We are off to Canberra to collect a new laptop from CASA and spend a day at the 'office'. But importantly to attend Peter Cromarty's BBQ at Royalla on Saturday. Figure on 5 hours for the 450km and plan to stay at the CP at EPIC (Exibition Park In Canberra) the show grounds... We finally find it! Then find the office! Nothing flash so we have a powered site near the ablutions and down the road from the cattle pens... $28 It's quiet at least.
Friday 9th
Up and at-em to get the right spot in th 'CASA' carpark. It's herringbone parking so one end of each row has a bay that the bus can hang over the end and one side - without annoying anyone ( especially the parking dudes...). We get the end of the row closest to Aviation House at 0730. All good.
After breakfast at Anthony's 'In House' cafe, Maz is off to the movies and I get admitted to the building with a day pass and RFID access card.
At the end of the day we moved the bus to the public carpark across from the Hellenic Club, park right in the middle of the 100m square, a 50 m walk from the club. Shout ourselves to dinner at the Ginseng Restaurant.
We finally tired of the watching the Christmas Party participants and adjourned to the accommodation... the carpark was full at 9:30. We watered the dog, closed the curtains and retired! Didn't here the cars leaving...
Saturday 10th
but by the morning there war only a few cars (probably wisely) left behind. We decide that a MacDonald's treat was the go this morning, so after a shower we wandered over to Woden Maccas for Maz's bacon and egg muffin and my hash brown. What unbelievably slow service. The staff had no clue and the clientele were typically "Canberra"...
In a while it is off to Anna's and Jerrabomberah to check out the new place and pick up Anna and Holly. Can't park out side so we are at the bottom of the cul de sac. When its time to leave I try pulling up out side Anna's so she doesn't have far to walk with her broken foot/ankle/leg... handbrake can't hold on the very steep slope, so a jerky broke/clutch/ throttle job to get going - tricky.
We are off to Royalla. We park up the slope to Peter's shed - the most level place. And it's beer o'clock... Long story short, we started too early and by late afternoon Maz and I had had it, and were forced to retired defeated.
Sunday 11th
Sunday started with rain in the early hours and by daybreak the drive and the slope were very slippery clay; and the bus need to be reversed down the slope and around a curve with a big sloppy drain on the edge. Once moving, it was committed. No brakes just guide it sliding backwards - very exciting. Did a careful three-point backwards turn and parked facing out on the drive at the highest solidest point... Had Breakfast with Peter C and his friends from Newcastle.
Then its off home. Were tempted to head for Pete and Wendy at Millingandi (back of the Merimbula Lake) but there is something amiss with the fronted of the bus... so caution prevails. The steering is odd and there is a sort of rattle on the right side... By the time we get home the front right tyre is wrecked - worn to the cable! The left side is fine???
POST SCRIPT: A few days later when the wheels are off the problem is obvious... the right main spring leaf is broken just behind the axle. The axle is only located by the half leaf to the front role bar... bugger.
Melbourne 30th Oct 2011
Sunday morning at Rochford... drizzle working up to a rainy day. Ah well we are south of the Great Dividing Range; dividing the good weather from the bad...
We decided to get going as the Crom had decided on a early start to get back to the Wangaratta Jazz Festival - must be some good drummers on this morning.
Bayswater should only be 45 minutes or so away so we will indulge in a Maccas breakfast. Well a bacon and egg Mcmuffin with tea for Maz and a couple of hash browns and coffee for Al.
On to Bayswater and the Davidsons, all home, good fun, Girls are growing fast!!! A bit of lunch and off to find Matt at New Gisborne. He's expecting us... it is nearly 100km 'across town'.
Well he's not home. Lawn bowls was postponed from Saturday as it turns out. A quick look at Warrina and we are off home via Riddels Creek, Romsey, Lancefield, Broadford and the Hume. Been this way more times than I could count...
About 750 km for the weekend. we will do it again.
We decided to get going as the Crom had decided on a early start to get back to the Wangaratta Jazz Festival - must be some good drummers on this morning.
Bayswater should only be 45 minutes or so away so we will indulge in a Maccas breakfast. Well a bacon and egg Mcmuffin with tea for Maz and a couple of hash browns and coffee for Al.
On to Bayswater and the Davidsons, all home, good fun, Girls are growing fast!!! A bit of lunch and off to find Matt at New Gisborne. He's expecting us... it is nearly 100km 'across town'.
Well he's not home. Lawn bowls was postponed from Saturday as it turns out. A quick look at Warrina and we are off home via Riddels Creek, Romsey, Lancefield, Broadford and the Hume. Been this way more times than I could count...
About 750 km for the weekend. we will do it again.
A Day on the Green 29th Oct 2011
After RHHINO being 'in the workshop' for a while... well it is a 'work-in-progress'... and having bought tickets to the Rochford Winery ADOTG, we figure the bus is the way to do it.
We bought tickets much earlier in the year/ Our plan is to drive at the public carpark and find place to park which is out of the way, and after the concert retire for the night. Thought about asking first, but asking forgiveness is often easier than asking permission...
While out to the east of Melbourne we plan on visiting the grand-daughters on the Sunday and then Matt's new place at New Gisborne on the way home.
