Cooktown

What a crappy nights sleep.  Zachie slept between Rick and I and coughed for most of the night.  The poor darling sounded terrible and just couldn't seem to get into any form of deep sleep.  And neither did we.  So as predicted, the kids were up and ready to socialise at 6.30AM.  Ah I don't think so. It was a slow start for mum and dad, with Rick doing some book work and me struggling to get moving.  The Levey's headed out for another 4WD drive up to Elim while we went into town.  First stop was the Cooktown Museum which I have to say was most impressive for a regional museum and town of this size.  Even the kids got into it and had many questions about the Endeavour, the brake (anchor on display), the canon and the many spears, weapons, dolls and jewellery on display.  Zachie was a nightmare trying to climb everything in sight but Maxie and Scarlett were really into it and seemed to understand what it was all about.  The museum is in a former Convent and the architecture was lovely.  On to Finch Bay and I was a little hesitant to get out when I again saw the "ACHTUNG" sign with crocodile image on it. They are everywhere up here.  Too bad we haven't seen a crocodile yet. Rick did a scout of the track first and only then was I happy to venture out with my chickens. Plus a few other tourists turned up so I felt safety in numbers.  On to the Lighthouse and Grassy Hill lookout which gave a spectacular view of the coast on one side and Endeavour River and Cooktown on the other.  It was gorgeous and probably the most scenic of all the small towns we've visited. Pretty than Town of 1770, but it was blowing a gale so our stop over was very short lived.  Back in the car for drive through town to check out the many monuments along the main street and waterfront.  We stopped for a paddlepop and play on the replica Endeavour which was a hit with the kids. On to the cemetery which was interesting in that the graves were so old, but boring otherwise. Ingham cemetery was much more impressive.  A quick swim in the pool back at the Big 4 and the day was over.  Our friends arrived back and chaos set in until we finally dragged the kids to bed and settled in for some adult time.  A couple of kilos of prawns later and one too many beers for Rocco and it was time for bed.  A good day in Cooktown although I was glad to see the end of it.