As I said already yesterday, not a long day. Headed out at 8 and got to Lk Morris by 11. Good thing I did not attempt this yesterday because they are repaving some of the road and yesterday it was closed off!

Goodbye Cairns

Lake Morris is indeed the fresh water supply for Cairns and the water is not even accessible, nor is it allowed to swim in it, for obvious reasons. There was free tea or coffee at the visitor centre to which I helped myself and had a quick look around.

It’s just a man-made reservoir although with an impressive list of birds that can be seen here. I decided to push on a bit, literally, because it’s a steep climb out of the valley before it levels out. The trail is actually a very good dirt road, but it is gated and no vehicles are allowed in. Cyclists can easily “jump” the gate though. I’m camped right on the road at a short level section and strung a line across it to dry my clothes. Super primitive.

On the way in today I saw my first bush turkeys, about as exciting to Aussies as seeing house sparrows I guess. And had my first delicious road side mango! The ones in the caravan park weren’t anywhere near ripe, but this one was. And, wow! just before evening a cassowary ambled over, but quickly turned around when he became aware of me. A young male I figure, not very much blue showing.Tomorrow the major section of steep uphill, but I’ll be well rested and trust I can handle a few kms of pushing.

Today 22 kms, 640 m uphill, 2:40 ride time, average climb 6%, max 17%.