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.

Seisia – 18/09/12 Visit Cape York Tip

Last night we all got little sleep, with the wild horses continually roaming around our camp – sounded like they were going through our goods left out.   The stallion would round up the other horses often at at a gallop…very dangerous if you were on your way to the toilet block.  It was the discussion point of the park in the morning  - someone must have complained as they seemed to have been moved on today.

Today was the day we made out for the very top of Cape York, driving through lush tropical rainforest, which often provided a canopy over the top of the road.  Corrugations continued!!  A few bush or scrub turkeys  ran across the road.

Tide was coming in rapidly so we could not walk around the beach and had to trek upwards over some steep rocky terrain to get to have our picture taken at THE SIGN!!!!  The return walk route was over some steep sections which provided stunning 360 degree views.  Upon reaching the car park+++, an ambulance is attending a woman who had a tumble,[Heard later that she was in the park and she had broke her arm in 2 places]

On our return Michael noticed his front driver’s tyre was down to 20lb pressure……Tony picks out a small phillips head screw from the tyre…….looks remarkably like the screws used in the wing of yesterdays WW11 – DC3 plane wreck.    Michael is somewhat pissed – fourth tyre puncture problem in four weeks.  The pit crew are getting very efficient and have the tyre changed very quickly, whilst onlookers come to give us there advice on tyre pressure…[bunger off it was a screw]

Get back to Seisia and drop off tyre for another puncture repair and then sit out the hot hot hot afternoon.  We went down to the restaurant bar area for a walk pre dinner and decided to stay for a drink – Dot enjoyed her baby bottle of French Bubbles.  Back to camp for tea and for a change from the meat and vegetables [potatoes,carrots,onions, sweet potato]  in the fire Dot puts together a tasty pasta/chorizo dish….we are missing Peter C and Craig this year to assist with the leftovers.

Vrilya Point to Seisia - 17/09/12

Very bouncy return through the previous days cool burning and some commencing today to & over the log bridge and back to the main road. [We have been advised by some campers at Seisia that vehicles leaving later encountered large trees fallen across the track as a result of the cool burning. In addition a backhoe had been called into improve the track and approach to the log bridge].

The ferry problems had been rectified at Jardine River and we received 25% discount on the fee of $88.00  due to [2] seniors cards being produced -  discounts are tangible up here!!!!

From there Tony took us to a World War 2[WW11] DC3 plane wreck, which occurred nearly at the end of the war with all on board killed.

Then onto Barmaga,  on tar for a change.   Lunch break was taken with a visit to the Barmaga Bakery – very fresh baking with both Dot & Tony indulging in a cream bun.

Then off to Seisia and to the Loyalty Caravan Park to set up camp some 20 metres from the water’s edge with a view of the islands opposite – the sunsets are spectacular over the water.

The caravan park had a herd of wild horses grazing through the park.

Arrival at Seisia sent the mobile phones [not Tony’s – no 3G…..Super secretary Rhoda to rectify on return]  into over drive with full reception – SMSs coming in every few minutes.  This enabled a blog update of previous week.

Vrilya Point 15-9-12 to 16-9-12

Please note incorrect spelling of this place in previous blog.

Mass exodus of campers next morning and we look at the other sites for location & leftover wood, but decide we have the best.

With the tide out approx 100m, we mooch around the rock pools and attempt to catch small mud skippers for live bait.  Tony and Michael find old crab trap and neighbours who have caught medium size mudcrab, tells about a caught shark carcass on the next beach cove.  This is cut up for ideal bait for the crab trap.  Tony sets up his fish trap also.  They have no luck in either.  We actually catch 4 small mud skippers in our hands.  Tony 2, me 2.

Later that morning, a team of professional shooters arrive to advise that they will shooting feral pigs in the area from the ground and from helicopters.   They said they had killed 1250 pigs in 2.25 days.

Hot Hot Hot so we all sit under the trees while Tony has his nano nap.

Tony starts to prepare their evening meal and to keep the flies at bay, resorts to the fly spray in the the yellow can…..doesn’t work very well …..turns out to be the Canola Oil spray.

23 cars arrive during the afternoon with the majority heading up the beach to find camp sites.

Next day nearly everyone leaves again.    Tony discovers a very pink sunburnt torso, all burnt through his shirt yesterday.

