June

Friday the 1st of June
It was a bit noisy by the highway last night with the amount of trucks heading north and south, even so we had a good sleep. Had our breakfast and headed into Gilgandra the first stop to re-fuel at $1.54.9 a litre and because we bought fuel we were to use their nice hot showers free of charge and they were nice and hot. We then headed into Gilgandra proper and stopped at the Myers Garage and said hello to the family especially Mick who visited us in Tassie early this year. Mick indicated that he and his wife would be coming back in two years to do the Cradle Mountain walks and then drop over and see us at Binalong.
We spent the best part of an hour there saying hello and goodbye to all of the family and then back on the Newall Highway heading north. The trucks were coming thick and fast though we were moving over to let them past, most acknowledge our efforts to give them a clear run. In the distance we could see mountains and it was obvious sooner or later we would be climbing them.
Sure enough we started to climb and on two occasions I was back into fourth gear they were that steep and there were not many passing lanes for other vehicles to pass. We were to catch up with two B-Doubles who were making hard work of it and we elected to gear down for they would have to pass us later if we overtook them.
We finally arrived at Coonabarabran and bypassed the city centre for there was no need to buy any stores etc. There was gymkhana taking place with the high school and a horse competition also in a different park. Back on the highway and there were still hilly sections and some bad bends coming at us, we spotted a lot of crosses marking the places where people had died on the road and we sure did not want to be another statistic.

Heading for the hills
Hills from Newell Highway
Driving through Coonabarabran

The sky was becoming very dull and unfortunately they have predicted rain for the next three days something that we wish we could avoid. The highway was now flat and the going was easy with farms both cotton, wheat and beef following the highway along with the yellow box gum and the cyprus pine. We finally arrived at Narrabri and first stop was at the Coles Shell Roadhouse where they took both Coles and Woolworths discount dockets so we went in and did a top up at $1.53.9 cents a litre and as was 12-30 pm we pulled into Cameron Park and had our lunch. It was a nice little park with ample shelters and toilets etc beside a river. We were there for over an hour before getting back on the highway. We have no desire to reach Moree today even though it is only 100 kilometres away.

Cameron Park Narrabri
Loading wheat Edgeroi
Galahs waiting for grain at Edgeroi

Again the going was flat and traffic had dropped off, we were looking for a spot to park up for the night close as we could to Narrabri so as to get television, about 20 kilometres up the road we spotted wheat silo's in the distance so we thought we would check them out.
When we drove into the silo's they were working transferring wheat from the holding yard into the silo's and then loading the train carriages. We pulled up in front of the old Edgeroi Coronation Hall 1953 and set up. There are toilets around the back so we will use those. We then went for a walk and watched them load the train and then over to the shop where we bought an ice cream and then back to the motorhome. The shop keeper said is was fine to park where we are or we could come over to the shop area and park. We elected to stay where we are for the highway noise will be blocked. We were getting spots of rain though not heavy yet so I fitted a tarp from the car to the back of the Motorhome and placed the generator under to keep it dry whilst we run it to watch the St Kilda V Richmond Game. It is now happy hour and we are still watching the train loading and then a massive earth mover arrived on a semi trailer complete with dolly trailer and it was great watching the bloke trying to unload it, he had to ring and then a bloke turned up and in no time at all it was off and down the road no doubt to do its work. Liz has cooked a nice stew for our meal this evening and then we will settle in to watch the footie with rain falling now heavier
Kilometres travelled 256

Newell Highway to Moree
Train loading near Moree
Bridge on Gwydir Highway

Saturday the 2nd of May
Rain this morning at Edgeroi as we had breakfast, We never heard much traffic last night for we were sheltered by the wheat silo's. On the road and the truck's were thick as heading south they were complaining that their travel books were being inspected plus being put on the breathalyser at Narrabri. There was a lot of water coming off the road which was going over the Motorhome and Suzuki needless to say they were both dirty with road grime.
Just before Moree we were to see another train loading wheat bound for the Sydney Port for shipment overseas, also the first Cotton Gin we have seen with plenty of baled cotton awaiting processing. Before we knew it we were in Moree and parked up and walked the main street and bought the newspaper and had a look in Crazy Clarke's which is being re branded as Chicken Feed though we bought nothing at all. Then we were back on the road and turned off the Newell Highway and onto the Gwydir Highway and for the first 80 kilometres it was perfectly flat going though in the distance you could see the mountains coming at us. We were to travel on a very old steel support bridge over the railway line, the road over the bridge was very narrow so it must be old in its construction and only 5.3 metre head clearance.
It was a wonderful sight to see all the different colours of the trees and the red soil paddocks making a lovely mosaic. Then we were starting to climb and going through small towns that obviously supported the farming and cropping industry.

