Cumulative distance: 15,655 kms
We left Keith and Wendy's place in Clifton Beach at about 7.30am as they were heading off for their morning walk with the dogs. We'd had a great couple of days with them, they were charming hosts (Keith charming???). We went through Cardwell which is pretty little town on the coast near Hinchinbrook Island.
The road from Cairns to Townsville is a good bike riding road with plenty of turns and fast straight bits. 
The views from various lookouts on the way were quite spectacular. We reached Townsville around 1 pm. Colin and I parted there; Colin went to Ronnie Johnstone's house and I continued on to Ayr to Ross and Vicki's place. Vicki had swept the carport especially for me so I parked my flyblown bike there. Ross was running around watering his cane and I spent hours on his computer trying to organise a campsite in the Carnarvon Gorge NP. I managed to book a site that was at the end of a 11km hike so I quickly cancelled it. The only other place I could find with accommodation was the Carnarvon Gorge resort. The rooms started at $196 a night so that was out. Colin managed to find the Takarakka bush resort which had campsites and was located near the entrance to the NP. I managed to miss that one in my google search so was relieved as tour organiser!!! Vicki invited Elaine and Barry round for dinner and we played cards until late. 
Colin caught up with Alby at the race track at Townsville. Alby had high-sided coming out of the pits and ended up in hospital with broken ribs so he was reduced to being a flag marshall. Colin also met Mike Hewitt, the guy he sold his Yamaha racing bike front wheeel to. Mike had bought a much modified 1972 TD3 Yamaha but needed an original front wheel and many other parts to restore it. Colin had bought a genuine front wheel and brake in 1972 to fit to his CB450 Honda and brought it to Australia. Through Alby Mike offered to buy it and when he fitted it to the TD3 he was inspired to go ahead and restore the rest of the bike. Mike invited Colin to come to his factory and see the finished bike. It was immaculate and Colin posed in his Phil Read replica leathers. Phil won the 1972 250cc world championship on such a bike. Unfortunately the bike wouldn't run so Colin couldn't have a spin.
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