Telstra

31 July – Thursday

Another beautiful day in far north Queensland, even better than the last few days – today is much warmer and the air is balmy.

Not a lot happening today, with the morning spent back in the Telstra shop! Not a happy camper. Still no closer to being able to connect to the internet using my mobile phone as a modem and have about given up. With all the stress levels, I might as well be back at work!!!

Therefore, the blog might not be updated as frequently, as I will probably have to use public internet. This also will mean no photos.

Surprise!!! The nice lady from Telstra, Dionne, (the VERY important lady) has just rung to follow up and discovered I was still having problems. She has had them sorted out, and I can now connect to the internet. I have her direct phone number, if anyone is interested.

We have decided to stay here for another week, and will be leaving for Cooktown on Monday Week.

Crocodiles

30 July – Wednesday

Today we went crocodile hunting – at Hartley’s Crocodile World! A really interesting, full day experience starting with a boat ride around the lagoon looking at some of the crocodiles. They had a large, toothless crocodile and the Swamp cartoons immediately came to mind – a toothless crocodile and a bunch of tourists in a boat. The remainder of the day of filled in with a visit to the crocodile farm (crocodiles are farmed for their skin and meat), followed by another informative talk of crocodiles while we watched them being fed. After the two legged animals were fed at the rather over-priced eatery, it was a walk around the complex to see more crocodiles, snakes, lizards, koalas (one was actually moving!!!) and the cassowaries. After our birdwatching experiences of yesterday, we spent a lot of time looking in the trees and spotted plenty of more birds, some of which we were even able to identify. A kingfisher kept us amused for a while, diving for little fish in among the crocodiles.

We weren’t bothered about the crocodiles being fed chook heads or fish, but the day old chickens being fed to the quolls was a bit different. The afternoon concluded with another talk and display with snakes, then a very brave (or stupid) man paddled around in an enclosure with a large crocodile and even hand fed it.

From all the information we have received today we now know not to camp next to creeks, waterholes or rivers, and always take a dog when camping north of Gladstone – crocodiles will always take a dog before a human!

A cold night last night followed by the usual beautiful day.

Birds

29 July – Tuesday

Birdwatching today. Up bright and early today to be at the Botanic Gardens before 8.30am. A volunteer guide armed with a big telescope and his offsider/lookout took five of us through the Gardens and Centenary Lakes on a seek and find mission. It was amazing how many different birds were about once one actually started looking! Some of the first sighted were the scrub turkey and scrub fowls, the fowls were very busy building a mound. The rainbow bee-eater would have been the prettiest bird seen this morning but the rarest, evidently, was the brown backed honeyeater. We were told a number of times how lucky we were to see them building a nest as well. We even got to see the yellow oriole which also lives in the caravan park and has a very distinctive call.

The Centenary Lakes is a large parkland which contains both salt and freshwater lakes and a small river which connects the lakes to the sea, mangrove swamps, a pandanis wetlands area, palm forest and open grassland. There is supposed to be a crocodile in one of the lakes, which isn’t surprising. The locals were worried about crocodiles coming up the river, so a wire net was placed across the water. The powers that be obviously thought that crocodiles couldn’t walk around the fence! We did get to see a large freshwater tortoise/turtle enjoying the sun. It is a beautiful area and we thoroughly enjoyed our nearly three hours walk.

The afternoon brought more frustrating dealings with Telstra. I discovered why the wifi internet is free here – it is extremely slow and has bars on sending to various email providers and also uploading photos to the blog. So decided to use the laptop – first big mistake. Wouldn’t connect, so rang Telstra – second big mistake. After two hours of being given the run around, being disconnected a couple of times, constantly explaining that I was travelling in a caravan and didn’t have a land line or multiple mobile phones to use, etc, I eventually asked to speak to a supervisor. I got the right lady! I offered to go to a Telstra shop to have the problem sorted out, she rang the shop manager and made the arrangements, then rang me straight back. They manager was waiting for us, set me up with a phone and the direct number to the supervisor (I kept it!), who had a high level techie waiting to help. We eventually worked out that the computer was okay, the mobile phone was okay but the USB connection on the phone was faulty. I could send it away to be repaired (not an option) or get a new phone. I am still a month short of being able to renew my contract without penalty, but that was waived. The supervisor rang me back to say she was aware of the outcome was very concerned about the time taken and the lack of support I had received and if I had any further problems, my call would be directed to her. Don’t know what her position is, but people certainly jumped when she said jump.

Weather report: cold night, down to 12 degrees, followed by a clear and breezy day which only got to 22. All the locals are freezing and the tourists haven’t got any warm clothes. There are frosts forecast for the Atherton Tablelands tonight.

Salamanders

28 July – Monday

The Pajero was booked in for an oil change this morning, so it was a good opportunity to catch up on a bit of housework, laundry and grocery shopping. Hopefully the truck drivers’ strike wont have too much effect on supplies, because Les hasn’t found anywhere to wet the fishing line yet.

