(Temporary Backup) Day17. 1st November. Coen River to Cooktown

Woke early, as it was cool this morning. Luckily no rain overnight to wash us out! 

We got mostly packed away while it was cool then relaxed with a brew. 

On the road, firstly  to musgrave on the PDR, pretty good with few corrugations and many bitumen sections. 

We turn left to go through lakefield national park. 

We cannot describe the diversity of landscapes, or the rapidity with which they change.

 There are rain puddles by side of road with the start of a green carpet on the edges. 

It is an amazing though harsh and remote place. The roads are remarkably good and we can average 80kph.

Before long Isabella falls appears, though being at the end of the dry season it is less impressive than our memories of, but it is the end of the dry season. How beautiful it will be once the rain comes

It is here we say goodbye to our travel companions and head into Cooktown. It has changed little in the 30 years since we were here last. The camping ground is still the same as is the Top Pub across the road. ( except for the addition of the TAB and keno)

We meet up with Glenn and Carol again, book into a hotel: clean sheets, shower...luxury!

Dinner at jackey jackey herb and spices Thai restaurant ( called Jackey jackey because it is in a heritage building that was built in 1886 and the name had to be honoured)

Shower, bed, clean sheets, air conditioning and a fan. 

Nothing more to be said...