The Travelling Fairy DancerShops, Crocs and Beaches.
June 13th 2008 01:08
Caught between a country road with randomly speeding cars on one side and a lush forest leading to the ocean on the other, I saw a narrow creek up ahead, blocking my path. With three crocodile sightings in the area that month, taking my chances on the road was preferable to stepping any closer to the sinister looking creek (which, without possible crocodiles, would have been a very pretty, shady watering hole leading to the beach).
The leaves were rustling loudly, making my head swivel rapidly on my shoulders, ready to run from an approaching man-eater. My issue was, even if I crossed the road, I would be faced with a very steep hill only a lizard could climb, therefore trapping me in anyway. My fictional croc, at this stage, was no where to be seen despite my increasing panic. Why had I gone walking on my own? Why hadn't I wandered down that beach path ten minutes back? Not that it would have mattered; apparently a guy had jumped through a wave and into a crocs mouth just last week in Cairns. Here, in Port Douglas, the ocean couldn't save me.
Only yesterday, I'd been traipsing around Macrossan St, eyeing off designer swimwear and eating gourmet lunch at Zinc Resaurant and Lounge. Reclining by the pool at the resort, I'd ordered cocktails before shopping up a storm at Marina Mirage.
Now, there were no shops, no houses and not another soul in sight (other than those lucky ones protected within the shell of a fast moving vehicle). Firmly regretting my decision to walk to much admired beaches off the normal tourist track, I decided to brave the creek and, after splashing to the other side in under five seconds, managed to survive due to the noticeable absence of any prehistoric creatures.
Almost disappointed not to be able to add to the daily round of croc stories in town, I breathed a sigh of relief nonetheless and continued on my way to a spectacular day of beach discovery.
Port Douglas, in North Queensland, certainly offers a variety of adventures. Just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for unexpected visitors...
The leaves were rustling loudly, making my head swivel rapidly on my shoulders, ready to run from an approaching man-eater. My issue was, even if I crossed the road, I would be faced with a very steep hill only a lizard could climb, therefore trapping me in anyway. My fictional croc, at this stage, was no where to be seen despite my increasing panic. Why had I gone walking on my own? Why hadn't I wandered down that beach path ten minutes back? Not that it would have mattered; apparently a guy had jumped through a wave and into a crocs mouth just last week in Cairns. Here, in Port Douglas, the ocean couldn't save me.
Only yesterday, I'd been traipsing around Macrossan St, eyeing off designer swimwear and eating gourmet lunch at Zinc Resaurant and Lounge. Reclining by the pool at the resort, I'd ordered cocktails before shopping up a storm at Marina Mirage.
Now, there were no shops, no houses and not another soul in sight (other than those lucky ones protected within the shell of a fast moving vehicle). Firmly regretting my decision to walk to much admired beaches off the normal tourist track, I decided to brave the creek and, after splashing to the other side in under five seconds, managed to survive due to the noticeable absence of any prehistoric creatures.
Almost disappointed not to be able to add to the daily round of croc stories in town, I breathed a sigh of relief nonetheless and continued on my way to a spectacular day of beach discovery.
Port Douglas, in North Queensland, certainly offers a variety of adventures. Just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for unexpected visitors...
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