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Sunday, August 6, 2017

Cooktown to Palmer River Roadhouse. Sat 5th August.

Yesterday we had a rest day exploring Cooktown and environs including a short ride up the Endeavor Valley. Weather was overcast with the odd spatter of light rain. There is a small hill with a lighthouse overlooking Cooktown and the Endeavor River. This is reputedly where Cook used to scan out to sea, trying the find a safe passage back out through the reef.



An afternoon walk from the caravan park to Finch Bay via the botanical gardens. Some remnant rain forest and plenty of the large paperbark trees.


Campsite was less crowded last night compared to the night before. A mixture of Grey Nomads, O/S travellers, and groups of 4WD campers who appear to travel in convoys of 3 or 4 vehicles. Our nearest neighbors in the campground had personalised number plates on their 4WD's "Jackass" and "Redneck" - most appropriate.

Brief shower overnight, but dawned fairly clear. By the time we'd packed and hit the road, the clouds had returned and there were showers about. A brief detour on the way out to visit The Lions Den Hotel on the Bloomfield road. Very idiosyncratic and characterful place, full of interesting graffiti and memorabilia. Back on the highway and another brief stop. This time on the Little Annan River where it cuts through a small spectacular gorge.


Morning tea at the Lakeland Roadhouse, where the road to Weipa and Cape York starts. Huge solar farm here - erected since I was here in 2012. Short ride to Palmers River Roadhouse. Empty when we arrived, but by late afternoon had filled up.

Heavy cloud to our south (Mareeba/Atherton) but only scattered cloud where we are. Forecast is for rain overnight,  and clearing showers over next 2 days.

Tomorrow we'll head for Herbaton, via Mareeba to visit Coffee Works and Atherton to pick up supplies.

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