Lake Tinaroo to Lakeland

Saturday 13th- Monday 15^th Aug Lake Tinaroo to Lakeland -15,318
Well the R & R had to come to an end and after 4 nights in the most idyllic setting, rain forest, grass, over looking the lake we decided we had to push on. We had originally thought we would only be here for 3 nights, but Trev's mum and dad, Merrill and Jerry along with her sister Jan and husband Serge arrived . Suddenly our 'surrogate' grandparent role was ursurped by the Real Thing! But we forgave them, we thoroughly enjoyed their company (and Jerry had a little dinghy :-). Unfortunately the lake was too cold so the fish weren't real hungry although Jerry (assisted by Lewis and Jamie) potted a few red claw – like a marron. Like took on a completely different pace for a few days, and we lazed around and let ourselves be entertained by the cheeky birds. The kurrawongs are as bold as any magpie at home, and I had to watch the kitchen table closely any time there was food about. I got my revenge by offering them a couple of wasabi peas. They fought over my prune stones but soon rejected them only to be hungrily gobbled down by the ducks. Chauffeur waas delighted that he seemed to have finally outrun the vol au vong bird that has serenaded him faithfully at dawn everyday, but the kookaburras were just as diligent. Chauffeur was more successful with his 2^nd chocolate cake and it was eagerly devoured at our morning to decided where and when we should push on.



It was decided to head to Lakeland, inland from Mossman, about 200 Kms north from Atherton. Again a beautiful drive. Scenery so different from WA. We stocked up on goodies in Mareeba, it might be a couple of weeks before we hit a decent fresh food shop again – and a medicine shop – there are many restrictions in these northern lands! As we drove north we enjoyed the vista. We seemed to be on a flat fertile plain surrounded by mountains. Checked out a mango vineyard, unfortunately not mango season, but we had a tasting and encouraged Michael to buy a couple of bottles of mango champagne for us to celebrate with when we get to the 'Top'. Checked into another one of my least favourite places (CP) and were welcomed heartily by the local kids (kookaburra's) oh boy, are they going to be in trouble with chauffeur at dawn. Done the obligatory washing whilst the boys checked out with other 'tourists' here on roads and conditions up north. I am starting to get nervous. Seen quite a few photos here and there, and I think it best not to look too cklose. Good thing is there has been good weather for a few weeks, so the creek crossings shouldn't be too bad (wonder about the croc's though). We bought some salmon today, and had such a lovely dinner. There is something so good about cooking and eating outside, the whole thing is just to pleasurable. My camp kitchen in Djan is working really well. Well, I think I will stop this drivel and get in some shut eye, the dawn chorus is not far away. Not sure when we will next have coverage.