Sunday, November 18, 2007

Extreme Crossing of Eammagen Creek

This crossing was made after an early start to the wet season in 2000. The group had to wait for the water to recede before coming home after a flash flood. Mason's Tours have fitted their vehicles with snorkels and winches to make rare crossings this deep safer. Out of the image is another Mason's 4WD with a towrope ready just in case! The drivers had also walked the crossing to check depth, rocks and current prior to driving in. The crossing was succesful!

Green Season Arives

Over the last three days Cape Tribulation has experienced about 250mm of rain, and the whole area has changed from brown to green. Creeks and rivers that had slowed to a trickle are now flowing fast, and there are frogs everywhere!
Today the weather has improved, and it is forecast to be reasonably fine later in the week. A Wet or 'Green' Season is a bit like a winter, in that the worst of the weather rarely persists the whole season. Generally there arer rain periods interpersed with periods of calm, fine weather.
In my view, this is the best time to see the forest. The rivers run strong and clear, the waterfalls are spectacular, and the wildlife at its best.
Cape Tribulation has plenty of good accommodation, with either air-conditioned roooms, or well ventilated designs with fans, so you can sleep in comfort after a days exploring.
Visitors are often coinfused about waht to wear...I tell them swimwear with shorts and a t-shirt. Although we provide raincoats, the rain is usually so warm, its more fun to get wet. A 'sacrificial' pair of shoes is also a good idea. Most activities require footwear, so a set of cheap sneakers that you don't mind getting wet is a godsend.
Seeing the Daintree Rainforest in the rain is a fantastic experience, one I recommend. Don't be sad about the rain, enjoy the forest at its best!