Michael & Dot take a drive down the beach some 8km to a former lightship – the Wreck of the Carpentaria Light Ship – now a rusting hulk being devoured by the sands  [to charge battery for fluctuating fridge.  Tony maintains radio contact to come to the rescue if needed.  He says he will come out if we are not back in 2hours…..no problems encountered and return well in time.

Tony decides it is time for sultana damper scones for afternoon tea, and makes them in foil in the fire…..they turn out very tasty with jam & cream.

As the evening high tide arrives, the water is alive with skipping bait fish in the cove and thousands of tiny fish in the rock pools…..the sea birds are having a field day.  We all wonder what is chasing these bait fish to the surface.   Neighbours were out in a boat and were catching tuna mackerel and queen fish, as well losing some of their tackle and having a $400.00 reel explode.  When they come back they give us a queen fish and a bluefin tuna – quite large.

On the horizon we can see smoke coming towards us.  Later that night we see the glow in the sky.  Good thing that these fires burn slowly and coolly (for a fire).

Bramwell Junction to Virillya Point 14-9-12

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL.

We heard dingos calling last night, very eerie.

The tent was wet through this morning from condensation, absolutely dripping inside.  We had to pack it up as was, but with this heat it will dry out in no time once re-erected.

We encountered some very dusty road trains today.  One was dragging 2 very large tyres, you can imagine the dust they were kicking up.  The picture on the right is inside a dust cloud created by a road train.

We called into Captain Billy’s landing on the way.  This is a lovely spot on the East Coast. Captain Billy’s Landing is located 96.11kms SouthEast of Bamaga and 138.77kms North of Lockhart River.It is 27 kilometres from the main road along a reasonably good track which meanders towards the coast through some very nice rain forest.  Apparently this is an extremely windy spot.  Tony spotted a coconut and decided to open it.  Whew!!!!!! what a stink, rotten of course.  He got it all over him, but, of course was able to wash his clothes in the sea.

Back to the main road and then off to Fruit Bat Falls for a very cooling dip/wash and a deep body massage from the falls.   Spectacular set of falls.    A quick lunch, then off to Elliot Falls and Twin Falls.   The entry road is part of the Old Telegraph Track which included a water crossing at least a metre deep with steep entry/exits.  These falls are not as spectacular as Fruit Bat Falls, but just as refreshing.

Back to the main road, the onto Virillya Point some 60 klm away.  The last 30klm was one of the most corrugated roads we had encountered – taking about 1 hour to do.  We encountered a very basic log bridge straddling a creek, with an immediate hard right twisting turn up a very steep incline.  Hearts were in mouths as we went through, though we found a caravan and a number of camper-trailers at Virillya Beach.   Do not know how they got in or out!!!

Virrillya beach has piles of rubbish along the high tide line, all washed in from the Gulf, much of it from Indonesian fishing boats.

Arrived at V. Beach later than expected we drove up and down the beach looking for a suitable camp site - the majority of sites taken. Finally found one overlooking the beach that had some shade and settled in.

 

Weipa to Bramwell Junction 13-9-12

Tony’s car was difficult to  start this morning.  We went shopping and on trying to leave, the car would not start at all.  Tony called RACQ and he started the car which Tony then had to take back to the depot.  One cell was stuffed and Tony had to buy a new battery.  He decided to get 2 new tyres at the same time.  There was a one hour wait so Michael ferried us all back to the supermarket where there was a coffee shop.

Finally on our way at 11:00 (hehe we started out at 7:30).

It was an uneventful trip, we drove past the usual bush fires and saw some kites/hawks? patrolling the edge of the flames waiting to catch small fleeing creatures.

We decided to stop at Bramwell Junction for the night. Michael and I were lead car and happily pulled into Bramwell Junction.  After waiting 15 minutes for Tony and Jen, and calling on the CB radio to no effect, we decided to turn back to  see what had happened to them.  Just as we pulled onto the road Tony came through loud and clear.  Apparently they followed ‘us’ into the Old telegraph station.  When asked if they needed any help (by the staff member), Tony told her that they were waiting for their friends in the Prado (pointing).  She pointed to a couple and said they were the ones in the Prado.  Jen said Dot was in the toilet!.  Tony then had another look at the Prado and…..it wasn’t ours.  Haha.

They got some info re: the ferry across the Jardine River, 100 cars waiting, one toilet, please don’t come up.  Apparently it will possibly be repaired in 4 days.  We are going to wait it out at Virillya beach.

