Queensland

So now it's 2009 - that came quick...

and according to the count down at the Woolshed here in Cairns it's only 361 days, 1 hour, 17 minutes and a couple of seconds left until 2010!

So what shall we do with that time my friends?

Well, for starters I'm going to spend some minutes entertaining you guys, you've waited long enough since last time! (I'll be better, I 'promise'!)

We have now spent almost a week in Queensland, mainly Cairns and Port Douglas, so I think I'll tell you some trivia about these places before I go on;

Cairns

- A regional city in Far North Queensland, Australia.

- Population ~ 130 000.

- In 1770, James Cook first mapped the future site of Cairns, naming it Trinity Bay.

- The city itself was founded in 1876 and formed to serve miners heading for the Hodgkinson River goldfield, but experienced a decline when an easier route was discovered from Port Douglas.

- Tourism is the largest income producer for the region, followed closely by the sugar industry.

- Located about 1,701 km (1,057 mi) from Brisbane, and about 2,420 km (1,504 mi) from Sydney by road.

- A notable feature of the Cairns esplanade is a swimming lagoon with adjoining barbecue areas. In May 2003, the then Cairns Mayor Kevin Byrne declared that topless sunbathing is permitted here, as the area is a gathering point for people from around the world who may wish to do so..

Port Douglas (and its beautiful Four Mile Beach)

- Approximately 70 km (43 mi) north of Cairns.

- Population ~ 1000, but it's roughly four times that in 'tourist season' (In 1960 it was around 100 people, and very little tourists..).

- Established in 1877.

- On September 11, 2001, Bill Clinton was dining at Salsa Bar and Grill in Port Douglas when he was told about the 9/11 attacks. (He returned to the States the following day).

- On 4 September, 2006, entertainer a.k.a. "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin died at Batt Reef, just off Port Douglas, after a stingray barb went through his chest into his heart while Irwin and his crew were filming a documentary called 'The Ocean's Deadliest'. Irwin was filmed snorkelling directly above the stingray when it lashed him with its tail, embedding its poisonous barb. Irwin died almost immediately.

- These days it's a luxury town for (retired) people with tonnes of money (like myself), a 3 bedroom here will cost you somewhere near 6 million AUD (~ 30 million SEK, 3 million Euro) - and that's not even in the nice part of town...

OK, now some good to know facts about the state itself,

Queensland (also knowned as the Sunshine State)

- The second largest state in Australia.

- State population ~ a bit more than 4 million.

- State capital is Brisbane with a population of 1,9 million.

- Queensland holds a lot of the top 10 deadliest animals in Australia (and often they're top ten in the world too...), and well, Queensland have all of the top ten animals in fact, not just a lot...;

1 - Box jellyfish (see picture)

One of the most extremely lethal animals in the world

2 - Irukandji jellyfish

Related to the box jellyfish.

3 - Saltwater crocodile (see picture)

The largest living member of the crocodilians and reptiles, the saltwater crocodile can grow up to 5.45 meters in length. They have been known to take on animals such an adult water buffalo and have often attacked people.

4 - Blue ring octopus

Even though the octopus is only the size of a golf ball, there is no known antidote for its powerful venom. It causes motor paralysis, eventually leading to cardiac arrest. First aid treatment consists of pressure on the wound and mouth-to-mouth breathing that can last for several hours.

5 - Stonefish

Known as the most venomous fish in the world, it’s venom comes from the dorsal area, that is lined with 13 spines, causing shock, paralysis and tissue death depending on the severity of the sting. The pain is said to be so excruciating that it lead to amputating the affected limb.

6 - Red back spider (see picture)

This species found all over the continent is Australia’s most famous deadly spider. The red striped spider has a neurotic venom that induces severe pain, however, deaths are rare. Thousands of people are bitten but only approximately 20% of the victims require treatment. Generally, the children and the elderly are the most exposed to the spider’s threat. This is one of the few spider species that displays sexual cannibalism while mating.

7 - Brown snake

Known as one of Australia’s most deadly creatures, the brown snake has a venom which quickly kills if it goes untreated. Even young snakes are capable of delivering a fatal bite to humans.

8 - Tiger snake (see picture)

The tiger snake is known as one of the deadliest snakes in the world. Although anti-venom is readily available, mortality rates are around 45% if the bite is left untreated. In most states, the species is protected and any harming or injuring lead to a fine of up to $4,000.

9 - Great white shark

This exceptionally large shark known as the white death is known as world’s largest known predatory fish. Humans are not a good meal, considering the shark’s slow digestion compared to the human’s muscle to fat ratio.

10 - Funnel web spider
The darkly colored spiders resembling tarantulas have fangs and chelicerae with ample venom glands, that can even penetrate fingernails or shoes.

There we go, entertainment enough?

I'll return tomorrow and tell you all about my adventures in this wicked place!!

Until then, take care - I know I will....