CAPE YORK TRIP - 2005
CAPE YORK TRIP 2005
Cooktown
Wednesday 27 July to Saturday 30 July
We left Port Douglas as a 3 Bushtracker convoy, met up with John and Rhonda at Mt Carbine and have travelled as a 4 Bushtracker convoy since. John has worked in Cape York for more than 20 years, knows the land, the history and the people and instantly became trip leader.
We stopped at Palmer River Road House for lunch and Earl Jones lookout on top of the tableland providing spectacular views of the surrounding valleys.
We arrived at Cooktown after travelling on our first red dirt road. Mike had to go back to Cairns the next day to have our burst air bags and suspension springs fixed in the Lexus. We were glad that it happened before we had travelled further north to the TIP. With the problem solved and a much happier Mike and car, we proceeded to explore Cooktown and its surrounds.
We left the caravans behind and headed off road with our 4WDs. Down to Quarantine Bay, a beautiful beach then up to Archer Point, an unbelievably windy spot on a rugged coastline; a lighthouse and derelict jetty with an interesting story attached. Some more beaches and then to Grassy Hill which overlooks Cooktown and the head of the Endeavour River. We spent some time with one of the old Matrons from the Cooktown Hospital on her cattle farm that she now runs with her adult son, daughter and son in law. Interesting stories of life in Cooktown in a previous time. Quite a remarkable way of life.
We explored the Cooktown Museum which is located in a beautiful brick building and wrought iron balconies which was once a Catholic Convent school. It was amazing to see the anchor and a cannon from the Endeavour. We spent some time at a Coroboree in Anzac Park in town. Aboriginal dancer, New Guinea tribesmen, Solomon Islander pan flute players, and acrobatic troupe. Some better than others but a most enjoyable few hours. Cooktown is a friendly place and layback place.
Cooktown
Wednesday 27 July to Saturday 30 July
We left Port Douglas as a 3 Bushtracker convoy, met up with John and Rhonda at Mt Carbine and have travelled as a 4 Bushtracker convoy since. John has worked in Cape York for more than 20 years, knows the land, the history and the people and instantly became trip leader.
We stopped at Palmer River Road House for lunch and Earl Jones lookout on top of the tableland providing spectacular views of the surrounding valleys.
We arrived at Cooktown after travelling on our first red dirt road. Mike had to go back to Cairns the next day to have our burst air bags and suspension springs fixed in the Lexus. We were glad that it happened before we had travelled further north to the TIP. With the problem solved and a much happier Mike and car, we proceeded to explore Cooktown and its surrounds.
We left the caravans behind and headed off road with our 4WDs. Down to Quarantine Bay, a beautiful beach then up to Archer Point, an unbelievably windy spot on a rugged coastline; a lighthouse and derelict jetty with an interesting story attached. Some more beaches and then to Grassy Hill which overlooks Cooktown and the head of the Endeavour River. We spent some time with one of the old Matrons from the Cooktown Hospital on her cattle farm that she now runs with her adult son, daughter and son in law. Interesting stories of life in Cooktown in a previous time. Quite a remarkable way of life.
We explored the Cooktown Museum which is located in a beautiful brick building and wrought iron balconies which was once a Catholic Convent school. It was amazing to see the anchor and a cannon from the Endeavour. We spent some time at a Coroboree in Anzac Park in town. Aboriginal dancer, New Guinea tribesmen, Solomon Islander pan flute players, and acrobatic troupe. Some better than others but a most enjoyable few hours. Cooktown is a friendly place and layback place.
posted by Mike and Carol at
7:58 AM
