Lightning Ridge 19-10-12

We got to  Lightning Ridge late morning and went straight to the Opal  Caravan park - Michael joined us up to the "Top Tourist Park" group and we now get a discount when we go to their parks, we have already saved the joining fee so it promises to be worth while.  The park is new, but the ground is made up of tiny quartz pebbles, no shade and we could not see how we could possibly get our tent pegs into the ground [a drill was available from the office].  There was no shade and it is very hot.  We decided to  take cabins for this stay.  They are quite nice (being very new).

When Tony and Jennifer were here some years ago, they said that the place had a definitely unfriendly feel with signs warning people to 'go away' 'not wanted here' trespassing etc.  It is nothing like that now, tourists are welcome.  Perhaps they have realised (like Sapphire) that tourist income is more reliable than opal mining, especially since eventually the opals must run out.
Lighning Ridge is a really interesting place.  I knew about the opals of course (who doesn't), but it also has a lot of fossils.  Michael and I went to the Australian Opal Centre to  have a look at some of the fossils discovered here.

Deposits at Lightning Ridge yield some of the rarest, most beautiful and precious fossils in the world. The sandstone at Lightning Ridge once formed the floor of an ancient shallow inland sea where plants, aquatic life and occasionally the bones and teeth of animals were preserved. As they tunnel through these sediments searching for precious opal, miners sometimes find these fossils,  The most famous and significant fossils from Lightning Ridge are those of some early mammals. Mammal fossils are not often found in Cretaceous fossil deposits, since the generally rare, tiny and delicate mammals of this period were far outnumbered by the more successful and diverse dinosaurs. In Australia Cretaceous mammal fossils are almost unknown, which is why the Lightning Ridge fossils are so important.

There are serious plans to build a very large museum to house many 10's of thousands of fossils not yet able to be displayed.

We went to  John Murray's art gallery, love his stuff, very quirky with a very australian sense of humour  http://www.johnmurrayart.com.au/.  Would have loved to have purchased some originals, but they were a bit out of our price range.

This interesting old cabin is right on the main street.









Hehe, of course we went to  some opal shops, the ones I liked cost thousands of dollars (just like the sapphires in Rubyvale (what a surprise)!  One of the shop keepers gave Tony very detailed information about opals and the quality of same, but he wasn't induced to buy any Haha.

Our trip ended at Lighning Ridge and we then travelled home over the next 2 days, so this is the last blog entry. 

We wish to  thank Tony and Jennifer for a wonderful trip!  

As always Tony your organisation was excellent and we enjoyed the company of the two of you very much.

Michael and me

Tony and Jennifer

Takarakka Bush Resort to St. George. - 18/10/12

A big day of travel – some 400+km, in hot temperatures of circa 37degrees.

We say our farewells to Peter D. who is driving back to Brisbane today [ some 11.5 hours].  It was really great spending the few days with Peter and we all look forward to catching up with he & Sue in the future.   Hope you have good news Peter concerning the arrival of the new grandchild when you get home.

We had our first stop at Injune for a coffee break.  It was a very neat town and the lady at the Information centre was very friendly and informative.  We had started to encounter large farm machinery in transit on the roads……very oversized…approximately 1.5 lanes wide.

We followed an oversized truck for some distance and Tony was anxious to pass him.  He asked Dot to get on the CB and get the driver to let us know when it was safe to pass.  Dot chatted to the driver who was quite agreeable and he was overheard to call his support vehicle with the request – “I have 2 little ones behind me”  Hehe love it.  He duly let us know and Dot called Tony on the CB – '”now Tony”  no sign of Tony in the rear view mirror, Dot calls again “Tony NOW’  No  sign of him.  Dot calls again “NOW TONY NOW”  Finally the troopie appears in the rear-view mirror passing the truck.  Phew.  Tony admitted later that he had his foot flat to the floor and was peddling hard and didn’t think he was going to be able to pass!!!!  Haha is this one up  for the PRADO with turbo, we had heaps of juice left and could have gone faster.

A further 120km onto  Roma for some shopping and lunch.    A backlog of Telstra messages started to come in.

Around another 200 km through a variety of landscapes we arrive at St George mid afternoon and seek a bit of extra comfort via a motel  for a good shower and fresh clothes.

Tomorrow’s target is a caravan park at NSW’s Lightning Ridge.

Takarakka Camp Resort 15/10/12 – 17/12/10

Monday 15/10/12

We have to get the walking footwear out of the roof bag in preparation for our walks.  Peter D. had sussed out a few of the walks in the National Park  the previous morning, and came up with  a couple of easy walks to start with.

Firstly we tackle Baloon Cave – 1km from the carpark through wooded forest with fan palms, cycads and a variety of plants, some in flower.  Baloon Cave is part of the entry point to the gorge used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. The sandstone overhang features fine examples of stencilled Aboriginal rock art.    

Then onto Mickey Creek Gorge – 2.5km from car park which leads to narrow side gorges where the walking track becomes a rock hopping adventure.  These have lovely little streams through them, along with lovely natural air conditioning.  Tony, Peter & Michael head off further into the gorge, having to clamber along ledges as well as up over rock step-ups.    Finally Tony comes to a section which going up . was a major challenge, but descending would have been even more difficult.  Peter manages to get a couple of photos with Tony in a challenging position.  Jen commented later that it was important that he had done up his fly.

Following this, it is off to the Rock Pool which is surrounded by fig and casuarina trees.  The pool has male catfish tending the young offspring, as well as platypus and turtles.

Back to the park for lunch and afternoon nano nap for Tony and catch-up time for Peter D with Michael & Dot.

At 5:00pm we head across to the assembly area to hear an address from Simon, one of the local guides.  He gives us an informative history of the area from a geological, the aboriginal and local use pre and post National Park status and wildlife. He points out the best walks and features of the park to be tackled.

 

 

Tuesday – 16/10/12

A big day ahead with walks covering circa 12 km anticipated  We head off around 8.30am and drive to the National Park and tackle the Art Gallery [5.4km from visitor carpark] walking through woodland and crisscrossing the river via large stepping stones. The Art Gallery has over 2000 Aboriginal engravings, ochre stencils and free hand paintings over the 62m long sandstone walls. Unfortunately examples of visitors engraving their names/initials over the artwork as far as back as 1952 can be seen.  Surveillance cameras are now in place as a deterrent.

Unfortunately Peter had a knee injury playing up and Dot and Michael and he would catch up with Tony & Jenny as they waited at a resting seat/s on many occasions.  As we head back we divert to Ward’s Canyon, which is a small but beautiful side gorge – a great photo opportunity.  The short steep track winds through spotted gums and around a small waterfall into a beautiful cool place [it is starting to warm up]  containing the world’s largest king fern.  Water containers were replenished in the lovely cool running stream.

