(Day 19 TLCC
Cape York Trip)
Today’s events were recorded by Michelle, as Dave (alone) Darke chose not to write his report.
We planned to leave the
Archer River Roadhouse around 9.30am but at 9am Bill noticed he had a semi-flat rear tyre. After yesterday, advising Swampy that he should switch to tubeless tyres, Bill had to eat his own words. The culprit was found to be a tent peg. On the road towards
Coen, we were stopped by the DPI Northwatch Quarantine centre for a
check of all fruit and vegetables. There was no confiscation – they were ultimately screening pawpaw and bananas. After an outdoor slide show and video lecture from a Quarantine representative on the amenities block walk at Seisa we were all a little more appreciative of the importance of the DPI inspections. We stopped again just before reaching the township of
Coen at the
Coen River for a leisurely morning tea. Apparently, camping is allowed in the sand of the river but there are no facilities.
Coen is a small town with a big Gold Mining history. We took a breif look through the shops on the main street and marvelled at the "Sexchange Hotel". We continued on to Musgrave where camping is free unless you require a shower and then it will cost you $2. There are no laundry facilities but food is available from the restaurant/
shop from 7am – 12 midnight. There is a bar and
pool table and 10 rooms for more civilised accomodation. While we were here the place was up for sale at A$1.25M.