This past weekend we went on our first camping trip in Australia. Elim Beach and Coloured Sands is about an hour north of Cooktown. 30 minutes on a 4wd road. The area was surrounded by sand dunes - making the hills look snow-capped. We went with some friends. And had a wonderful time.

The water was inviting, but we had the crocs to think of! The boys found a good swimming hole at low tide.

Starfish all around.

The local aboriginal women were out fishing.

I think this is a guanna. He hung around our camptsite.

Maverick loved the starfish!

This was the view from where we were staying. Thank goodness it was set back a bit from the water. Safer from the crocs.

There are many beach sheds along the road. No permanent houses. This is aboriginal land. The owner of this shed works with our friends and let us use his place. It was everything we needed. I loved looking at this house without walls. We slept upstairs on borrowed blow up mattresses and with mosquito nets.

Ty enjoyed fishing, although I think we should call it "feeding the fish".

We'll catch something one of these days!

Maverick and Mason with their friends in a "tinny".

Paul - on croc watch down in the water. I was on croc watch on shore.

Down the road from where we camped is a place called Coloured Sands. The colored sand is actually up in the dunes. As we hiked up the hill, the sand changed from orange to white to grey. I hiked up this hill in my bare feet; Now I know the aussie ways are sinking in.

The drive to Coloured Sands.

We also climbed a very steep dune. It's steeper than it looks!

Hold on everyone!

Ty and Maverick and Paul rolling/running down the hill.

Pretty tired on the way home.