Sunday, September 16, 2007
16.08.07
INGHAM
Left Kurrimine early and travelled to Cardwell where we stopped for a coffee and milk and bread. The weather continues to get better each day; in fact when we set up camp it was quite hot. Stopped at the lookout overlooking Hinchinbrook Channel, very spectacular and Di said it is better than Daintree.
Went on to Lucinda were I did some fishing from a short jetty with no result, but there were barra working the bait fish there. Spoke to a chap who was a retired pastor who fished there a lot both in boat and pier and he said the tides were all wrong, always bloody is!!!!!!!! The jetty here at 6 kilometers is the longest in the southern hemisphere.
As the park there was very full we went onto Ingham where we booked into the backyard of Hotel Noorla which was built in 1920’s by the Italians and is very quaint, really old world feel with timber walls and a display of butterfly and stuffed bird trays. Also a big wall display of old crockery and plates and saucers, really friendly laidback people in beautiful grounds.
15.08.07
MISSION BEACH
Went For a drive down to Mission Beach and environs. A perfect day weather wise and beautiful white sand beaches for miles, a lot cleaner than Kurrimine.
Stopped on Clump Point where there are magnificent views over the clear blue water to Dunk Island and Hinchinbrook in the distance.
Stopped for lunch at Mission Beach right where the parachutists were landing, three lots of them.
Attempted to ring my cousin Carol but did not have a lot of luck with the mobile (she lives there).The next day when checking my email I found that as Carol did not know my phone number and that she had to go to Cairns for the weekend she had left her details for Anne to put into another email, but by the time I found this out it was all too late as we were then in Ingham. It turned out that she lives in Garner Beach were we had been and she has had cassowaries in her back yard.
Went on to Tully (reported to be the highest rainfall in Aust) and then back to the park on the Bruce Hwy.
Drove into Silkwood which is the nearest town to Kurrimine.
Earlier in the week I had seen on Google Earth that there was a Geocache in the Park behind us so went for a hunt, and FOUND IT, my first and without a GPS. Now that my appetite has been whetted there will be no stopping me (apart from Di not letting me buy one as they cost over a thousand bucks!!!). Anyway I was pretty excited as I didn’t really know what I was looking for.
14.09.07
KURRIMINE BEACH
Up and away, reluctantly, and drove to Kurrimine Beach. Arrived at 0930, all of 60 k’s.
Booked into the King reef Hotel Caravan Park this is on the beach. There is a Top Tourist Park but this is back a bit. Very long sandy beach , not as pretty as Etty Bay but if you had not been there first you would think this great. Etty Bay was something Special. This beach has a reef out about a kilometre and on a really LOW tide people have walked out to it( and some have drowned on the way back with a rising tide).It overlooks Mission Beach and Dunk Island, with Hinchinbrook in the far distance.
Spoke to some people on the beach who had returned and had two Sweetlip. It was quite breezy at that stage but in the late afternoon it calmed right down to glassy. The weather this trip has been magnificent and we are both enjoying Nth Qld more than before, maybe as we have more time to take it in.
Went over to the pub after tea and watched the AFL with Collingwood beating West Coast, an exciting game with 72 all at full time. Two five minute time on, and Collingwood got up by 19 points.
The country is very very green with the rainforest on the hills and the acres of sugar cane and bananas, there appear to be a lot of very nice newer homes and some have large areas of mown lawn and tropical trees surrounding them.
Kurrimine Beach is faily large with a lot of nice holiday homes, a few locals and NO shop just the hotel complex. The shop was blown away in cyclone Larry and hasn’t been rebuilt.
There is still some evidence of the cyclone in this area especially the trees, most of them were stripped of all leaves and you can still see the evidence of new growth. Not many homes left in a state of disrepair although in the main street of Innisfail there was big three story hotel still with the roof off and no remedial work being done( it pays to insure).
A lot of the fishermen here use tractors to put their boats in, most yards have one.
12.08.07
ETTY BAY day 3
Another perfect morning, b/fast on the beach and then both had a swim.
After lunch into Innisfail to shop and called at Flying Fish Point.
Prior to tea joined the locals for drinks on the beach, a very friendly lot.
13.08.07
ETTY BAY
Spent some time and finally sorted out the Blog. Pretty slow and only one thing at a time but has potential.
Di let out a big “Malcolm come quick with the camera” and there was a cassowary walking right past our caravan. The newcomers were all out with the cameras but the regulars had seen it all before.
Did the washing and then went for a swim, spent the rest of the day lazing around. Tough life.
Just after lunch there were screams and squealing and about 5 tandem skydivers floated in and landed on the beach, we had seen them on the day we arrived but had forgotten as they usually do it each day if they have the numbers.
11.08.07
ETTY BAY
Well for the first time we did not see a cloud. Sat on the beach (on tables) and had breakfast looking out over the Coral Sea.
There were dolphins leaping out of the water, well I saw one anyway. Went for a walk around the point and clamboured over the rocks to a very small secluded white sandy beach. Suggested we go skinny dipping but was met with a look of “you have to be kidding”. (Later in the day with the tide out you could walk around on the beach so wasn’t so secluded after all)
in a tin of tuna or sardines and then mix in cotton wool to hold it all together!! And it worked.
Spent the rest of the day lounging around, hired 24 hours wireless connection for $7, the cheapest yet so sent some mail out. Also did some work on the annex poles cutting and shutting them to make them less obtrusive, especially after Di banged her head on one.
10.08.07
ETTY BEACH
Left Cairns about 0900 in the warm sunshine (although it got cloudy later, usually does) and travelled through miles of sugar cane, usually very high and some being cut. Called into Babinda a nice little sugar town which has a HUGE amount of rain a year something like 2 metres! Had lunch at the bakery and the cane train ran past in the main street although didn’t get a photo.
Spoke to the chap in the hardware store for a while about cane, he said they plant every fourth year and cut the regrowth on the other years. He used to cut cane by hand in his youth.
Went on to the Babinda Boulders which were quite spectacular and the country is a picture with very lush growth and rainforest. This is the place where John Danielsen saw a chap fall when he was there and he was not found. A very dangerous place. There was a plaque there stating how some chap had died there in 1979 and may have been the one that John witnessed.
10.08.07
ETTY BEACH
Left Cairns about 0900 in the warm sunshine (although it got cloudy later, usually does) and travelled through miles of sugar cane, usually very high and some being cut. Called into Babinda a nice little sugar town which has a HUGE amount of rain a year something like 2 metres! Had lunch at the bakery and the cane train ran past in the main street although didn’t get a photo.
Spoke to the chap in the hardware store for a while about cane, he said they plant every fourth year and cut the regrowth on the other years. He used to cut cane by hand in his youth.
