Cooktown

An early start to climb Mount Cook before it gets too hot. We drive to the foot and take the track through scrubby forest and over rocks until it becomes true forest. The signs warn of heat and slippery rocks. The track is well signed and we climb steadily through the rain forest with a variety of trees, all of which are unfamiliar. It is hot and very sticky with biting insects to make things worse. We reach the viewpoint at the lookout with fantastic views in both directions along the coast. The descent is faster. Signs say three hours for the return, we complete it in two hours ten minutes. Breakfast at the bakery cafe and then a 4wd excursion further north into Cape York. The earth becomes very red and we detour to see two waterfalls, evidence that th wet has not yet started as both are mere trickles of what they will be within a few days.

We visit the gardens and are “bitten to death” though wild wallabies make up for the discomfort. It is very hot and humid, uncomfortably so; the weather is about to change. The visit to the air conditioned local museum exceeds expectations. Fascinating exhibitions on Captain Cook, the development of Cooktown and the aboriginal population. Excellent.

Then a dip in the local pool before a shower and change for supper at the local bowls club. This was justifiably recommended by Mark at the farmstay at Cape Trib. Ahead of that we climb Grassy Hill to see the view over the coastline as the sun is setting. Great views and a very different lighthouse constructed in corrugated iron. Flash two Flash....six seven Flash.

As we return to Pam's Place for our second night the sky is lit up with the beginnings of a tropical storm.