We are now in Cooktown - 27/08/2010.

 Left Bramston Beach (with great sorrow). Had a beach-side BBQ with our neighbours and didn't leave  till quite late.

Made our way  over the ranges to the Atherton Tableland. The Nissan took it in its stride - magnificient tow vehicle. We didn't stop to see any of the sights on the tableland - going to do that on the return trip from Cooktown.

We discovered a town we are never, never, repeat ever going to stop in again - the winner of the WORST town in Australia is..........MAREEBA. They have special parking areas for caravans - this is a great idea - just a pity they are either not near anything OR there is a huge one near a shopping centre - terrific - then when you have a trolley load of groceries, the only place you can cross 4 lanes of traffic is at a round-a-bout. Not only that, you then have to push the trolley against the incoming traffic to get back to the parking area.
Then we needed to fill up with fuel - using a Coles docket at a Shell. Found the Shell, saw the diesel pumps at the side of the servo - excellent, says I, will be able to fill up and then return to the road by driving round the back of the servo. WRONG. There was no way round the back - with the aid of a chap we had to back and fill for about 10 mins to be able to get out. Val elected to pay and gave the manager just a little bit of advice.

Eventually we were on our way again, were going to free camp at Mt Molloy - book gave it a big tick - the persons rating it must have been deaf. It's right on the road and traffic (mainly trucks!) have to stop at a narrow bridge. Needless to say, we didn't stay, but moved onto to Mt Carbine. Very interesting van park - not too many stay there - they leave their vans there and drive to the cape.

At last we arrived at the Big 4 van park...we are Big4 Members. Did the booking in, and then asked if they could sign our rent certificate for Centrelink. THEY REFUSED TO SIGN THE FORM. It is against management policy they told us. So we found another park, no pool or anything special - but really nice owners. Rainforest type setting - and no fruit bats or sandflies. Few mozzies though! We are going to be here for two weeks. Have to stay that long as I need to be able to mix some water,dextrose and yeast.

Anyway, here are a few photos................

Kookie

Blue Winged Kookie @ Mt Carbine.

Same kookie...........

The last night we were at Bramston Beach

Bramston Beach at Sunrise

Isn't that romantic?

Pottery Lass !!!!!

Lathe Lad !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Terry's new best friends - Annie & Nel.