Weipa 12-9-12

Michael and I went on a town/mine tours this morning.  We took the car down to the mechanics for a grease & oil change, early and they kindly drove us to  our pickup point.  The tour went for 2 hours, the guide was extremely knowledgeable indeed.  The prices for accommodation/housing are horrendous.  $300-$600 per week rent or $500-$600 thousand to buy.  They are not particularly special to look at from the outside anyway.  They are prefabricated dwellings in the main. Everything here comes by barge which is one of the reasons for the expense.  The other, of course, is the remoteness, you don’t really have any choice.

The mine is owned by rio tinto and it was interesting to see how aluminium is mined, it’s very shallow mining, they just scrape away the surface, the ore is about 1-5 metres below the surface.

We saw a terraced retaining wall made up of large tyres from  mining equipment.  Apparently when Rio bought out Comalco, they didn’t use the same machinery, so these tyres didn’t fit.  They couldn’t sell them so they made the wall.  I think there may be at least a hundred in it – all new and worth $40000 each.  Yes Forty Thousand each.

Tony and Jen took their car to be serviced (didn’t go on the tour, they have seen mines before) and waited for it.  Tony asked the mechanic to rotate the spare one onto the back (preventative maintenance).  When he had a better look at the spare tyre (now on the back) he saw that it was damaged. It’s a wonder the guys didn’t tell him so when he was there on the spot.   He and Michael are out changing it back now.

We have done most of our shopping, (from the one supermarket – Woolworths) ready to head out tomorrow.  Our trip to the top could prove to be more interesting than we thought.  A big semi trailer has come off the Jardine River Ferry – the only way across.  The ferry is out of commission until the semi is lifted out of the river.  We have heard that this could be Friday, but more likely to be Monday.  We are thinking of the logjam of people either waiting to come this way (they have been stranded) and those of us heading to the top.  One of the people we chat with has told us that there is a heavy lifter on the way.

We are going to the bowling club for tea tonight.

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY FOR THE 15th BELLE.  We hope you have a really great day.  Love from Nanna and Pa

Archer River to Weipa 11-9-12

The corrugations on the Weipa road were awful and there was a lot of roadwork, we made good time but arrived worn out.  On the way we had a few drops of rain, not enough to wet the windscreen.

Tony and Jen spy a huge snake, since we were the lead car today, it would have meant going back over the corrugations again.  We decide to look at Tony’s photo instead.

We were able to book the cars in for Oil and grease, find a place that sold Coopers and organised to have it put on the car a good start.  We now have 2 Coopers Super maxx on the back.  They are noisier than the Goodrich’s but as long as they don’t puncture, we will settle with that.  They are supposed to be very good.  The Goodrich's are really badly chopped about by the roads.  We have been told by owners of camps, farms, shire workers that these roads don’t like Coopers, Sigh.  More cars than not have Coopers on them.

We had trouble finding a place to stay, everything is booked out.  Mine workers and detention centre workers, not to mention the tourists.  One of the newest motels is booked out for three years to detention centre personnel.  Finally we find a place to stay – with Crazy Pete.  We are sharing a prefab thing, one bedroom each end, bathroom and kitchen in the centre.  Pete however is very helpful and pleasant.

We four on the Chillagoe Limestone caves track

Wrotham to Archer River Roadhouse 10-9-12

Got off to a good start 7:30 AM. Found our way off the station OK.  We had followed our instructions to the best of our abilities to find our way in and got totally lost.  When we worked our way out (probably on the road we should have used, we decided that there was no way that we could have found our way based on the instructions we had.

We travelled up a smallish track that lead us through quite a few station gates and then through a station itself, that was a little daunting but quite correct.  The track  was not as bad as the Hema map suggested, but the opening and closing of the gates ate up  the time and it took us 4 1/2 hours to do 200 (km).  Those involved in rally cars would have loved the curving course.

We saw, brolgas, kangaroos, echidna, black cockatoos and a  flock of green parrots.

Finally got onto the Weipa road and it’s surface was worse than the track had been, very deep corrugations, it was hard if not possible to find the ‘sweet spot’ at all.  Stopped at Coen for coffee and fuel.  We had been going to stay there, but changed our minds when we saw the camping ground, on to find a bush camp.  This soon became not a proposition, sides of roads fenced or had large trespass signs.  Tony said it used to be friendly, not so now.  On to Archer River Roadhouse.  Then……we had another flat tyre, bummer.  This was a tyre that had been repaired in Mt Evelyn just before we left, it didn’t hold.  We now need another new tyre.  Michael is very sad, 3 punctures in 3 weeks.  Hehe only another 7 to go.  We have lowered the tyre pressure too!..Although the locals and the tyre people tell us to pump them up!!