Back to the main track and then another diversion off to Moss garden where water drips constantly from the sandstone walls which supports a lush carpet of mosses, ferns and liverworts.  A currawong flew down and took his trail bar out of his hand as he attempted to pass a trail bar to Dot.

We all head back to the main track and then back to the carpark, (where an echidna is wandering around} ….unfortunately in the heat of the day arriving home around 3.00pm for a very late lunch.  Tony’s recommendation of having bananas to stave off cramp is taken up.

We had encountered a couple of French lads [with little English] leaving for the full circuit [32km] at around  2.00pm without water….they arrive back at the camp kitchen around 7.00pm totally exhausted.  Their evening meal was potato chips.    Peter D said they should be eating meat & vegetables.  Michael suggested Duck a l’orange which was met by a “Ugh”   Peter D quickly translated with a “Quack Quack” which the French boys understood,,,,,,,This broke Tony up completely.

 

 

Wednesday – 17/10/12

Everyone pulled up reasonably well after yesterdays effort.  A very quiet day with a small walk around the park in the morning and then Tony takes us off to another private safari park for a Devonshire scones & coffee for morning tea.

Back to camp for a casual lunch and some housekeeping tasks in readiness for tomorrow’s departure to St. George.

Dot gets Peter D. to transfer some photos to her laptop and then together look at the features on her Nikon camera, whilst Tony has his usual nano nap and Michael does some work on the blog.

Michael is pleased to have Peter D with us since it takes some of the pressure off Michael being the butt of Tony’s jokes – hehe.

Lake Maraboon to Takarakka Bush Resort [Carnarvan Gorge National Park] 14/10/12

Before leaving Lake Maraboon, we must acknowledge our camp neighbours Ian & Jillian who introduced us to the red-claw [yabbie/marron like ]  with some samples for an entree taste.  They have a large Bushtracker van pulled by a large GMC vehicle.   This is this home, as they have been on the road for the past 6 years.  They indicated they catch up with others who have been on the road for the past 12 years.

We also met another couple when we went to talk about their Roadstar Daintree caravan, as we had been interested in a Daintree a couple of years ago. They were in the midst of shelling a milk crate of large red-claw they had caught,  for subsequent freezing.  They gave us a pack of tails [400gram, 8-10 pieces], which we gratefully received and enjoyed over two nights with a garlic butter sauce.

On the road at a leisurely 8:30am and travelled through some interesting country with impressive mountain ranges.  We stopped at Springsure for a coffee reviver at the Information Centre, which contained quite a bit of history memorabilia plus quilting and sewing magazines which Dot had to purchase.

 

 

 

 

Then onto Takarakka Bush Resort, located just outside the National Park.  We arrived around midday, and caught up with Peter Daunton [part of last years trip] who had driven up from Brisbane the previous day.  It was great seeing Peter who was tender hooks, as wife Sue was in Perth with her daughter who had been admitted to hospital in labour

The campground is in a  treed environment, with great facilities – very large camp kitchen with gas cooker facilities, BBQs, hot water urns, sinks with hot & cold water plus cleaning accessories and large bench/seats catering for circa 40-50 people at a time.  A small general store with supplies including a range of wines @ $20.00 per bottle…..a must for our evening meal with Peter D.  The only thing lacking was Telstra 3G coverage!!!!!!!!!!

Kangaroos wander around the grounds and a range of bird life abounds.

It was very interesting watching the variety of vans and 5th wheelers, and talking to a number of their owners who in some cases have sold up and this is now their permanent home.

The National Park is obviously a mecca for serious bushwalkers.

 

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Emerald–Lake Maraboon 10-10-12 to 13-10-12

Had an uneventful trip to Emerald (much of the country was interesting), all the fun started when we arrived.  The trip (500+km) has taken longer than expected and it is quite late (5ish) when we get to Emerald). First job was to find somewhere to stay, the caravan/cabin park in town seemed to be the most sensible since we were not familiar with this area.  The caravan park was pretty crowded (which we don’t like), but we went into the reception area anyway.  They sent us way down the back and we were dismayed to see how close together all the caravans were.  All the cabins (or most of them) were being used by workmen from the mines.  We were not at all happy with where they wanted us to go and could not even see how we were going to get our tent into the allocated spot.  It also looked very possible that piles of people would surround us.  On to another park, we were told it was pretty ordinary and full up anyway.  Oh dear.  We decided to  stay in a motel for the first night and look for a camping spot in the morning.  Hmm, no room at the inn at all, not a vacancy anywhere.  We were talking to  each other on the CB radio when a man butted in and asked us what we were looking for.  We told him and he informed us that we had no hope in town, but that there may be vacancies at Lake Maraboon about 20 kms out of town.  He also told us that we would have to  go  in the back way since the road across the dam wall was closed.  A very helpful,citizen!

Off we went.

Arrived at the park feeling a little dispirited and again sent down to the back (this park is pretty full too).  We don’t feel too enthusiastic about anything at this stage but have no choice so we settle in.  It is getting dark as we set up.  Michael fortunately heard on the radio, as he came back from reception, that we were due for a storm that evening.  Bummer, Tony is quite confident in his troopie, but our tent has only been exposed to a very slight shower, a storm with possible hail sounds a little threatening.  Michael puts lots of guy ropes on the tent. The wind began to build.  Sure enough just as we finished tea, the thunder and lightning started, then the pouring rain.  The tent came through with full marks, not a single drop inside and it withstood the wind very well indeed, needless to say the troopie didn’t even notice the storm.

Next morning we are feeling more enthusiastic and the park looks a lot better.  Michael and I have quite a large site (for a tent) and we have a huge off road van being towed by an American truck next door, no-one else on the other side.  There are vacant spots around us, so we have quite a private little spot.  The showers in our are are a bit old, but there is a newer shower block some walk away.

We drove to  the information centre to see what was what, checked out the mine tours and the lady in the information centre booked us into Carnarvon Gorge.  We had morning tea and drove to Rubyvale for a mine tour into a sapphire mine.  Had lunch in the pub at Rubyvale and went on the tour.  This proved to be very interesting.  Tony who had not thought he would enjoy it did so.  We were the only ones in the party and our guide was great.  And oh my, the jewellery in the shop was fabulous.

When we got back to the park (which is now great, hehe) our neighbours had come back from their fishing trip and had some ‘redclaw’  these are large yabby type creatures who are vegetarians!  We get all the info on how to catch them and begin to feel enthusiastic about having a try ourselves.  We need opera nets!

Next day Michael and I head off into town to buy some nets and to go back to Rubyvale where we had a go at fossicking for sapphires.  We found a few little pieces and one quite large that is a blackish colour and called a ‘bomb’, not worth cutting.  One little piece is quite nice and I am having it polished into a cabochon (it will be quite small when finished but it is a memento of our trip to Emerald).

