Day 2

Day 2 (Destination - Lions Den Hotel via Bloomfield Track)

Awoke to a gorgeous sunrise coming up behind the hill nearby. We are surrounded by rainforest and there is a little sunbird sitting in its nest right beside the door into the toilet block. A curlew with what appears to be one dud leg is standing not far from our camp. It's still quite cool here, about 20degrees at the moment - expecting that to change as we head north.

Fuel at Mossman (169.9c/L)

Left Cairns around 9am, partly because we knew we didn't have a huge day of driving and partly because we had some towels in the dryer to wait for.  Heading north through Mossman, we took the Cape Tribulation turn off and rode on the car ferry (about $15 one way) across the Daintree River. The ferry was full so there were several vehicles either following us or that we followed throughout today. All heading up the Bloomfield Track north. The Bloomfield wasn't too bad, just very dusty and steep in some sections. The rainforest either side of the road were covered in a thick layer of red dust - waiting patiently for the next heavy rain to come and wash them clean.

We stopped briefly at Cowie Point where you could take the short walk to the beach which at low tide was clear and inviting. We took some photos then continued on our way.

There were 3 or 4 water crossings, only one worth mentioning. A vehicle had stopped ahead of us so a lady could film them driving across. The water wasn't that deep, maybe 2 feet or so, but I think they were planning on driving back across to get the lady. We offered the lady a lift which she accepted, standing on the side rails and holding on to the door, much to the bemusement of her family.  The dirt track of the Bloomfield continued on a bit further before coming to the Bloomfield River and the small aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal. There were several homes with big wide verandas perched on the hill with magnificent views overlooking the river - seemed like quite a nice community actually. There is a concrete causeway to drive over the Bloomfield River, and just after that we took the left turn toward the Bloomfield falls. We are pretty sure that's what they were but there are no signs. It was a short walk to a spot where you can see the falls in the distance which are still quite a amazing sight - they would be absolutely spectacular after lots of rain.

We stopped for lunch under a big shady tree in Wujal Wujal- making our own salami, ham

and cheese sandwiches, before continuing on through the small communities of Ayton and Rossville. Some sections of the road are dirt and some bitumen - not too bad really. Saw an old Corolla driving past which looked out of place and a bit worse for wear. 4WD's and trail bikes seem much more at home in this region.

We arrived at our destination, the Lions Den Hotel, around 3.30pm.

Had the obligatory beer at the pub and then wandered down to the camp grounds for a look. Set up camp near the Annan River under the canopy of a few big trees before heading down for a swim. Safe swimming here - no crocs (apparently they are all further down stream).

Relaxed for a while, did some bird spotting, snacked and played some Frisbee, and then a large group of trailbike riders turned up looking for a camp. We thought they were going to set up right beside us but fortunately found a better spot further back - pheww.  Could still be an interesting night. 

We walked the short distance back to the pub for more beer and pizza for dinner, before ending with another early night. All this driving, sightseeing and relaxing really takes it out of you...