After an early wake up, we had an easy flight and landed in Cairns, where we picked up our rental car. Yepp, that's right, me, driving on the wrong side of the road. Better yet, we were driving to the rainforest so it was two hours of incredibly winding roads. It actually went surprisingly well, even Alex and Christy agree. So after that nerve wrecking drive, we wandered around Cape Tribulation, an area of the Daintree Rainforest and went to the beach, which you aren't allowed to swim in or really do anything at because of crocodiles and deadly jellyfish. Also, there were signs all along the road saying 'cassowary crossing.' Luckily we never ran into any. After the beach, we were exhausted and found a random car park and took an hour nap. Then it was time for zip lining!
They drove us up into the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest one in the world, where we got to see the beautiful views. Although our guides were somewhat creepy and awkward, it was amazing! We got to see the mountain where Avatar was filmed and zip line upside-down! Then we had to drive back through the rainforest (which has no street lights, surprise) to our hostel. It was recommended to us by our tour guide on Moreton Island and it was definitely worth it. The rooms were little cabins with netting for windows so you were literally sleeping in the middle of the rainforest so you could hear all the noises outside but the bugs and snakes couldn't eat you. We were able to just relax and hang out and actually sleep before driving back down to Cairns in the morning.
After stopping for delicious pancakes in Port Douglass, we returned the car and got a ride to our hostel, Tropic Days. It was seriously the nicest hostel we've seen, with single beds, clean everything, free wifi and a super chill, quiet atmosphere. Then we were off to white water raft! Not gonna lie, I was most nervous for this. I'm absolutely terrified of drowning so I was convinced I was going to fall out and die. The three of us, along with a 70 year old couple and our two raft guides got in the raft and off we went. Somehow Alex and I ended up being the boat leaders, meaning everything was basically in shambles because we struggle with life sometimes. After surviving most of the major rapids, and only falling on top of Alex once, we hit the final set and out fly the older couple. All the sudden I just see feet and helmets floating down the river. It was terrifying. Thankfully they survived unharmed! We got to swim for a bit in the river and then got on a bus to head back to the hostel. As we talked to our raft guide, he convinced us that going out and seeing the Cairns nightlife would be a good idea, so we went to get ready. We all thought that this trip was going to be super laid back so we brought no cute clothes but by some twist of magic, we managed to throw together outfits and got ready in record time. We went to a backpackers club called Gilligans and met up with the raft guide. While we were there, we also saw a group of guys that had been on our rafting tour earlier for a bachelor's party. We hung out there with all of them and had a great time!
Bright and early Saturday morning, we were up to see the Great Barrier Reef! You can bet that I was quoting Finding Nemo all day. We had all signed up to do an introductory scuba dive and I was nervous... again with the whole drowning fear.. After being taught some basic safety things, we put on our oxygen tanks and weight belts and headed to the edge of the ship. I climbed down the ladder, put in my mask on and stuck my head under water.... where I immediately panicked and demanded to be taken out of the water. The bottom of the ocean is a long way down. So after we all panicked, we decided to snorkel instead, and it was still totally awesome! Because it's the summer, the coral wasn't super brightly colored like you sometimes see in pictures but it was still unbelievable! We got to see all sorts of fish and coral and we saw a cuddle fish which is apparently super cool and rare. On the boat home we all had lovely little naps and then went back to Gilligans for some more fun with our new friends! |
| the groom obviously knows the best sorority |
Sunday morning, we packed up our stuff and checked out of the hostel before our last big adventure, horse back riding. Although we were tired from a long, crazy weekend, we were so excited! We got to ride through a beautiful farm and sugar cane fields. I'm not exactly an animal whisperer so I'm pretty sure my horse hated me and he totally tried to kick me off but ya know, it's fine. Then it was back to the airport for us! It was a little frustuating when our flight had a delay but we basically slept through it and were back in Brisbane in no time!It's so crazy, today I finished my last classes here at Bond! I can't believe it's all ending so fast. We have a 'study week' and then I have two finals and then we'll spend 10 days in New Zealand and then bam, I'll be back in the BloNo eating Steak n' Shake and Chili's and Moe's until my eyes explode. I miss you all so much and can't wait to see you but I can't help but wish I had at least a few more weeks here in the land down under. I honestly don't know how I'm going to be able to leave. Christy and Alex might have to drag me onto the plane. Love you all, I'll actually see you soon! <3
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