Went on to the Babinda Boulders which were quite spectacular and the country is a picture with very lush growth and rainforest. This is the place where John Danielsen saw a chap fall when he was there and he was not found. A very dangerous place. There was a plaque there stating how some chap had died there in 1979 and may have been the one that John witnessed.
We then went on to Etty Bay which is a lovely as we had been led to believe, only a small beach that is backed onto the rainforest, and there is colour in the water instead of the usual muddy colour we have seen previously.
09.08.07
Cairns day 5
Went to an Assemblies of God Church in the morning and stayed for a meal after which they do every week for visitors. A very lively (loud) church with about 200 people. As we left the park another Prado followed us all the way there, a single woman travelling alone from Bunbury in WA by the name of Sandy. She had been the week before, she came around and had a chat with us later in the afternoon and was very nice.
Spent the afternoon in the camp talking to a chap and his wife from down Geelong way, an old bushie and a real character. Told the story about the families in the district all going to the zoo and a backward family who hadn’t been to the city before. They took their lunch in a big paper bag and when it was lunch time they sat on the grass with some animals including an emu. Well the emu stuck his head into the paper bag and “dad” grabbed him by the throat and nearly choked him. He said there were mums and dads and kids going everywhere.
Later we went to Yorkeys Knob Sailing Club for tea with Simon and Danielle which was a lovely setting on the marina with lots of boats big and small. We had a very pleasant evening with them and were home about 2130.
07.08.07
CAIRNS day 3
Another quiet day, went into the main shopping centre and then to Rustys Markets and bought some bananas and pineapple etc. Spent afternoon lazing around.
08.08.07
Cairns day 4
Into the city to the markets on the front street which weren’t as big as last year. Di bought a couple of things. Had a small look around and then out to Trinity Beach where we stayed last year and on the way back to the park went up to the Barron Falls.
Watched the Crows get done by Hawthorn along with some other South Aussies.
Went back to the city for tea and went to the movies and saw the new Bourne movie, pretty good. Tea was at the night markets where we had all you can get on plate seafood, you can get a lot more if you eat as you go along the line!
The Cairns races were on over the last two days so it was interesting to see the mix of people in the street. There were a lot of young flappers all dressed up in their very best with cocktail dresses and fancy hats and then the tourists getting around in thongs and t-shirts.
Warm and sunny day. Went into the city and had a walk around, went out to the Pier which is practically empty, most of the shops closed and a big new Gym taking up most of the space.
We were walking in the main street when we heard “oy” and there were Ron and Kath! They were stopping in a hotel as just as they got down the mountain from Kuranda his brakes failed, the brake hoses had been peppered with stones and had broken on one side. Pretty lucky.
We met some more people next door Peter and Marg Cunningham who worked with Geoff Dalitz at Mobil, and is good mates with Nick Keros.
05.08.07
CAIRNS
Left Port Douglas about 0900 and went down to Lake Placid Park arriving about 1100, booked in and then went to Smithfield Shopping Centre and bought some basics.
Very friendly people in the park who made us very welcome, one couple from Victor Harbour and other from St Agnes. Went with them to a sausage sizzle tea in the camp kitchen which was a nice evening.
The usual cloudy afternoons with a drizzle of rain.
04.08.07
PORT DOUGLAS
Left Wonga Beach early and were in Port Douglass about 1030, went into the Big 4 Park south of the town and booked into an ensuite site. Not a bad park but not as nice as some, not near the beach but set back against the rainforest 2-3 k’s from Pt Douglass.
Went into the town and did the tourist thing, shopping coffee etc. Back to the park mid afternoon and veged out.
Met some people in a cabin over the road that live in Largs Bay and knew the Engwerdas when they lived in the same street.
04.08.07
CAPE TRIBULATION
Another fine morning which cooled and became cloudy in the late afternoon.
Took some lunch and went up to cape Tribulation. When we were there last year we were not all that impressed however this time we were very impressed. I think the difference was being able to poke around and take your own time and not being held to schedule. Went right into the Daintree Village which was surprise as it is a neat tidy little community whereas I imagined it to be a ramshackle group of hippies huts with hairy arm pitted women. Spoke to a chap there we spoke to who was a 4th generation local.
Went onto cross over the Daintree River by ferry $18 return, bought some very good bananas from a road side stand and went on to the lookout on Alexander Range where you look out over the entrance to the river.
Travelled onto CapeTribulation and then returned stopping at the Mangrove Board Walk and then at the very nice Marrja Boardwalk. Had some lunch at Thornton Beach and called into the beach at Cow Bay. A very nice day with pleasant scenery.
02.08.07
Mossman
Went for a drive into Mossman and bought bread and milk, had a look at the sugar mill but not too close as it was very smelly. Drove up to the Mossman Gorge which is very nice with clear water cascading over the boulders and fish swimming.
Drove into a beach nearby and had lunch in the car as it is still quite blowy. This is true sugar cane country with the cane growing right up to the town and a network of cane trains running everywhere. The rain forest comes right down to the fields and is very dense.
When we arrived back to the park Kath and Ron had just pulled up, so we had a chat with them after tea.
Walked along the beach in the afternoon which is very long could be 4/5 k’s very sandy but a dirty colour and fringed with palm trees. Saw a dead turtle washed up and a chap pulled a basketball from the surf, makes you wonder where it came from!
(Saw the same people later at Etty Bay and they said that when the basketball had been pumped up it had burst as it was all perished.)
01.09.07
WONGA BEACH
Well last night it really blew and blew and when it stopped it blew some more (it didn’t really stop). Called into the market on our way out and saw a collection of second hand junk you wouldn’t take home from the tip. Stopped at the lookout just north of Mount Carbine which is a very steep and long climb up on top of the ranges(going north) and had lunch at a lovely camp spot on the bank of McLeod Creek, a popular camp spot with 5/6 local vehicles ensconced there for the weekend.
Turned off at Mount Molloy toward Mossman where the country changed dramatically from dry Savannah woodland to tropical green farmland with lots of sugar cane. The last 10 k’s into Mossman down the mountain on a very steep and windy road.
Had been told about the Pinnacle Park at Wonga Beach so checked it out and found it to be very nice, with lots of tall green trees palms and right on the beach which is very long and sandy, although not very white more a muddy colour. The wind which had been blowing very strong all day made the beach quite rough but the park is sheltered and not nearly as windy as Cooktown.
31.08.07
COOKTOWN
Up fishing at 0630 and again after lunch with no success although saw another being caught. A boat came in and moored right where we were fishing and wasn’t due to leave again until 1100 so went home.
Visited the James Cook Museum that had been opened by Queen Liz at some time, it was very good and was in the old convent.
