The way back from The Cape

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18-8-11 up early & left Alau Beach & had a really good run. Had lunch at Bramwell Junction for lunch & then pushed on to Archer River Roadhouse, where we decided to but tea as we did not want to unpack too much. What a meal we had a 750gm Rump steak, salad & chips $32 each but worth every delicious mouthful. Decided to have an early night & guess what !!!! the locals were down at the river drinking & singing & playing up till 4am, no one got ant sleep, then the big trucks took off, so we were all feeling a bit out of sorts. Did 382km today. It was 33 deg today but nights are cool. 19-8-11 off early & had a really good run, we could not believe the number of motor bikes doing the Cape, must have a sore bum. We reached Lakeland at 2pm. Margy & I hugged our vans & after we set up & unpacked & washed & washed, we were ready for our bed. Oh how wonderful !!!!! I woke at 4am & thought I need to go to the loo & guess what; it was in the van instead of using the torch to go outside. Hooray! We did 375km today. 20-8-11 today we spent at least 5 hours cleaning the car inside & we are ready to go to Cooktown, Helensvale, and Lion’s Den tomorrow. We are very tired & are looking forward to some R & R & fishing.
All up we did 2620km from Lakeland to Lakeland in 18 days. We suggest anyone doing the trip to The Cape to sightsee on the way up, as when you are ready to come back on those dirt roads you just want to get home. Petrol varied from $1.77 to $2.33 at Bamaga. To fill a 9km gas bottle was $90. A case of 4x & 2lts of wine was $88, a carton of long life milk was $4.50 & bread $5 a loaf. A carton of Pepsi max was $38, so very expensive up there, but the freight is expensive. Generators are allowed at most places & fires as well, but wood is at a premium. We recommend good shock absorbers, gradual updated springs & if your car is low, maybe a lift kit. Also your air filter gets really dirty & before we left we purchased a washable air filter & it has more than paid for itself as we cleaned it 4 times. We have airbags on the back of the car & we did not have any trouble, the 2002 Land Cruiser went well. Just a few handy hints, which might help. We had a great trip though & it’s off the Bucket List.

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