From the Lions Den it's only about 33kms to Cooktown, and most of this was downhill. On the way I saw Black Mountain, whose surface is covered by a mass of large boulders caused by fissures in the granite causing numerous fractures; the black colour is from lichen on the surface. It's a protected area as it's home to several unique animal species:
I rreached Cooktown around 1130. There's quite a lot to see there, including a large monument to Captain Cook, commemorating his landing there in June 1770:
There are a number of impressive heritage buildings along the wide main street:
This memorial commemorates Mary Watson, an early settler who died of thirst on nearby Lizard Island having fled from an attack by hostile aborigines:
Waterfront view
A steep ride up Grassy Hill to the lighthouse gave some great views over the town and the mouth of the Endeavour River:
Distance today 52kms, total 291kms.
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