Day 7- flew out over the tip this morning heading for Kowanyama via Weipa. Another look at some really interesting country. Weipa is completely surrounded by Riotinto's massive bauxite mining activity. unbelievable man made red dirt landscape contrasting with a beautiful blue sea. An easy flight to Kowanyama, where lo and behold who was there with a trolley to meet us but Jeff from Cooktown! He had driven across the Cape and was going to do the survey work on the Mitchell and Palmer rivers. That afternoon the kids and I accompanied Jeff to Topsy beach as he had some work to do out that way. What a fabulous afternoon we had. The kids first ever sighting of a wild croc basking on the bank of Topsy Creek was a highlight. A known local according to Viv and over 10 feet long. Topsy beach was covered with shells of many descriptions so we busied ourselves collecting and watching the sunset. We were treated with a roast chicken dinner prepared by Viv.

Day 8- Arthur, Viv and Jeff spent the morning flying the Mitchell. The kids and I found the downtown Kowanyama bakery and had a much needed stay at 'home'. Viv took the kids in the afternoon to prepare a 'kubmarrie' - traditional ground oven dinner. Sheets of paperbark to for oven top, chunks of termite mound as hot rocks, cabbage palm leaves to wrap the lamb leg and vegetables and a good fire burnt down to hot coals. We sat down at the dry creek bed and enjoyed a magnificent feast!