We were woken by rain on the roof but it was still 26 degrees.

The nearby Mossman Gorge was high on our list of must see activities and so we decided to wait the morning out to see if the weather improved. After an early lunch, it was overcast but the rain had stopped. We summised that this was probably the best kind of weather for walking through a rainforest. Just a quick 5km drive and we were at the Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre. From here you either catch the shuttle bus 2.5km to the beginning of the gorge, or you walk. Our intention was to walk but Caleb had been mentioning an ache in his knee and he was also doing his best not to complain about it. We decided to take the shuttle and save the kid some pain (and some future whinging!) 

When the shuttle stopped we enjoyed a walk on the boardwalk to the swimming holes and small waterfalls. Plenty of people were swimming and letting themselves be carried along in the currents. They provided good entertainment for those of us watching. There was an option to do a 2 km circuit walk through the rainforest and Caleb thought he might be able to cope so we set off. It was pleasant checking out the different plants in the rainforest and noticing how they each compete for the sunlight through the thick overhead canopy. Such a beautiful part of Australia to visit and very popular with tourists. The infrastructure has been well thought out and the area is managed well for the amount of foot traffic that it receives. I can imagine that ona really hot day, you would find relative cool conditions here in the rainforest and refreshing water to swim and relax in. I can also imagine that the crowds would be overwhelming too.

Just as the knee was causing Caleb some limping action, we finished the circuit, walked back to the shuttle bus and were taken back to the information centre. The centre has a small gallery of Aboriginal artefacts and crafts and a cafe. 

The walk had warmed us up and with 26 degrees even I thought of going for a swim. Our current caravan park is attached to the Mossman Leisure centre and free entry into the pool (Olympic size) is included in your site fees. We changed into our bathers and headed there. 

Caleb was so encouraging, helping me to 
decide to get in the pool. I couldn’t let him and Ray down so I tip toed down the ladder into the freezing water. I feel the cold easily and this was tipping the scale from freezing conditions to hypothermic conditions! Ray spurred me on telling me how brave I was. I couldn’t stop now! I plunged the rest of me in then spent the next 20 minutes swimming (in a fashion) up and down the pool to try to warm up. In spite of the temperature, it was nice to be in the water with the boys, rather than sitting on the side watching yet again. 

I was proud of myself for being brave but feel there is no need to prove myself too regularly.