28.09.07

AIRLEY BEACH

Left Ayr early and travelled down to Bowen, very interesting country, sugar left behind and into very dry open timbered cattle country and then into very rich market gardens with acres of tomatoes at Bowen. Then closer to Airlie Beach it became very green with rainforest similar to the Mission Beach area and of course more sugar cane.

Stopped at the northern beaches at Bowen which were really quite spectacular, the tide was full it was flat calm and it was beautiful, white sand clear blue water and a warm sun.

Had a fish from some rocks into the clear water overlooking the Whitsunday islands but came up with the same result-zipo.

Went on and booked into a Top Tourist park in Airlie Beach, wow, has that changed in the 12 years since we were here last. The hill overlooking the town is wall to wall units and resorts, the main street is full of young people and the pubs are full. They have what appears to be a Qld thing, a swimming pool on the foreshore (similar to Cairns and Townsville), it was absolutely packed with young people.

We stayed at there as it is the AFL grand final tomorrow and we didn’t want to be in a more secluded place where there may not be a TV.

As I was taking the van off the wheel on the jockey broke off so will have to make do until I can have it repaired.

29.09.07

GEELONG WIN THE GRAND FINAL

Oh dear oh dear what a hiding, Port Power were never in it. Did some shopping in the morning and then to the local pub over the road from the park and watched the footy on the big screen til half time. Watched the second on the camp TV with a few others including the bus load of kids we saw at Charters Towers,( they leave here at 0400 on Monday and go direct home at Warnambool arriving Tuesday afternoon).

Went to the main street after tea and made some phone calls as reception not good in the park. Rang Irene Place and will stay with them when in Mackay.