So we headed down to cross the Hume at Benalla and to the Yarra Valley via Bonnie Doon Yea, etc East of Benalla, Lake Nillacootie was full. Never seen that before!!! At Bonnie Doon Eildon Weir poundage was to the brim. I remember skiing there as a teenager and having to duck passing under the railway bridge when the lake was that full 45 years ago.
Last time we came this way there was NO water and the bottom was all grass 30m below! It has been a wet year down south.
We ambled down to Rochford with a coffee stop at Yea, arriving about the same time the gates opened. At the public carpark we enquired where was an (level) out of the way place to park until everyone had gone. The attendant (CFA does it for donations) suggested the bus park might be better and directed us there. It was much closer to the venue too. At the bus shuttle park we asked again where was good for them. The bloke there said we could stay all night is we wanted to. It's a deal! Where to park? Set up on a pretty level corner with a short walk to the venue. We settle in. Boiled the kettle...
Closer to starting time Peter the Crom phoned to say he was here. We told him where to look and he came over. Gently asked if our friend could park nearby? No worries. Peter moved his car even closer than we were.
Well we had a great afternoon/evening with a good up and coming Melbourne band for starters then Steve Winwood and band for an hour or so and Steely Dan to close. The weather was kind - dry until immediately after the show! Since we were not driving anywhere we availed ourselves of the Rochford Wines from a crisp white to a warming red at the close... We settled down after a nightcap. It was pretty quiet not long after the show. The 'bump out' was far enough away so as not to disturb us - and the night cap didn't hurt. The Crom slept in his car next to the bus.
We bought tickets much earlier in the year/ Our plan is to drive at the public carpark and find place to park which is out of the way, and after the concert retire for the night. Thought about asking first, but asking forgiveness is often easier than asking permission...
While out to the east of Melbourne we plan on visiting the grand-daughters on the Sunday and then Matt's new place at New Gisborne on the way home.
So we headed down to cross the Hume at Benalla and to the Yarra Valley via Bonnie Doon Yea, etc East of Benalla, Lake Nillacootie was full. Never seen that before!!! At Bonnie Doon Eildon Weir poundage was to the brim. I remember skiing there as a teenager and having to duck passing under the railway bridge when the lake was that full 45 years ago.
Last time we came this way there was NO water and the bottom was all grass 30m below! It has been a wet year down south.
We ambled down to Rochford with a coffee stop at Yea, arriving about the same time the gates opened. At the public carpark we enquired where was an (level) out of the way place to park until everyone had gone. The attendant (CFA does it for donations) suggested the bus park might be better and directed us there. It was much closer to the venue too. At the bus shuttle park we asked again where was good for them. The bloke there said we could stay all night is we wanted to. It's a deal! Where to park? Set up on a pretty level corner with a short walk to the venue. We settle in. Boiled the kettle...
Closer to starting time Peter the Crom phoned to say he was here. We told him where to look and he came over. Gently asked if our friend could park nearby? No worries. Peter moved his car even closer than we were.
Well we had a great afternoon/evening with a good up and coming Melbourne band for starters then Steve Winwood and band for an hour or so and Steely Dan to close. The weather was kind - dry until immediately after the show! Since we were not driving anywhere we availed ourselves of the Rochford Wines from a crisp white to a warming red at the close... We settled down after a nightcap. It was pretty quiet not long after the show. The 'bump out' was far enough away so as not to disturb us - and the night cap didn't hurt. The Crom slept in his car next to the bus.
12th September 2011: Home again... for a while
During honey's morning constitutional I had a chat to yet another motorhome, towed Suzuki happy owner.
Could not find the Caltex/Woollys fuel, but filled up, and we are off. ETA Mulwala about 1400... Offered Maz and egg McMuffin at West Wyalong, but could find a Maccas!!! Nor at Narranderra but stopped there for a coffee.
The Newell Hwy is a pleasure to drive this far south. Still the odd road train and B-double but nice wide road with solid edges. We will be back this way in a week on our way to the surgeon - but in the Golf.
Cut across throughout Berrigan to the Barrooga Mulwala road and we are home again.
The council still hasn't finished the other roundabout, but it is marked out with paint. The slab for the new house next door is being boxed - and is huge.
In the 63 days since we left the bus has covered 8800 kilometres, used 1600 litres of diesel costing $2400 and we have spent $1140 on caravan parks... So at that rate next year's around Australia is about $4200 in fuel!
11th September 2011 - Forbes
Today makes two calendar months 'on the road'... or day 63 of 28! But now we are bolting home - for now. So goodbye St George. A few corners on the way at Noondoo (turn West) Dirrambamdi (turn South), Hebel (turn 90 to south east) stopping 4 times (on Sunday) for roadworks! We are back in NSW after 6810km in Queensland.
Next Place of interest Lightning Ridge - only 4km of our path. Did a loop of the shops... and there is a market on. Good chance to walk the dog - and exercise our numb bums! Bought some second hand books - no opals. But there were lots for sale from a few dollars to thousands!!! (The little yellow sign says Lightning Ridge...)
Walgett for fuel. Nothing open - except one servo? Every door and window we saw has serious security screens... Ah yes, I remember the riots of not so many years ago. Guess it hasn't changed much. We didn't hang around.
Finally the road has improved not as many undulations and no road works. Coonamble and then my favourite name Gulargambone!! Isn't that magnificent for a town of 500...