Had a fairly quiet day with Di having a sleep and we had Thai takeaway for tea. Went up to the camp kitchen with the hope of watching the Crows game but it was full of Rugby fans and the AFL wasn’t on anyway.
30.08.07
COOKTOWN
Blow, bloody hell did it blow! All night, it comes in gusts and really makes the van shake then drops off to start over, doesn’t drop off in the morning but lasts all day. Still it didn’t rain today and it is nice and warm, just have to get used to the wind.
Went up onto the top of Grassy Hill( which is covered in trees) for magnificent views of Cooktown , Endeavour River and the surrounding mountains. A very high and steep climb that had mum sitting on my knee, used low 4WD on the way down which is fantastic. Saw Ron and Kath up there but didn’t see them again through the day.
After went to the old Bank of NSW building that has been very well restored although it was still in use in the late 1990’s. It is a very imposing brick building with magnificent timber furnishings and lovely lights. They have a very comprehensive display of photos and drawings of local history. There were 22,000 Chinese there at the peak of the gold fever at Palmer River in the 1800’s and Cooktown was the second busiest port in Qld. Today it is a sleepy seaside village as yet unspoilt by modern development.
Later I went to the jetty and arrived as a nice barra was being pulled up, not that I saw another! As I said yesterday they all use hand lines and live bait. The bait is caught by using drop nets or jigging those multi hook thingo’s with coloured bits on them, there were about 5/6 locals there and they were only too happy to share their bait, not that it did any good, however they didn’t catch any either.
I went back again about 1700 and stayed til sundown but no luck, a chap was leaving and gave me a live bait he had caught a 6/700 mm Barracouta before I arrived.
Before that we went for a drive to the Botanical Gardens and then to the north a bit to a village named Marton which is on the upper Endeavour River. There is a new development there with some REAL flash houses, well actually only a couple but the agent is still hopeful. At one place there is a new strong footbridge over the river which must be used if the road bridge is flooded, probably for school kids to get to school? Also went to the Cooktown Cemetery which has sections for the Chinese, Jewish, Catholic ( Nuns and Priests) and an area that looked a bit feral, like the alternate people were buried there. It is scattered over a very large area and dates back many years, some of the graves are adorned with large clam shells and other seashells, most interesting.
29.08.07
COOKTOWN
Up fairly early and into Coles in Mareeba by 830 where we did some basics, also spoke to a chap in the street about the Porta Bote, I should have franchise as I have “sold” quite a few on the road. Still verging on rain and did so at Mount Molloy (and again in Cooktown).
Road up is very hilly to mountainous in places, stopped at Palmer River the site of a very big gold rush in the 1880’s. This was the cause of Cooktown’s growth as there are a lot of old buildings here including banks etc. We saw Ron and Kath again at Palmer River and also a family of 4 mum dad and 2 teenage daughters, in a 1950’s Vauxhall that we had seen earlier in Croydon. At that stage they were having trouble with a wheel bearing and they had the car (and trailer) taken into Cairns where they had new bearings flown up from Melbourne. I think they live in NSW and had been on a Vauxhall rally to Darwin and had then come east, blooming long way!
Some great scenery on the way to Cooktown including the Black Mountains which were very high but made up of big black boulders piled on top of each other.
Arrived in Cooktown about 1400 and booked into a Big 4 park which is very nice, they said there is wireless internet but then found out you have to pay and was quite expensive. Cooktown appears to be as yet unspoiled by progress and is a nice place but blowing a gale, windy as anything. Went to the wharf area where there were some people fishing and three aboriginal girls had a legal barra in the esky. The interesting thing was that everyone was only using light hand lines but with a bloody big hook. Some were using live bait that they caught with throw nets although some were hooking small stripies. The tide was very low with mud flats and a lot of boats stranded in the mud, after tea went back and the tide was coming in full bore and was only a little below the jetty.
Later that evening I found my hat sitting under the pack rack at the back of the car, the door must have closed on it and held it in place, last time I remember seeing it was at Palmer River 160 k’s back!
28.08.07
GRANITE GORGE via MAREEBA
Again awoke to light rain and cool conditions. Packed up and left by 1000 and went up to Mareeba where we took some back roads past the airport and saw lots of sugar and more maize, saw the first banana crops as well. Stopped into the steel yard where Danielle works and said hello to her, they will be home in a fortnight so we should be back in Cairns by then.
From there we went out to a camp site at Granite Gorge about 15 k SW of Mareeba where we stayed for the night (big trip this day about 45ks!). Bit of a bush camp but it has hot water and power at $12 a head plus $2 for power! A bit rich as we paid $27 at a Big 4 in Atherton and that had free internet. We went for a walk into and amongst the granites in the gorge, very pretty with running water and tame wallaby’s. Didn’t go all the way as it was a rather challenging walk (or climb) but very nice.
Ron and Kath the folk from the last camp turned up as well and came down for a chat after tea.
27.08.07
Lakes Eacham and Barrine
Awoke to rain on the roof albeit very light, it fined up a bit and didn’t rain again but was rather cool for most of the day.
We went into Atherton and did some shopping and filled the first gas bottle( not bad the first since we got the van). After shopping we went for a drive to Lake Eacham and then to Lake Barrine. Both of these are volcano craters and are both surrounded by very dense rainforest, quite picturesque and pretty.
There are a lot of crops of maize in this area that still need to be reaped, wasn’t real sure so stopped for a closer look.
Came back and put the boat back on top and tidied up ready to leave tomorrow, went down and spent some time with Ron and Kath who are also in the park(only ones). They are from Mandurah in WA and are travelling light, in a cruiser and sleep in the back, they have a side annex and not much else, nice folk, they are going onto Cooktown as well so may see them again.
25.08.07
YUNGABURRA MARKETS
Got up early and went into Yungaburra markets arriving about 0830 and it was chocka block, very good market but they are all the same weird hippie type sheilas wearing the same clothes they hand made in 1975: and haven’t washed since! Bought some fresh (organic) fruit and vegies. Saw a swaggie bloke there doing Henry Lawson poetry, he was very good. I have seen him down in Adelaide in Rundle Street so it’s a big walk. Spoke to another couple there who we had seen at Cobbolt Gorge.
The land here on the Atherton Tableland is very fertile; everything is very green and lush. Stopped and took some photos of cane cutting gear.
Back to the camp about 1230 and spent a quiet afternoon reading the paper and Di reading her book. Later I went out in the boat for a while but nothing about although spoke to a chap who had caught a black bream on peeled prawn. I have had the net in all of the time but nothing in it, I think they need to be closer to tree stumps etc.
Later I got the TV card set up and seeing that it worked took it over to the toilet block where I pinched a power point and watched the Crows Brisbane game. A chap named Ron from Mandurah in WA came and joined me.
