Sunday, October 28, 2007

Daintree Coast Weekly Report 29/10 - 4/11

The weather this weekend has been superb! The water was flat calm, with some locals taking small boats right to the edge of the continental shelf! Even in the afternoons only the smallest breezes blew up, just enough to keep those of us out on the water cool. On land there has been a tendency for clouds to form over the mountains in the afternoon, typical for this time of the year. Last night was quite warm and humid, reminding us that the green season is fast approaching.

The weather is forecast to change, with moderate and then strong southeasters later in the week. Although this will not make mariners happy, it will cool it down a bit. I expect rain sometime after Wednesday.

Reptiles are now fully active, with Boyds Dragons, Water Dragons and Snakes seen often day and night. Any sign of rain sees frogs out, and birds are nesting everywhere. Lace Monitors are wandering around the campgrounds and across the roads, and the Crocs are feeling frisky!

Sultry. Isolated afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorm chiefly inland.
Light to moderate E to NE winds. Moderate to high fire danger.
Outlook for Tuesday ... Isolated coastal showers chiefly overnight.
Moderate SE winds.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Isolated coastal showers chiefly overnight.

North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: E/NE winds 10/15 knots, shifting E/SE 15/20 knots in the evening. Seas rising from 1.2 to 1.6 metres outside the reef and from 0.7 to 1.2 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers, chiefly evening.
Tuesday: E/SE winds 15/20 knots, reaching 20/25 knots in the far north by evening. Seas from 1.6 to 2.2 metres outside the reef, seas from 1.2 to 1.5 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.
Wednesday: SE winds 15/20 knots, reaching 20/25 knots north of Cairns.

Roads – the road to Cape Trib is open with no flooding. Thompson Creek Causeway is now complete, and both lanes are open. This has significantly improved access around Cape Tribulation and the big queues at this crossing in the wet season will now be a thing of the past. Only one more to go, Cooper Creek! Please be aware of increased snake and frog activity on the road at night. Please don’t run snakes over they are just as biologically important as Cassowaries (or frogs)! Also be aware of forest dragons on the road, as they are in nesting season. They tend to lay eggs in openings in the forest, and roadside verges are ideal. In the days of graded dirt roads, many nests were destroyed as grading was carried out, and the drains were reopened, of course this was the very spot the Boyd’s had decided to lay eggs!

The Bloomfield Track is open to 4WDs only and is in good condition. Some potholes are developing. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are less than knee deep. Dust is bad on the road and lights should be used.


Tides – are a mixed bag this week, with highs midday to early afternoon until Thursday, when the highs are before sunrise and early evening.

Although the accommodation houses are not as busy, we still recommend pre booking