Monday 1 August 2011

that's My World, ABC Wednesday,C for Cook's Landing


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Click to enlarge.I took those photos in August 2007.

That's my World is hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia - a Team of experienced bloggers, whom we thank for this wonderful meme. You can see more of the world of other bloggers by clicking on the logo in the side bar or on that's My World

We often had lunch at Cook's Landing's Kiosk. I love the iced coffee they make there, and the fish and chips. But most of all I like the casual way they have in approaching their customers. "Hello, how are you today?" "Oh, I am ok and how are you?" " I am fine! What can I do for you?" " I'd like to have an iced coffee and a fish and chips, please!" "Okay, and what is your first name?" " It's Wil" "Well Wil I'll call you when it's ready!" "Thank you!"

Cook's Landing is the exact place where Captain Cook landed in June 1770, when his ship "The Endeavour" got stuck in the reef and needed to be repaired. That's why the river near the landing's place is called the Endeavour River. The town is called Cooktown, but the Aboriginal name is Gungar. There are many stories in and around Cooktown, many of them are very sad.


Wikipedia says:"Cook's Arrival

The site of modern Cooktown was the meeting place of two vastly different cultures when, in June 1770, the local Aboriginal Guugu Yimithirr tribe cautiously watched the crippled sailing ship – His Majesty's Bark Endeavour – limp up the coast seeking a safe harbour after sustaining serious damage to its wooden hull on the Endeavour Reef, south of Cooktown. The Guugu Yimithirr people saw the Endeavour beach in the calm waters near the mouth of their river, which they called "Wahalumbaal".



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Endeavour replica sailing into Cooktown's harbour near the mouth of the Endeavour River where the original Endeavour was beached for 7 weeks in 1770.

The British crew spent seven weeks on the site of present-day Cooktown, repairing their ship, replenishing food and water supplies, and caring for their sick. The extraordinary scientist, Joseph Banks, and Swedish naturalist Daniel Solander, who accompanied Cook on the expedition, collected, preserved and documented over 200 new species of plants. The young artist Sydney Parkinson illustrating the specimens and he was the first British artist to portray Aboriginal people from direct observation.

After some weeks, Joseph Banks met and spoke with the local people, recording about 50 Guugu Yimithirr words, including the name of the intriguing animal the natives called gangurru (which he transcribed as "Kangaru"). Cook recorded the local name as "Kangooroo, or Kanguru".

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with C.

31 comments:

Tania said...

Wonderful blue pictures from a great place!

Sylvia K said...

Another fascinating post for the day, Wil! Loved reading about Cook's Landing and your photos are fantastic! What a delightful place! Hope your week is off to a great start! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Vicki Lane said...

Most enjoyable! Lovely to see a bit of waterfront not lined with towering condominiums.

Indrani said...

You always come up with such unique and wonderful themes. :)
Great one this.

The Weaver of Grass said...

I was really interested in this Wil as I live very near to where Captain Cook was born. His birthplace is only about ten miles away from here.

B i r g i t t a said...

Terrific! Looks like wonderful weather for boat trips :)

Dianne said...

Love the background info to this town Will - and I can imagine how amazed the local Aboriginie people would have been to see this huge ship sailing into their harbour.

Arkansas Patti said...

Now that was really interesting and totally new to me. That tall ship is so striking. I'd say Cook took wonderful advantage of the the long layover. Thank you for the interesting lesson.

eileeninmd said...

Great post, Wil! I enjoyed the photos and learning about Cook's Landing. Thanks for sharing.

Kay L. Davies said...

Fabulous post, Wil. For a minute I thought you were in Australia again, but I guess you aren't. I enjoyed your photos and also the history lesson, my friend.
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Arija said...

For a moment there Wil, I thought you were in Australia.

A lovely shot of the Endeavour replica.

mrsnesbitt said...

Agree with Weaver - we have special interest in Captain Cook as he was born just up the road and worked in Whitby.
Great post
Denise ABC Team

Nanka said...

Interesting information and beautiful pictures!!

photowannabe said...

What a gorgeous place Wil.
I would love to visit there and have fish and chips too.
Great information thanks. Maybe someday I can visit.

Carver said...

This was a very interesting post and great shots to commemorate the letter C.

anthonynorth said...

A lovely and historic place.

Liz Hinds said...

That looks a very peaceful place.

EG CameraGirl said...

Ah! You eat fish 'n chips and drink iced coffee in such a historic spot. :)

MERYL JAFFE, PhD - parent, psychologist, teacher, author... said...

Lovely, informative post. That diner and dock look so inviting!

Leslie: said...

Great history of the area. I believe we in western Canada have a history with Capt. Cook, too.

Leslie
abcw team

Kim, USA said...

I like to hear the sad or joyful story of town like this. For sure those weeks that these crew work on the boat some maybe fell in love with somebody and that begins with a sad or joyful story, who knows. Thanks for the info I learn a lot from your post. ^_^

ABC Wed

Roger Owen Green said...

Nifty history I didn't know
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Gigi Ann said...

What a group of lovely photos today Wil. I always enjoy visiting and reading about your adventures.

Kay said...

Sigh... how sad to think that he was killed here in Hawaii. I'm afraid there was that failure to communicate.

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

You know we are connected by Captain Cook-he 'discovered' Hawaii. Quite the explorer, I think!

Hildred said...

A great post Wil, - always interested to hear of Captain Cook's travels in so many parts of the world, including that close to us here in British Columbia.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Such gorgeous photos! First time I heard about captain cook. Oh I am so glad I joined ABC, I am learning so many COOL things.

Jama said...

What a nice place with so friendly service!

Marja said...

The conversation easily could have taken place in NZ as well. lol
Very interesting information and a nice place

Patty said...

Beautiful photos and what a nice place to eat. Sounds so friendly.

Unknown said...

Warmth and friendliness from the locals makes this historic place special.