Far North Queensland

Four Seasons In One Day


Flora of Far North Queensland.  On bottom left is what is called the Cannon Ball Tree which has the most unusual blooms with a heavenly scent and cannon ball shaped 'fruit'.

Our 'camp' last night was in a cabin, the cutest one we've stayed in yet. We anticipated rain but it didn't rain.  I was extremely tired last night so the cabin wasn't wasted!  Had a good sleep but not a sleep in.  The owner of the park had told us the night before that we could stay a little later than ten o'clock but we didn't need to.  Had a look around the lush gardens before departing and then visited Weary Bay once again but by the time we arrived there the weather was starting to deteriorate. 

Continued along the Bloomfield Track (which became a 'road') until we arrived at the Lion's Den Hotel.  All over Australia, pubs-with-a-difference exist (I'm sure) simply to attract tourists to the location. (I say this because there's nothing else there except a pub and lots of tourists!!!)

On the way to Cooktown, we stopped at Black Mountain, a very eerie place to visit.  I've seen nothing else that compares to this place...a mountain that has imploded maybe?  It's anyone's guess.  People have disappeared exploring this mountain.
Next stop was Keatings Lagoon, where Honey Pie locked the keys in the car...It's become his habit to lock the car the instant I hop out...only to be asked to open it again because I've left everything I need inside the car.  I couldn't believe what he'd done!  Keatings Lagoon is five kilometres south of Cooktown...a long way to walk for help and no telephone reception. Contemplated breaking the driver's side window.
 I had a spare set of keys in my handbag which was locked up in the back of the ute inside a locked drawer. Lady Luck was on our side because out of desperation I asked Andrew to check if the back of the ute was open.  It was.  I held my breath as he tugged on the drawer and couldn't believe it when he found that open too!  Couldn't help remarking to him: And if I'd asked you if you'd locked the back of the car you would have sworn it was locked.
Phew!
In Cooktown itself, we had fish and chips for lunch at the Cooktown Cafe, a fellow traveller had recommended the coffee there so followed up on his recommendation.
We drove to the lookout and found road works in progress which meant we had to walk a part of the way.  It was STEEP but we were rewarded with a magnificent three sixty degree view of the region.
We also visited the Captain Cook Museum, The Boat House, Captain Cook's Statue, The Musical Boat and dipped our toes into the Coral Sea (while keeping an eye out for Estuarine Crocodiles).
During the time we were in Cooktown we experienced wind, rain, sunshine, cloud and a broad range of temperatures.  The wind was the factor that influenced our decision to move on to the next port of call.
Headed south again along the Cooktown Development Road to Lakeland where we camped for the night.
At the caravan park we found an almost new ablution block which was a pleasure to use.  We opted out of the camp kitchen which seemed to have been taken over by workers living at the park.
A cooler night tonight.