World’s eyes looking at us

SOME may think he’s mad. Others will think he’s courageous. But for the Far North, John Beeden’s solo crossing from the US to Cairns is priceless publicity.

The 53-year-old rowed himself into the history books when he landed on the shores of Cairns yesterday, after being at sea for more than 200 days, covering 7400 nautical miles from San Francisco.

While he chose Cairns for logistical reasons, he also had a dream to visit the Great Barrier Reef.

He was gushing about the beauty of the Reef as well as the mountain views and the city’s waterfront as he completed the last few kilometres rowing down Trinity Inlet.

The Englishman, who lives in Canada, is now reunited with his family and will spend a few days resting and relaxing and experiencing the tropical north.

His voyage, his arrival and subsequent days in the region will give the city and tourism industry widespread publicity across the world, but more particularly in his country of birth, England, as well as Canada and the US, his launching point.

Mr Beeden’s feat has sparked thousands of words and images. No doubt there will be a documentary or even a movie.

His journey has been followed closely on social media, all the while putting Cairns in the global spotlight.

It places emphasis on Cairns as an adventure capital too, highlighting local experiences, from mountain biking and Reef diving to white water rafting and skydiving.

So he must be thanked for not only showing that there is life after 50, and covering such a vast distance through wild seas is not just for the young and foolhardy, but also shining a light on Cairns across the world.