After an al fresco lunch, we drove into Cairns and parked at the northern end of Trinity Bay before walking along the pathway and boardwalk to the Esplanade pool, buying an ice cream and walking back. The tide was out (it is ALWAYS out wherever we are!!!) but that did allow us to watch the mud inhabitants. Lots of crabs, including the ones that have one large claw, herons, ibises, pelicans and salamanders. Lots of little salamanders but a few large ones over 30 cm long. Because of the mud flats, crocodiles would have been easy to spot. Didn’t see any.

We did see one of the Navy’s swish patrol boats coming in though. I’m sure Nav and Buffer were on board, but they were too far away to see.

The grassed area around the Esplanade pool was wall to wall backpackers – or head to toe, rather, as they stretch out flat in the sun. The Australians, Americans, Europeans and Scandinavians all seem to tan to various shades. The Poms are easy to pick out – they are bright pink or red!

Beautiful weather again, of course.

Will find a photo of the caravan for tomorrow.

Tropical Beach

27 July – Sunday

Late yesterday evening we received a text message from Janice Gillard to say she was in Cairns and where were we? Janice and her mother had arrived that day, were staying until Monday and be back Wednesday. I rang Janice this morning for a long chat, and they are travelling with another person and have covered virtually half of Australia in four weeks. Started in Melbourne, along the Great Ocean Road to Adelaide, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs, Karumba and Normanton before heading to Cairns. We have arranged to meet up after they return from Cooktown.

Another glorious day, so decided to head for Palm Cove after stocking up with fruit and vegetables at Rusty’s Market. We were lucky enough to strike one of those very special days at the beach when the wind stays away and the water was glassy – just perfect. The Cairns Surf Life Saving Club was having a training session for their Nippers, and they were all dressed in their black stinger suits. Stinger suits are long sleeved, all-in-one suits that also go under the feet, so that only the head, hands and toes are exposed. Perhaps the black colour helps camouflage them in the water so that the crocodiles can’t see them! There were a few tourists in the water, but the crocodile warning signs are a big deterrent. The Esplanade was planted with the most magnificent melaleucas, or paper barks.

When we returned, we continued on past the caravan park to Crystal Cascades. This was the most beautiful area in the rainforest, with a walkway which followed the small river past large rock pools suitable for swimming (no crocodiles evidently), small and larger cascades. We spotted one tortoise swimming in a pool with a large number of fish, some of them quite a respectable size, and even saw three Ulysses butterflies. Just superb. However, I do think an elastic tapemeasure was used to measure the 1.2 km!

Plumbing Problems

26 July – Saturday

The days just seem to merge into each other and disappear.

A bit cool last night (supposed to have dropped to about 15!) but the most glorious day today – warm (27), clear and no humidity.

We are getting to know that hardware stores in Cairns by now as yesterday we needed a couple of extra metres of hose suitable for drinking water which was purchased at one shop. Then we were directed to another shop to buy the fittings. Today Les was in seventh heaven as we had to go to Bunnings – the vanity basin needed some silicone. Hopefully our plumbing problems are over.

After leaving Bunnings we decided to have a walk along the foreshore, visit the Saturday market (lots of jewellery, tarot readers, hand made soap, etc) and a wander around the shopping district. Apart from lack of cash, there would be no reason for anyone dying of thirst, hunger, lack of swimsuits or souvenirs. There was even a shop called Happy Herbs (we didn’t go in). There are some rather pleasant looking boats in the marina, as well.

We have discovered a small river beside the caravan park, with a path which winds among the jungle on the banks. We have been assured there are no crocodiles. Further along there is a lovely rural estate subdivision with houses on about 1-2 acres of land, room for a pony or two, and a large grassy park area.

Crystal Cascades

25 July – Friday

Time to move caravan parks today to Crystal Cascades, about 8 kms away. We had to be gone by 10.00am but could arrive at the new park before 10.00, so just took our time packing up and trying to kill time. Just to make all the other men envious, Les wore his new Kookaburras hockey shirt. Crystal Cascades Caravan Park is wonderful. It is just beautiful, everyone is very friendly, the owners are extremely helpful, there is a large camp kitchen which is free (although Leslie prefers to use his own little barbecue), even sponges and liquid car wash supplied in the car wash area. The jungle rises straight up the hill beside us, there are equestrian centres either end of the park and cane fields just down the road – and I am not even going to think about how many snakes there must be within a kilometre radius!!! A very nice young man directed us on to our site and positioned the caravan parallel to, and 5 cms away from, the concrete slab. We did offer to take him with us when we left, but for some reason he just laughed. Oh, and I wont mention the temperature.

Best of all – FREE INTERNET and proper 2-ply toilet paper!

The photo is one of my artistic shots at the Botanic Gardens.

Green Tree Frogs

24 July – Thursday

At last the rain has stopped, the sun has come out and there was a big rush to the laundry this morning!

This afternoon we visited the Botanic Gardens and while I wandered through the gardens, Les decided to scare a snake and some scrub turkeys on a walk up Mt Whitfield. He managed to get a photo of the turkeys but not the snake.