When we get back with the nets, we bait them with potato, dog biscuits and orange (these are some of the suggestions we had).  We took them down to the lake and dropped them in.  Tony could hardly contain himself and kept on wanting to go and check his net.  We were told that they are night feeders and to  wait until morning.

Our neighbours (Ian and Jillian) had caught a bucket full and gave us a dozen small ones to try.  We grilled them on the BBQ with some butter and were quite impressed.

Next morning, off we went quite excited to see if we had caught any.  Michael and I had 4, Tony had 2, but they were quite large.  Great excitement.

We have lots of lovely birds around our campsite.

It is now getting quite cold at night and it may not be long before we need long pants instead of shorts.  Michael and I have brought way too many clothes and the ones we don’t need are on the roof of the car.  We decide to get the bag down and transfer some of the warmer type clothes into our bag.  Oh dear, one of our bags of clothes is soaking wet, the canvas roof carry bag has leaked, probably during our storm. Just as well we found it, the clothes would have become mouldy pretty soon. 

Tony has become enthusiastic about powered sites and we get them as often as possible.  Two days ago it suddenly occurred to him that now he was on power he could use an ELECTRIC jug and a toaster.  He had a toaster but went out and bought a jug.  He has been boiling water as much as possible, including water for us.  We couldn’t stand it any longer and today we went out and bought a jug and a toaster for ourselves, civilisation while camping!

Mum, dad and the kid.

We will be without internet connection for the next 4 (I think) days.

Horseshoe Bay to Burdekin Dam 8-10-12 + 09-10-12

Woke to a lovely morning, the wind has died right down now.  Went to do our shopping for the next 3 days, then Michael and I drove to the outside of town to photograph the ‘big mango’.
We caught up to  Tony and Jenny and started off to the Burdekin dam.  We passed acres of corn, tomatoes and rockmelons on black volcanic soil. 
The country is largely huge granite boulders and granite mountains.  Similar to Magnetic Island,  Bowen’s Horse shoe bay had granite boulders the size of houses.  Tony wanted one for his front yard.
We decided to stop in Collinsville for lunch and enjoyed a very interesting drive, through some great country.  There is a lot of water lying around in dams and ponds, we are very surprised since it is the end of the dry season.
After lunch we head off to the dam down the ‘back road’.  (There is sealed road from Charter’s Towers, but this is not for us – hehe).  The back road is a dirt road but is in very good nick. On the road we see a deer, Tony tells us it is an Indian spotted deer (Chital) and that they were released 100 kms the other side of Charters Towers 30 years ago. 
Finally reach the dam and can’t see the camping ground, there is a “T”  intersection, so Tony and Jen go to the left and Michael and I go to the right.  Pretty soon Tony is calling us on the CB to tell us that there is no camp down his road.  Michael and I drive down a very steep winding road to see the dam ahead of us – WOW, we have to drive on a narrow road right across the front of the dam wall.  Still can’t see any camp, but we travel on across to the other side and up the steep road.and find the park overlooking the dam. 
Surprisingly, it is a very nice park, not at all what we were expecting, there is even a swimming pool and the cost for a powered site is only $15 for a couple.  We have been paying $32 to $44 per night to date.  The park manager comes around in the morning at 7:00 AM to collect the fees.  There is a motel and several houses there, but the motel is closed and looks uncared for.  The only houses that seem occupied are the dam manager and his offsider.
We find a  couple of nice sites under some trees (not large or dangerous).  There are sprinklers at either end of our ‘row' and Tony moves them closer to us to discourage potential neighbours.  This works for him, but next day a couple with a large caravan pull in next to us and simply move the sprinkler.  Sigh.
We have 10 peahens wandering about, numerous birdlife and as dusk falls we get hundreds of kangaroos.  Lovely.
The next morning the park manager comes about and is inundated with questions (from us of course).  The dam took 4 years to build and there were 1500 workers.  A small village was built to accommodate them with a school to year 10, shops, medical facilities, police, pub, swimming pool and tennis courts.  The town has disappeared, there are remnants of foundations about, the roads and some footpaths are still there, the tennis courts are still there but in a dilapidated condition, the town swimming pool has been filled in.  Very interesting indeed.
We went for a walk through the park to the lookout over the dam.  There are many picnic tables and chairs, assembly shelter and a camp kitchen, .    Tony is convinced that he could make this park successful and a money maker.
In the small information centre there is a model of the dam that simulates different conditions, including a minor and a major flood (works electrically)
There was a green tree frog in the ladies loo, this is the first one we have seen on this trip.
It is hot and the pool is great, it is a little grubby (leaves) and Tony tells the manager that we will clean it out for him., Tony also appoints himself assistant groundsman and undertakes to move the sprinklers around. The park manager (who is actually the dam controller) is the only staff member there, a married couple is on holiday.  This means that he is responsible for the dam, the cleaning of the camp ground facilities (not done while we were there) mowing and collecting fees.  I think he was glad to have Tony’s help for a little while.

Horseshoe Bay 5-10-12 to 8-10-12

This is a very pretty spot,with 2 bays very close to our caravan park and several others within walking distance.

Horseshoe Bay is on the North side of the peninsula and Gray’s Bay is on the west.  This results in 2 quite different beaches, Gray’s bay is sheltered and the sea is flat, Horseshoe Bay has small waves and is the most popular of the 2 beaches.  Hehe, the waves are very small, but it makes it possible for children to use their boogy boards for some fun.  The 4 of us can’t help thinking about our grand children and how much they would love it here (and other places we have seen).  Our water babes would have a ball and the beaches are quite children friendly.  There is a life guard at Horseshoe bay until the end of the school holidays, but thankfully he looks bored out of his brain since there is nothing to do.  The swimming season will end on all of these beaches very soon, the stinger season is rapidly approaching and only people prepared to take a risk or people covered in stinger suits will go in the water (irukandji and box jellyfish).

Michael and Tony have been in for a swim every day and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, we have all walked on the beaches and ventured up onto the lookout over the bay, which initially looked very difficult, but was not so bad, the path being very well planned and winding it’s way up.  Tony and Jen walked across into another little bay where it is theorised that Gina Reinhart owns one of the properties.  The scenery was fantastic.

We have wandered down to the little cafe on the corner where the others had the boring usual (coffee, coke) and I had a berry breeze (mixture of berries and berry sorbet)  YUM.