We hit the Newell Hwy at Gilgandra and suddenly it's better... a real road. (it's rubbish further north but from it its a relative dream to drive). We will continue past Dubbo to Parkes... or Forbes.
Yep Forbes looks good - a free park in town away from traffic; the Lions Park. We arrive just after 5. Order a pizza and park next to the small lake along with a dozen others. So far so good. And the pizza is good too.
435km to home - tomorrow.
Next Place of interest Lightning Ridge - only 4km of our path. Did a loop of the shops... and there is a market on. Good chance to walk the dog - and exercise our numb bums! Bought some second hand books - no opals. But there were lots for sale from a few dollars to thousands!!! (The little yellow sign says Lightning Ridge...)
Walgett for fuel. Nothing open - except one servo? Every door and window we saw has serious security screens... Ah yes, I remember the riots of not so many years ago. Guess it hasn't changed much. We didn't hang around.
Finally the road has improved not as many undulations and no road works. Coonamble and then my favourite name Gulargambone!! Isn't that magnificent for a town of 500...
We hit the Newell Hwy at Gilgandra and suddenly it's better... a real road. (it's rubbish further north but from it its a relative dream to drive). We will continue past Dubbo to Parkes... or Forbes.
Yep Forbes looks good - a free park in town away from traffic; the Lions Park. We arrive just after 5. Order a pizza and park next to the small lake along with a dozen others. So far so good. And the pizza is good too.
435km to home - tomorrow.
10th September 2011 - St George
It's Saturday (I think - I'll check- yes it is...). Filled with fuel at 16c off! Finally!!! Off 600 km to St George. No point in pushing on another 100km or so theres not much there...
So much roadwork that we are starting to look forward to NSW where they don't bother repairing the roads...
So Gregory Highway - Dawson Highway and Carnarvon Highway. Were tempted to detour to Carnarvon Gorge but an extra 90+km round trip... Next time. It's not going anywhere...
Roadworks Rolleston to Injune. Yep, one lane with lights and/or people every second k - or so it seems. And every second or third vehicle going the other way between roadworks is "oversized" meaning little 2.4m wide busses don't fit on the bitumen... Hard work over the whoop de doos... big rolling corrugations twice the wheel base of the bus. So after the front wheels leave (or nearly leave) the ground. the back wheels pitch up making a harder landing at the front axle. Bottomed a few times - and you can't see them coming.
Stopped at Injune for an (in house) coffee and snack. Refuelled at Roma. Now at St George. Shouting ourselves a van park in town ($23!!) In walking distance to Pubs Chines Cafe and RSL. We are out to dinner really soon.
Tomorrow via Lightening Ridge to Dubbo... (600km) or further if we can...
So much roadwork that we are starting to look forward to NSW where they don't bother repairing the roads...
So Gregory Highway - Dawson Highway and Carnarvon Highway. Were tempted to detour to Carnarvon Gorge but an extra 90+km round trip... Next time. It's not going anywhere...
Roadworks Rolleston to Injune. Yep, one lane with lights and/or people every second k - or so it seems. And every second or third vehicle going the other way between roadworks is "oversized" meaning little 2.4m wide busses don't fit on the bitumen... Hard work over the whoop de doos... big rolling corrugations twice the wheel base of the bus. So after the front wheels leave (or nearly leave) the ground. the back wheels pitch up making a harder landing at the front axle. Bottomed a few times - and you can't see them coming.
Stopped at Injune for an (in house) coffee and snack. Refuelled at Roma. Now at St George. Shouting ourselves a van park in town ($23!!) In walking distance to Pubs Chines Cafe and RSL. We are out to dinner really soon.
Tomorrow via Lightening Ridge to Dubbo... (600km) or further if we can...
9th September
We have decided to go home! We need to see second oldest son Don who has had a bit of medical attention, and now Helen. She is now in Melbourne's St Vincents Hospital for surgery today. At least in Melbourne she is close to the children and grandchildren. There will be a queue of visitors before she knows it.
We will track as near as direct as we can. Skirting Mackay for Nebo, Moranbah Clermont and aiming for a modest 500 km to Emerald for the night.
The shortcut around Mackay ended up being a slow-cut; hilly and twisty with lots of roadworks - averaged about 50kph... Anyway eventually made it to the Peak Downs Hwy then the Gregory Hwy (we left the Gregory Development Road at Charters Towers)
We have stopped for tonight at the Emerald Botanic Gardens free rest area (between a highway and railway... again).
Only 1750km to go!
Tomorrow we will continue south on the Gregory until it turns into the Carnarvon Dev Rd to Roma then St George - 600km.
We will track as near as direct as we can. Skirting Mackay for Nebo, Moranbah Clermont and aiming for a modest 500 km to Emerald for the night.
The shortcut around Mackay ended up being a slow-cut; hilly and twisty with lots of roadworks - averaged about 50kph... Anyway eventually made it to the Peak Downs Hwy then the Gregory Hwy (we left the Gregory Development Road at Charters Towers)
We have stopped for tonight at the Emerald Botanic Gardens free rest area (between a highway and railway... again).
Tomorrow we will continue south on the Gregory until it turns into the Carnarvon Dev Rd to Roma then St George - 600km.
8th September 2011 - Ayr, Bowen, Airlie Beach - EMERGENCIES, heading home.