Got to Archer River OK after our pit stop team changed the tyre.  Tea and bed, it was a very windy night.

Wrotham Park Station 08/09/12–09/09/12

On our final arrival last night, Tony in the lead car encountered a group of feral pigs, including litter as we approached our river campsite.   The fingers were itching, but no guns to hand.

As we set up camp and prepared evening meal, against a pink sunset backdrop, tens of thousands of fruit bats flew over our camp.   No cameras out at the time, so we waited anxiously for a repeat the following evenings.

With the shallow flowing stream [not deep waterholes as promised], we attempted some fishing early in the morning without success – Tony lost [3] lures to snags.

As the temperature climbed into the mid 30s in the morning, Tony & Michael became structural engineers as they relocated rocks from the river and the dry beds to create rock walls to provide a Crocodile and Bull shark  [warned of their presence by Station staff, so no swimming] free enclosure for later bathing and clothes washing in the river.

The wildlife seen later that day were horses & cattle coming down to drink, kangaroos in the evening to graze.

Tony went very close to landing a fish later in the evening on a red plastic wobbler……jumped off at the last moment.

We had a couple of walks up the nearby river beds, which sparkled from mica in the sand & rocks. There were many different types and colours of small rocks to be found. 

The bats did not disappoint and returned right on dusk.   Cameras were ready this time and the stream of bats continued for 15+ minutes. Sorry this is a blurry photo due to poor light and my inability to hold the camera steady enough (Dot). Took a little movie with my camera and can’t find it – bother.

Great camp fire at night to cook by plus provide light to sit by. 

Another hot hot day brewing, so early next morning we walked back up the entry track and discovered numerous epiphytic orchids high up in certain trees.

Tracker Tony pointed out a variety of animal tracks including “dingoes or dogs” coming to view our presence overnight.

No crocodiles seen, however found the “larder” of one with the  putrid part remains of a cow in a section of murky water next to the river.

The rest of the day was focussed on remaining in the shade to stay cool, as well as doing some packing for next morning early departure.

The bats again did not disappoint.

A very restful couple of days.

Chillagoe to Wrotham Park 6-9-12

We had a mixed day today, it started off beautifully.  We went to the Chillagoe limestone caves for a 9:00 AM tour.  The cave we went to was called the Donna cave, there are several, the best ones are guided tours but you can try others on your own, although we were told that they were very difficult and had been ‘souvenired’ .  The Donna cave was lovely, a mixture of all of the best features of limestone caves.

We looked for a coffee shop and were sent to a ‘hardware store’.  No advertisement outside for coffee and cake but sure enough – coffee and cake!

We drove out to have a look at the smelter ruins, these are roped off at quite some distance for 2 reasons,  unsafe ruins and toxic stuff still in the ground.  Those poor workers of years ago must have suffered from lead poisoning (lead and copper smelter).

We then went to see Tom’s Ford collection – these cars were in immaculate condition and were still running due to his tender loving care..  He had a GT 351 Falcon in a special plastic humidified  bag, can the car lovers out there recognise it?  He has been offered 1/2 million dollars for it.  Tom was quite a character and clearly loved his cars & trucks.

Then off to Wrotham Park Station, this is a cattle station owned by a UK pastoral company (formerly owned by the Packers) and Tony had organised through his contacts for us to camp on it.  We got our instructions from Sally, the cook, and headed off.  After driving for a while we decided that we had gone too far (from this clearly marked road.  Ha!)  We stopped off at another station to be told that we had missed the turning so back we went.

Found our road (unsigned) and headed into the station following our instructions.  We are supposed to be camping near the Mitchell River.  We drove around dirt farm tracks, amongst large numbers of cattle and recent calves,  looking for our spot for at least an hour and a half (some very hairy ones too 4wd hi to navigate them), it was getting late and we were getting worried that we would have to set up camp in the middle of a paddock (not nice grass, but horrible scrubby stuff that would burst into flame and spread like wildfire if given the chance.  FINALLY, we backtracked to an alternative road that seemed to be in the direction we should be going – towards the river – and we found it, lovely spot overlooking the river with wide sandy beach.  On the way we passed some spectacular erosion canyons, the floods here must be incredible.  We did at one time find our way to a high cliff with spectacular views down below of the river.

