Louise Currey talking the boys (Tynan with the cap, Jake without)
up so that she can take their photo. This was before we left the
dock at Marina Mirage.
After another morning of pool activities, today's excitement was to be a Crocodile Cruise aboard the Lady Douglas which has been operating in these waters since she was completed in 1989. It is a fake paddle wheeler, and the afternoon cruise that we enjoyed provided tea and biscuits in addition to what you are about to see. Alcoholic drinks cost extra.
Louise Currey talking the boys (Tynan with the cap, Jake without)
up so that she can take their photo. This was before we left the
dock at Marina Mirage.
We're under way, sailing majestically into the channels behind
Port Douglas. Apart from the other tourists on the left, there's
Nat (white top), Michelle behind her, then Flynn sitting next to
Peter, and Yvonne adjusting her glasses; Glenn and Cameron are
on the far right.
Heading further inland, we pass a number of moored boats. Not
sure that I would want to live in the mangroves like this.
Although it wasn't obvious that many of these boats had permanent
residents.
Flynn doesn't realise that he is holding onto the crocodile mounted
at the rear of the boat. Not that it would mean anything to him
at his age.
Ah, now Michelle points out the crocodile to the boys.
So perhaps Flynn will be a little more careful of crocodiles,
and where he sits.
Ah, a real crocodile in the water - about mid image, the head just
showing up. This cruise claims a 90% success
rate at seeing a crocodile. But it's a little less certain just
now, as crocodiles are territorial, but the regular big male just
here has not been seen for a while; this one is probably an interloper
who has taken over the territory for now.
It's hard to tell, but the river has many catfish; the boat operator
throws in catfood to attract them, to see if the activity will
interest the crocodiles. It didn't seem to.
Once again the crocodile is approaching the boat, having been scared
off by the pontoon boat you can see in the distance. Apparently
the crocodiles are accustomed to the Lady Douglas, and understand
that it gives them food!
The crocodile decides to head to shore. They live among the
dirt around the mangroves when out of the water, and this is where
the crocodile is headed.
This crocodile is moving rapidly, to the extent of leaving a bow wake!
Normally they swim more slowly, so presumably this crocodile
was concerned about something.
At this stage the Lady Douglas started heading towards Port Douglas.
Port Douglas
Eagles