On Sunday the wind died down, what a pity that it hadn’t happened earlier as this is our last day.  This morning we walked to  the monthly market, about 2 km away, love these although I rarely buy anything – am tempted by heaps of stuff though, but do not have the room to put it in the car.  Tony told us that we had to walk to  the market this morning (2.5 km) since we were putting on weight. When we were there, he had a bacon and egg sandwich (he had already had breakfast), he has said that he will miss out on lunch.  Tony is very fond of bacon and egg sandwiches and has them almost every time we stop for a coffee at morning tea time.  This one was apparently pretty good since it was cheap – cooked at the Rotary tent.

Michael and Jen have been badly bitten by something at Wunjunga and are now covered in bites and itching badly, Michael in particular.  We think it must have been no-see-ums, since we have no idea what they were bitten by.

I bought a pineapple, rockmelon and some bananas in Bowen, the pineapple in particular was delicious, running with juice.  Tony and Michael and me have enjoyed bananas and custard for dessert.  (Tony introduced M and me to long-life custard, not as good as mine but an OK substitute out here).

We leave tomorrow to head for the Burdekin Dam and then Emerald where I hope to do a little fossicking for gemstones (in a fossicking park where thousands have gone before me, any hope do you think?).

Wunjunga to Bowen (Horse Shoe Bay)

Left Wunjunga (forgot to  mention the salt pans yesterday.  Here goes, there are extensive salt pans along the road to Wunjunga, we drive across them, it would be interesting to see this country in the wet.

We travelled through enormous sugar cane plantations, the largest we have seen to date.  There is some harvesting going on and the little trains are loaded to the hilt with the cane.  As we approach Bowen we can see in the distance a very large structure, no idea what it is, it seems to  be perched in the middle of nowhere.  Then as we get nearer we see that it is an enormous bridge.  Can’t help wondering why they need such a large structure. we have crossed very large river beds on our journeys and the bridges have been roads that were elevated.  Hehe then as we cross, the reason becomes evident.  This is the Burdekin River.  See the photo for the river bed.and the bridge ‘struts’

 

 

 

 

 

This river must be truly amazing in the ‘wet’.

There are lots of fields of vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes as we come into Bowen. 

Bowen was the main location for the Film “Australia” the one with Nicole Kidman, there are some interesting photos around the town of various scenes from the film and how they were created.

Bowen is quite a nice town and we decide to  try our luck on its coastline.  After visiting 3 caravan parks we settle on one at Horse Shoe Bay.  This caravan park is a bit run down, but the nearby beaches are really nice and within very easy walking distance.  However, it is very WINDY.

Townsville to Wunjunga 3-10-12

Had a nice slow departure from Townsville, we decided to eat breakfast on the way to our new destination – as yet undecided.  We are in the lucky position of being able to travel and stop when we see something we like.  We pulled up to a Coles in Ayr that had a Coffee Club cafe – breakfast!  We were ready for it by now although we are ‘over’ eating out, it seems that almost everything comes with chips and salad. We chatted to the waitress in the Cafe who told us that a place called Wunjunga was wonderful. Sounds like this is our next stop. We did our shopping for provisions for 4 days since we have no idea what facilities will be at our next stop.

We drive out to the Ayr information centre (just outside of town) for some more details on the area.  This is where I took the photo of Gubulla Munda, the giant snake. Two hours later we are still in Ayr so decide to have lunch.  I order a chicken and salad sandwich and they try to give me chips with that.  Oh dear.

Wunjunga was not hard to find, the camping ground (named “Funny Dunny Park) is basic, but the toilet (drop box) is clean and doesn’t smell, the overnight fee is $5, so far so good. But….Oh boy, the WIND!!!  nonstop all afternoon, Michael is eaten alive by midges, no-one else seems to be bitten.  

We went for a walk along the beach, turtles come here to lay their eggs, but according to the volunteer caretaker, we are too early to see them.  Wunjunga was the place where about 79 turtles came up onto the beach and died this year.  I understand that they still do not know what killed them. 

There are a lot of bush turkeys running around the camp ground, hoping that we drop something for them to eat.  We are mean and not prepared to  encourage them. The birdlife is really interesting, I wish I knew more.  I have bought a book, but it seems you have to have an idea as to what you are looking at before you can find it in the book.

By evening the wind had dropped a bit, but cooking on our little butane stove was not very efficient, the wind blew the flames every which way.  We hear that his wind will keep up until the weekend, so we decide to head off in the morning.

TOWNSVILLE - [2 DAYS] 02/10/12 & 03/10/12

TUESDAY
We all had a lazy start to the morning with breakfast at Bistrone, then off to enquire about  and book ferries to Magnetic Island for Wednesday morning.  Following this we all went to the Townsville Tropical Aquarium.  It was very busy with school holidays, but it was a special place enjoyed by all.   The colours of the variety of tropical fish were staggeringly intense.

We wandered across to The Strand where Dot & Michael caught up with David & Lorraine Law [ex Rotary Club of Lilydale] and son Andrew & granddaughter [based in Townsville] Kaitlin for a leisurely lunch on the foreshore. They had been following the blog and saw that we were at Mission Beach last weekend and by chance we were all in Townsville at the same time, after the Qld long weekend.  It was good to catch up with David & Lorraine who were flying back to the Yarra Valley in their Piper plane on Thursday or Friday.

Tony and Jen had a nice lunch elsewhere and went onto to do a few things for themselves, including a nano nap!!

Walking along the Strand foreshore was very pleasant and is  a great place for children with the playground and water playground facilities.  The historical buildings in the area are very pleasing to the eye, along with the massive curtain figs in the gardens & foreshore.

The evening meal for all was at the Townsville Cowboys Leagues Club….mass produced at an economical price…possibly subsidised by the large range of pokies.   Back to Rydges at an early hour.

 

WEDNESDAY
Alarms were set for an assembly of 7:15am to head to the Magnetic Island [MI] ferry terminal for a 7:45am departure.  The 8klm  trip to MI took 20 minutes, and then onto a hop-on/hop-off bus to Horseshoe Bay [ the top part of the island].   We had breakfast at one of the few opened bar/restaurants……the young Irish waitress seemed to be very possessive of her section of the eating area and was very curt and abrupt with another waitress [ in her 50s] over directing us to her area and attempting to take our order.  This other waitress described the place as worse than Faulty Towers, especially in the kitchen area as we waited for our orders.

Tony investigates the island information book and decides on a walk to  Balding Bay of 1.7klm in an estimated time of 1hour.   The walk is up and over the granite strewn steep ridge to a secluded bay.  The out and back walk definitely walked off breakfast.  Upon return to Horseshoe Bay we were back on the bus back to the ferry terminal and swapped to another bus to head to Picnic Bay one of the closest points to Townsville.     The bus trips are not direct to your destination, instead meandering around the normal bus route on the island….. a great way to get an appreciation with what is on the island.