 

Normanton to Chillagoe 06/09/12

Alternate Reporter:  Michael Gavin

Up early to finalise car packing and be ready for departure at 7.45am to go to the Bakery to buy some freshly made bread.

Pass the Gulf lander train on its return trip from Croydon to Normanton, approx 30klm out of Croydon…we had travelled around 100klm in the time it had travelled 30klm.

Stop at Croydon to stretch our legs, then off to Georgetown for a lunch break…..easy driving as on tar & make good time.

After lunch onto Mt Surprise then onto the dirt Savannah Way to Chillagoe.  This was crossing a number of cattle stations and criss crossing a number of streams [some with water & others wide expanses of sand/rock] as well as a train track.  The countryside was very interesting and diverse range of terrain and flora.  Rugged rocky outcrops stood out. We encountered some kangaroos & emus, but many hawks, kites & eagles.

The dirt road was very good enabling comfortable driving between 80 – 90 klm per hr.  The GPS comes into its own when encountering tricky unmarked forks in the road.

As we approached Chillagoe, we encountered huge blocks of stone located in the bush – 1.5m cubes…..Arriving in Chillagoe we learnt that these were cut marble blocks from quarries around the area.

Cattle were everywhere as we approached Chillagoe, Apparently the town is in the middle of a vast cattle station and requires a fence and road grids around the township to prevent the stock coming in.

We visit the Tourist Information to locate accommodation and details regarding the Cave Tours for tomorrow.

Take a motel room after some work crews opt for a cabin alternative to enable us to have cooking facilities in our room.  Best Value or accommodation thus far $90.00 – double bed + 2 single beds, ensuite, Kitchen with all appliances and requirements. Both couples enjoy good cooked meal.

Been a big day some 550klms, with air con a must in the afternoon with temperatures in mid 30s…….hopefully a good night sleep for all.

Normanton 5-9-12

Alternative Reporter:  Michael Gavin
Lazy start to the morning with a stroll around town to identify where we  should shop – not a lot to choose from.  We encounter another bash in town Kuranda to Katherine -  lots of effort to set up their cars.  Mango trees heavily laden in many gardens.
The Butcher of choice was Gallagher’s – Tony caught up with Kelvin Gallagher [12 months ago we camped on their property by the river] .  We purchased goat loin chops and some interesting sausage varieties.   They produce a Vegemite & Cheese sausage which the young butcher said was very good even though he did not like vegemite.
Picked up the repaired well worn tyre which the laconic mechanic described as like him …..”some parts looked alright whilst other parts looked terrible’.


Mid afternoon we headed off to the Heritage listed Railway Station & Museum.  Very interesting to see the restored old building and the museum pieces.  We sat through a video of the Gulf lander train [made in the late 50s – early 60s]  which runs between Normanton and Croydon….virtually a bus on iron wheels with a single carriage. The Station master was everything from Railway manager to driver…he continually had a roll your own cigarette in his mouth at all times.  We were told he had died of a smoking related condition.
Temperature still in the low 30s. Evening meal had at the pub again – Dot had the Chef’s Special – San Choy Bau….[not as good as ours Paul, says Dot] did not have water chestnuts in it.

Adel’s Grove to Normanton 4-9-12

Got off to a slowish start this morning, the camp of 4 days had to be packed and the tyre had to be put back on the roof, the cable securing it jammed.  Took a while to sort it out.

We had more dirt than tar today.  Followed a road train for quite some Kms between Adel’s Grove and Gregory Downs, boy do they kick up the dust!.

Stopped in Burketown for lunch, Michael and I had barra and chips, they advertised themselves ‘Barra Capitol’ so we had to try. It was very, very nice.

After Burketown we crossed a couple,of amazing rivers (on the causeway Hehe).  It would be incredible to see them in the wet season.  This is the Leichardt river one side, the other picture is it’s flood plain, the picture doesn’t do it justice, it was big, really doesn’t look much in the photo.  The birdlife was prolific

 

Got into Normanton mid afternoon and took the tyre to the garage, it will be ready tomorrow.  The tyre looks pretty beaten around, I guess they all do, hadn’t really noticed until it came off.  These roads are hard on tyres!

