Mareeba to Cooktown

Brandt writes:
"Did not get far. Meant to get the radiator looked at in Cairns, the brackets on the sides of had come loose. The solder had let go, and I thought it would be a simple job of fixing it in place. Clean forgot about it until the morning we were leaving. Called into radiator repairer in Mareeba, and he said the radiator would have to be taken out to do the job properly, he had time to do the repair but not to take it out himself and reinstall it. So my friend John and I went down to the local park under the trees and took it out ourselves.






Spent the whole day in Mareeba. Did not leave until just after 5pm. Travelled 45 minutes to free camp at Mt Molloy. Just had enough daylight to put our tents up. Had tea in the dark.
Hope all our troubles are behind us now and we have a nice clear run. We did manage to get the radiator out without too many hassles so maybe somebody above was looking after us after all. Feel pleased that radiator is all fixed up now, was giving me some concern. "

Wednesday 13th June went through the Daintree and camped at The Lions Den Hotel.
The Daintree was a lovely scenic drive, windy (as in twisting and turning) in places.



Had lunch at the following lookout.



The poultry were obviously used to being fed by travelers and we were not one to disappoint them - handy rubbish bin



We also had a couple of river crossings and some steep terrain to pass through.


This was a dry river bed, unfortunately the only photo I got does not show the boulders that we had to negotiate.
Eventually we came to The Lions Den Hotel



And Thursday saw us arriving in Cooktown. We have a lovely camp spot here under the trees. This is probably our last taste of any luxuries for about six weeks.




Problems still not over!! Car fridge was not going when arrived at Lions Den Hotel. 2nd battery down to 9.5volts. Redarc isolator had died and not charging 2nd bat. Got replaced in Cooktown. Hope this is the end of problems as are about to go bush!!! -says Brandt, and I totally endorse it.

Today went to the lookout here and saw some spectacular views:






Tomorrow we head up the coast. If and when we have cell phone coverage, I will add to the blog.