The gardens were lovely, very lush and humid, but very enjoyable walking under the large trees. My brush with wildlife included a green tree frog and a skink. There were a few orchids in flower (perhaps it is the wrong season?), some pretty impressive pitcher plants and a smelly rotten meat plant.

We spotted a very intriguing driving manoeuvre the other day. The driver proceeded through an intersection on a green light, immediately changed his mind, reversed back into the intersection (against the traffic) and proceeded to turn right

Kookaburras

23 July – Wednesday

One might say it rained last night!!! The grass was very squishy underfoot this morning. We are constantly told by locals that there is a very complex weather system over us at the moment and it is very unseasonal. I wish it would go away.

I think my mobile phone is starting to feel is age (nearly 2) and it keeps logging itself out or erroring. Today it would not recharge, so it was back to a Telstra shop. I am getting to know all the Telstra shops in Cairns by this. A helpful lady at the Telstra shop in the local shopping centre tested both the phone and charger and it was definitely the charger not working. As I still have three months left on my current plan, she offered me a new phone/plan but it would cost me $60 to pay out the old one. A new charger would be $30. If I was within two months of the plan expiring, there would have been no penalty. Decided on a new charger, but of course, they didn’t have any – I would need to go to the Fone Zone shop. After removing the charger from the blister pack, making sure it worked and paying for it, the nice lady at Fone Zone offered me a new phone and plan because I was only three months from the end and there would be no penalty. Grrrrr

This afternoon it was off to see the Kookaburras (Australia’s hockey team) play the third, and dead, rubber in a test series with Korea. We were very impressed with the skills of both teams, very fast play. With two and a half minutes to go and Australia leading 2:1, the Korean goalkeeper decided he had had enough and walked off the ground. Just as he arrived at the gate, Korea scored a goal and it was possible to see the little wheels turning as he quickly decided he should still be guarding his goal.

During the match we spotted Jan and Richard Killack (ex Ulverstone) and caught up with them after the match. While we were in the crowd waiting for the Australians to leave the ground, one of the team came and threw his training clothing to the crowd. A shirt came in our direction and Les Cazaly flew 10 feet in the air above the 6 foot 3 inch bloke standing behind him and took a beautiful mark! I now have a very nice Asic Kookaburra shirt in the wash.

Kuranda

22 July – Tuesday

A bit damp and overcast this morning before we headed to Kuranda. As we have already done the train and Skyrail trips, we decided to take the road this time. The humid 26 degrees in Cairns quickly converted to a cool 21 at Kuranda and had us wishing we had longer sleeves.

We made a slight detour and headed for the Barron Gorge first, with a lovely walk through the rainforest to the train station and lookout. The Gorge was created by the great carpet snake, but fortunately we didn’t see either him or his cousins in the jungle – but I did keep a very sharp lookout though! We were amazed at the number of houses scattered throughout the jungle; certainly not somewhere I would really want to live, especially with all the snakes and creepy crawlies.

Kuranda was rather quiet today, possibly because of the cooler weather, although there were a few Pope pilgrims about, plus some Korean tourists and the usual European backpackers. Kuranda is definitely the place to go for souvenirs – only the very fussy tourist would not find something to buy here. Everything from the usual tacky souvenirs to some rather exquisitely crafted glassware, t-shirts galore, of course, and plenty of aboriginal arts and crafts.

Cheer, cheer the red and the white

20 July – Sunday

A lazy Sunday morning, enjoying the balmy weather before heading to Rusty’s Market in the centre of Cairns. The large array of cheap fruit and vegetables made me rather sorry I had done my shopping the day before – will definitely be back next Sunday. Avocadoes were as cheap as $0.50, tomatoes $1.50, bananas $1.50. Shan would have been quite excited at the prospect of shopping here.

A very tense afternoon followed, with the fingernails being chewed a little. However, we knew the Swans would win in the end – Roosie even looked pleased with the result!!!

No snow here

21 July – Monday

I know how sympathetic all you wintering Tasmanians will be, but it rained today and the temperature dropped to 19 overnight. Fortunately it climbed back up to 27 very quickly. With the high humidity today, I think if one stood still for too long, one would definitely take root and sprout leaves.

Because of the weather, we decided to have a quiet day with Les guarding the caravan while I headed for a shopping centre and a wander in peace. I even discovered a remote controlled fairy in Myer’s toy department – lucky Emma wasn’t with me.

After spending half an hour talking to a nice lady at Telstra, who didn’t really understand why I wanted to keep track of my internet usage, then another 15 minutes in a Telstra shop with a young man who wasn’t very interested and told me it couldn’t be done, I actually worked it out all by myself. These modern phones which do everything aren’t very user friendly and I had been looking in the wrong place completely. All happy now, considering I used less than 30mgb downloads last month.

The photo is a climbing frame in a playground on the
Townsville foreshore - I know three children who would just love it.

