventures!  Those suckers are huge.  And deceiving.  They float along lazily in the water then bam! They leap out about 8 feet.  You definitely do not want to have your arm sticking out taking a picture. 

This guy has worked with crocs for 15 years and still has all his limbs!

There were also other critters.



Reason #187 why I never raise my hand when they ask for volunteers from the audience.



 Later on we found the wallabies and koalas. 

Koalas are pretty much like this for 16-18 hrs a day.

  But they perked up a bit when we were there.

Until the Sydney recap, I'll leave you with the lyrics from this soothing Australian ballad.

Come to Australia

You might accidentally get killed

Your life's constantly under threat
Have you been bitten yet?
You've only got three minutes left
Before a massive coronary breakdown
Come to Australia
You might accidentally get killed
Your blood is bound to be spilled
With fear your pants will be filled
Because you might accidentally get killed