1. We are staying here for 2 nights – will shop in the morning, 7 days until we hit Weipa or our next shop.
2. Staying in the Albion Hotel, Tony and Jen have quite a nice room, but ours is pretty dilapidated, torn carpet on the floor which is very uneven, torn curtain, chipboard on bench top disintegrating, still it is clean.  When the men asked to see the rooms however, the one Tony and Jen are in was the one shown.  We had tea here tonight, Tuesday’s tight arse special for $15.

Adel’s Grove 3-9-12

I forgot to mention that yesterday Tony stood on a very nasty remnant of a plant (not sure if it is a palm tree, there are a few of these spikes in the ground around the park) and punctured his foot (through his crocs).  It bled well and we did some first aid and so far so good.  It is painful at times but there is no redness or swelling.  He is able to walk at his usual pace (fast). 
“Toad-busters” action - Killed 16 cane toads around our campsite. Rod (the owner) says that 30 more will take their place.
A weld on the step of Tony’s troopie has broken and the step is loose, he tried a cable tie but it broke, it will have to be wired up until repairs can be effected.
We went to Lawn Hill [National Park]  for a walk up the gorge today.  We were going to leave early but what with one thing and another is was nearly 10 when we started to walk.  Michael and I were silly enough not to have taken water, so we grabbed a can of zero from the fridge (which, by the way is playing up – SIGH).  Tony was equipped with day pack, water and fruit.  It was getting hot, it has been in the 30s every day we have been here.  By the time we decided to go back it was very hot.  We took a wrong track and ended up coming back up very steep rocky outcrops to the top of the gorge – nasty, heat from above and below. There is a more gentle way in (the way we came). Tony and Jen were much faster than us.  Michael could have kept up, but not me, the old crock with bad knees and hips, not to  mention poor fitness for climbing mountains.  Tony and Jen waited for us at the top and gave us their water since they would not need it now.  Thank god for it, I began to think I would not be able to make it, the climb down was very steep in places.  Some people coming up decided not to continue, it was baking on the rocks.  Well obviously we got back alright, headed back to the cafe/restaurant at Adel’s grove and had Lovely iced water.  Nothing ever tasted so good.
We went for a swim in the afternoon, that completed the ‘cure’ of the heat exhaustion.  A lot of people flew in today, (they have an airstrip here).  They are doing an air race to raise money for the Flying Doctor Service.  A couple of them sat with us for lunch and chatted about their experiences.
We started packing later in the afternoon, one of our neighbours came over and told Michael that we had a FLAT TYRE – another one!!!!!  On examination we found a small stone had pierced the tread (it may of course be a piece of a big stone). Tony and  Michael got the tyre off the roof and neighbour (David) brought over compressor and wheel brace.  It was done in no time.  It looks repairable.
Tony went to  the toilet later that evening to find a bleeding man being supported by one of the staff, he had fallen and hit his head.  The staff member asked Tony to support him while he went for help.  Tony, at this stage, did not know he had fallen and worried about being in the centre of a fight, but obviously agreed to help.  Tony told the staff that there were 2 doctors flying in the race, so pretty soon, they arrived to render first aid.  Apparently the man had flown in (how the other half live) the day before and had been suffering from extreme gastro, they said he was unconscious before he fell. 
An eventful day over.

