Weekly report for 15/10/07 –21/10/07
Rainfall – The weekend has had fine weather, with blue skies but and moderate winds on Saturday, but the southeaster picked up on Sunday, much to my disgust. The week looks average, with forecasts for showers mornings and strong winds, which may ease later in the week. The nights are still cool but the daytime temps are now getting up around 30 C. There has been markedly more reptile activity, with some beautiful pythons seen again on Night Walks again this week. Dragon lizards are now starting to been seen during the day in the forest, and there is much more bird activity.
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICTIsolated morning coastal showers otherwise fine. Moderate to fresh southeastwinds. A moderate to high fire danger. Outlook for Tuesday ... Isolated morning coastal showers, otherwise fine.Outlook for Wednesday ... Isolated morning coastal showers, otherwise fine. North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: SE winds 20/25 knots. Seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef and 1.4 metres inside the reef. Isolated showers.
Tuesday: SE winds 20/25 knots north of Cairns, 15/20 knots to the south. Seas to 2.2 metres outside the reef and 1.4 metres inside the reef, slightly less south of Cairns. Isolated showers.
Wednesday: SE winds 20/25 knots north of Cairns, 15/20 knots to the south.
Roads – the road to Cape Trib is open with no flooding, there are minor delays at Thompson Creek just north of Coconut Beach due to roadworks. There is single lane section there with a give way sign for northbound traffic. The work here is nearly finished, I expect both lanes to reopen this week. This will mean that Thompson Creek rarely floods, even in heavy rain. Please be aware of increased snake activity on the road at night. Please don’t run snakes over they are just as biologically important as Cassowaries! 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 still in great condition. 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. The road is in the best condition now it ever gets to, enjoy!
Tides – The week starts with low tides in the morning and high in the afternoon, but by Wednesday the tides are neap during the day with little or no movement. By Friday and through to Sunday, there is a morning low, folloed by a big high late afternoon.
Even with many school holidays over tours and accommodation is still busy, and people should pre-book to avoid disappointment.
