Daintree

We had a very pleasant sojourn in Townsville, then packed up and set off northwards again. After checking our camp books, we decided against Cairns as there were only big caravan parks and that's not our scene. We drove along the coast through some lovely scenery - lots of sugar cane, bananas, Brahman cattle and exotic fruits. Dennis took us on a little detour which gave us a better look at the country side - and we can't believe how many sugar cane trains are tootling along a huge network of tracks. It's harvesting time now so everyone is busy.

         

We had lunch at a wayside stop just north of Tully and saw our first "beware of crocodiles" signs - but of course saw none there!  I think we are in the heart of crocodile country here - but the park owner assures us no one has ever been eaten from here yet! 

          

We then headed inland towards Atherton to our next destination Granite Gorge Nature Park - which is 12 kms out of Mareeba. The camp is in a beautiful spot with a huge granite outcrop and a river cascading through the rocks into lovely swimming holes. We set up in unpowered sites next to the river and it was very picturesque. 

             

The first thing Darryl saw were rainbow bee eaters - such lovely colourful birds. The area is also home to a huge rock wallaby colony and they are quite tame - and very cute. Not at all pesky like their Potato Point cousins!  They didn't even come near our campsite (we always worry a bit when they talk about tame wallabies after our Potato Point experiences) 

          

But the amenity block had a bit to be desired - we aren't that fussy - as you know after the tin shed set up we loved - but we do like clean and these were far from that! So we skipped the showers (except Dennis) and made do with a sponge wash this morning! A shame really as the spot is great and I know some kids who would just love exploring the rocks and area.  

       

We had a look around this morning then set off - again northwards and we are now at Daintree Village. We stopped at Mossman for some groceries and so we are set up now and watching fellow travellers pulling in! We think half of Australia is heading to Cape York!!  The number of brand new rigs and cars makes our look quite old! 

       

Darryl and Dennis are fiddling with the new solar panel unit, Tops is sorting out her gear and I have just cleaned out our car fridge as we had a can of beer leak - frozen beer - yuck!!

We lost our sunshine yeterday and struck rain - at one stage quite torrential which washed some dust off the cars and campers! Today has been a little overcast but it's warm - about 24 degrees now but humid (of corurse) 

We plan to stay here a bit and go on river cruises, visit the Daintree Discovery centre and maybe pop down to Port Douglas! A bit of a rest before we start seriously heading up to the Cape. 

Happy birthday to our little Parker - big 3 year old today xxxx

Till our next blog love from the travellers. Xxxxxxxx