Blue Ridge (LCC 19) - Naval Cruise Book

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vrt Visit C W3VHS, SlUSTX.SiJ.ffSi Playing a native didgeridoo. f - ' L - jt % b. S3H » »B H Ji ' W k v £«F ™ 1 flfe- » f lr - ' ' %Pl iiA Dazzling blue skies, long white beaches, coral reefs, vibrant green vegetation and warm perfumed air are the common ingredients of Cairns, Australia and the sur- rounding Tropical North region. Cairns was built out over the site of a sea-slub fishing camp when gold was found to the north in 1876, though it was the tin and timber resources that really established the town and kept it ahead of rival Port Dou- glas. The harbor was the focus of the norths fish and prawn industry and catered to tour- ism and marlin fishing after World War II. But with the discovery of the reef in the 1980s and the appeal of the local climate, tourism became the driving attraction and Cairns earned the reputation as a tropical version of the Gold Coast. These two young Australian lads enjoy their visit to USS Blue Ridge during one of the many ship ' s visits held throughout Southern Swing. s 0Htk.crh WfKt 22

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r fc f xvs r ha iz, SlusTxaiisi RM3 Josh Boylati enjoys snorkeling in Brisbane. Above right: SK3 Patrick Patterson listens to some local street musicians. Above: GMSN Peter Rayon and SK3 Patricio Sullivan enjoy liberty at a Brisbane Amusement Park. Right: DP3 Louis Connelly prepares to take the plunge in the warm waters of Brisbane. 21 S ontktrK

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Z ' B ' XU 3iy6 ' 10 t 1998 ■F Bb t%re« ( i RM2 Isaac, YN3 Major, RM1 Jackson, ET3 Massey, RM3 Jones, RM1 Bridgett and IS3 Lewis tackle some rapids in Cairns.