Adel’s Grove 31-8-12 to 2-9-12

We had a small fire for breakfast and Tony cut up the wood he and Michael gathered.  A little bird came down straight away and started pecking the white ants out of it.  I wondered if he had learnt that sawing means newly exposed food.
Michael checked up at reception about the cane toads and yes definitely that’s what they were, and yes please kill them.  They have been here since 1984.  I doubt that the few we kill will make any difference. (Rod has now said ‘kill them and 30 more will take their place.  I.e. not worth the effort.
We went for a walk beside the river looking at all the fish, there a a few species here.  On the way back we called into the cafe for coffee and lunch.  Tony asked at reception if there was anyone who could repair his strut bracket.  Possibly.  The owner comes down to have a look and YES he can re-weld it. We have lunch and he comes back, all fixed no charge.
I am sitting here in the shade writing rough notes, I have a willy wagtail at my feet and a kite? in the trees above me.  Wonderful.  The bird life is pretty special.  This morning I saw 2 different species of heron sitting on the same log in the water.
Tony and Michael took the Sea eagle out this afternoon, Jen did washing and I went for a swim with the fish there are heaps if fish here – smallish ones – and I don’t know how good eating they are.  Apparently there are barramundi here this year, but we haven’t done any fishing.
As I was waiting at the swimming hole for Michael and Tony to come back from their paddle, I was told that there was a snake down by the river, just up the path a little. I went to have a look and the owner here turned up to have a look as well, apparently it is a keel back snake, it was lying on the little mud ‘beach’ well down the bank.  Rod (owner) said it is only venomous if you stick your finger in it’s mouth.  Tony and Michael came back quite excited because the little Johnston’s croc was in the same spot as yesterday and Tony got a photo.  When I have more power, I will put it into the photo album.
Next day.
Power is an issue here, as is internet connection. I had the laptop charged at reception this morning and I am going to post this using their network this afternoon ($5 1/2 hour or part thereof).  We went for a walk up the lookout hill this morning – we can get phone connection up there but it is a long way to lug a laptop.  Last year we could drive up another hill to get 3G, but this year it is ‘off limits’ – private land.
On the top of the hill there are lots of ‘constructions’ built from the rocks lying around.  Tony made one for himself this morning.  There is a photo.
We went to have our usual morning coffee at the cafe and had a very long chat with Rod (owner) since he took on this park, the attendance in the ‘season’ has grown from 4000 to 20000.  It is closed in the wet.  Cathy and Rob, if you are reading this, if you had got into Adel’s Grove during the wet when you were up here in July, the gates would have been shut to prevent you from leaving (for your own good).  I believe you said you got in later when the roads were open.
Tony and Michael will probably kayak again this afternoon, I plan to swim.  Tomorrow we are going to  Lawn Hill for the day and then we head off to Normanton.  If we take a motel, I may be able to upload again.

Mount Isa to Adel’s Grove 30-8-12

We had tea at the Irish club last night, the special for the night (if you buy a drink) was $12.50 for chicken schnitzel, salad and chips.  Tony and Jen got their meals and Tony had finished when I asked the waitress to see what had happened to our dinner.  They had lost the order and we had to  give it again.  SIGH.  We have decided that we will try for motels instead of caravan park  cabins in future.  The cabin at Mount Isa was very ordinary and cost $140 per night, our very nice motel in Boulia was $88.

We had an uneventful trip, the roads were a mixture of gravel roads and tar roads.  The ‘gravel’ at times was the large sharp red rock and Michael was a little worried after our puncture.  He drove a little slower to try to miss them (Tony laughed and said ‘good luck with that’).  Hehe the roads are entirely rock.

We passed a helicopter mustering cattle, it was flying about 50 metres or less above the ground, very skilful pilot. 

The country is harsh, but lovely, red sand, blue skies, wild flowers.  It is hot!

We made good time, arriving at Adel’s Grove about 2ish.  Set up camp and Michael and Tony assemble the Sea eagle to take it for a paddle.

Belle, Mikey, Asher and Jarvis (age order)

Nanna falls into the river

Pa and Granddad, launched the boat and Pa dropped his croc into the water, he scooped it up and threw it onto the bank, but not very high up, he asked me to get it.  I scrambled over to where it was on the steepest part of the slope (with no  footholds) and I slipped.  I was wearing my crocs (no grip) and I rolled 4 metres down the bank and into the water.  I landed on my feet which was good, but I was wearing my good watch and I was worried that it might stop. (it hasn’t, it’s still good).  The most embarrassing thing though, was trying to get me out.  The bank was up to my chest and I couldn't get up.  Granddad jumped out of the boat and told me to stand on his knee, another man camping nearby pulled, and between them they got me out.  Oh dear I was embarrassed.  Granddad gave me 9.9/10 marks for my efforts as he would!  I wasn’t hurt at all.

Tony damaged the strut on the popup roof of the troopie and the strut comes off the bracket.  He and another camper passing by manage to force it back on, but it it not reliable and will have to  be repaired.

It is 34 degrees

 

 

 

We cooked our tea and settled down around our little campfire, the night is quite warm.  Two days ago we were wearing our jackets and hovering over the fire to keep warm at night.

We were nearly ready for bed when Tony called Michael over to their camp, Michael called me.  CANE TOADS big fat mature ones.  Toad hunt tomorrow night. 

David, the lights you installed work very well.

Our camp at night with our lights on (plus flash from camera)