Moonrise

19 July – Saturday

We have discovered it takes a long time to do nothing. Started out with a leisurely breakfast and a quiet read in the sun before deciding to head off and look at some other caravan parks, as we have to move next Friday. Before we could get out of our chairs, the next door neighbour decided to have a chat while he worked out how to turn his gas hot water on (his wife wanted to do the washing and obviously had a small washing machine in their caravan). After attempting to solve the problems of the world, he still had managed to get his hot water going and Les enquired gently as to why he wasn’t using electricity and saving his gas? Didn’t know how!

We eventually set off for the first caravan park on the list and had only gone a couple of kilometres when Jenny and Brian rang to say they were in our car park and were we at home. Turned around, headed back and spent the rest of the morning talking to them. Then, of course, it was lunchtime.

Second attempt was actually successful and the first park we looked at had plenty of vacancies, very lush and tropical sites, quite expensive but definitely not in a good area. Next park was a bit cheaper and we were offered a site on the grass outside the amenities or next to the dump point – definitely not! Third park was a bit out of Cairns, fairly new and not over large. Very friendly and helpful staff, good sites and the amenities blocks even had large vases of fresh flowers. Decided immediately to book in here.

We spent the evening with Jenny and Brian, who depart tomorrow for Cape York, and took a picnic to Palm Cove. It was a beautiful, balmy evening, we sat under some palm trees, watched the full moon rise over the Coral Sea, enjoyed a nice glass of red – and Brian kept a wary eye out for crocodiles!

Birthday Bugs

18 July – Friday

My birthday, and an early morning call from Michael and Cameron, followed shortly after by Diane – Emma was too shy to talk on the telephone. Packing up too longer this morning because we were constantly interrupted by fellow travellers wanting to chat.

The road to Cairns was virtually flat all the way, except for a small headland south of Cardwell. Unfortunately, the condition of the road left a lot to be desired, being very bumpy, possibly due to the swampy nature of the country and the amount of rain received each year. Still lots of sugar cane, but with banana plantations for variety, and the occasional pongo (mango) tree. When we stopped in a picnic area for lunch at Innisfail, a couple of European backpackers asked for a ride to Milla Milla – we were gong in a different direction.

Tomtom behaved beautifully today and took us straight to our caravan park, although being on the Bruce Highway, we could have found it quite easily ourselves! Flat, grassy and rather open, the park is no where near the airport, which makes a nice change.

A birthday dinner was the order of the day, and of course, subsequent discussions about where to go. Finally decided to head in to the Esplanade area and see what was on offer. We immediately found a lovely seafood and steak restaurant and opted to sit just inside (no front walls or windows) rather than on the footpath. I think we were the only Australians inside, the others were French or Asian. I had a Morton Bay Bug salad and Les opted for chicken and bacon – both delicious.

Cairns has a very definite similarity to Hawaii about it – open air restaurants, shops open at night, lots of holidaying people – a really nice feel to the place.

Friendly Fighters

17 July – Thursday

A beautiful day in paradise – clear, blue skies, a very pleasant 28 degrees and a gentle sea breeze.

Have discovered that the caravan park is definitely at the end of the RAAF runway! The F111s have been keeping us entertained with their comings and goings, although the noise is rather deafening as they take off. They can also be a little disconcerting as they fly low overhead when out driving.

This morning we drove to the top of Castle Rock, a large, red rock which dominates the Townsville skyline. We even met some silly (to us) men who had run all the way up, were dripping sweat and complaining about what hard work it had been. I wasn’t the least bit sympathetic. Anyway, the views were spectacular and Magnetic Island is certainly close to Townsville. Might chance a boat trip on the return journey.

The foreshore has been developed into a lovely long walkway with lawns, palm trees, play grounds and beaches. A beautiful spot for a lengthy walk and an ice cream. After such a pleasant morning, we spent some little time driving around searching for a shopping centre with a supermarket, preferably a Woolworths as petrol vouchers are very important now. A visit to the service station saw Les and the female cashier having an animated discussion about whether the diesel pump was working or not – it would only dispense $1 of fuel before turning itself off. I stayed in the car.

Rain rain go away

16 July – Wednesday

It started to rain during the night and the awning stood up brilliantly to the water – having one side lowered certainly helped! It was still raining heavily while we packed up, although a 21 degree temperature helped with comfort. A change of wet clothes and we were on the road by 8.30am (definitely getting quicker at packing up!). It just rained and rained and rained!!! We stopped for morning tea in the rain and discovered that the front window of the caravan has a leak – first really heavy rain while towing. Mopped up the front bench, Les decided to use the broom to clean the outside of the caravan while it was raining, then we continued in the rain until we arrived at Ayr. As the cupboard/frig was a little bit bare with lunch food, we decided to treat ourselves to a pie. A friendly local directed us to Alfies, which happened to be about a 2km walk in the rain to the opposite end of the shopping centre. We wont be returning to Alfies for any more pies.

Ayr was a large country town with a main street of shops, everything from clothing, banks, travel, giftwares, hardware, newsagents, noodle shops, lawn mower and adult shops. Country music was played over the street loud speakers.

