Cairns, Australia Part 3 ~ Army Ducks & Wildlife Park

Army Duck! These were so cool and I was actually excited for this adventure. They are the original WWII Army Ducks used by the Australian Army during the Battle of Coral Sea in 1942. Built by women in Michigan! They were only supposed to last 7 to 8 months and in 2015 they are going strong! This battle against the Japanese was the first time that the Australians and Americans fought alongside one another. Now they are used for tours through the rainforest. 

The only thing that I have a gripe about in this beautiful country is the fact that the plants, bugs, creatures, anyother wildlife can just about kill you :-) This is a Female Golden Orb Spider (look in the center of the picture). She is not full grown!!!! That's ridiculous!!! A spider should not ever be that big!!

Rainforest canopy - Ferns

Traveling in the water. Saltwater and Freshwater Crocs do not come this far north in the forest - According to the guide

Coffee plant and Banana tree

It is a modern art masterpiece when this kid eats anything

KOALA BEARS!!!!

Yes, Ash is holding a real live Koala Bear and she LOVED, and I mean LOVED, every second of this. The lighting was awful and I needed to crop the rest of us out of the picture. It was TERRIBLE!!! I have the original if my family wants to see it. 

At first I was irritated that Ash would not keep her eyes opened after several pictures were taken but then I realized this is the face of a truly happy girl who is beyond thrilled to be holding a real crocodile :-)

Yep - She's cute

Tasmanian Devil after a fight 

While we walked through the wildlife park, Kangaroo were just out and about walking around. SO COOL!!!! CJ was asleep so once again he missed out on an awesome photo opp!

Joey's

CJ didn't take his eyes off the Kangaroo - probably wanted to make sure it didn't make any sudden movements :-) Oh and Mike found a new hat - Kangaroo leather this time.... Cowhide went to Ash as she really wanted it to begin with.

Freshwater Crocodile

These pictures were taken almost 15 minutes apart. Bus = Sleep

So long Cairns - Until next time!