Main Street Inverell
A deserted Glenn Innis
Lions Park Rest Area

We came across farms with beef and cattle which was higher up the mountains. A first for me for I have never seen sheep put into turnip paddock to feed only cattle so there you go! At 12-30 pm we arrived at Inverell who boast a population of 12000 residents. We parked up and noticed they had all the major supermarkets Plus Best & Less, Target and all the gift and bookstores. We walked three blocks to KFC for lunch, their blocks were the equivalent to our two blocks we couldn't believe how far we had to walk and just as well for our lunch we had the three piece dinner box plus a large chips. By the end of the meal it was obvious that tonight's evening meal would only be light probably just packet soup.
We dropped into Best & Less no purchases then down to Coles and bought bananas for $2.70 a kilo and a nice big Wombuck for $2 then back to the Motorhome and back on the road towards Glenn Innis.
The road was to wend its way over some very steep hills which necessitated me to come back two gears to get over the crest, finally we arrived at Glenn Innis and it looked deserted with few people in the street and all the shops were closed for they only remain open until 12 noon on a Saturday. We took a few photo's and then headed for Woolworths petrol station to top up with diesel for $1.45.5 per litre with the discount. We looked at the park that we had camped at 5 years ago and decided to go to the Lions Park 13 kilometres from Glenn Innis on the way to Tenterfield. There were a few happy campers there in the rest area though plenty of room. I tried to get the local television to no avail and as it is wet and cold I didn't bother to set up the satellite dish we will listen to the footy on the radio and read our books later tonight. It has been a testing day with the rain and the amount of interstate trucks sending up the spray and so we are a bit tired at the moment so a poppy nap may be in order.
Kilometres travelled 304

Climbing the Great Dividing Range Warning! Steep Descent

Sunday the 3rd of June
Rain again last night though where we parked posed no problem for leaving this morning. In all there were 6 happy campers last night and the cold wet weather kept us all inside our vehicles.
Just before we left this morning it teemed with rain though it eased off as we pulled out at 8-30 am and onto the highway. We started climbing straight away and you could see the mountains in the distance which were the the Great Dividing Range which is above sea level at 888 metres. There was not a lot of traffic on the road and the steepness had me back in third gear at one stage. When we reached the top we came across a sign that warned us of a steep descent so back into third gear coming down and still had to use the brakes. Then there were smaller hills which we were able to take in sixth gear.
As we were only 70 kilometres out of Tenterfield yesterday even given the hills we arrived a bit after nine this morning.

Peter Allen tourist centre
Post Office Tenterfield
Old Buildings Tenterfield

Even though overcast with a few sprinkles of rain we donned our coats and went over to the Tourist information centre. The first thing you see when you enter is the display indicating this is the home town of the famous entertainer Peter Allan. There is a lot of memorabilia that Allan has given to the centre in fact all the displays in the centre are top notch. There is one display that alerts you to the large German population in the early days of last century. There were at least forty families listed and most were producing wine and a few of the descendants are still producing wine today.
We strolled down the street and noted the old architecture and the new. Being Sunday most of the shops were open especially the specialty stores and cafes plus Bi-lo and Chicken Feed along with Wayne's discount store.
We chose a cafe that advertised a wood fire and when entering you felt the warmth. It was well set out with lots of memorabilia of the area and I was surprised to see a white doll next to a black doll. We sat down and Liz had a Latte and I had a Cappuccino with fancy decorations on top. They were both great and after we finished we went back into the cold weather and bought the newspaper which has little to no AFL news. Then onto Bi-lo to buy rolls for lunch and some ham then Chicken Feed still trading as Crazy Clarke's no doubt they are getting the locals used to the projected new name. Where did the time go for we spent more than two and half hours doing next to nothing, though we did enjoy the time spent in Tenterfield.
We intend to have an early day today and will do as few kilometres as possible. We climbed hills again and on top of the next range we spotted a gravel pit beside the Bruxner highway. We pulled in and I checked to see if we could get television and lo and behold we have 24 channels a few just repeats. At the moment we are watching AFL Flashbacks and having our lunch. This afternoon we will relax and watch the Western Bulldogs V Sydney match, which Sydney won very easy. Watch a bit of tellie tonight and read our books when we retire to bed. I have finished all my Clive Cussler books and now will start on my John Grisham books.
Kilometres travelled 96

