Day 49 Cape Tribulation

Whilst I was falling asleep last night, I was pondering what may seem very obvious, but it sure has rained a lot here...in the rain forest.  In fact, it has bucketed down since about 7pm yesterday without relenting at all.   The ground that was dry yesterday when we arrived is today 5cm under water.  That is not just around our campsite, but around the whole campsite.  We only had one engagement today though, so we didn't mind too much.

It is the first big rain that we have seen on this trip, but the van has held up well without any major dramas.  We have a little water here and there, but nothing that is going to be destructive.

We were to be collected at 0845 this morning, so we set an alarm for 0700 (HAHAHAHAHA)  Ashley woke us all at 0605 because he thought that the awning was broken (I had lowered it during the night due to strong winds.) so our day began very early indeed.  All of us were dressed and breakfasted well in advance.  We also found that the kettle had been on boil all night although there was no water in it, so I guess we are lucky that there was no fire.

Anyhow, our bus arrived and transferred us the short way to the jungle surfing which operates rain or shine.  We were kitted up for harnesses and helmets with memorable names on them.  Lisa was "Wonder Woman", I was "George of the Jungle", Ashley was "Captain Jack Sparrow", Emma drew the "Bugs Bunny" helmet, and Rowan got "Dennis the Menace" (Appropriate).  We trekked up the mountain side to the first platform where we got sorted out, and we were held back to last due to the size of our group.

 
From the first platform, we had to be winched up to the second, so it was one at a time.  From the second platform, Lisa travelled with Rowan, Ashley and Emma travelled as a pair and I had to travel by myself (boo hoo) and we were sent to the platform with the highest elevation.  The second platform is above the canopy at 19.5m high.

The next line was the longest span and again we went in pairs.   We were sent about 40m down the line and then suspended over the creek that was in full flow with all the rain.  Our guide said that the creek bed was dry at last nights nature walk.   I'd like to say that you could see all the way to the coast, but the rain had gotten heavier.  It was quite surreal to be in the canopy  whilst it was raining heavily. 

The fourth line was a solo fast descent.  They recommended that we do this without holding on to the harness ropes.  So with arms wide, we each soared down to the fourth platform.  There were a couple of squeals and giggles during this descent...and the kids thought it was cool too.  Rowan was taunting the guide to make him go as fast as possible.  He has no self preservation.  Dangerous.

The last descent of the day they encouraged us to flip upside down.  The kids tried hard, but their harnesses were clipped up near their chest and it was too hard for them to do.  Lisa and I managed to get upside down though, and it was a very interesting perspective to by flying inverted through the jungle I must say.  This was a definite must do activity.  I would recommend this for anyone regardless of age.

By the time we returned to solid ground again, we were soaked through like drowned drop bears, so back to the camp ground for hot showers and a fantastic lunch at the café of Pizza, Garlic Bread, Bruschetta and Rekordials for the grown ups.  We lounged the rest of the afternoon away in the caravan playing chinese checkers with the kids, and listening to the wind and rain.  Truly a magical part of the world.  Love Cape Tribulation.