On to Townsville, still raining, and discovered the caravan park is next to the Townsville Airport, right beside a major road and train line. I do have to say it is heaps better (and cheaper) than Airlie Beach. The people in charge of the park are having a free sausage sizzle this evening for the tourists – this will certainly take care of the evening meal.

Snake Warnings

July 15 – Tuesday

A warm morning with a bit of light drizzle while packing up. Only a short drive (150km) today to Airlie Beach. There has certainly been plenty of development in the area since we were here 25 years ago. The amount of accommodation available, and being built, is absolutely incredible. I’m not sure what all the tourists actually do when they are here, apart from drink! The town really reminded us of Phuket, with the accommodation places, small shops and very large, open bars. There are two different age groups – backpackers and retirees.

As it is becoming difficult to find sites in caravan parks the further north we travel, we have started booking ahead. Surprise, surprise! The caravan park we had booked at Airlie Beach turned out to be the one we had stayed in 25 years ago – and nothing much has been done to it since then. Frightfully expensive ($39 per night), dusty, poorly grassed sites with concrete slabs about 10cm above ground level just to make life difficult when placing the caravan on the site. When we arrived at our allocated site, another caravan was already on it. A very harassed couple had parked their van there because the site allocated to them was to small, their replacement site had a bus on it and they were getting a little stressed. They eventually asked for their money back and left. Neither of us have any burning desire to return to Airlie Beach again. We are used to theft warnings, however, the snake warning was a first!

Naughty Tomtom

July 14 – Monday

Another airport! There are only a couple of caravan parks in Mackay, and the other one was full.

There are an incredible number of caravans on the road – Les is starting to worry about RSI. (Protocol dictates that caravan towing drivers wave to each other when passing.) There don’t seem to be as many large trucks as further south, but we are now coming across the local trucks carrying harvested sugar cane.

The road from Rockhampton to Mackay was very flat with not much to look at most of the way except for grass and Brahman cattle. Closer to Sarina, the sugar cane started, and there is soooo much of it. We were lucky enough to see two brolgas feeding beside in the grass beside the road and later spotted another two flying overhead. The caravan park has plenty of rainbow lorikeets, different to the wild ducks at Rockhampton! At least the lorikeets don’t want to come into the caravan.

After setting up and booking ahead for the next few nights, we found another European traveller, Jeannette, who lives in Mackay. As we didn’t have her telephone number, we just rocked up and surprised her.

Tomtom had an off morning today and we had to send her back to bed to consider her actions! She absolutely refused to direct us north to Mackay and kept insisting we turn around and head south. Not sure what her problem was, but a Bex, a cup of tea and a good lay down did wonders. Perhaps it was the heat – about 20 overnight and up to 28 today, also quite humid.

A New Jeep

July 13 – Sunday

A warm night and only 20 at 6.00am. Although the temperature only reached about 26, it has been very humid. How nice to get the washing dry on the clothes line and back in the cupboard before afternoon tea. I know you all feel sorry for us!

This morning – after all the housework – we headed for a market at the Rockhampton Heritage Village. This was a large area which is being developed by the historical volunteers to represent, using relocated structures, the type of buildings and businesses which would have been found in the area in the olden days. A school dating from 1915 has been beautifully restored, with proper pens and ink for modern day pupils to practise their penmanship. A highlight was a drive around the site in an army jeep. As the market is only held about five times a year, we were lucky to be in Rockhampton today.

After leaving the market we found a large camping store, similar to Anaconda, and Les was able to find a gas fitting so that we can use the barbecue with the small gas cylinder. We also discovered that apart from a couple of specialty stores, NOTHING opens in Rockhampton on a Sunday – no Big W, no K-Mart, no supermarkets, nothing!

Also discovered last night that the caravan park is very close to both the north/south train line and the airport.

Calliope River

July 12 – Saturday

Departed 8.00am, bright and early as we had left the car and caravan hitched. It is surprising how much difference in time it takes not having to hitch up. Beautiful morning, although quite cool at 12o! We had decided to make the long drive (400km) straight through to Rockhampton and have a rest day there.

The road was a bit hilly and bumpy but we made good time and fuel economy – very important with the cost of diesel now. We paid $1.85 today, which is cheaper than $1.91 in NSW. We pulled into a rest area on the Calliope River for lunch and discovered it was a free camp area, with about 30 caravans spread along the bank of the river. Absolutely beautiful, lovely wide river with fish jumping, small sandy beaches and flat rocky banks as well. We will definitely keep it in mind on the return trip.

Lots of sugar cane to look at today, along with macadamia nuts and oranges. We also passed a few trains, including an incredibly long coal train with two engines in the middle as well as at the front. There were some interesting roadside animal warning signs (eg kangaroos next 10km) in the Bundaberg region – they showed a white koala instead of the normal black silhouette. Drop bears or Bundy bears???

Arrived at Rockhampton about 2.00pm and found the caravan park without any trouble – being on the highway also helped! Beautiful park with lots of palm trees and hibiscus plants. At 4.45pm I am sitting under our new awning while Les tries to work out how the barbecue goes together. Unfortunately, the new little gas cylinder has a small outlet and the barbecue has a large inlet! Perhaps we should have tried it before leaving! We are officially in the tropics, have been dressed in shorts, shirts and thongs today. The polar fleeces are definitely under the bed!

