Lost and Found in the Tropics

Sunday 15 September I awoke after a sound sleep and peeped out from the mosquito net to see this lovely misty mountain scene.

A cabin with a view

In the absence of any other way of knowing the time, the noise of the generator confirmed when the others were up. In daylight I soon found my way back to the house, making certain to remember landmarks along the way, such as the ablutions block and long drop.

Flowers from ginger plants in the garden adorned the shower

Long drop, framed by twin coconuts, with shower next door

Steve drove to the tree planting site (about 15km north) to show me some of Jason's handiwork, set against the spectacular backdrop of Mt Sorrow. The heat from the sun soon became intense so we took a sheltered walk to a tranquil pool in the creek between the two planting sites. Still not terribly compos mentis, my sense of direction was a little off as I attempted to find the way out again! Steve expressed surprise that any of 'the Hoffmann cousins' with their country background could be so daft!  Ha - I think I was the only one of my generation of that extensive clan to have grown up in town! After a short detour taking in the picturesque views at Cape Tribulation it was time to head home for a late lunch and relaxed afternoon.

I almost tripped over this well camouflaged goanna at Cape Tribulation

When the day cooled a little, Tanya showed me nearby Thornton beach, telling of the volcanic pumice washed up from NZ. We watched four lads swim to nearby Struck Island, clearly unconcerned about the potential presence of crocodiles. At low tide a causeway allows this island to be reached on foot.

Thornton Beach looking south to Cooper Creek which is inhabited by crocodiles  

Four lads have almost reached Struck Island

I settled in my cabin for another rather early bedtime. About midnight two, very close sounding, shots rang forth. What potential maniac might be on the loose my fertile imagination wondered? I closed the insubstantial lattice doors, turned off the light and burrowed deep under the doona (the temperature did drop at night!), hoping to wake alive next morning.