So today we went for a bit of a drive (530kms round trip) up the road to Cooktown. A place full of history. Apparently James Cook landed HMB Endeavour here to make some necessary repairs in 1770. Everywhere you look there is a marker, statue, cairn or descriptive placard giving information on Captain Cooks visit. We drove down to the town wharf and walked along the shore where they have tiles inlaid on the footpath depicting aspects of the landing or seasonal activities of the local aboriginies. Then we went to the visitor information centre which is within the Cooktown Botanical Gardens. A bit more signage to locate it would have been helpful. However they were able to tell us how to reach the Cooktown Lighthouse, so off we went up the steep and winding track to fetch a photo and marvel at the views of the Great Barrier Reef from up there. Then we went to the Cooktown Museum which is housed in a colonial two storey house that was originally a convent and boarding school run by the Sisters of Mercy. They have a very large and interesting collection of memorabillia pertaining to Captain Cook and the growth of the town down through the years. One of the exhibits is the original anchor off the Endeavour. Definately worth the entry fee.
Going into town we saw some black mountains that appear to be nothing but huge rocks and boulders stacked up like a stockpile. On the way out we stopped at a scenic lookout to get a better look at them. These mountains are formed by piles of granite boulders and a blue green algae causes the black appearance. A most interesting sight.
Did not do a blog yesterday so a belated birthday wish for my sister in law, Happy Birthday Ella.
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