A big Hello to everyone back home in the States

One of the biggest risks a new resident and tourists encounter out here is getting lost on a hike, so I've been keeping my hikes close to home on well marked paths... until this weekend. I went into Cairns, bought a handheld GPS that would track my path and set out to explore a little bit beyond...

Yesterday's hike was a bit of a cheat as it's a 3k paved path into the rainforest along Freshwater Creek. They call it the Crystal Cascades and it was a good opportunity to work the learning curve of my new GPS. In the pics below, the Cascades are the 3rd and 4th picture down. It's a popular place to visit during stinger season due to several crystal clear swimming pools along the cascades and ironically, on the hike up there you have to beware of the Stinging Trees... cute little shrubs with heart-shaped leaves causing excruciating pain to any who touch it.

Today was a hike up to Glacier Rock; named for it's once icy white facade of rock and the 2nd pic is a view of the Cairns region with the Coral Sea in the distance. Look carefully and you can see the Barron River winding its way to the sea... and the city of Cairns is obstructed by the twin mountains.

As for the mango tree... I thought it would make a kool picture, thinking fans of the film Princess Bride will appreciate it.

Cheers, Matt :)