Sugar Cane

July 11 – Friday

Up bright and early for the long trip south for the awning repairs before heading north once again. The people at City RV Centre, Loganholme, were just wonderful – so helpful and obliging. Because we decided to have different stabilising bars which were much cheaper than the single bar on the original awning, they reduced the excess by $100. We left a six pack of Boags Premium with the service guys – hope they enjoy a good beer!

It was noon by the time we hit the road and decided to drive as far as was comfortable. We made it to Maryborough about 4.00pm and discovered the caravan parks were full, of course (lots of permanents up this way). A nice man let us overnight on a leafy, flat area inside the gate and although we could connect to power, the water was too far away for the hose to reach.

We definitely know we are in Queensland – lots of sugar cane to look at and the winter clothes have now been packed away. At 5.30pm, we are still in t-shirts and the heater hasn’t been turned on.

Rainforest walk

July 10 – Thursday

Cool morning but absolutely beautiful weather. The Brisbanites consider it is freezing and wander around with scarves, beanies and coats. Today, Brian and Jenny took us on a Cooks tour of Brisbane and surrounds. First it was over the Storey Bridge for a quick look at the city and the river before heading back over the river and up to Mt Coot-tha. The wind was quite cool up there but the view was great – we could see both Stradbroke and Morton Islands. Then it was back into the car and off to Mt Nebo for another look at the view before taking the windy road to Mt Glorious. We had a picnic lunch in a lovely park area, however Jenny and I decided to keep our legs crossed and give the long drop a miss! A walk through the rain forest showed some magnificent tall trees, many strangler figs and lots of crows nest ferns. The creaking of a large tree was a bit of a worry though.

A very enjoyable day.

Quotes

July 9 – Wednesday

Queensland – a frost on the ground and ice on the windscreen! A cold start but beautiful, clear blue skies. We had been warned not to leave Toowoomba before 10.00am because the traffic would be so horrendous, however, we left and 8.00am and wondered where the traffic had gone. Very easy drive out of Toowoomba and down the big, steep hill. We dropped 500m in about 3km; would be a very long drag upwards.

Caravan Repairs: we found the first repairer at Loganholme without trouble and such a nice, friendly and helpful company. The serviceman checked if a new awning was available while we waited and put a hold on one just in case he received the job. Said he could install it on Friday morning so that we wouldn’t be held up. Then it was up the road to the Jayco distributor and what a difference in attitude. We waited for 10 minutes until the receptionist concluded her personal telephone call and was told we would have to wait because the servicemen were at lunch (11.30am!!!). Even Les was less than cool, calm and collected. We the man had finally finished his toast and put in an appearance, he wasn’t the least bit friendly. When I asked when they could do the repairs, I was curtly told that I had only booked the caravan in for a quote, not repairs and we would be lucky if it was started before the end of NEXT week so we would have to hang about Brisbane for a fair while. Such an unfriendly and unhelpful company and they wouldn’t even check if parts were available until they received authorisation from AAMI.

So, it was back onto the phone to AAMI during the afternoon and after I explained the situation about timelines and attitudes, the representative at AAMI said it would be noted that we preferred the first repairer. Within about 15 minutes AAMI rang back to say the repairs had been authorised and to contact the first company. The new awning will be fitted Friday morning and we will head north immediately.

We have lovely accommodation with Jenny and Brian, actually staying in the house with the caravan parked in the next door neighbour’s driveway (they are in Europe). Such a beautiful suburb, houses are about 20 years old but lots of palms, trees and green lawns – very lush looking.

Rain

July 8 – Tuesday

It rained during the night and when I checked the awning at 6.00am discovered it full of water and hanging very low, with the centre strut very bent. I managed to get some of the water out, but due to the weight and immense quantity, Les had to have an early morning. Not good news. Not only was the centre strut bent all out of shape, but the fabric was a bit on the stretched side. When we attempted to roll the awning up, discovered that the roller bar was rather bowed. After listening to AAMI’s music and ads for over 30 minutes, finally spoke to a nice lady who gave us the names of two companies in Brisbane we would have to take the caravan to and get quotes (one was the Jayco agent). She then said we would have to take the quote to the Brisbane office in the CBD, so I had to explain that we were towing a caravan! Ooooh. Get the quotes faxed through instead. I have rung the two companies and arranged to get quotes tomorrow and then it will be wait and see. It will depend on whether it is repair or replace and when this can be done. Hope we don’t have to wait around Brisbane for too long. We are staying the next two nights with Brian and Jenny, who visited us in March, but they are leaving at the weekend for Cape York.

After the early morning traumas, we were lucky enough to spend the day with Paul and Carol, fellow European travellers. They were good enough to drive us around the sights of Toowoomba before returning to their house for a late lunch and a look at some videos taken on the European tour. Fortunately, the weather cleared and we had a wander around the Japanese gardens at the university. Saw lots of fruit bats here, not only hanging in the trees but also flying around.

