Have just arrived in Cooktown, after a few days driving.
We left Seisia with a little piece of it with us. Spencer had come off his bike, did a massive skid on the red , hard packed dirt.Had to really just hose him down to see the extent of his injuries, knee, shin , ankle and elbow right side.
So it was off to a special last night dinner on the beach, bucket of prawns, Spanish mackerel , and roast chicken for Spencer, with a apple crumble for dessert. Our last sunset over the water.
Next morning, off to check out Friut bat falls and camp at Canal creek camp, where dogs were allowed. This section was on the Old Telegragh track, OTT.
There are some pretty hairy parts of it that people love to throw their skills at, 4 wheel drive that is. We went past the falls and came to the next river crossing (scrubby creek) t wa very muddy looking and there was no telling how deep it was. Someone pulled up behind and we decided to watch, the ute just kept going down into it ( a metre plus). We decided ,as we were towing the camper that we would end up having mud go through the vents, not to tempt fate.
Continuing on, we drove to Moreton station. We were the only campers, all facilities were ours. It really was beautiful, we had lush green grass under foot. Jonah was in seventh heaven, because we were parked by a giant fig, that had a huge amount of birdlife that he hadn't come across before, and yes the Spangled Drongo came to play again.
We decided to stay another day, all to ourselves again. The caretakers were lovely and gave us lots of information about the property, the backpacker girls that work there were even handed us some icy treats in the heat of the afternoon. It was Interesting to hear of their travels.That night there was a fire on the property creating a strange orange glow, the fires burn very slowly up here, not like the fuelled fires at home.
On the road again and heading towards Lakefield National park. We ended up staying on the side of the road just outside the sign for the park. A very quiet night out in the middle of nowhere.
Jonah and I had been to Lakefield 16 years prior, it was surprisingly very green and healthy looking. We stopped at the Red Lagoon, not in flower but you can imagine. Then took a look in the old Laura homestead, with the large frangipani trees out front. We progressed on through the park and on to Hopevale, and then to Elim beach ( thanks to Huia for mentioning this one) fabulous spot and very cool amongst the Melaleucas. Next morning off to Cooktown to investigate........ Jonah had almost bought a block of land here many years ago and he wanted to see what had become of it.
Well the road was closed and the were proposal boards up showing the intentions. Looks like Cooktown will lose a lot of the backward appeal. There was even a waterpark thrown into the mix. We took a look at the museum, which is in the old Convent building, which has been lovingly restored and added to. Then we took a bit a a wander around the Main Street. Up to the Grassy hill that overlooks the river mouth with the beacon, fabulous view.
We then drove to our next destination, Archer point. What a find this was, thanks Butters family. Incredible views out to sea, we are extremely lucky.