Well we hit the road at 8AM ish. Saw the big snake/serpent going through Ayr. And the big Mango in Bowen - nagged by (business) phone calls so stopped at Bowen for morning coffee break and ring back. And found a Wooly's Fuel so got to use our 12 cpl (cents per litre) off on 3/4 of a tank!!!
We were aiming to check out the Flametree van Park at Airley Beach but had made no booking. (There are no free camp spots on the serious tourist coast in QLD). Drove through to Shute harbour where the end of the road meets the boat ramp.
The Flametree is actually about midway between Airley Beach and Shute Harbour - and blow me down backs onto the Whitsunday Airport/ Airpark. It is a private airpark with lots of sightseeing helicopters and even Cessna Caravan floatplanes in a magnificent setting. So we checked in for one night. If we can use the buses to Airley Beach shops/central (quite a hub) we might hang about for a day more (Next G is good!!!)
Settling down for the evening Maz rang home (best mate Helen McColl) to talk to Helen as promised. Not there! She's in hospital following a chainsaw accident. Her right hand is badly damaged... she is on her way to Albury to await (micro?) surgery...
We were aiming to check out the Flametree van Park at Airley Beach but had made no booking. (There are no free camp spots on the serious tourist coast in QLD). Drove through to Shute harbour where the end of the road meets the boat ramp.
The Flametree is actually about midway between Airley Beach and Shute Harbour - and blow me down backs onto the Whitsunday Airport/ Airpark. It is a private airpark with lots of sightseeing helicopters and even Cessna Caravan floatplanes in a magnificent setting. So we checked in for one night. If we can use the buses to Airley Beach shops/central (quite a hub) we might hang about for a day more (Next G is good!!!)
Settling down for the evening Maz rang home (best mate Helen McColl) to talk to Helen as promised. Not there! She's in hospital following a chainsaw accident. Her right hand is badly damaged... she is on her way to Albury to await (micro?) surgery...
7th September
We have been for a serious walk this morning. Trudging through the sand on the 'long-cut' to the beach. Finally came back and went along the road to Lynch's Beach - low tide.Honey had a hysterical run around. Love the spinouts on the fast corners. She will be buggered for the rest of the day (as will we).
Next G is tragically slow so the CASA PC with VPN will be a waste of time... what a shame! We both have books to read being avid book traders and bargain hunters. And the weather is perfect! We have decided to stay another night and aim for a spot at Airlie Beach tomorrow, just because we haven't been there. No free camps and only a few dog friendly caraparks ...
6th September
Well aside from the airport and the busy road there was a railway somewhere nearby... We checked out, that is redeemed our $10 key deposit... and headed for town. Parked at the ferry depot for $5 and walked down to Reef HQ to look around til Rean was free. About 1015 she rang to tell us she'd had been booked out in her absence and was busy from 11 AM til 3PM. Fortunately we were only 5 minutes away, so she came down for a chat and a hug. Great to see her, looking fit and well and enjoying her real job (Manager Ports and Shipping, Environmental Assessment and Management, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority - how about that for a title).
We then pressed on to the Townsville Hospital to find Paul. Saw a Woolys on the way so stopped for a re-supply.
Paul has had a tough trot, and now has a bit of plastic artery in his left leg. He is very sore... Visited for an hour or so, letting partner Kerry go and have a rest at her brothers.
So by 3PM we were getting out of town, and had decided to find somewhere to stop around Ayr or Bowen. So here we are at Alva Beach, about 16km on a deadend road, north east of Ayr, on the coast. Nice place and quiet. Had a beer with the new neighbours from the Mornington Peninsula. Tried in vain to get the satellite aligned!!! NextG is iffy. But getting not bad DTV from Townsville, so we a right for news and Spics and Specs!
Dukka flavoured lamb 'steaks' and salad followed by strawberries and Fench Vanilla ice-cream for dinner. So it's alright with the world, once again!
We then pressed on to the Townsville Hospital to find Paul. Saw a Woolys on the way so stopped for a re-supply.
Paul has had a tough trot, and now has a bit of plastic artery in his left leg. He is very sore... Visited for an hour or so, letting partner Kerry go and have a rest at her brothers.
So by 3PM we were getting out of town, and had decided to find somewhere to stop around Ayr or Bowen. So here we are at Alva Beach, about 16km on a deadend road, north east of Ayr, on the coast. Nice place and quiet. Had a beer with the new neighbours from the Mornington Peninsula. Tried in vain to get the satellite aligned!!! NextG is iffy. But getting not bad DTV from Townsville, so we a right for news and Spics and Specs!
Dukka flavoured lamb 'steaks' and salad followed by strawberries and Fench Vanilla ice-cream for dinner. So it's alright with the world, once again!
5th September 2011 - Townsville
It's day 56 - 8 weeks into our 4 week trip... Woke up - several times - this morning. We parked on the edge of the public truck park abutting the Mobil - BP roadhouse; so until about midnight various road trains were swinging past - within one metre (!!!) to line up for the fuel. A couple of wide loads had stopped for the night so others had to circle them. Anyway then slept well 'til about 6AM.
