Decided against being a pillion passenger & drove instead. Good decision! Visited Lake Barrine, Curtain Fig Tree & Mt Hypipamee. One more overnight stop before Cooktown.

In the morning I was able to contact friends on the Tableland & arrange an immediate visit. Very pleasant day spent chatting & playing tennis. Unfortunately I rolled my ankle but hopefully not too badly. Got to sleep in a comfy bed. Tomorrow the plan is for a bike ride & for me to be a pillion passenger. Am thinking I'd enjoy the outing more if I drove my car!

Easy day today. Packed up, had a shower & left Undara. Stopped on the way out of the NP & tackled the Kalkani Crater walk which gives a bird's eye view of the succession of volcanic eruptions & the path they took. Between Ravenshoe (where Optus couldn't supply a signal) & Atherton a major wind farm has been added - at least I don't remember it 15 years ago. Lush growth is everywhere - now it's tropical with palms, paw paws & mangoes. Arriv...

Good sleep - great to be on flattish site. Did the Volcanic tour (4hrs) this morning. It was excellent! The guide had a good patter & liked his job. Visited 2 tubes with multiple sections in each one. The pick of the bunch was Wind Tunnel because it was mostly intact. The explanation of the volcanic activity which created the lava tubes was interesting.

Another v. cold night. Dug out the HWB but found that it was cold when it was most needed ie. 4am! Biggest hassle was the bed sloped sideways which does not promote good sleep! Headed off on the direct route to The Lynd - mostly good quality gravel. Road Trains (3/4 trailers) use the road - when one is about to pass it is wise to pull over & wait 5 min for the thick dust to settle. Continued on to Undara Volcanic NP & booked in for 2 nights. Booked hal...