It is to be noted that there have been huge amounts of rain down where Fred lives, up to 800 mm in some areas. There is no sign of it this far north where the day temp has been about 27 28 degrees and needing two blankets at night.
24.08.07
LAKE TINNAROO
Arrived at Barrabadine Scout camp site about 1400 after shopping at Big W etc and to PO.
Yesterday there was no one else here but today there are a few other campers not that it makes any difference as it is very large and very private. Put the boat in and threw some lures from the bank. A very quiet and peaceful spot may stay for a few days.
23.08.07
ATHERTON2
Had a quiet day doing some washing and then into the town for a walk and shopping.
Di had a haircut for $25 after refusing to pay $55 at the first place asked, maybe she should have paid it as the cut wasn’t that good! After we went out to Lake Tinnaroo for a drive and to look at a camp site we had been told about, Barabadine, it is a scout campsite and has a resident caretaker. There was a note on the blackboard to say they were “in town shopping”, so had a look around and decided we would go back next day, very quiet treed site on the edge of the lake, no one else around.
Spent the afternoon on the internet as it was now working at the van. Rang kids etc at night.
22.08.07
ATHERTON
Up early due to the kookaburras believing it was their duty to wake the whole camp at 0530; the same ones sent us to bed previous evening :( No Victoria they weren’t sitting on an electric wire but Grandma did see one on the power lines today), so we were away by 0730. Stopped at Mount Garnett for a cuppa and then went onto Ravenshoe where we went to the bakery for lunch and had a walk around, also did some shopping. There is a steam train running from there once a week on Sundays, and along side is a nice clean green area with lots of people camping. Spoke to a chap working on the train and he lives in Brisbane and comes up a few times a year as he has a boiler master’s ticket.
Continued on toward Atherton and stopped on a big hill to view the wind turbines. From there there was road to Millaa Millaa Falls but it had signs saying “Not recommended for caravans”, I figured we had a camper trailer and that would be OK. Wrong, after a few K’s of very narrow road we turned back. However we did stop at Millstrem Falls that are supposed to be the widest in Australia.
Arrived in Atherton and booked into a Big 4 park which has internet access free, so that is probably worth 10 bucks, however it won’t work away from the office so sat by the pool to reach the network. Checked email and sent one out, rang everyone after tea as the mobile works again after a long while.
21.08.07
UNDARRA LAVA TUBES
Left Forsayth about 9 and went back to Georgetown where we stopped at the local butcher and bought some steak, sausages , corned silverside and some mince for $30. The sausages are monsters. Stopped the local park and had a cuppa and cakes bought at the general store and went to the information centre.
Went through to Mount Surprise where we put in $100 of petrol and as it was only oneish decided to go onto Undarra arriving about 1400. We booked in for a two hour tours at 1530 so will only stay the one night. Changed over the regulator on the gas as there was a leak.
Went in a bus about 56 ks to the lava tubes which are amazing, they say there is 160 k’s of them some with the roofs fallen in and others complete. Truly amazing and have to be seen to gain a true perspective of their size, the guide was excellent as well.
Cooked up a pasta dish with the mince bought earlier and after tea I went to the camp fire where some young bloke was talking about feral animals in the park.
20.08.07
COBBOLT GORGE
Up at six and showered then drove 45 k’s into Cobbolt Gorge Park ready for the 0800 boat trip. Lots of cattle and blue kangaroos on the road in. Went in a 4WD bus for 5/6 k’s to the Gorge which was incredible. The sides a very high but the width is only a few feet across with the punt nearly touching on both sides. The punts are powered by electric motors so it is very quiet and the water is still. This area is on a working cattle station and although it had been known for many years it was only explored at water level in 1994 when the son of the owner and some mates took a tinnie in there to explore. They were equally amazed and from this a full blown tourist venture has emerged. There is a caravan park with cabin accommodation and the normal tourist facilities but all of it done in a very plush way, no expense has been spared. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
After a lunch at the van we went 100 k’s to the east to the town of Einasliegh were we saw another very rugged gorge, the Copperfield Gorge. A very small town with a pub but no shops, this was a copper mining area and the locals are very hopeful of it becoming a copper mine again. We stopped at the pub as the people at Gregory River (by Lawn Hill) had told us they had been looking after it while the owner was away on holidays. Also bought some hydroponic tomatoes and lettuce from a chap in the caravan park, no vans but he is ready!
Late afternoon we all gathered again in the kitchen area for drinks as some of them were leaving next day for home. A very nice day all round.
19.08.07
FORSAYTH
After washing the van at Croydon park we left about 0900 another cool and cloudy morning.
Traveled through to Georgetown stopping at an old gold workings at ?????????? where there was a nice billabong and a good camping spot. Bought some things at Georgetown and then went onto Forsayth on a good dirt road.
This is a very small and quiet town of about the same size as Port Kenny, a pub and one store. There are some lovely bougainvillea flowers in the gardens; it is also on the Savanahlander train route which is a tourist line. We booked in for two nights and will do Cobbolt Gorge tomorrow.
We had just cooked tea when a chap from NZ and his wife asked if we would like to share tea with them and others in the camp kitchen. There were two other couples and three single chaps and we had a very nice evening. These people are here prospecting for gold of which there is a reasonable chance of finding, if you are real lucky. Both of the couples had at separate times been to Eyre Peninsular and one had actually camped at Talia Caves.
18.08.07
CROYDON (day 2)
Decided to stay another day as we do seem to be travelling through quickly. Not only that there are Barra in the local dam, and a lot more history to pursue. Went for a drive to the dam and threw a few lures about without success, a couple there fishing for grunter but none today although they had three yesterday.
Had another look around the town, the old mine battery, the “oldest shop in Oz” and the Chinese section. Later went back to Belmore Lake and once again came home empty handed.
17.08.07
CROYDON
Had rain through the night which caused us to get up and put pegs into the annexe, not very much but it was quite cool and windy all day.
Stopped off at Normanton at the library where we checked email etc in the old Burns Philp building, very old timber framed galvanised building with lots of history. As we were nearly empty I put $200 worth of petrol in at $1.36.
Travelled along side of the Gulflander rail line to Croydon which is a popular tourist route, it runs down on Wednesdays and back on Thursdays which means an overnight stay in Croydon. Probably the most boring bit of road we have travelled so glad we didn’t do it on the train as well.
Stayed in a nice green park at Croydon and went for a walk around the town which is only a shell of what it once was. There is a pop of 300 but in the late 1800’s it was booming gold town with a pop of 7000 with 60 pubs, over 1100 kids in three schools. There are a lot of heritage buildings restored and a very friendly information office. Had a couple of beers at the pub and went back to have prawns for tea, (bought for $15 kilo at Karumba). This park has cable TV so perhaps we should have brought the portable, watched DVD “The last time I saw Paris” with Elizabeth Taylor and Van Johnston-boring.