Actually had concern the evening before when a triple deck triple trailer cattle train stopped next to us - full of beasts. Asked the driver whether he was staying - because if so we were NOT. 300 tramping beasts next door, no way! He was having a feed and a shower and pushing off so we relaxed and put up with the potential stampede next door. Anyway be warned if you stop there. The photo is before it filled up...
Once up all was well. The toilets and showers were free and over priced... well it's an outback truck stop after all. The driver of the oversized rig next door had a problem with a wheel bearing on a triple axle trailer. Chained up the hub and removed the wheels, well he still had 30 pairs of wheels left..! Anyway had nowhere to put them but on the drawer bar of a trailer. Ever tried lifting a 22" wheel and tyre a metre off the ground - I offered to help, accepted with relief. Now I need a shower, but I'll wait.
Took honey out for a last minute walk after our coffees and teas. Found a tick on her throat when we got back. Had latched on but not dug in. Honey pulled away so I accidentally pulled the tick off. Doesn't seem to be any bits left behind so put antiseptic on the throat and will watch it. The tick might have jumped ship from the cattle truck... But they are everywhere up here and this is the season...
130km to Townsville. Hospital friend Paul is due for surgery at 0830 for several hours so probably best to visit tomorrow morning. We will go via the flash new Townsville hospital to check out parking. There isn't much - our size!!!
Can't connect with former colleague Rean til tomorrow evening, so will find a place to stop for the night. No free camp we can find within 20+km of Townsville so it looks like a caravan park...
Checked into one of the few dog friendly's in town, well Garbut near the airport and next to the highway. Another noisy night by the looks. But will do some work and get a really long shower... and see how we go.
Actually had concern the evening before when a triple deck triple trailer cattle train stopped next to us - full of beasts. Asked the driver whether he was staying - because if so we were NOT. 300 tramping beasts next door, no way! He was having a feed and a shower and pushing off so we relaxed and put up with the potential stampede next door. Anyway be warned if you stop there. The photo is before it filled up...
Took honey out for a last minute walk after our coffees and teas. Found a tick on her throat when we got back. Had latched on but not dug in. Honey pulled away so I accidentally pulled the tick off. Doesn't seem to be any bits left behind so put antiseptic on the throat and will watch it. The tick might have jumped ship from the cattle truck... But they are everywhere up here and this is the season...
130km to Townsville. Hospital friend Paul is due for surgery at 0830 for several hours so probably best to visit tomorrow morning. We will go via the flash new Townsville hospital to check out parking. There isn't much - our size!!!
Can't connect with former colleague Rean til tomorrow evening, so will find a place to stop for the night. No free camp we can find within 20+km of Townsville so it looks like a caravan park...
Checked into one of the few dog friendly's in town, well Garbut near the airport and next to the highway. Another noisy night by the looks. But will do some work and get a really long shower... and see how we go.
4th September 2011 - Gregory Development Rd to Charters Towers
Bedrock Village - The cooler nights on the tablelands - and 'savannah' make for better sleeping, but the million birds around all wake up really early... We set off from Mt Surprise at 9AM via fuel stop and the toilet dump point. We have decided to go via the Gregory Development Rd and headbutt the road trains!
It's 50km back along the Gulf Development Rd/ Kennedy Hwy/ Route 1 (I can't work out what its called) and past Undarra to turn right onto the Gregory Dev Rd. Missed the Oasis Roadhouse at the Lynd junction. Its off our track a few km. Stopped of a coffee at Greenvale and took a picture of the Three Rivers Hotel... which is apparently subject of a Slim Dusty song??? What would we know about that! They have ripped up the railway along there and the Nickel from the mine is on road trains...
The only big vehicle drama on the way was an opposite direction pair of 5.5 m wide mine trucks on loaders. Yes the road is only 6m wide. Radio is great; the three pilot vehicles all talked to us. We got off the road. Bugger; should have taken a photo!
As we headed south towards Bluewater Springs we decided to head to Charters Towers for tonight and Townsville tomorrow. We passed a free camp 42 km north of CT which was huge and with lots of campers and kids swimming in the Fletchers Creek (#285 in Camps 6). We ticked that for next time. But are headed for the Mobil Roadhouse a little west of CT (#287 in C6). Turns out it is bi- all the signs but one say BP!!! Maz picked it; I missed it.
Anyway after buying fuel and seeking permission to stay we went into town... the only places open were the hotels and bottle shops fortunately. Had a few beers that were not XXXX or XXXX Gold. "It's about quantity up here NOT quality."
So we are settled at the back of the truck park which means road train park and will venture to the Roadhouse for a feed in a while. Cheers, after 400 km, its beer o'clock
It's 50km back along the Gulf Development Rd/ Kennedy Hwy/ Route 1 (I can't work out what its called) and past Undarra to turn right onto the Gregory Dev Rd. Missed the Oasis Roadhouse at the Lynd junction. Its off our track a few km. Stopped of a coffee at Greenvale and took a picture of the Three Rivers Hotel... which is apparently subject of a Slim Dusty song??? What would we know about that! They have ripped up the railway along there and the Nickel from the mine is on road trains...
The only big vehicle drama on the way was an opposite direction pair of 5.5 m wide mine trucks on loaders. Yes the road is only 6m wide. Radio is great; the three pilot vehicles all talked to us. We got off the road. Bugger; should have taken a photo!
