FRIDAY 29 MAY     MISSION BEACH

It was still raining in the morning, but then cleared for a few hours, although the skies stayed grey. There do not appear to be any sandflies here – they probably all got drowned! There is over 4 metres of rain here, a year! This morning, I am wondering if my earlier decision to book us in here for a week, was such a great idea. Welcome to the Wet Tropics.

We walked to the PO, which is in the little string of shops that is Mission Beach. The Express Mail bag from home was there with the share materials I wanted. I filled out the paperwork and walked back to the PO to mail that off.

There are not that many shops and some of them seem to be part time businesses only. There are no banks. The PO does card withdrawals of cash, but their machine does not “talk to” our brand of Visa Card. The general store does EFTPOS but one must spend $20 first, and then they charge $2 to do it! It will be a lean week as far as purchases are concerned.

In the afternoon, set out to do the Bicton Hill walk. Drove a few kms north of Mission Beach, and left Truck in the car park. The track was excellent – well graded, not too steep, and with some good views from points on the way up. The outlook from the top was really extensive – right over Mission Beach and nearby Dunk Island, even as far as Hinchinbrook Island, which was rather mist covered. It was not a great day for taking photos of the vistas, unfortunately, after all that effort. The walk was nearly 4kms.

Left Truck back at the van, then walked on the beach across from the caravan park. We could see that rain was coming in – the sky was looking black, out to sea.

Bought fish and chips for tea. They were the cheapest we have had for quite some time, at $9.60, and were quite nice.

It rained heavily again through the night.