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Scott Today was our first full day in Cairns. It also happened to be Australia Day, or the day when the first settlers (convicts) landed in Sydney Harbor. Although this day sounds similar to one of our holidays, it is surrounded by much controversy because aboriginals see it as the day their land was stolen. For the most part, the day resembles any other day except for a few promotions and sales. Our Australia Day started early in the morning with an hour bus ride to Victor Harbor. The highway to Victor Harbor was a windy two-lane road through the dense jungle with huge mango trees hanging low and acting as an archway into the Great Barrier Reef. Although the day was overcast, it was still about 85 degrees and the water at the reef was around 90. Even with the overcast skies, we were cautioned to wear lycra body suits to keep the sun from scorching our bodies and to protect us from the jelly fish that can kill within a few minutes or the ones that shoot stinging sensations into your body until you get medical attention at a hospital two hours away. Overall the day was amazing, we were able to see the amazing coral reefs and swim with some of the most amazing sea life including sea turtles, sharks (small ones) and an some of us even found Nemo. The cruise back to port was very relaxing and was a great way to catch up on our tans, or for some of us, our burns. The night ended early with a quick swim in the pool dinner and of course the Australian Open (tennis), where the local favorite Layton Hewitt moved on to the next round. On a personal note I think that although Cairns is one of the most beautiful places on the face of this earth, if we had begun our journey in this city, we would have a very different view of the Australian geography and heritage. The tropical climate brings tremendous heat, and the constant rain makes for one of the muggiest climates I have ever faced, all combining to create one of the best and most beautiful places I have had the privilege to visit.
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