As we headed south towards Bluewater Springs we decided to head to Charters Towers for tonight and Townsville tomorrow. We passed a free camp 42 km north of CT which was huge and with lots of campers and kids swimming in the Fletchers Creek (#285 in Camps 6). We ticked that for next time. But are headed for the Mobil Roadhouse a little west of CT (#287 in C6). Turns out it is bi- all the signs but one say BP!!! Maz picked it; I missed it.
Anyway after buying fuel and seeking permission to stay we went into town... the only places open were the hotels and bottle shops fortunately. Had a few beers that were not XXXX or XXXX Gold. "It's about quantity up here NOT quality."
So we are settled at the back of the truck park which means road train park and will venture to the Roadhouse for a feed in a while. Cheers, after 400 km, its beer o'clock
3rd September
Inspite of not being able to organise a trip to the Undarra Lava tubes (from here) we will have a day off relaxing - even more... Spoke to Des and Sandra who have made it to Karumba on schedule. The wind is south easterly so it is hot. That is pushing 40... but a dryish heat...
Spent a fair bit of time getting the journal into this blog the last few days, so today have started to post a few of our photos. Hope you like them. I will continue to edit the older posts, adding photos, so check back a bit if you like...
We will head east or south east tomorrow. Probably brave the Gregory Developmental Rd to The Lynd and Greenvale (subject of the Slim Dusty song...). By brave I mean confront the 5 trailer ore and cattle road trains; 50 m long. The road is only 1.5 vehicles wide for quite a way with a drop at the edge of the bitumen... Or back to Millaa Millaa and Innisfail where Maz can endure the windy steep road. Aiming for Townsville in several days.
For lunch we had a wrap with meat and salad - and the chutney we bought with the Barra. Not hot she said... but is certainly SPICY!!! Might have to drink a bit of pool water...
Only TV here is on satellite so we are ready to watch the Swans a bit later. Just a few beers on standby...
Spent a fair bit of time getting the journal into this blog the last few days, so today have started to post a few of our photos. Hope you like them. I will continue to edit the older posts, adding photos, so check back a bit if you like...
We will head east or south east tomorrow. Probably brave the Gregory Developmental Rd to The Lynd and Greenvale (subject of the Slim Dusty song...). By brave I mean confront the 5 trailer ore and cattle road trains; 50 m long. The road is only 1.5 vehicles wide for quite a way with a drop at the edge of the bitumen... Or back to Millaa Millaa and Innisfail where Maz can endure the windy steep road. Aiming for Townsville in several days.
For lunch we had a wrap with meat and salad - and the chutney we bought with the Barra. Not hot she said... but is certainly SPICY!!! Might have to drink a bit of pool water...
Only TV here is on satellite so we are ready to watch the Swans a bit later. Just a few beers on standby...
2nd September 2011 - Ravenshoe > Mt Surprise @ Bedrock Village
Bit of a slow start today... Nice coffees a bit of toast. Yacked away some more. Tony and Helen will be away for next July (at son, David's wedding) and asked if we would be interested in house sitting, or using their place as a base. Timing is right so it's the start of a plan for for 2012.
The road outside is being prepared for seal and the workers are back, so we set out the long way back to Malanda ( a few km longer but scenic...). Thought about the Millaa Millaa waterfalls circuit - but will save it for next year! next stop Ravenshoe, the highest town in QLD at 3000 feet.
Checked out the Railco Museum corner, where free camping is supposed to be allowed... the only (very old) sign there said no camping.... Grabbed Barra and chips for lunch from the highest cafe in QLD... Took a photo in front of the highest pub in QLD (and had a look inside the Tully Hotel Falls - old but neat).
Past Inot Springs, Mt Garnet and Undarra NP we have arrived at Bedrock Village, Mt Surprise mid afternoon and booked for 2 nights.
Unfortunately they cannot do a half day Undarra Tour tomorrow and the full day is a bit long to leave Honey - although they provide a pet minding service (which is why we are here). As Des described is is very tidy organised and friendly. We will have a Ukelele practice day tomorrow. Meanwhile will try some of the Barra we bought for Dinner - while we watch the footy!!
Great win for Geelong. Great as in absolutely superb, bit of fish too.
The road outside is being prepared for seal and the workers are back, so we set out the long way back to Malanda ( a few km longer but scenic...). Thought about the Millaa Millaa waterfalls circuit - but will save it for next year! next stop Ravenshoe, the highest town in QLD at 3000 feet.
Checked out the Railco Museum corner, where free camping is supposed to be allowed... the only (very old) sign there said no camping.... Grabbed Barra and chips for lunch from the highest cafe in QLD... Took a photo in front of the highest pub in QLD (and had a look inside the Tully Hotel Falls - old but neat).
Past Inot Springs, Mt Garnet and Undarra NP we have arrived at Bedrock Village, Mt Surprise mid afternoon and booked for 2 nights.
Unfortunately they cannot do a half day Undarra Tour tomorrow and the full day is a bit long to leave Honey - although they provide a pet minding service (which is why we are here). As Des described is is very tidy organised and friendly. We will have a Ukelele practice day tomorrow. Meanwhile will try some of the Barra we bought for Dinner - while we watch the footy!!
Great win for Geelong. Great as in absolutely superb, bit of fish too.
1st September 2011- off to Malanda / Glen Allen, the Sanders place.
