COOKTOWN - 17/09/11

Cadet Reporter : Michael Gavin
No 6.00am revely this morning. Leisurely breakfast on the porch with Peter and Sue, then joined by Peter Conroy. We had the luxury of a toaster, so we all enjoyed toast as part of our breakfast. Peter C proceeded to demolish the remainder of the “old” bread and turn it into toast.

We all book in for a further night, with a number of site shuffles to accommodate our group being together. The motel room users vacated by 10.00am and moved to setup their tents. The park facilities were first class with a very large camp cooking/dining facility under cover. The toilet/shower facilities were very different to those previously encountered. There were approximately 12 or 14 individual en-suite units, each containing shower, toilet, hand-basin, separate clothes storage and dressing area [approx 2m x 2m].
Tony and Jen arrived not long after 10.00 to update us on their stunning night.
All proceeded to town in little groups to take in the sights and atmosphere of the town. A very basic market was being held at one end of town towards the wharf area. The offerings were very diverse from craft to some minimal food stalls. Dot purchase a kilo of bananas for $4.00 from a local – she was told to select her own bananas and the told “ to select another mate” to bring it up to the kilo. He informed us that a local from a nearby community was lobbying authorities to ban individuals from having “wild” fruit trees – only commercial growers should be able to grow fruit.
It was very relaxing strolling down taking in the historical pictorial displays of Cooktown. Coffee time saw Peter D & Sue, Dot & Michael catching up with Greg & Wanda at Jackey – Jackey run by a very stressed little Chinese descendent. The influx of customers – approx 10 was stressing him out to get all the orders before starting to prepare their requests. The iced coffee was very refreshing.
On the way back to the park, Peter D was very busy snapping war memorabilia – machine guns and tanks. After lunch peter D & Sue, Dot & Michael drove to take in the sights of the Lookout Tower, which had been recommended by a number of others. The Lookout Tower is located on a very large steep hill overlooking Cooktown. Greg & Wanda, Dean & Karen walked to the top from the base – a magnificent achievement.
The 360 degree panoramic view was breathtaking – taking in the coast, the river estuary system and the mountain hinterland. This recent development has locals and businesses names on fired terracotta tiles inlaid in the construction. A perfect picture opportunity for our shutterbugs – Peter D & Dot. This is a tremendous asset to Cooktown.
From the Lookout Tower, it was off to the Botanic Gardens. Before entering the Gardens we had to enter the information area, containing a book shop and display area. Sue & Dot both did damage to the bank balance with the purchase of a large book on The Butterflies of Australia….this was endorsed by the Information Staff as an excellent book. Following wandering around an interesting display – photograph of large snake swallowing a wallaby, plus 3.2m shed skin of a large snake, it was a leisurely stroll around the gardens.
The native and exotic plants were interesting….the Melaleucas [paperbarks were monsters – between 20m – 30m high and multi trunked between 3- 5 m in girth].so different to our Victorian melaleucas. After and hour or so strolling around we came across Greg and Wanda’s vehicle in the car park – a suitable message was left in the dust.
As this was the last time the current 12 were all to be together, we assembled at the local bowling club for “The Last Supper”. The venue was very busy and loud as there appears to be a bowling competition over the weekend. After this we all reassembled at the Park Camp Kitchen for a final drink and farewell words.
Peter D summed up the sentiment of the Group with a big thank you to Tony and Jen for their organisation of the trip, and the fantastic companionship and friendliness of all members of the Tag Along Party.
After this we all retired to bed for a very restless and fitful sleep, as the wind was howling and blowing all night, shuddering the tents. The wind gusts could be heard coming….like a train!