6th August

It was time for us to drag ourselves away from Seisa.We were quite settled there so it was a big effort to pack everthing up and we didn't get back on the road until about 11.30am.We planned to drive all the way to Musgrave Roadhouse but on the spur of the moment pulled in to Charlies Place on the southern outskirts of Coen.Charlie is a quirky old German, miner who creates things out of junk and recycled stuff and has created a nice little campground for people to stay and see his creations.It was a nice spot to stay and we were glad we pulled in there.

7th August

Today we left The Cape and said goodbye to the Northern Developmental Road.Mel was quite sad about leaving as it felt like our holiday was over and she had really enjoyed her time on Cape York.We stopped at Musgrave Roadhouse to refuel and then continued on to Lakefield National Park where we spent the night at Kalpower Crossing campground - amongst the cane toads!

8th August

Drove to Cooktown and decided to grab some fish and chips for lunch and went up to the lookout for a picnic.We nearly got blown away but the views were awesome!After lunch we continued south and spend the night at the famous Lion's Den Hotel.

9th August

Today we tackled the Bloomfield Track, a 4wd track that follows the coast down to Cooktown.There were a few creek crossings and a few very steep hills.We got stuck going up one hill as we ran out of steam and Matt was a bit worried for a brief period as the handbrake wasn't holding us so it was bit hard to do a handbrake start.Matt put the cruiser in to 4wd drive and somehow managed the handbrake start and we slowly chugged to the top of the hill.We stopped for a picnic lunch and a quick walk on the beach at Cape Tribulation (too many tourists!) and then camped just south of Cape Trib at a small caravan park. Just as we about to prepare dinner the rain started to fall.

10th August

We woke this morning and it was still raining!It had eased off a bit but as we packed up the camper it started pouring down.So we packed up a very wet camper!We continued south and caught the ferry across the Daintree River and headed to Daintree Village for lunch.From there we headed to Richards place as Newell Beach where we planned to spend the night.We opened up the camper at Richards to dry it out and headed in to Port Douglas for a look.That night Matt cooked us up a lovely Thai Fish Curry for dinner - but he really didn't need to use the whole jar of curry!

11th August

Fishing trip today!We packed up and drove to Port Douglas marina to catch our fishing boat.It was a massive boat with about 25 people on it - too many!Matt caught a Big Mouth Nanaguy and all Mel caught was other people's lines!It wasn't a very enjoyable fishing trip.After fishing we drove down to Trinity Beach where we stayed with Mel great Aunt and Uncle, Pat & Bill, for a few days.Matt and Uncle Bill cooked up a lovely bbq for dinner.

12th August

Spent most of the day in Cairns at the camper trailer place.Went to the casino for dinner with Aunty Pat & Uncle Bill.

13th August

Today we unpacked the camper and car and washed everything that had gotten wet from the rain.Then we drove in to Cairns to meet Andy (Matts mate from Scotland who travelled with us last year) and Woolly (Matts work mate) for lunch.In the arvo we checked in to our motel and headed out for dinner and drinks.Mel decided to head home early and let the boys catch up and have a boy's night.

14th August

Up early and off to the airport to pick up Jane who was spending the next three weeks with us while we travelled to Darwin.Matt and the boys were a little worse for wear today so were happy to stay in bed and laze by the pool.Mel and Jane did a bit of shopping and then went back to the pool.For dinner we headed to a nice seafood restaurant at the marina and had a lovely dinner.

15th August

The boys went diving today while Jane and Mel lazed by the pool.In the arvo the girls went and met the boys at the pub and it all got messy from there!

16th August

Lazy morning this morning.The boys and Jane went on a fishing trip in the arvo but no luck - no fish.It was a quiet night in.