Well 9Am we are off. Actually with hugs and kisses (on the cheek) with Sally, Pete and Phillip... Straight to Mossman to the BP depot for fuel at $1.48, we decided to shop later. So, climbed to the tablelands... Up through Rumala and Julaten and past a sign saying Barra $12 a kilo - did a U-turn ASAP. Lovely lady admired the bus and sold us some Barra, chutney and eggs... Great looking fish (real Barra has the grey 'veins' through it). Gave the Sanders' a heads up and ETA - after lunch!
Stopped at Coffee Works at Mareeba. Interesting place with coffee tasting, history and big trinket shop - and incorporates Chocolat World!!! But importantly had a very good drink of coffee. Bought some local coffee ground on the spot for our espresso machine, plus a sample of a different local coffee with macadamia flavour!!!
Passed the Military Museum - cos it was closed, Check out the free park, the Memorial Park. Lots of space but it is the remains of an old army camp and a group has put many many rocks in rows with plaques of various (mainly army) units and those that did not return. Quite a place in the middle of nowhere (well, the middle of not much...)
Decided to shop at Atherton which is the 'big smoke'. Parked outside Wooly's in a Caravans only spot, Bus is the same thing really and the only big vehicle park around, Steep slope so park brake and in gear... Grocery shopped til we dropped. Off to Glen Allyn!
The Sanders corner is surrounded by Nerada tea plantations (which is now foreign owned, of course). It's a great quiet spot, and only a few km from Topaz - which is the wettest place in Australia. 60km back up the road at Mareeba they boast 300 days of sunshine. Malanda area is much higher 2500 feet... and very green!
Had a great evening, helping to drink Tony and Helens remaining wine (after the kids had visited for a while and nearly cleaned them out). Heard about all the travel since retirement. And they are off to a Jeep gathering after we leave... then OS to see the kids and next year for an OS wedding!!!
Gave honey a last chase of the Brush Turkeys and bed!
Stopped at Coffee Works at Mareeba. Interesting place with coffee tasting, history and big trinket shop - and incorporates Chocolat World!!! But importantly had a very good drink of coffee. Bought some local coffee ground on the spot for our espresso machine, plus a sample of a different local coffee with macadamia flavour!!!
Passed the Military Museum - cos it was closed, Check out the free park, the Memorial Park. Lots of space but it is the remains of an old army camp and a group has put many many rocks in rows with plaques of various (mainly army) units and those that did not return. Quite a place in the middle of nowhere (well, the middle of not much...)
Decided to shop at Atherton which is the 'big smoke'. Parked outside Wooly's in a Caravans only spot, Bus is the same thing really and the only big vehicle park around, Steep slope so park brake and in gear... Grocery shopped til we dropped. Off to Glen Allyn!
The Sanders corner is surrounded by Nerada tea plantations (which is now foreign owned, of course). It's a great quiet spot, and only a few km from Topaz - which is the wettest place in Australia. 60km back up the road at Mareeba they boast 300 days of sunshine. Malanda area is much higher 2500 feet... and very green!
Had a great evening, helping to drink Tony and Helens remaining wine (after the kids had visited for a while and nearly cleaned them out). Heard about all the travel since retirement. And they are off to a Jeep gathering after we leave... then OS to see the kids and next year for an OS wedding!!!
Gave honey a last chase of the Brush Turkeys and bed!
31st August
It’s our last day at Daintree today. We will get out on the river again at least once.
There have been few passing drizzles during the morning. I guess that means the humidity went from 95% to 105% for a few minutes… Nice breeze is back so we (Maz) are washing the dirty clothes prior to leaving tomorrow. I am on tea and coffee duty.
Discovered there is a roving hairdresser in the park, so have lined up a trim with Elizabeth. Seven weeks growth, and the humidity curling it up, has got to me. And she has done a good job!
Elizabeth left (home at) Airlie Beach a bit over a year ago in her Ford Econovan, has been around Oz. When she got back to Airlie she decided it was too cool so has come up here until it warms up (that extra 4 degrees…) She has a part-time job somewhere as well as the odd haircut, so has afforded to stay 4 months already.
So with washing done and hair trimmed, guess we better line up a boat trip. The boat pass actually ends today – pretty good value, so we will wring out our last dollars worth.
We have jst been for our fifth river cruise with Jan who took us on the first one, and recognized us!! Good fun same crocodiles. “Barrat’ the big male looks fstter, well fed…
So now for a quiet evening and off south in the morning.
30th August
Another fine day ahead while southern QLD is being hailed on… Started my first James Patterson book, while Maz in into a book by Susun Arnout Smith… Have been planning where to build a book-shelf in the bus – for next time!
Did some prep for a CASA phone call mid-afternoon. They forgot/didn’t call… Kept moving my chair and laptop around following the shade and staying in the delightful breeze. Another 30 degree day and not so humid.
Burger night tonight so we ordered and headed up to eat at the new Daintree Entertainment Centre (under the tarp) Yacked to new neighbors. By dark there was a healthy crowd on the lower park.