16.08.07
KARUMBA (WITH FISH)
Awoke to a cloudy sky and even looked like rain, although it didn’t but stayed overcast all day. Still quite warm and a bit muggy.
Went out again in the boat but this time a little later and only a little way around the point and not far from the beach (lots of people fishing on it). Caught three catfish of a reasonable size and what turned out to be a skippie about the size of a reasonable VB trevally. Then I caught two more blue salmon. They are interesting to catch, at first there is only a bit of a nibble and you strike and bring it to the boat when all hell breaks loose. They take about 15 mins to reel in and they can peel off a lot of line, even the catfish pull a lot. As the fisheries chaps were at the ramp when I left I was a bit nervous about what I actually had, so I hailed a passing boat who told me what they were and that they were all legal. They said that the catfish are very good bait so I kept one and gave the other to them for which they were grateful (I had thrown the other back earlier). So much for good bait, never got another bite! Dianne met me on the beach which was quite a way along it, it is a good spot for walking especially along the water front and river.
Back at the ramp a chap and his wife from Raymond Terrace was waiting to talk about the
Porta Bote so I took him for a ride. They came around after lunch and saw how it folds up, they stayed for a while chatting.
Packed up ready to leave tomorrow. Later we rang home and spoke with the kids.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
15.08.07
KARUMBA (NO FISH)
Up bright and early with the theory that an early start is the way to go. Went a lot further than prev day right up to where the bulk of the boats were and sat and sat and sat some more. Moved back toward the boat ramp and didn’t get a thing. Went over the other side of the river and went into a large creek that had enormous potential, that’s all potential, nothing else. Back in by 1130 as it was getting hot. It appeared to me that there is a definite lull in the catch, something to do with the tide dropping off.
Spent the rest of day reading and went for a walk after an afternoon nap.
Saw a large vessel coming in to the port upstream, it is apparently a barge that takes the zinc out to a mother ship moored out in the gulf. As prev stated the zinc is pumped in a slurry form from Century Mine down near Lawn Hill. This is over 500 k’s.
Have booked another day so will try again tomorrow.
14.08.07
FISHING KARUMBA
Went out in the boat at 0730ish along with what appeared to be a hundred other boats, probably only 50-60. The beach along the airstrip had another 50 people fishing from the beach. The main fishing appears to be along this strip which is bare on low tide (from 1300 onwards. There is only one tide a day here so you only get one chance at it and it’s a long wait for water if you get stranded. Highest tide is 3.6 meters).Used the prawns bought previous day and waited for a while before getting my first strike on the small overhead rod. Wow do they pull, at first he came in quite easily did a couple of jumps out of the water and then he got serious. Peeled of a hundred yards and took 20 mins to land him. Fought all of the way. Measured at 600 mm. got another on the same rig and maybe the same size but this time I put too much pressure on him and broke to line. It’s obvious you have to tire them first. Had hit on the new rod and he spat it out and that was that, nothing more. Came in by 1000 with the tide just beginning to drop.
Cleaned the fish and fitted the new shockers onto the van, had a shower and had a lazy day reading and doing nothing. Went for a walk and cooked fish for tea which is delicious and contemplated whether we will stay another few days. This place is packed with oldies, we are the younger ones. They come up here for up to 4-5 months and are booked years in advance. Spoke to two separate chaps who both go to Cowell fishing in the autumn. We did a rough calculation based on each site having a value of $75G and it works out at $12-15 million plus. There’s plenty a lot for value than ours.
13.08.07
KARUMBA
Left Normanton about 10 after checking the post office and picking up the shockers I had ordered from Brisbane. Country very flat and open with a lot more water holes and billabongs, saw a lot more Brolgas.
Booked into the Sunset Caravan Park which is absolutely full of oldies, we feel quite young. A very nice park shaded with palm trees and good clean facilities. Every other site has a boat and when we came in the trailer park at the ramp was incredible, there must have been 200 Fourbys and trailers there. About midday they all began to return and it was shoulder to shoulder at the cleaning bay, everyone had at least half dozen blue salmon some up to about 450-550 long and an occasional Mackerel. The general consensus was that they caught them on the flats with a high tide. Later in the day it became apparent that the tides were the best today.
Karumba is in two parts, one the old part of town with all of the industry, fishing traders and a huge Pasminco factory were the ore from Century Mine is processed. I read somewhere that they pump it in a slurry form from there. The main shopping and police are back there. We bought some 2nd prawns from the Raptis factory there $10 a kilo, even though they sell them as bait they are fit to eat as they are smalls and broken.
Spent some time getting the boat down off the top and getting it all ready to use. The outboard had to be blown out with the air hose as it was absolutely full of dirt. Pulled it down to the ramp and did a lap to test it, all going OK. Will go in the morning with a rising tide.
12.08.07
NORMANTON 2
Well the nunga wedding went until 0200; well that’s when the music stopped. It wasn’t too bad a band though. Did the washing and had a small walk to the shop for milk for breakfast. Around the hall inside the fence was a mess knee high in cans but out on the street was as clean as a whistle. Wasn’t that long before they cleaned it all up,must have been a good show as there were alu foil trays with leftover roast vegies and beef.
Spent the day doing a spring clean of the van and tidied the car, swapped warm clothed for cold ones etc. Di borrowed a vacuum cleaner from a couple next door so she was in her element. Made up a bracket for one of the cupboards to stop it falling on Di’s head.
This couple have been on the road for 6 years and are only going back home in home in Sept as a daughter is getting married, made it sound like an inconvenience. We had a cuppa with them and it was obvious that she didn’t use the vacuum very often.
Today is probably the first day I have been able to relax and not want o push on. It was quite hot and we had a swim in a very nice pool in the park, it used to be the town pool prior to a new one being built.
I went to the old bridge about 1730 for a fish but nothing happening. Came back for a BBQ tea and then had a haircut.
Booked a spot in Karumba for tomorrow.
11.08.07
NORMANTON
Packed up and left Adel Grove about 1000, road didn’t appear to be as bad on the way out and didn’t have any trouble with road trains as we only saw one on the dirt.
Stopped for toilet break at Gregory River and then went onto Leichardt River where we had lunch. Had at one time thought this may be a good place to camp but there is not any easy access to the river as the banks are very high.
Put $50 petrol in at Burke and Wills Roadhouse and went onto Normanton where we arrived about 1730. There are lots of anthills all over but in one area there were hundreds, quite outstanding.
