Cairns and Port Douglas

My trip to Australia is winding down, and I've made it to Cairns and Port Douglas...if you don't know where they are, they're both in the northeast corner of Australia, located in the state of Queensland. Did you know that Australia is made up of states like the US? I didn't.
Cairns is a very pretty beach town. It's a nice relaxing end to my time in Oz. My first day there, I walked around, then hung out around the water. Today; Kerry and I took a ferry to Green Island, where we took a Semi-submarine tour to look at the Great Barrier Reef, then I tried snorkeling! I'm not very good at it because my floating ability sucks! Kerry went out further on the reef than I did, but I did see some fish...not great, but at least I tried! After that, we decided to rent a car and drive up the coast to Port Douglas! Kerry said it was a really pretty town, and considering tomorrow is my last day in Oz, I figured, "Why not?" It took some effort to rent a car, though, because apparently everyone goes to Cairns to rent cars and then drive up the coast. It's a very pretty drive.

We're finally in hot weather again. I guess Cairns is in the tropics! Had no idea. I wish I had more time here because Kerry is going to do a tour that I would love, going into the rainforest and hiking and biking! But, alas, all good things must come to an end. I've spent the most marvelous night, watching the State of Origin, which is rugby; Queensland vs. New South Wales. It's a huge deal, and we had dinner at a pub, and sat with many other fans watching. I think I may finally have a grasp of rugby! The whole State of Origin thing, I'm not so sure about. Tomorrow we're heading back to Cairns, and hopefully (even though I don't like them) we'll stop at the Cairns Tropical Zoo and see some interesting creatures! My flight leaves at 6am Friday morning and the airport shuttle is coming for me at 4:30am! I'm going to do my best to get back on Chicago/Costa Rica time, so I'm not like a zombie when I arrive! See you all soon! Thanks for reading my blog, Mare! I think you're the only one!