Following lunch, back on the bus for return to the ferry terminal for the 3.00pm ferry back to Townsville.  We all slept on the return trip through the white caps due to the strong constant wind, which had been blowing all day.  Back to Rydges for housekeeping or dozing time till evening dinner.   All of us were looking for something fairly light.

Mission Beach to Townsville - 01/10/12

We pack up this morning with rain threatening, and are ready to leave before 8:00am [ office opening hour for return of Toilet block keys – $20.00 Deposit paid], so off to town for a coffee.

Tony & Michael return after 8:00am to hand over keys and get refund.  They note that the park manager had approx 6 keys returned by early leavers, through the slot, without having to provide refunds…..not a bad cash income lurk.

We head off to Townsville some 3 hours away and pass a cassowary wandering just outside the thick rainforest edge.  Further on we pass the the unique Licuana palms, as we encounter some passing showers.

Tully [Home of the big Gum-Boot]  is by-passed and we come to the town of Cardwell which was close to the centre of Cyclone Yazi’s impact on the coast.  There is BIG Mud Crab on display.  As we head south we turn into the Port of Hinchinbrook…..a suburb of very flash houses backing onto canals, along with expensive boats parked out back or at the marina.  Hinchinbrook Island is just off the coast.

Outside Cardwell the highway passes though some Pine forests remnants on either side of the road……the 30 – 40 feet high trees have either been snapped in half or have been totally shredded of any foliage by Cyclone Yazi.

We stop for a break at Ingham and another coffee……We pass the hotel which had first the poem and then the song …”Pub with no beer” written.   This related to an incident when troops on their way north in WW11, called in on a hot day and drank the pub dry, much to the angst of the locals.

We pass wetlands, with many waterlilies in flower, along with ducks, herons and brolgas outside Ingham.  The countryside is very easy on the eye.

We arrive in Townsville around midday and check in to Rydges or as our GPS has it to Rudges!!!!  Townsville, like all the towns on the way, is rather quite with nothing open due to the Public Holiday in Qld.  We come to understand why the locals up on the Cassowary Coast, where it is so green, call Townsville – “Brownsville”….it is much drier looking as it is in a rain shadow area.

Following this we all wander around the nearby food places in Palmer Street, we find some lunch which in most cases is over filling.  Tony then off for the usual [nano nap] and Dot & Michael take a walk around parts of the nearby entertainment precinct to check out options for the next couple of days.

Very light tea for all then back to rooms by 7:00pm for a cup of tea and some reading and blog work!!

Mission Beach - 30/09/12

Dot is up early to get access to washing machines for another  wash of the shorts/T-shirts & undies – recycling the same 2 – 3 items of each.

Following our early morning breakfast, we all walked off to the Rotary Monster market, some 2.5klm away.  With little cloud cover the sun was starting to have a burning effect.  Michael caught up with a number of the Rotarians managing the market.   They had very stylish yellow & blue shirts, with the word “ROTARY”  printed in a portion of the Rotary wheel, visible front and back.

A variety of stallholders mainly of a craft nature, but some with fresh local produce and some fantastic orchids in flower.  A coconut grower was very popular, cutting the top off to provide coconut milk drinks, as well as the coconut meat.

Tony, at the coffee tent,  caught up with a “local” 80+ year old gentleman [Bob] from Southport Yacht Club who lives up to 7 months at South Mission Beach.  He was a keen fisherman and sailor and was very informative on the local area and of a few must things to do before we leave.

Back to the campground to commence some packing for next day’s departure.   We head the 60 metres back to town for lunch, Tony & Jen at one place, and Dot & Michael to another for barramundi, chips & salad.  The barra fillet was very thin and disappointing compared to Burketown, now some weeks ago.

After lunch Dot & Michael go for a drive to see some sights whilst Tony has his nano nap.  We follow the attractive winding coastal road at the base of rainforest cliffs, adjacent to the beach, to Bingil Bay.  Then onto El-Arish [a small town on the Bruce Highway – named after a battle in Palestine] for a visit to the recommended 1928 built Tavern/Pub.  This Pub has photos all around the walls of pig hunts and the sizes of some of the slaughtered feral pigs is unbelievable – possibly up to 7 feet from snout to backside.

Whilst enjoying a refreshing drink at the bar, they get to talking with a “local”  - Lindsay …an ex Victorian [and a Collingwood supporter]  who has been here for 30+ years, but is getting sick of the heat, humidity, and the cyclones and is thinking of returning to Victoria up near the Murray.  Lindsay [an Army Engineer in Vietnam]  - informs us that El-Arish is a soldier settlement area established after World War 1, with all the streets named after British & Australian Generals.   Monash was the only General who was a winner of any battles.

Dot & Michael leave El-Arish and head back through cane farmland with mountains as a backdrop, then rainforest to Wongaling Beach and South Mission Beach opposite Dunk Island and other small islands.   All of this is very attractive and you can see why people are drawn to to the coastal beaches.   Many houses and apartments on the beachfront and nearby are up for sale….impact of the 2 cyclones over the past 6 years.

Dot & Michael return to the campground for a shower in readiness for heading to Bingil Bay, with Tony & Jen, to meet up with locals David & Christobel at the local Bingil Bay Cafe.  The Cafe is very popular with the locals, being their lifeline following Cyclone Yazi in 2011. With generators it was the only power source for  3-4 weeks in the community, following the cyclone and has now expanded from a very basic fish & chip shop to provide a  good menu of local products.  We have a very nice evening with David & Christobel, learning about their life in Nth Queensland and sharing travel experiences.

Mission Beach - 29/09/12

We all head to town for breakfast around 7:15, only to find one breakfast provider open…the one Tony had eaten at yesterday.

Tony has the Aussie special of bacon, eggs, grilled banana toast and tea…….and receives from Jen the ice cream from her pancakes and fruit salad.  Tony knocks over the ice cream and bananas immediately and then into the toast/bacon & eggs.   This is the followed by a pancake that Jen could not eat.

Following breakfast, it was time to go and get our hats and go for an extended walk along the Ulysses walking Trail to neighbouring Narragon Beach and the Clump Point Jetty [ approx 2+klm].  The walk is not too strenuous and the rainforest canopy was very interesting as well as providing essential shade.  We walked past some mangrove trees and muddy areas and Dot kept on looking for mud crabs.  Sigh, not a one in sight.  The shop just across the road from the beginning of this part of the track sells crab pots.  Hmm. We spend some time out on the jetty talking to those fishing…..very quiet though they had seen large green turtles and stingrays.  This little bay is really beautiful, still no shells though.  I guess the reefs stop much from washing up on the beach.

As we are leaving we meet up with the friendly couple from last night [David & Christobel] and after much discussion they invite us to have dinner with them at the Bingil Bay Cafe tomorrow night.