Stopped in a nice park with good facilities albeit a bit tight. As we came into the town there were locals every where most of whom were black. Everyone was dressed up in their very best and women were carrying presents, the hall was just opposite the park. I made mention of this to the owner suggesting we may have a noisy night, his reply was “last time they had a wedding there the ceremonial knife used to cut the cake was taken away as evidence!”Enough said. Went for a quick drive around in the dusk, appears to be a typical outback town with the normal big wide streets with a big wide tidal river. Maybe promising!
10.08.07
LAWN HILL
Left about 930 and travelled about 10 k into Lawn Hill National Park. Again very dry and dusty but an immediate transformation on arrival. A large natural water hole some k’s long surrounded by high red cliffs with trees hanging precariously from the cracks and the root coming down in an attempt to gain moisture. We hired a canoe for $20 an hour or part thereof and with some trepidation headed off to the waterfall. Absolutely still and pristine(apart from 20 other canoes), it was quite easy going once you mastered it .
Even tho we didn’t do much walking (Di has a very sore heel and is having trouble with it) I fully recommend a canoe to see the natural beauty of this place. From the paths you wouldn’t be able to grasp it all. We went to the falls but didn’t go any further as you have to carry the canoe for a bit over the rocks. We arrived back in less than two hours and wouldn’t want to be any later in the day as it was getting quite hot.
Came back and spent the afternoon relaxing in the shade of the Grove. Even had a double ice-cream as a couple with a fully fledged freezer van arrived selling all ice creams. Paid $5 for over half hour online so was able to check mail etc and recharge battery on computer.
After tea we sat around the fire of Fred and Kathy from Lilydale in Victoria and also a couple from Tanunda all of whom were camped nearby. Later we rang the kids.
09.08.07
ADEL GROVE
Went for a walk up to the hotel at Gregory river and had cuppa at the hotel, best cuppa since home as the water doesn’t usually taste that good when boiled. The couple there were in their second day as they care take hotels. (Had been through Port Kenny in the last 12 months.)
Left for Lawn Hill about 1030 and followed a road train all way to the turn off to Century Mine, very dusty. We continued on and about 20 k’s on and having not seen anyone we turned back to find we were on the correct road all the time.
Adel Grove is an Oasis in the very dry and dusty plain, we had walk into “The ‘grove” which is completely covered in big shady trees so camped in there, there is no power anywhere so was lot better than the cara sites up top.
Had to do some repairs on the van as a wire from the electric brake had been rubbing on the tyre and beginning to cut in also the guard I put onto the shocker had gone so made prototype 2.
08.08.07
GREGORY DOWNS
After a check under the van I found that the stones from the desert had destroyed one of the shockers, it had been stone blasted that much it had split and leaked the oil out. Walked the town and in the end rang the ALKO dealer in Brisbane and ordered a new one for pickup in Normanton, we hope. Also went hardware store for poly pipe to make a guard to protect it.
Left Cloncurry at 1300 travelling through mainly open savannah scrubland to Burke and Wills Roadhouse where the country to Gregory Downs was flat open plains with hundreds of cattle.
They were feeding on the edge of road so had to be careful not to hit one. It is apparent that the road trains are not as fussy as there are plenty of casualties along the road.
Interestingly nearly all the way from Cloncurry on both sides of the road there was new fencing or the clearing of the scrub for it to be erected, hundreds of miles of it, must cost fortune but I suppose if you offset the cost of dead cattle it may help.
Saw the crawler clearing the fence line and stopped for photos and a little later stopped for a semi loaded with huge tyres. He said they were the small ones only 250 tonne dumpsters, they were going to be sent to China for repairs. There is a large Zinc mine near here, Century Zinc , run by Pasminco.
Arrived at Gregory River to find the river bank full of campers, probably up to 50 caravans and tents etc. Found a nice quiet spot along the river and set up camp. This is what we have come for, for the first evening it is not getting cold as the sun sets. There is a constant flow of crystal clear water that is obviously spring fed. Went for a walk and spoke to some folk who came from Jervious and Emu Bay. Didn’t take long before we made the connection with people we both knew, people I worked with at ARC but also the Hulls and Rodney’s cousin Graham Hammatt. Small world!!
07.08.07
CLONCURRY (day two)
I don’t think I will comment on the weather from now in as it perfect each day, reasonably cold in the mornings but perfect through the day. Did the washing etc and then picked up Debbie and Anthony Ferrari our newfound friends and explored the town and surrounds.
Visited the John Flynn Memorial museum which showed the history of the Royal Flying Doctor which Flynn founded here in Cloncurry in the early 1020’s. A very good display with a video of local content. Walked the main street and had lunch at the bakery our first for the trip.
Went to the local cemetery where the outstanding feature was the amount of young men that were buried there, a lot from accidents both on the land and from mining. (Afterward I felt a little bad about going there as the Ferrari’s had a son who came home from football and dropped dead, he was only 19. They appear to be quite philosophical about it all though. They have two other son’s who run their cattle property at Princetown near Warnambool. Really nice folk.) We also went to the sailyards where there were a lot of young cattle waiting to be shipped out by rail. There was a dead one lying by the ramp that had obviously died in transit, if I knew how dead it was I would have cut off a bit for the yabby pots but Mum wasn’t keen!
Visited the local water supply that had only been built in 1994, interestingly there were a lot of dead pelicans around it.
As part of the Flynn price ticket we went to another museum that was to do with the Mary Kathleen township. There were a great amount of mineral specimens in show cases but although Dad would have thought it great was not that interesting.
Did some shopping at Woolies and topped up with petrol at 121 cents and went back to the park and had drinks and nibbles with Debbie and Anthony and watched the sun set on a large rock outcrop near the park.
06.08.08
CLONCURRY
More blue sky but the wind was cool about 23 degrees. Left the river bank camp with lots of budgies in the trees and drinking in the river. Probably a good spot for fishing if you had the time and equipment.
Not much traffic which was good as it is a single lane bitumen where you get right off if you meet a road train or one wheel if another car, was in reasonable condition. Spoke to a truckie at roadside stop who was going to Boulia to pick up a truck and take it too Cloncurry, saw him later between Mt Isa and Cloncurry.
We got into “The Isa” at 1230 ish and were not able to find a spot in any caravan parks as it is the annual rodeo on this week, apparently the largest in the southern hemisphere. Once again we were not that impressed with it so we decided to go onto Cloncurry. Bought petrol at 122 cents and shopped at Coles. The country around there is very pretty with lots of rugged hills and trees, very different than the barren plains recently traversed.
We called into the old site of Mary Kathleen Township that was quite amazing, it had been a very large town but all that is left is the bitumen roads and the concrete slabs where the homes were. This used to be a uranium mining town that was closed in the 1980’s and all the homes sold off.
