Cooktown to Lotusbird Lodge

I woke up with a doozy of a headache at 4 am, so not feeling too chipper at 6 am when it was time to get up to prepare for the day. I snoozed in the coach, and I think I didn't really wake up properly until our first stop, which was the
Isabella waterfall. TRO jumped out and took these nice pics.



The old Laura homestead was our next stop, morning tea, and a little wander around this old property. The license to occupy was obtained by two Irish immigrants in 1879, and by 1897 the homestead was described as " a property which if not possessing marvelous resources, is nevertheless, a place productive of good living "






Then onto the township of Laura, where we travelled to Split Rock Art Gallery. After a very vigorous uphill walk, we arrived at the site, which was sheltered under a rocky outcrop. We were guided by Roy, a local aborigine, who explained the art to us.




After lunch we stopped at the Culpowar Crossing on the Normanby River, where we did a little croc spotting, and Arn drove our coach over the river crossing and back for a photo shoot. This is the place where I hit the deck, slipping on some mud. No harm done, except muddy pants.








On the last leg of our journey we spotted billabongs, feral pigs, brolgas and jabirus before arriving at our accommodation for the next two nights, Lotus Bird Lodge. We were greeted warmly by the owners Sue and Gary, and their staff, Sue's sister , and two Canadian back packers.

Devonshire tea was served, and dinner at seven was a beautiful home cooked roast with seven veggies. Strawberries Romanoff for desert was equally delicious.



- Posted from another day in Paradise