Queensland at Last

Saturday, 21 June 2014

 

Thank goodness we didn’t get up early to attend the Winter Solstice Sunrise at the standing stones – it was very, very cloudy.  We continued our journey north, with the terrain much less challenging than yesterday; it was much nicer to see a “normal” fuel consumption!  We didn’t stop until we reach Queensland, not long after passing through Tenterfield – and noticed an immediate change in the weather, with the temperature hitting 18 degrees and rising to 20 degrees by the time we arrived at Warwick.

With such warm weather and sunny skies, a quick decision was made to wash the sheets and towels and hang them on the line to dry.  So much nicer than having to use a dryer.  Once set up, we headed to the centre of town for some lunch and supplies and were very surprised when we left the shopping centre to see very dark and ominous skies heading our way.  We stopped for a quick refuel before heading back to the caravan park and the almost dry washing.

We are staying at the Kahlers Oasis Caravan Park on the outskirts of Warwick – a nice park with very large sites, the sunny ones have dry grass and the shady ones have a concrete slab.  The amenities are good and currently being updated.

Sunday, 22 June 2014

We thought we were back in New South Wales this morning – thick fog again!  However, once we were on the road, this quickly turned to brilliant sunshine and clear skies.  The countryside, in what I think are called the Southern Downs, was gorgeous, with crops growing in rich black soil as well as some cattle.  We descended from the Downs (why are they called Downs when they are “up?”) at Cunningham Gap, quickly dropping down a steep and winding road, with some wonderful views of the mountain range.  The fog descended again as we neared Ipswich and stayed with us most of the way to Brisbane.

Doris navigated us through Brisbane without any hassles (although many, many, many grizzles from Himself who considered she was taking him the hard way), through the Clem Jones Tunnel and back to the Sunshine Coast Motorway.  We arrived at Maroochydore just before noon, with very loud rolls of thunder as we reversed onto site.  We set up in record time, just beating the Queensland downpour.  The rain cleared, the sun came out and the temperature rose again to 24 degrees.

This afternoon we needed to find the local BCF to replace my chair – Himself sat in it a couple of days ago and broke it.  Of course, the new chair is mine, despite some mutterings.  Not only is it the same brand, but is a bit wider and has a special seat just for Cat (others might call it a cup holder).  We haven’t figured out why it has a seatbelt, though.

We are staying at the Maroochy Palms Holiday Village for four nights.  This is a beautiful park (we have stayed here on a number of occasions) on the banks of the Maroochy River, has a shop/restaurant on site (they will deliver pre-ordered meals to one’s caravan) and superb amenities.  With lots of palm trees and warm air, we feel as though we are really in Queensland now.