When we arrived into the park at Cloncurry and settled in we ran into the couple we had spoken to south of Bedourie, Debbie and Anthony. We had a drink with them and as they are in a Ute with their camper on the back we asked if they would like to have a look around here with us tomorrow.
05.08.07
BOULIA
Nothing but clear blue skies, left Birdsville about 1030 after washing the van at the bore( yes I conceded, mind you after following the water tanker at road works later in the day it was just the same). Di used phone box to ring home and said “I will walk down to meet you”. Well I finished and drove back and filled with petrol (145 cents) and she was still talking to some folk at the phone booth. Turned out to be Peter Obrien from Kyancutta and his wife. They had friends with them who turned out to be the parents of the James boys who played for Port and the Crows. (Crows beat Power last night; I was able to pick up 5AA).
The road to Bedourie was interspersed with patches of bitumen but the dirt was not too good. Stopped at Cutta Burra Crossing which has permanent water and lots of bird life. Took photos of Zebra finches nesting.( found out later that still shots did not work real well but have some good movie footage. Met a couple there from Warnambool who made us a cuppa, they were travelling in a Nissan Ute with a Rosewarne camper, these are very good and lots of them. Stopped at the ruins of Cacory Homestead which was the first property Sidney Kidman bought, after losing 4000 head of cattle to drought it was abandoned in the early 1900’s.
Stopped for a short while at Bedourie and went on to Boulia arriving at 1700.
Used the Camp 4 book and found a nice spot on the edge of the Burke River where we stayed for the night. Got a fire going and cooked toast.
There is not a lot of wild life to be seen but saw our first brolga’s south of Bedourie with about two hundred on the plains around a dam. Saw three emu’s and lots of budgies flying very fast as if they are in a hurry to get somewhere.
04.08.07
Birdsville
A fine clear day which was warm in the afternoon.
Did some washing and went to the Birdsville Working Museum. It was amazing, the owner does 3 shows a day and go’s through explaining and demonstrating the things he has collected. Took about an hour for the talk but you could spend hours there.
In the afternoon we went to the Information centre and sent emails, went for a drive to the Burk and Wills tree and took the old river crossing, also visited the old Inland Mission Hospital. Later we found a wash area with water from the bore where we washed the car. Mum wants to wash the mud off the van as we leave tomorrow; I’m not that keen as it is looks like a “badge of honour” to me.
03.08.07
BIRDSVILLE
Well it finally rained, nearly all night but ever so light only 3 mil’s.
Were ready to leave by 830 and stopped at the pub for a photo when the chap came out and said he would ring for a road report (we were the first out for the morning). He rang Birdsville to find they had none so then rang Marree where I spoke to Willie and they hadn’t any either. The road was wet for about 200 k’s which helped with the dust problem. Di wasn’t happy as the van “is all covered in mud”.
Amazing country to visit, endless flat gibber plains nearly devoid of vegetation, although in the creeks and washouts it was green so the cattle were in very good condition. Only saw two roo’s and a few birds but not much else. Around Clifton Hills the road was pretty stony and rough but over all it was excellent, especially the last hundred k’s after leaving the gibber country and arriving in big long stretches of sand hills. Traffic was very light with only five vehicles to Birdsville; however the fourby’s are thick here in Birdsville.
Stopped at Mirra Mitta bore where we saw our first boiling bore, you can see the steam for a mile back. Very hot. Another hot bore here in the Birdsville.
Booked in for two nights with power water and SAND! Went the bakery and had a bun each as it is the first we have seen, not even one in Roxby. Later went for a drive back to the Diamantina River and spoke to bloke who was camped on the river bank. There are lots of good camp spots and some are there already for the Birdsville Races in a month’s time. Didn’t take camera so may go back tomorrow.
02.08.07
MUNGERANIE
Left Marree at 1030 after having breakfast with Willie and Denise also Lawrie. They had made us very welcome and we asked that they call if in town.
Travelled to Mungeranie arriving about 1500 on a very good road. The country is very barren mainly gibber plains but with some sand hills around Coopers Creek. The weather was threatening behind us all day and still looks as if we may have a wet night.
Called into Clayton Bore where a camp Ground is set up with a “spa” set up from the hot artesian water. At another spot there was water over the road from a bore. Stopped at Coopers Creek which is a totally dry dusty river bed approx 5 k’s wide. So much for fishing, apparently this is at Inniminka! Spoke to some folk there who were from Saddleworth and knew Aunty Marth. They were returning from the Gunbarrel etc. Also a group who had been in the Marree Hotel last night from Vic who were riding motor bikes, about 10 of them all with older model bikes. They are camped here at Mangeranie tonight.
Arrived at Mungerannie and camped by the wetlands created by a bore that was put in over 100 years ago. Lots of bird life and a hot pool to relax in, we didn’t. Di put silverside on to cook and we went for a walk and a drink in the pub.
01.08.07
FARINA
Had a really good nights sleep and had breakfast with Willie and Denise in the dining room.
Weather a lot nicer with a chance of rain but not likely.
There was a lowloader in front of the hotel that left this morning. They were taking a Cat D9 from Andamooka to central Qld and were going up the Birdsville track. I was able to get some very good shots on film. The driver and his escort were both in the bar last night and did he put away the grog. Must have put away 12—15 Jim Beams interspersed with a few beers and a glass of wine to go with his tea. Even Willie was impressed. When I was talking to him at 0900 he was fine EVEN THOUGH they were up at 0530 and had driven to Lake Eyre and back before breakfast for a look!
(Later in Birdsville we just missed him as he was pulling out as we came in. Heard that he had tyre trouble at Mangeranie and consumed the same amount of grog)
Di did some washing and helped Denise with the dishes while I chatted to Lawrie the owner who was up from Victoria.
We cut some sandwiches and went down to Farina about 60 k’s. Had a look around including the cemetery up on a barren wind swept hill. There is a very nice camp ground with toilets in the creek bed. Back by 1500 and did some odd jobs on the car and van.
Had another lovely meal, Penang curry and Quondong Pie spent some time after in the bar chatting, a funny night.
31.07.07
Departing Roxby
We finally saw dust in the mirror today, and was it dusty, the AVan was full of it especially on the right hand side.
Packed up early and left by 0930 after taking the car back to Paula, filling up with fuel 145 and
calling into NPT.
BOREFEILD ROAD
It was cloudy and a strong north wind with dust storms and b****dy freezing cold (forecast for 24 but they got it wrong again).Stopped about 20 k’s out and changed a tyre for a solo woman who was heading into Roxby. Her tyre on the Toyota bus was shredded. She worked at the Neppabunna Community in Marree.