We have decided not to return to Toowooma!!!

Cheap Hair

July 7 – Monday

A rest day today, time to do the laundry and some housework. Les decided this morning to make an attempt on the world record for breaking coffee pots in a 6 week period. Also time to visit a hairdresser. I was lucky with getting an appointment almost immediately and even more impressed with the price - $44 cheaper than Hobart for the same service!

Officially "North"

July 6 – Sunday

Before leaving Moree, we discovered the monthly market being held in the park a couple of blocks from the caravan park and decided to delay departure for an hour and have a wander. Bought some fruit, vegetables and a nice banana cake, as well as a few more books to keep us amused.

Moree was an “interesting” town and it was easy to understand why the caravan park had so many warnings to keep everything locked at all times and not to leave valuables on view. All the government buildings and most of the businesses had bars at the windows covered by security screens, or else metal shutters, and either security or steel doors. Probably not my first choice of places to live.

Even though it is the weekend, there are still lots of B-doubles and road trains on the road. The Europeans definitely have the right idea with no trucks on the road over the weekend! We also found our fuel consumption was much higher today than we would have expected – over 19 litres per 100 kmh, when we have been averaging 17. The road was dead flat and straight, which should have actually lessened the consumption. We were warned that the fuel in the area is “doctored” and doesn’t full as well or go as far. Perhaps there is reason for the rumour.

Such flat country as far as the eye can see – unbelievable! Heat mirages as well, with the temperature climbing to 22 and the t-shirts now being worn. Not much in the way of scenery, apart from a couple of emus and lots of young wheat.

As we approached Toowoomba we were treated to a concert by Shan and her father, Wei, broadcast live from Hobart. Wonderful, especially the “old Chinese” composition!!! Arriving in Toowoomba was a bit déjà vu – last time we were here in a caravan it was raining as we arrived. (Did I mention the sudden drop in temperature?) However, we found the caravan park without trouble and nicely settled for three nights.

Big Galah

July 5 – Saturday

Not as cold this morning and on the road by 9.00am. The outside temperature started to climb and the heater was very quickly turned off. When we stopped for a mid-morning break, the polar fleece was swapped for a windcheater. We were at Narrabri by lunchtime, so decided to drive an extra 100 km to Moree, which would help shorten the drive to Toowoomba. Some interest to the morning was added by coming across a truck which had decided to have a little lay down on our side of the road and let his load of drums have a play on the verge. At least it gave the police and fire brigade something to do.

It is hard to believe that the country could be so flat and level. Between Narrabri and Moree there were only about 6 slight curves in the road (for no apparent reason) in the 100 km. Virtually all the land was being used for cotton, wheat and sunflowers. Unfortunately we are a bit late for the cotton harvest but there was still plenty on the sides of the road. We even saw an emu in the middle of a young wheat paddock, having the time of his life.

The bird life is marvellous and, apart from magpies and magpie larks, is nearly all parrots of various kinds, white cockatoos and galahs. A large flock of galahs added some excitement to Les’ life today when they flew straight at the car. Guess who ducked behind the steering wheel, while galahs went in all directions, fortunately missing both the car and caravan.

The temperature had continued to rise to 22o by the time we reached Moree and TomTom had taken through all the back streets (the shortest way!) rather than the main road, to the Mehi River Caravan Park. Nice park, very good, clean amenities and best of all – hot artesian spa pool, cooled to 39o! Needless to say, the swimsuits were very quickly dug out from under the bed. The down side would be the owners dogs, especially the Staffordshire which seemed to wander at will

Frost & Rhinos

July 4 – Friday

Out of bed very early this morning (5.15am) for the early morning walk behind the scenes at the Western Plains Zoo. It also just happened to be 0o as well! We arrived at the zoo in the dark and were put into groups with a volunteer guide who spent the next 2 hours walking us around the working parts of the zoo, as well as pointing out some of the animal enclosures. As all the animals are put into sleeping quarters (many of which are heated) at night, we were able to see some of them, like the rhinos, up close. I learnt today that for some unknown reason, white rhinos are very territorial and possessive of their dung heaps. I don’t know why, because they absolutely STINK!!! It was extremely cold, with a heavy frost. Certainly a morning for the down jackets, gloves and hats, which unfortunately made for some very serious hat hair for the remainder of the day. The walk concluded about 9.00am, so it was back home for another breakfast and some housework before heading back.

The second visit was a “normal” visit and we opted to drive our car around the zoo, instead of hiring bikes or electric buggies. Even though the speed limit was 10 kmh, and we did stop and do a lot of walking, we found that people on bikes (not only the children) could be a real health hazard. The zoo is set out with very large enclosures for the animals, showing them in what is very similar to their natural habitat. The zoo also have a safari lodge with luxury tented accommodation for those who want the full African safari experience.

The Dish

July 3 – Thursday

Our 37th wedding anniversary and we have decided to celebrate with dinner in a restaurant tonight.