Back to the campground for some cold drinks and lunch, followed by Tony’s nano nap.  Michael is off to watch the AFL grand final on the campground screen, whilst Dot is off to the Information Centre. Tony & Michael go for a dip in the very flat ocean at half time and then back to the footy for Michael.  Tony shares the footy with domestic chores of clothes washing & shower.  Quite a crowd had gathered for the last half of the footy and cheering for Sydney’s goals was loud and joined in by one of the patron’s pet dog.

For the long weekend, there has been an influx of visitors with no accommodation available in town.  The campground has 3 – 4 cabins taken up by a group of young women [19 –22years] driving flash cars [Lexus sports] and in town for a good time.  Tony encounters the group , as he comes back from the shower block and they are on their way out.     One smarty tells Tony …”to keep up Gramps”!!

We have the usual wander around town & return after tea to see what is happening in town….this covers a distance of probably no greater than 300metres.  The group of girls have hit the bars, but there are no males.

Mission Beach - 28/09/12

Both couples take a walk before breakfast, heading in different directions up the beach.  Dot & Michael come across a number of small blue bottle jellyfish washed up on the beach.

Tony & Jenny arrive back some 2 hours later to advise that they had come across a lady dressed in a wedding dress & veil riding a white Andalusian Stallion [very similar to the Lipposan Dancing horses of Vienna] on the beach for a filming exercise, Time gets away watching the filming including the girl standing on the horse bareback whilst cantering.  Tony and Jen have breakfast in town.

Upon returning and after a coffee, Tony & Michael go for an invigorating dip in the waves, whilst Dot & Jen take in the sun on some chairs left on the beach.

We then continue on and see the white stallion [mentioned above], along with a brown stallion  and they ready for further filming.

We arrive back at the campground just in time for a heavy short rain shower.

Looking around the camp area in our vicinity, there is a lot of dollars in the caravan setups and 80+% of the towing vehicles would be Toyota Prados or Land Cruisers.

Another separate walk in the later part of the afternoon by both Tony & Jen and Dot & Michael.  We come across Stinger treatment stations  every 400-500metres along this beach as well as seeing them at other beaches. The stations at Mission Beach are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mission Beach.  We are coming into the stinger season for the next few months.  We are also seeing hundreds of the Portuguese Man of War [blue-bottles] on the shoreline.

Two blackhawk helicopters, fully armed, fly in formation over the beach heading south.

Dot & Michael conclude their beach walk and pass a local bar……..stopping for a reviver -  cold and pleasant NZ sauvignon blanc. We get into conversation with a friendly local couple – David & Christobel [secondary teachers at Tully] who give us recommendations of places to see and things to do.

Back to the Hideaway Caravan Park for meal and with extensive cloud cover the evening is a lot cooler which will make sleeping easier.

Hinterland to Coastal camping–Mission Beach - 27/09/12

Tony is off to conquer the walking trail to the waterfalls this morning and arrives back to advise that the Falls were somewhat disappointing -  about 1 foot wide over a drop of 40 feet.

The discomfort of the March Flies made up our minds to move on.to the coastal region.   From Innisfail we take the “Canecutters Way”  meandering between Sugar, Banana & Pawpaw plantations on the coastal plain..  Our intention is to call in at the little coastal resorts/beaches to find a suitable campsite.

Our first stop is Etty Bay, a beautiful secluded bay.  The Lifesaver woman informs us that a Cassowary was on the beach some 500m away grazing for food.   We all head off to see up close and get pictures.  Tony & Jenny advise that with all the their travel to the tropical areas of Australia over many years that this is the first Cassowary that they have seen.

Next stop was Mourilyan Harbour where their was a large shipping terminal attached to a sugar refinery with molasses fed to the container ships by pipeline.   Additionally their appear to be a timber & possible woodchip export operation also.

After Cowley Beach and Kurrimine Beach we head to Mission Beach and choose a Top Tourist Park to stay the next 4 nights.   This park is approximately 60 metres from the beach.    The sandy beach stretches some 12 klm.     When the tide is out the hard sandy beach would be ideal for beach cricket.  After camp setup, Tony & Jenny take in nano nap time  Dot & Michael go for an extend walk on the beach.    With the tide out, the tiny crabs were creating intricate patterns with small sand balls  …the designs are amazing…you would think that they were in an art competition.

Many of the houses on the foreshore are up for sale, possibly because of the the [2] cyclones in the past six years.  One lady informed Tony she had sold for high $600,000s in 2006 only to see it sold again some 3 years later for low $300,000.   We go onto the internet – YouTube and view a couple of videos [before/after] of Dunk Island and Mission Beach of the impact of Cyclone Yasi in 2011.  Dunk Island is yet to be rebuilt and you can still see the scars along the beach from the Cyclone.

Henrietta Creek [above Innisfail] 26/09/12

 

We leave Cairns before 8:00am and travel the 60 klm to Innisfail, where we firstly visit a camping place for Tony to replace his Bunnings $6.00 camp chair with an up market OZTrail model.

Then onto the Information Office and are looked after by one of the best ever Information Office staff.  She really knows her stuff and provided a range of information on potential camping sites, both Cassowary coastal and rainforest/hinterland, as well as booking our Townsville accommodation via a special deals on “What If”..

We then find a great bakery for stocking up on bread..Dot & Michael buy bacon & cheese loaf  with the shop assistant’s suggestion to dip the bread in egg [like french toast] except this will be a bacon & egg flavour – the bread was very tasty  Tony decides we should have an early lunch….the pies, sandwiches and especially the cakes looked inviting and better still tasted great.

We decide on a hinterland rainforest camp site – Henrietta Creek some 40klm out of Innisfail.  On the way we stop and do a rainforest canopy walk (Mamu) up amongst the rainforest tree crowns. – we are up between 15 – 20 metres and finish off climbing the 37m tower ……this provided spectacular views of the rainforest and the valley with the winding South Johnstone River.  The walk took approximately 1 – 1.25 hours.    At the beginning and at the end of the walk we were met by attacking March Flies….little did we know a sign of things to come.

We arrived at Henrietta Creek, camping area, some 10klm further on,  and set up camp in an attractive & popular clearing not to far from the creek wandering through the rainforest.  Whilst setting up we continually were slapping at ourselves to kill or clear the attacking March Flies…we would be rich if we had 0.50c for everyone that we killed.  We walked to one set of waterfalls which were disappointing.  A later walk before dinner to another set of falls was cut short for Dot & Michael as they needed to set up their tent fly due to the threat of rain.  Tony & Jenny continued on but turned back before reaching the Falls.  Tony promises to do it by himself next morning.

We had a group of approx 14 German university students [ all met at university in NSW] in the camping ground.  Dot provided some education on starting the Gasmate Portable Cookers, without the need to use a match.  They had teams responsible for the evening meal preparation, the coffee making and the ultimate washing up of dishes.

