Townsville and Cairns

2nd May 2006

For those of you who wanted to read the quote on the last post, I have typed it out here. That is one problem of reducing the size of the photos.

The Edge of the World
North West Coast Tasmania

I cast my pebble onto the shore of Eternity
To be washed by the Ocean of Time
It has shape, form and substance
It is me.
One day I will be no more
But my pebble will remain here
On the shore of Eternity
Mute witness for the aeons
That today I came and stood
At the edge of the world.
Brian Inder

Coming up to three months since I started this trip. I will have to start packing again for New Zealand. I have really enjoyed staying with my sister Ady and family. My other sister Sue came out on her first trip to Australia and we did a side trip to Cairns. Stayed at the Fur N Feathers www.rainforesttreehouses.com.au
An amazing place. The following are photos from there.

At one stage we had 14 King Parrots on the veranda. One of the results of Cyclone Larry is that there is no fruit on the trees and the birds flocked to the alternative food sources.

There were at least 3 Catbirds visiting. We had to mash the bananas as the Catbird would take the lot. They still tried to fit as much as they could into their beak but at least the honeyeaters got a chance.

Honeyeaters also could not wait until the food got to the birdfeeder. Their photo did not come out as well.

King Parrot showing Sue where he is in the book

Lots of possums visiting

Tui and his chicks. I had an inspection from Tui when I was walking to the office one day. I remembered to stand still and be like a tree. He came right up and then turned away. My heart was pounding. He moved off and I started to walk slowly towards the office. Tui noticed the movement and turned back towards me. I stood like a tree for several moments. His chicks were getting bored but Tui stayed where he was. Luckily he started to preen so I was able to move, one step at a time, towards safety. Luckily I was not wearing anything in his colours as he would have thought I was another Cassorwary. A great experience to see them in the wild and so close!

These beautiful riflebirds make a sound like crepe paper when they fly

Do you see what I mean about waiting for food!!

Double eyed fig parrots. Do not know why they are called double eyed.

Alan was the one who found the parrots and many other birds and a tree kangeroo for us. He was trying to get me a photo of a joey but this other rock wallaby got into the act. Worth a tour so visit Alan's website at www.alanswildlifetours.com.au

A rare tree frog which visits the treehouse bathrooms.

That is all for now. Ady and I are back to Cairns, well Palm Cove for a pampering weekend then I am off to New Zealand on 8th May.