Tonight’s neighbors, two couples 4WD’ing around… Just back from Cape York via the scary CREB track (remember the helicopter rescue several weeks ago) even dry there was enough moisture in the gullies to make it ‘interesting’… Colin has a 4WD specialist diesel garage in Modbury SA and needs to get back in the near future as they are coming to end of this years 3 months off… Nice guy and somewhere between loquacious and gregarious…
29th August
It’s actually foggy this morning, well heavy mist anyway; a good morning to do some (paid) work. CASA colleague, Anna, has been off moving house, so there is a bit more than usual where I can be useful to CASA…
Most of the day Maz and I have been quietly reading – and chatting to fellow travellers. Cooked up the rest of the flathead fillets/tails for dinner with potato salad, Glorious evening….
28th August
Yesterday morning we had lots of kids yelling bright and early. Not here today so a sleep in until 7AM!! And it’s a misty morning after a warm night; a sheet only.
Just checked the programmed online Bill Payments. Have managed to have most bills emailed, or email alerted – except for Origin who are/which is one of Australia’s biggest energy retailers, for whom it is too hard…
Just been for our first lap of Daintree Village hot and very sticky already. Need a little bit of a breeze – not as much as at Cooktown however. Almost wish it would rain to clear the air… Oh yeah – Wet tropics… doh!
Have just contacted Tony and Helen Sanders so will go via their place at Glen Allyn – 5km east of Malanda, Thursday. So back up the hill to Mt Molloy, Mareeba and Atherton.
A quiet and glorious afternoon - with a cooling breeze (29) – with SAT TV Footy – Suns did alright… Beer o’clock with neighbors, from Wagga Wagga! Now it’s Chicken Taco time. A tough day, but we are getting practice at handling it!
27th August
Another beautiful day after the light mist burned of by 8AM. Got out for our first lap of Daintree, which must be about 1.5-2km. Will do it again later.
Maz has decided to salvage our last banana – which is past its eat-by date. So its banana pancakes for breakfast. Worked a treat. Washed down with nice coffee and Daintree Tea for Maz, excellent.
Meanwhile there is light medium level cloud so the temperature (in the sun anyway) is down, but the humidity is up…
Philip is around with flyers for Burger Night to night, but we have fish that needs cooking, and leftover pizza. Oh and there will be live music again… yes they are staying another night. We will stay ‘home’… and watch the footy.
How about a footy miracle Swans beating Geelong at Kardinia Park. And Saints after an ordinary first half pulled their fingers out for the second. And Australia beating New Zealand at real rugby. How good is that!!! Bledisloe Cup after 10 years.
26th August
While we were away the owners have been busy, covering the new camp kitchen, social area near the road – a 10 x 12 metre canvas roof. Just had posts a week ago. Tonight is the ‘wetting’ of the big tarp-top. And it’s pizza night, the special is garlic prawn pizza. No prize for guessing Maz’s choice. I’ll have a supreme for a change…
Oh and there will be live music. Guess what, the displaced neighbors will provide it. So they are saying – quid pro quo…
Great day, although a bit hot. Might have touched 30. Even turned the bus aircon on for a while late in the afternoon!!
Headed up for the pizzas. Listened politely to the country songs. Not bad in fact: but for us – only on small doses. The Skinny woman was apparently the roadie – but just sat drinking and smoking, as she had all day. Couldn’t even manage the vital task of keeping the beers up to the (two person) band. Shocking, and still looking generally unhappy.
Had an interesting chat with a local who praised the salvation/resurrection of the caravan park. The previous owner messed up so badly the word was stay away… caravans would arrived do a u-turn and leave, Now the village shops have a reason to stay open and have some stock… And boy the park is busy; until the wet season anyway.
We only made it through half our respective pizzas and adjourned.
25th August 2011 - back at Daintree Village
Good night under the trees next to the Daintree River. Coffee’d up and fronted up for the Croc Express at 8:20. The paying passengers arrived, an Asian family of 5. Where are you from – USA, LA! Wanting to see first crocodile. Well this morning the big fella was missing but found a couple of smaller (3+m) females, Rusty (grey and brown) and Lizzie (as in QEII!!). But a treat for me, found a nest of green tree snakes male and female in a log over the water. Very pretty. I like (non-venomous) snakes.
The river is a bit different near the ferry being much closer to the sea. Salt water under the fresh so there are likely bull sharks about, as there are as far south as, well Sydney, Harbor… watch your hands! And of course there are Baramundi to keep the baby croc numbers under control...
Finished breakfast and amble up the road to Daintree village about 1030. Our booked and paid for corner has two vans in it. Not to worry the day is young. We backed the bus around, lining up for when they leave, and settled down where we were… They didn’t go – decided to stay on. So about 1330 Phillip the manager and brother of co-owner Sally had a quiet word. That we had booked and paid for this powered site. One of the three didn’t take it well, aside from occupying a powered site at non-powered rates.
When they had moved over we backed up, put the front wheels on our new ramps – almost level, and jacks to stabilize a bit. We are in! Apologised for the disruption… Skinny woman in displaced van came to collect a cover left behind – with a look on her face for Maz, clearly wishing us to eat sh!t and die… Whatever!
Bit of work , bit of reading – great. We do like it here. Notwithstanding one neighbor. Hopefully they will move on soon.!
Picked up the spare parts for the awning from the post office and fitted the new die-cast brackets so we can use the awning again, cautiously.
Set up the satellite – 3 minutes !!! Sun, shade, a great view, cold beers, and TV!!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)