Fortunately after dusk the March Flies became inactive.  As we had no fire to sit around, and to prevent an early bed – 7:45pm  Tony, Dot & Michael go for an evening stroll through the rainforest….did not see a thing…though could hear frogs and no doubt cane toads.

Overnight we have rain, so Michael & Dot have to packup a wet tent & fly whilst confronting the March Flies again.

CAIRNS – 25/09/12

 

Leisurely breakfast of many choices [ $5.00 per head] followed by Blog update whilst Dot attended to a couple of days wash.

Prado start assistance required by Tony, [ tyre lever tapping starter motor numerous times] then off to Pacific Toyota – Cairns.  Toyota Service Team advise that replacement part arrived & that before replacing the starter motor, it would require inspection to see if contacts/ solenoid could be repaired, and if not, then  referring the current starter motor to Toyota Warranty department for examination & APPROVAL to replace under warranty.  Apparently approval for replacement of a Prado starter motor under warranty was organised the previous day, for another vehicle.

We are told Prado should be finished by 4:30pm, so Michael is back to the Hotel with chauffer Tony & Jenny.

Dot & Michael wander around the Cairns CBD for the morning looking for a replacement pair of sandals for Dot and visiting various galleries.  Success in finding a pair of Tevas.  This was followed by a very leisurely lunch overlooking the lawn and pool area on the foreshore.   Dot found a half BBQ Crayfish while Michael had one of the best & freshest seafood basket with wedges & salad……He could not finish it all.

Strolling back to hotel Dot & Michael come across Tony & Jenny about to start lunch – pancakes for Jenny and Swiss Ice Cream & Cappuccino for Tony.

Michael receives call from Toyota to advise that starter motor had been replaced under warranty and at no charge, so he is off to pickup Prado following the  Hotel Courtesy car driving him to Toyota.

Both couples took the opportunity to replenish supplies from the local supermarket for the next 4 – 6 days.

Evening meal was again followed by an easy stroll into the City Centre via the foreshore boardwalk.

Mareeba – 24/09/12 - CAR REPAIRS?????

 

Visit joint Toyota/Ford  Mareeba to discuss current situation and find Prado just in kilometre Warranty period [60,000klm] for starter motor.  Earliest examination was scheduled for 2.00pm that day and if replacement part required, need to be ordered/supplied from Brisbane or Townsville………this could take 2 – 4 days delivery (ridiculous – Cairns is 60 km away), then repairs could be another couple of days to schedule.

After jump starting, Tony & Michael go off to recommended Northern Auto Electrical – Mareeba for a second opinion….they look at the vehicle immediately.   Mick [Hawthorn supporter] was very professional and thoroughly tested the battery for charge and the individual cells.   Mick confirms RACQ opinion of a faulty starter motor and recommends changeover under warranty   He suggests the contacts have warn.   The cost was $22.00…..very happy with their assistance and charge.  He says that he can get the part up and into the car today!!!  But that since it is under warranty we should go  that way.  What on earth is the matter with Toyota?

Tony & Michael revisit Toyota Mareeba and advise that they will travel to nearby Cairns [63klm away] and would they setup an appointment with Toyota Cairns.   They were not prepared to do this, so Michael rang through and booked an appointment for next day, along with ensuring a replacement starter motor was ordered to be shipped out of Townsville overnight.  We have to say that we are most unhappy with Toyotas service up here.  Michael was asked on phoning Cairns if he had driven through water, since this would nullify the warranty.  The service guy told him he could only drive through water up to the wheel nuts and that it said so in his book.  If the starter motor has water in it - bad luck.  Michael said – the thing is sealed!  This would mean that it had to have been faulty to get water in it surely.  (me saying this).  Michael has been through the book and it talks about driving through rivers, in sea water etc, but then says to drive in water no deeper than 27 inches.  This is well above the wheel nuts!

Tony took his tyre to  have it looked at – he has had several suggestions as to  why it failed (all RACQ’s fault) and asked for a report which he planned to  send to RACQ.  Unfortunately the tyre was ‘staked’ and had an inch long slit in it – no chance or repairs.  Tony has had the tyre for 10 days and now needs a new one.

Off to Cairns and booked into the Heritage Hotel where we stayed last year when in Cairns.

Cairns is much more interesting and many more attractions than Mareeba, plus many more eating alternatives.

Evening meal on the footpath at  foreshore shops, just watching the world go by on a very mild night.  A quick visit to night market for Dot to seek out some upmarket thongs and then a scrumptious dessert  - Swiss ice cream,  before strolling back to the hotel.

Musgrave Station to Mareeba - 23/09/12

 

Attempts to jump start Prado were unsuccessful.   Fortunately we had some experienced mechanical volunteers in the campground.  One gentleman with a Toyota Hilux, [ works on Caterpillar and Komatsu heavy machinery was under the car and after tapping starter motor and digging in the jumper leads to the terminals succeeded in getting the vehicle started.  Conclusion either starter motor or battery the problem!

We were finally on our way around 8.00am  and headed for Mareeba some 400+klm away, with approximately 50% on tar.    Initially the dust roads were so bad, that as we approached Laura, the vehicle in front went through a bulldust hole and visibility became nil for the next 30-40 seconds…..very scary ……we slammed on the brakes and searched for the CB radio to advise following Tony we had stopped, as he said he would probably of ran up our backside.

Fuel up at Lakeland with the vehicle still running, in case we could not get it restarted.   Travelled through some spectacular vistas as we went up and over various mountain ranges……..much of it had been burnt in readiness for the coming rainy season.

Arrived in Mareeba after 1.00pm and turned off the Prado.   Attempted to start the Prado without success so rang the RACQ.   Their response was prompt and they got the vehicle started with a solid tap to the starter motor…….battery readings OK!!!.

Decide to stay in a Mareeba motel overnight and get the matter “fixed” next day, rather then have to deal with a continuing problem for the rest of the trip.

Motel operators [ Graham &  ] were very helpful and provided a comfortable facility.   Walk to the local pub for tea  [$14.50 per head] for a buffet roast/s and sweets.

Loyalty to Musgrave Station 21-9-12

We have met some very nice people on our travels and Peter and Jenny are amongst them.  Peter has been a baker and now works for a very large food company called Kerry’s.  Last night he made us a French onion soup and brie damper and brought it up to the restaurant when we were having our pre dinner drinks.  Yummy!!  We had then had tea there so that we could get our cooking stuff packed for tomorrow’s take-off.

While we were sitting at our table, the crayfish men pulled in.  SIGH.  Have been waiting for them, but can’t buy a crayfish now that we are leaving tomorrow.

