JUNGLE DRUM: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
LAWRENCE MASON COLUMN
Over the past twelve months, you would have to be a rare individual if you had not questioned living in this region. Biblical deluges with mountains literally dissolving before our eyes, roads in tatters, water supply tenuous, and follow up rain relentless.
It's not at all uncommon to see people who have moved here recently pack up and leave with a 'For Sale' sign out front. In years such as this it's often only a matter of time before the bugs, crocs and snakes combine with the never ending mould and people return to the cold but more familiar place they came from.
I have lived here all my life and at times have wondered why the hell I am still here at times this year. I can't imagine what it is like for a newby. But then, almost every year, October comes in with its magic weather and all is forgiven. Sometimes like this year, the magic continues into November.
Cool, clear nights with lovely warm days, and mostly calm seas. Hot enough to enjoy a swim in the creek, but not muggy and sweaty. Cool enough at night to need a sheet to stay warm. Dry enough that the bugs are down to a dull roar.
Look up to the hills and the Silky Oaks are flowering and a light green already covering many of the landslides. The Woopoos are back and many of the birds are active and nesting. Baby Cassowaries are learning the ropes under Dad's watchful eye.
The sea is a beautiful blue, the coral getting ready to spawn, and the coastline so amazing I doubt the best artist could fully capture it. Now is when we take the marketing images....
The Jakfruit and Mangosteens are laden with fruit, and the Durians, Rambutans, Breadfruit and other tropical fruit will soon flower.
The Crocodiles and Snakes have arisen from their winter dormancy, and that does require some caution, but most of us know the drill.
I can never for the life of me understand why this time of the year is a 'shoulder'. People come here in droves in winter risking howling south easters and freezing rain squalls. Many of our reptiles and amphibians are simply snoozing, waiting for warmth, and while we can and do get amazing winter weather, the risks of bad weather can be high.
For me, the time from late September to mid November is the 'most wonderful time of the year'. I know we will only start singing that song in December, but for me it's a month too late.
*Lawrence Mason has lived at Cape Tribulation all his life, and has been involved in farming, timber and tourism. He is a former board member of Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, founding Chair of Daintree Marketing Co-operative, and has been a member of both Alexandra Bay and Mossman State High School P&C. He is also a member of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce and has a keen interest in local issues.
- The opinions and views in this column are those of the author and author only and do not reflect the Newsport editor or staff.