Left Cowra and headed along the Lachlan River to Forbes – good road, flat, lined with gum trees and little traffic. Beautiful pastoral country, with lots of wheat, sheep, cattle and some dairy. Very green through this area, especially the young wheat paddocks. We joined the Newall Highway at Forbes, then travelled to Parkes (with a small tour of the tour after the pilot ignored the navigator, the co-pilot AND the road sign, turning left instead of right) before visiting The Dish. This was great, as we were lucky to have chosen a maintenance morning and not only saw the dish move from vertical to horizontal and back again, but also saw three men walking around inside the dish and climbing to the very top. At least, we think they were just walking around, but perhaps there was a cricket bat and ball hidden under the coats!!! When the dish was vertical again, they were able to just step off onto the ground. Absolutely amazing!

On to Dubbo and the Big 4 Caravan Park near the zoo. We had been warned about security at Dubbo but didn’t really expect what we found. Key pad entry into and out of the park, as well as keys to the amenities (some parks do have these) and very large fences around the perimeter. The Top Tourist Caravan Park also has the large V shaped barb wire frames on top of their fences. Signs everywhere as well as verbal warnings NOT to leave ANYTHING in the car or outside the caravan. The price was also exorbitant – “because it is school holidays.”

Just had a drive around Dubbo for an hour or so and attempted to find the local indigenous tribe’s rock carvings, but these were obviously well hidden.

The Japanese Connection

July 2 – Wednesday

Goodbye to Canberra on a cold and very windy morning. We headed to Cowra, via Yass, driving through rain until we were well past Yass and very windy all the way – it certainly didn’t help with fuel consumption!

Arrived at Cowra by lunchtime and settled into the Cowra Van Park, right on the banks of the Lachlan River (flooding shouldn’t be a problem tonight, hopefully). A very nice park with a very nice young man in charge.

The afternoon started with a visit to the Information Centre for a holographic film on the Japanese POW breakout. Then it was on to the Japanese Gardens, which were magnificent! Very peaceful and serene and it would be wonderful to see them in springtime. A quick look through the visitors’ book showed that Max and Carleen McKenna (ex Beachway Motel and brother-in-law of Jos) of Ulverstone had visited last week. Following these, it was on to the site of the actual POW camp. Although the camp has been demolished, there are still foundations, etc, to be seen.

Cowra is the only place which isn’t a capital city to have a peace bell. We both rang it in the hope of world peace. Cowra has a very nice feel to it.

Brrrrr

July 1 – Tuesday

An early start today as we had to take the car to a Mitsubishi dealer in the northern part of Canberra. Shortly after we left Tasmania, a letter was received saying the car had to have an upgrade to its software for some technical reason. The Mitsubishi hotline lady advised we have it done in Canberra and all the arrangements were made and upgrades are now working, hopefully.

Ai, ai, ai, it is cold today!!! It is absolutely FREEZING – very windy and wet. Certainly a day for thermals, woollen jumper, down jacket, woolly hat and gloves. I’m sure we wouldn’t have to drive far to reach snow. We had a little drive around in the rain after having the car fixed and drove around the Defence Forces Headquarters and ASIO (lots and lots of security and electric fences here) before heading for the lake. A quick jump out of the car for a photo and then on to the Australian Institute of Sport.

Apart from the $1 entry fee to Old Parliament House, this was the first time we have had to pay an admission fee ($10), but it was well worth it. The most exciting exhibit in the entry foyer would have to be the jumper worn by Adam Goodes in the 2005 Grand Final, plus his two Brownlow Medals and Premiership Medal. A young lady who is training to become a soccer referee showed us around – we saw the gymnastics hall, the arena, watched some athletes working out in the gym and looked through the glass walls at swimmers being coached. We weren’t allowed in the pool building because of the technical equipment installed there. A highlight for the children on the tour – and the big kids as well – was the time spent in the Sportex room. In here, we were able to rock climb, throw a basketball, ski down a mountain, hurtle headfirst down a luge on a skeleton, score a soccer goal if we were good enough, test our reflexes and flexibility and other cool stuff.

The weather is so cold it is time to head north!

Arts & Law

June 30 – Monday

A beautiful, clear morning although rain is forecast later in the day. We headed first to the National Gallery of Australia and although the Rajah Quilt wasn’t on display, there was a very nice Monet – waterlilies, of course. Lots of very modern artworks with some colonial art from all the states, the Sidney Nolan “Ned Kelly Series” and pieces by other well known Australian artists. Whilst we were viewing the cubism gallery, as well as the Asian section, we noticed a group of four young boys aged about 3-4 in the company of a woman and man (looked like a small school group, but far too young) and the man spent all his time explaining the symbolism, etc of the works to the children. I listened for some time and found him a bit difficult to follow and by the looks on the boys’ faces …

Anyway, after the National Gallery we wandered across the road to the High Court of Australia and were very warmly greeted by the four guides in residence – we were the only visitors there! We were able to go into the three different courtrooms, the uses of which were explained quite comprehensively by the associated guide and were a bit sorry that the law fraternity was on holiday for a few weeks.

This evening we had a very pleasant meal with Gayle and her family.