Drove on to Black River and looked up Richard & Di’s directions. Rang them when we where at their gate - 4 kms from the house. Drove up to the house, and wow, green lawn! Chatted, looked around and eventually set up. Richard taught Alex how to crack his whip, and how to make a new cracker. He had fun practicing! Had tea with them and boy the nights get a lot cooler here. Actually got to use my pyjamas & doona! Next morning, had a shower and put some washing on. Richard & Di have arranged to weigh, tag, brand and castrate some weaners (calves). Kids thought it was going to be great fun. Helped to carry some tools down to the cattle yards, without knowing what they were for. They loved watching, but enjoying ... read more

Well we have settled in and have joined in some of the “weekly” rituals at the camp ground. Roast on Sunday nights, nearly every night someone has happy hour, bbq or delivered pizza on Thursday nights. Went out to tea with Steve & Jenni on Wednesday night to “Yorkeys”. This is the restaurant at the yacht club marina at Yorkeys Knob. It was very nice and relaxing, with good company. Even the kids enjoyed themselves. Thursday we had a swim at Peppers Resort where Steve & Jenni are staying. There are 2 pools, one with sand and 25 degrees; the other 30 degrees and concrete base. We had fun with a giant beachball playing keepings off. Unfortunately my toes got cut underneath and got rather sore. Back to camp for a lovely shower and some relaxing ... read more

Had showers, packed up, stocked up and went to move on. Saw there was a market down on the foreshore, so stopped for a quick look. Saw Alex & his parents (whom we met in Weipa), so we chatted for a while. They are staying on one more day, then going to Cape Tribulation. Headed out past Black Mountain and down the Bloomfield Track, there were a lot more sealed sections on the inclines and in towns, than when we last came through. Stopped at Bloomfield Falls for a look, stretch & some apples. Continued on through to Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation where it started to rain a little. This caused the tourists to race to their cars and then the car park was just about empty. We checked out the town and National ... read more

Left Eliot Falls via the OTT (North end) and did 2 creek crossings before heading back to the Bypass Road. A few cars let us go past them, as we took a drive and checked out the creeks before heading off. Got to the ferry at the Jardine River and there were lots of the Endeavour Rally cars waiting to go through the check point. Some had already crossed the river, and the rest were still coming. It is a very short ferry ride for $99, but includes all your bush camping and access fees. Didn’t take long to drive from the ferry to Bamaga. Had a look at Loyalty Beach, but no pool for the kids and you can’t swim at the beach. Seisia was dry and right next to the industrial estate and wharf. ... read more

The weekly barge came in today and there was heaps of stock at the supermarket. Got some supplies to last us for the trip up and back. We have been told that a Cadbury 200g block of chocolate is $10 (only $5 in Weipa) and soft drink is $58 for a pack of 30 cans. Rod dropped the car off at the mechanic’s at 7am this morning. They are 2 mechanics down and had our job and another job on the go at the same time. Wont be ready until late this afternoon. They are also RACQ on the side, as well as the local auto electrician. I have attached a photo of Alex’s friend, Alex and Kate’s friend Emily. Emily & her family are from Tyabb and she is Alex’s age and was at Balnarring ... read more