The aftermath

Sunset at Anzac Park, Port Douglas

I know the word 'aftermath' is normally used to describe the consequences of a disastrous event but after a quick search on trusty www.dictionary.com, I soon learned that aftermath also means "a new growth of grass following one or more mowings" and for some reason, that definition perfectly describes my holiday.

Barron Falls, Kurranda

Cape Tribulation

Last week, was a whirlwind of an adventure and every single day was Simply Amazing.  I want to cement and remember every little minute of it - from the tranquil skies in Kurranda to the calming waters in the breathtaking beaches of Port Douglas.  I want to capture the extraordinary corals and sea animals within the Great Barrier Reef, the scenic drives along the windy roads of Regional Cairns and the overwhelming beauty of the towering trees deep in the heart of the Daintree rainforest.

Kauri Pine, Kurranda

Mason's swimming hole, Cape Tribulation

People have asked me what my favourite part of the holiday was but I'm not sure I could just pick one! Every single place we visited was absolutely amazing - and that's no exaggeration.  The weather was just perfect and the ocean was beckoning us to come in and swim - and swim, we did!  I know Mae and I were only gone for 5 days but I've lost count of the number of times we had to wash our hair after a morning/midday/afternoon/early evening swim.

Port Douglas Lookout

Cape Tribulation Lookout

It was so refreshing to take a break from the daily routines of work, ministry, family... life! Every morning (well 3 out of the 5 mornings anyway), Mae and I took our bibles down to the beach and spent half an hour reading and journaling together.  I don't believe it's just a coincidence that our church started reading the bible again afresh at Genesis.  Can you imagine what it was like to read about Creation whilst lying on soft, white sand underneath the warmth of the glowing sun?

Mossman Gorge

Cape Tribulation 

Cairns, Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest are definitely places that I will visit again.  I am fast running out of adjectives to describe just how beautiful the places we visited are, so rather than try and describe the places, I will end this post by urging, encouraging, pleading even for everyone to go and see these places for yourself!  Australia really is such a beautiful country, ain't it?