June 13th

Day at the Daintree

Today was one of our rather long days.  We woke up early for a long drive to Daintree National Park.  After a solid two-hour drive filled with naps and tunes, there was a quick stop at a beautiful overlook of the beach from the jungle.  Next stop was at a tropical ice cream stand where the flavors of the day that each of the gang tried included wattleseed, passion fruit, jackfruit, and sour drop.  The tasty treat came with discrepancies of which flavor was best, willow seed is my choice).  On our way to our next location, we saw a momma cassowary and her three babies crossing the river (this bird is a rare site to see as Professor Burton had never seen one in the while).

As lunch approached the gang was dropped off at the beach to make some sandwiches and chill out.  Emma, Syd, Rachel, and I went on a stunning run along the coast even spotting two 'Cuse alumni on a post-graduation trip.  The coast was absolutely breathtaking and probably one of the best runner highs of each of our lives.  We also got visits from wild brush turkeys (don't pronounce the r in brush) and even a huge lace monitor.  


After that, the gang was split up to go jungle surfing (zip lining) and venturing to another water hole or the beach.  I was in the first zip squad and had a blast.  The mates that took care of us were a fun group with each helmet representing a great character, Pikachu was how I would be referred to.  Phil was scared of heights and Emma was cold, so nothing new there.  Dad jokes and nature knowledge was being dropped heavily.  Next up was another beach stop where the sport of "Australian Beach Handball" was created courtesy of Phil's naming rights, Jared's field creation, and rulemaking done by the collection.  Once Dougo returned with the bus everyone settled in for a long drive into the night.  Overall it was a long and exhausting day filled with excitement and fun and friendship!!☺ 

-Patrick Riolo

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