Left early Sunday to Port Douglas Markets. Caught up with fellow with hat tent that we met at Innot Springs. Not much different from most other markets.

Travelled on to Daintree via ferry. Beautiful drive with many stops for walks etc. Northern half very much 4wd country with creek crossings and very steep climbs on a rough road. Biggest danger is "dickheads"in Landcruisers that insist on travelling at high speed with more money than brains. Took about 5 hours for 170 km.

Once back on highway stopped at Black Mountain which is spectacular.

Arrived in Cooktown late afternoon to find very strong winds blowing. Managed to buy prawns off the trawler for tea. Fresh and yummy.

Monday.

Spent the day at various sites around town. Botanic gardens are very interesting with some plantings 130 years old. James Cook Museum was interesting. Lots of exhibits with good narrative.

Cooktown Museum gives a good description of white settlement. After 4 years there were 60 pubs in the town in 1874. Now there are 4. Plenty of real estate for sale as there is no work available except for the few businesses that cater for RV travellers.

Good meals at the Bowls club but the wind is still blowing.

Tuesday

Back to Mareeba via Lakeland and Mt Molloy.