I thought I would mention some of the interesting people we have met (more for my own memory than any interest it might hold you)

Hani and Franz (from Switzerland but now aussies)

Anne (Loyalty camping ground, boy could she talk, but interesting)

Phillip and Sonja (South African ex policeman now aussie, wife Sonja – aussie who lived in Africa for many years – Rhodesia)

Shane the govt pig shooter

Eve and Chris, they seemed to follow us from camp to camp

Crazy Peter (we stayed at his park in Weipa)

Road crew at Musgrave Station – 11 /11 hour days on, 3 days off.  Accommodation, 3 meals per day plus smoko, paid for by the company.

We stopped for lunch at Archer River Roadhouse and caught up with the friendly folk who gave us the fish at Vrylia, they told us that the fire that was burning when we were there, came through the track and some large trees had fallen across it.  This track is one car wide with scrub on either side, so it made it difficult to get out.  Apparently a bull dozer came in as well and made the bridge crossing a bit safer.

In the car park at Archer river was a Ute type thing with a tray, there were 5 or 6 very large dead pigs on it and three pig dogs in a cage.  We looked around the cafe and spotted some likely lads and asked them if they were the pig shooters. “Pig stabbers” said one.  Apparently the pig dogs put the pigs at bay and the men come in and stab them.  Dangerous work.  There was a competition at Weipa for the largest pig.  As Tony said, can you imagine what it will be like in Weipa, hundreds of pigs, none gutted, 34C, Whew!!!  I wonder how they dispose of them?

On the way to  Musgrave Station Tony got a flat tyre, it was one of his new ones, but apparently his tyres have tubes in them and some of them are cheap  Chinese imports that split.  He has to check this out when we are camped. 

The school holidays commenced this weekend and we encountered convoys of campervans & tinnies heading north, resulting in driving blind following or passing..

As we went to start off after helping with the tyre, the Prado would not start, Michael tried again and she kicked over.  Hmmm

Got to Musgrave station, drove into our camp site, Michael went to move the car and……she would not start. 

We camped and went to tea, watch a bit of the rugby finals on the TV in the restaurant. We will try to jump start her in the morning.

Seisia (Loyalty Beach) 20/09/12–21/09/12 [2] Rest Days

 

Dot & Michael take off to the Seisia pier, whilst Tony & Jenny walk the coast to the supermarket.  The pier was building up with young fellows and their girls -  they all looked experienced fisherman.

The underside of the pier was a moving carpet of bait fish  [ 5” –6” long].    The experience group had a drop net and hauled in plenty of fresh bait for everyone….they had an aerator to maintain oxygen in the water and changed the water regularly..

Michael managed to get a couple of strikes, however the good sized fish were very acrobatic in the air and twisted off the hook.  A few fish were caught, including a 5 foot leopard shark, and one young woman caught a good sized  trevally which was then taken by a bull shark.

Back to camp and then pickup repaired tyre……captured market up here…$50.00!!!!!!!!!

Attempt to stay out of the heat for the afternoon and watch the “wild horses”  return….hopefully there not here tonight…

The four of us  are about to head to the beer garden on the beach for a late afternoon refresher.  Afterwards we sit on the bank beside the beach (in front of our tent)and watch the sunset.

Next day.

Had a dreadful evening a bunch of ‘pricks’ (Tony’s word – I would have said yobs) camped next to us yesterday.  We didn’t like the look of them from the start.  They kept us awake with loud chatting, laughing, bursts of music and foul language until 1:45 AM.  Not happy.  Tony complained to the management and they have been down to talk to them.  We will see what happens tonight.

Today was a day for washing, packing etc., we leave here tomorrow, Tony is talking about driving for 580 kms approx. tomorrow,  Michael hopes he gets a good night’s sleep tonight.  We are having tea at the restaurant in the camping ground tonight.

THURSDAY ISLAND VISIT–19/09/12

Early morning start for showers and breakfast, with the need to be at the ferry terminal by 7:30am for departure by 8:00am.

The ferry takes approximately 70 minutes for the 36klm trip, We are never out of sight of land as the twin hulled vessel weaves its way through the various islands on a flat sea.

Arriving at Thursday Island [or TI to the locals], you are in another world – deep harbour sheltered by the surrounding islands, some only 5klm away..   The sea is a beautiful clean sapphire blue, with the sea breeze making their winter temperature very comfortable.

We are booked on an 11:15am bus tour of the island, so we have a coffee and then wander around the couple of blocks.  The Cultural Centre was most interesting, giving an overview of the Melanesian island life.and a recent king – E. Bani.  We were so impressed Dot has bought a book on his life and meaningful sayings.  A visit to a couple of pearl shops did not damage the wallet!!!!

A Festival of Winds for the local islands was being held on the sports ground, but activity was restricted to late afternoon and evening, so we missed out.

The  Bus Tour was most informative taking us around the very small island, which is the central hub of all Queensland Government offices for management of the Torres Strait Islands and the Cape York area of Qld. We were taken to the old Fort [3 large canons installed in the late 1800s due to the Russian invasion of Crimea].  The Fort is now the local museum managed by the local historical society. We had over 30 minutes to explore and take it all in.

The information displayed related to:
the original set up of Government offices etc following transfer from failed Somerset on the Cape due to white ants and inappropriate harbour facilities;
the pearl shell industry; and
the war efforts and impact on the local multi-cultural population, which included many Japanese decedents [pearl divers].

Back on the bus for further information on the island from the Tour Bus Driver finishing up at the very old Cemetery.  The Cemetery was very colourful with many of the basic graves decorated in plastic flowers, then covered up in black plastic following the erection of headstone and surrounds to await the official unveiling commemorative service followed by a big party.  This was the end of the official mourning period.  The headstones were very elaborate with photos of the deceased included.

A part of the old section was devoted to the Japanese who died on the island, with a very large memorial installed by a Japanese sister city to commemorate the lives lost of Japanese and other pearl divers over the past 100 years.

Bus tour finished and dropped us off to the Top Most Pub in Australia for lunch.    Dot & Michael tried out the island speciality ….Crayfish Pie”…..Yes real crayfish in the pie,  but as pies tend to do they keep repeating later on in the day.

After a leisurely lunch back to the Ferry Terminal for 2.30pm return.  At the Terminal was a Government Customs vessel with some pretty quick runabouts on board [ powered by 2 x 90 Hp outboards].  They had just retuned from 27 days straight patrolling the island waterways.

The return journey was not on a flat sea, with spray up to 1.5 – 2 metres coming off the hulls as they powered through the waves.

Dot has been waiting for the Cray fisherman's boat to come to the foreshore, but again was disappointed with no show.

After tea sitting around our cooking camp fire we could vaguely see a fireworks display that was coming from the Festival on Thursday Island.