and marmalade !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The climate here is, at least at this time of year, very acceptable - not too hot but nice sun, cooler at night and a good breeze.  The early morning kangaroo spotting was at Cape Hillsborough. Masses of English names for places, Cumberland, Newry, Orford Ness, Cockburn reef, Cape Weymouth and a multitude more.

We hired a car and went exploring to Eungeklla National Park - passing through the small ribbon town of Finch Hatton we stopped at the famous pie shop and took in a beef and chilli [drop dead delicious - so we stocked up for the freezer] - there was a gold rush here in 1882 and Mr Finch got rich apparently finding over 1000 oz of gold. The town is fairly run down now but we found Ed who had a ranger truck with  bull bars and the number plate “BUGGER”. He showed us up to the entrance to the Park and also to the spot where we might catch a  glimpse of a Duck Billed Platypus at dusk. So we walked the park trail through beautiful forest to a cascade of clear water in a river bed then returned to the DBP spot and we waited for the sun to create dusk. Unbelievable we then saw a strong swimming Platypus with its bill and head out of the water travelling back and forth across the river backwater - we supposed visiting his girlfriend who sent him back for something. Great excitment. the DBP lays eggs but suckles its young and amazing crossover between mammal and I suppose reptile/bird.

We stocked up with drink for the coming voyage, while we had the car, but unfortunately whilst looking for an off-licence [called a ‘bottle shop’ here we shot past on a dual carriage-way. We reversed back up the dual carriageway and up the ramp thus approaching the liquor store from he wrong way - "Jesus that was risky Mate” came the welcome - you must be from England. We drive on the left here too you know. After selecting, courtesy Ansells’, a positively eye watering quality of wines and beers including a tour of the enormous cold room,the size of a baronial cellar,  we departed up the carriage way - as luck would have it the correct way. 

 Sunrise at Kangaroo Beach.