Rainfall – The weekend has a bit showery, with strong winds, once again I have had to delay that fishing trip. The week looks better, with forecasts fine weather and lighter winds, which may continue the whole week. The nights are still cool but the daytime temps are now getting up around 30 C. Nightwalks are now starting to see Boyd’s and Eastern Water Dragons, snakes and frogs. One now has to be careful of ‘frogs crossing’ on the road at night!
Weather Forecasts:
NORTH TROPICAL COAST AND TABLELANDS DISTRICT
Isolated coastal showers, Fine inland. Moderate to fresh SE winds easing.
High fire danger.
Outlook for Tuesday ... Mainly fine.
Outlook for Wednesday ... Fine.
North Tropical Waters, Cooktown to Cardwell:
Monday until midnight: SE winds 15/20 knots. Seas to 1.7 metres outside the reef and 1.2 metres inside. Isolated showers.
Tuesday: SE winds 10/15 knots. Seas to 1.3 metres outside the reef and 0.9 metres inside. Isolated showers.
Wednesday: SE/NE winds 10/15 knots.
Roads – the road to Cape Trib is open with no flooding. Thompson Creek Causeway is now complete, and both lanes are open. This has significantly improved access around Cape Tribulation and the big queues at this crossing in the wet season will now be a thing of the past. Only one more to go, Cooper Creek! Please be aware of increased snake and frog activity on the road at night. Please don’t run snakes over they are just as biologically important as Cassowaries (or frogs)! Also be aware of forest dragons on the road, as they are in nesting season. They tend to lay eggs in openings in the forest, and roadside verges are ideal. In the days of graded dirt roads, many nests were destroyed as grading was carried out, and the drains were reopened, of course this was the very spot the Boyd’s had decided to lay eggs!
The Bloomfield Track is open to 4WDs only and is still in great condition. We recommend the use of low gear (low range if available on steep descents) The creek crossings are less than knee deep. Dust is bad on the road and lights should be used. The road is in the best condition now it ever gets to, enjoy!
Tides – The week starts with high tides in the early morning and high in the late afternoon, with lows at midday. Later in the week, the tides slip later, with lows mid afternoon.
Even with many school holidays over tours and accommodation is still busy, and people should pre-book to avoid disappointment.