Stopped about half hay to the Oodnadata track at a pumping station( Roxby water comes from the artesian basin some miles from there) and attempted to put the roof up for a cuppa. The wind was so strong it acted as a sail , so were unable to put it up. No one told us about strong winds and erecting the roof! Crawled in and retrieved some things from the fridge and made a sandwich in the car.
The land is very dry flat and desolate, came to an old station on the Ghan railway line that must have been an imposing building once. Surrounded by flat and stony land to the horizon.
West of Marree there was a siding with a homestead and all sorts of ‘object de art’, including a dog made out of the old water tank. The head was a car body swinging in the breeze. Some eccentric from Melbourne owns it. Willie later said that it is suspected that he is the creator of the Marree Man, although no one knows. But in my mind it adds up as it is just opposite his place and he sounds mad enough.
Arrived at Marree about 1400 and were made very welcome by Willie. Denise was returning from Adelaide were she had been to see Port Power play on Sunday. We put the van in his backyard and then found it to be literally full of dust. Helped unload a transport with his weekly supply of grog and stores. Later went for walk and bought a trailer plug that had come out on the way.
After a haircut and a shower we went in for tea and stayed til half nine. Di spent some time with Denise and some local girls (school teachers) doing “scrap booking”.
30.07.07
Good news day.
Another clear and sunny day. Went to NPT and found that the boys had brought the gearbox back with them and they will fit it today.
Went to the town and bought chocolates for the girls at LA Office and said goodbye, although Jo was off today.
Had the usual coffee and paper at the Dunes.
Went back to NPT at 1600 and the car was on the hoist, said it will be ready tonight! Waited til1815 and were getting a bit rippy when they rang to say it was ready. Went and picked it up and gave them a six pack for their trouble.
Came back and packed up and got ready to move in the morning.
29.07.07
Well it nearly rained
When we went to bed it looked as if it would be raining by morning. It tried to through the night but when the sun came up it was another clear blue sky, not that we are complaining too much.
We picked up Paula and went to church at the Uniting service, very friendly people who made us very welcome. About 40 people there with quite a few black Africans. Had a cuppa after and spoke to Averil and Barry Luke who had remembered the Swinburnes when they were here. Asked to be remembered to them.
I went to the pub and watched the Crows get beaten again by Essendon, but made up a bit of ground by adding to the dollar coin tin for the washing machine.
Later at 1900 we went to Bruce and Paula’s for another lovely meal, and evening with them.
28.07.07
Painting Pine St
Colder night but no frost as it was slightly cloudy which became thicker through the day, even looks like rain!
Went to Pine St and did more painting, both bedrooms, passage, bath and toilet and the laundry. Looks a hundred percent better.
Di washed and IRONED all of the curtains which was a huge job.
Bought a pizza for tea and listened to Brisbane annihilate Collingwood.
27.07.07
ROXBY (STILL)
Another fine and sunny day. Went to Mitre10 and picked up car keys from Paula. Usual coffee although being a little later in the day went to Wendys as they “have better coffee” and they do. Bought some gifts for the grandchildren and posted home.
Quiet afternoon after going to NPT to check the load on the Prado, all OK. I called into Pine St and spoke to the tenant Ronnie. He is leaving for Port Pirie next weekend and as such had been getting his things ready to move. This meant that he had cleaned out both bedrooms which meant it will be a lot easier to paint. Went there about 1630 and began to do the cutting in etc. Dianne began to put the curtains thro the washing machine.
Left about half five and went home to a hot meal of corned silverside prepared earlier in the Hot Pot. This has been a wonderful buy and we will use it a lot. A piece of meat from Woolies cost 8 bucks and will last for 2/3 days for sandwiches.
Bit colder tonight so may be a frost in the morning.
26.07.07
A slight reprieve
Awoke to rain on the roof albeit very little.
Turned into a very warm and sunny day. Went into town for usual cuppa and paper.
Had just returned to van when Mark from NPT rang to inform they are replacing the gearbox with a new one and it is in Australia! Praise God. Hopefully they will be able to have it here by Mon or Tuesday , so we should be looking at dust in the rear view mirror by Wednesday.
Bill Powell rang and told how he had been to see them and obviously been able to assist in encouraging them to contact us with this news.
We went for another walk in the afternoon, calling into see Paula at Mitre10. She insisted we borrow their car, so will pick it up on Friday. Called at LA Office and arranged for more painting to be done over the weekend. Spent some time at the library doing emails etc.
As usual there are lots of friendly people in the park so spend time chatting.
25.07.07
More of the same
Usual walk into town for paperand coffee, called LA office.
Quite warm , nearly hot, and a very mild evening.
Rang NP after waiting all day, left a message asking for a call but the silence was deafening.
Rang Bill Powell after tea and asked if could assist, which he was more than happy to oblige.
24.07.2007
Roxby (patiently waiting, well not that patient)
A very nice and warm day, still in t shirt and shorts as I write this at 1900.
Went for a walk to the town for mandatory coffee and the paper.
Spent quiet afternoon reading and chatting to fellow travellers.
Rang NorthPoint and got confirmation of hire car for the duration so will wait a couple of days to see what we do next.
Asked in the LA office about leaving van here, or may even talk to Ronnie Daniels at Woomera.
Went for a second walk in the late afternoon as a stress reliever. It worked.
Roxby Downs
23.07.07
Forecast was for 20⁰ today but they fibbed. It was cloudy all day so may have made it if it had been clear.
Went on a bus tour of the mine site in the morning which was very interesting and quite comprehensive. A huge enterprise that cost millions to set up but the end product is unbelievable. Billions of dollars and they are looking to quadruple it all. If they go open cut it will be the 2nd largest in the world. Currently over 300 hundred km’s of tunnels under ground starting at 300 mtrs.
Had to return the car to Hertz so had Jacqui drop us back at the library were I attempted to send some emails with not much luck.
Finally got a result on the gearbox, it’s stuffed. The second gear syncro it busted and they are talking of sourcing parts from Japan, BUGGER. Spoke to the service manager Mark Vanders at North point who said he will try to find a new box in Australia.
Will need to make a decision about what next in couple of days, as they have indicated we can have $55 a day to cover car hire so we may go home.
Not many in the park last few days but everyone is very friendly and sympathetic. There is generally a new van in each day
Roxby (PAINTING)
21.07.07
Spent the day at 8/11 Pine Cres painting. The tenant was away for the weekend so we painted the main living area, lounge dining kitchen. Had bought the paint from Mitre 10 about $220.
Borrowed things from Sharron at L Andrews plus bought some more. Only did the walls and ceiling, looked a great improvement.
Spent all day there, it was another clear sunny day but very cold earlier.
Di did washing and cooked a hot meal in the Hotpot, very nice.
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