Laura, QLD 186 km

We are getting used to the idiosyncrasies of the vehicle and are finding it pretty comfortable to drive/ride and sleep in. The air conditioner (yes, it is air conditioned – we are wimps, I know) has been vital and we are going to miss it once we get further north where we are sure we won’t be finding as many powered sites.

After a leisurely morning we headed into Cooktown, did some laundry and shopped for a few more “luxury” items like a face cloth, floor mat and travel mug. We found some of these items in a bargain store where they wanted $160 for a mediocre quilt! We are really finding things very expensive and do realize this may be partially due to the fact we are further north, but that was also the case in Cairns. A little example is a case of 24 coke regular price is $27. Oh, well. We are on vacation and will just have what we want.

The laundromat was situated on the wharf and behold there was a fishing vessel called the Guiding Star in port selling fresh caught prawns. We just couldn’t resist – or should I say Norma couldn’t resist so we bought half a kilo after doing some negotiating with the captain. They are huge and will be tomorrow’s dinner. Can’t hardly wait! There was a lady fishing on the wharf as well. She had pulled in two nice size fish and was pretty excited with her catch. Bet that is supper tonight unless she is selling to the tourists.

The owner of the campground last evening told us we needed to go to the “lookout” so up we went and it was truly a great view. You could see in all directions.

Cooktown Lookout

By the time we did all this and went to the bank and fueled up it was almost 11 am. We decided to use the Battle Camp Road to Laura versus going back on the highway. After all, we do have the 4 X 4 so want to use it. There were several rivers to cross again today. This is starting to be old hat to us now. Our lunch stop was at one of these crossings where Isabella Falls come down right from the edge of the “road”. It was very pretty but could be treacherous too if the water was much higher.

 

Isabella Falls

We also saw lots of termite mounds looking like head stones in a grave yard. Some of them were right on the road! We figure they must build them really fast to have them pop up on the road.

As we got closer to Laura we came across Old Laura Station, which used to be a cattle station. They are trying to preserve it but time and weather are doing their part to destroy it.

Old Laura Station

Our aim today was to check into the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival and camp on the fairgrounds for the next few days. They did offer seniors rates but would not give it to us without some special Aussie pensioners pass so we decided it was not worth it to camp in a field, using pretty rustic porta-potties and spending $300 for the privilege! Down the road we went and are at a powered site (nice with the temperature being 34) in Laura.