Mackay

Friday, 27 June 2014

 

Coal train

We had a much warmer start to the day, with the temperature soon reaching 17 degrees.  However, the odd cloud did increase during the day, as did the temperature.  The first part of the drive north of Gin Gin was very, very slow, with virtually continual roadworks for about 100 km – the Bruce Highway will be very easy driving once it is finished but at the moment it is rather frustrating.  We stopped for lunch at the Caliope River – as did many other caravanners!  After more traffic delays due to even more roadworks, we finally crossed the Tropic of Capricorn – and the temperature immediately rose three degrees (probably had a bit to do with the city traffic).  Probably the most exciting part of the trip was the very, very long coal train – with the coal no doubt headed for the power stations of China.

We are staying at the Discovery BIG4 Holiday Park; certainly not our first visit to this park as we first stayed here with our children in 1983.  It has changed a bit since then.  For the first time this trip, we are staying in a caravan park that is nearly full.

Saturday, 28 June 2014

 

Bush

Sugar Cane

Tropical Cattle

Boosting Vitamin D levels

 

 

There are 1,687,934 rainbow lorikeets in Rockhampton, and last night they all roosted in the tree beside our caravan.  Lorikeets like to talk with each other about their day’s experience before they fall asleep; they also like to wake up early.

We were on the road a bit earlier than usual this morning and made good time on the road north to Mackay.  For once, we only encountered on roadwork area and the road surface was good but a bit bouncy in places.  We travelled through cattle country and bush for most of the way, with sugar farms putting in an appearance about 100 kms south of Mackay.  As we drove through Sarina, Doris said “No” to turning left towards Sarina Palms Caravan Park.  Obviously a very smart TomTom who didn’t want to repeat last year’s bad experience at this place!

We are staying at The Park, on the southern outskirts of Mackay, not far from the airport.  What a little gem this caravan park is; such a good find.  The grounds are absolutely immaculate, the sites large (ours in drive-thru) and all grassy, some with slabs.  Long term residents (a fact of life in Mackay) are obviously very well controlled, with no junk or excess gear apparent.

The weather today has been clear and sunny, with an overnight minimum of 18 and a very pleasant 27.  Vitamin D levels are rising …