Coming down the pass
Single lane bridge at Tabulum
Coastal waters near Byron Bay

Monday the 4th of June
Went outside last night about 8pm and there was a full moon and plenty of stars. This morning we awoke to showers once again and somehow the windows on the front of the Motorhome were down and the drivers seat was wet. Today I will be sitting on a towel whilst driving. We were on the road at 8am the rain had stopped and now were coming downhill and then up onto the Richmond Ranges. Once on top the way down was hazardous with many horse shoe bends taken at only 15 kilometres an hour. Once down we were met with another sign that indicated that the next 34 kilometres had plenty of bends. What an understatement at times I was in third gear holding the Motorhome back, how I miss exhaust brakes!
We came through many small towns and a single lane bridge just before Tabulum that had all the bolts holding the decking all exposed about 20 mill. I wasn't sure if one wasn't going to puncture a tyre luckily that was not the case. The smallest town was Drake and the GPS was showing there were plenty of streets though you couldn't see them with the naked eye. Just bush land and few old houses dotting the landscape.
We finally arrived at Casino and only stopped long enough to top up with diesel at Woollies at $1.46.9 cents a litre. When you only have to do a top up it is generally speaking the cheapest fuel. We have spent considerable time in Casino before so we elected to push on and go into Dad and Helens place today. We were hoping to be there on maybe wednesday and then going onto Kerry and Julie's next week.
We then drove onto Lismore and even though we had thought about going into Ballina we would do the secondary road trip again and see where we end up. We were climbing again and the countryside was very green and we started to see the palm trees start to appear along with the Grevillea which were very colourful indeed.
We were to pass through small villages and one had red light camera's which our GPS forewarned us about them so we made sure we were not exceeding the 50 kph speed limit. We finally came down onto the flat country and the rain had disappeared and only blue sky's. We were to pass Banana plantations and many Olive Groves along the way and then we joined up with the Pacific Highway. I have to say that taking the secondary road appeared to lessen our journey by about 50 kilometres.
We came out near the top of the Pacific Highway that gives you your first glance of the sea which we both liked immensely. You could see Byron Bay in the distance as we came down the hill which has a 60 kph speed limit and red light camera's in several places. They have had massive accidents on the part of the highway. We pulled into a rest area for lunch and had our showers as well whilst there before getting back on the highway. This rest area has a sign that indicates very large fines applying if you attempt to stay overnight.

Sugar Cane alongside highway
Entrance to tunnel
In Tunnel at Tugen

It wasn't long before we were to see hectares and hectares of Sugar Cane stretching back into the mountains. The traffic has picked up and they were certainly in a hurry even going into the tunnels at Tugan and out the other side. They were just completing this by pass when we were here four years ago and it has made all the difference rather than going through Tugan and then Tweed Heads then across the border into Queensland and then onto bypass 87 into Dads place.
It didn't take long to say hello and set up the motorhome. We will now be sleeping in the house for the next few days and then getting to catch up with family before moving on again. Liz's new washing machine had arrived so we took it out of its package and had a look, we hope it is as functional as it looks
We had a cuppa and caught up with the latest and then in the car and down to Bunnings to buy a few items for the house.
We had our evening meal inside and then settled in to watch the tellie and read our books. There is no doubt we will have an early night for we are both a bit tired.
Kilometres travelled 270

Tuesday the 5th of June
I was rather surprised to see that I had slept in until 8-30 am this morning, Liz indicated that she arose arose 7-15 am and I was sleeping soundly. Out of bed and had breakfast in the house and looked at the 11 cattle dogs (catalogues) that had arrived this morning there was nothing that interested us at all.
This morning was to be maintenance day on the Motorhome and the first item on the list was the house and starter batteries. They were all ok though I just gave them a small dose of distilled water. Based on this I will only need to check them once a month unless we have large drainage's of power. Checked the motor oil level, brake and clutch reservoirs, power steering and radiator level and they were all fine. We have travelled around 2456 kilometres to date and all systems seem to be ok.
I helped Dad dig out a shrub and replant it in the front of the garden and then Helens twin sister Joan arrived so we gave her a cooks tour of the motorhome and she especially like the washing machine we then went inside and had a cuppa and chewed the fat.
We placed the washing machine in the shower receptacle and it fitted with room to spare. Liz is looking forward to using the machine while we are on the road and it will save us $8 a time at the Laundromats. Only weighing 12 kilo's it is no trouble to move and one of the reasons it is light is that it does not have a pump to get rid of or pump water in you merely lay the drainage hose on the ground to empty.
We went to Super Cheap to purchase two woollie seat covers for the Motorhome, we only purchased one to make sure it fitted before we purchased the second one. Well it fitted alright and the poor workmanship in the stitching was unbelievable it showed where they had used needle and thread to effect repairs. Back to Super Cheap and showed them the problem and then we bought two more over and they were the same. The girl tried to get us to buy the $309 ones and where they made? China at the same factory so we asked for and received a refund. The seat covers have now gone on the back burner.
We then drove to the Tree Tops shopping complex and the first thing we did was to put the scripts into the chemist for Liz's pills and then we had a look around the complex without buying anything and noted there were no food halls. We collected the pills and then drove down to the Robina and stopped at a small complex and they wanted to seat us outside in the cold wind which we refused so we just refueled the car and headed back to Treetops and had fish and chips for lunch. We spoke to a couple of tourists up from Victoria who indicated they had left the cold to come to Queensland for the warm weather. They remarked that with the cold wind and cloudy sky it wasn't much warmer than Victoria, we had to agree it is shockingly cold.
Then back home arriving at 4-30 pm and the dark is closing in already, at 5-10 pm last night it was pitch black. We will watch a bit of tellie tonight wondering where the day has gone.

Surfers Paradise High Rise Buildings Tweed Heads High Rise Buildings

Wednesday the 6th of June
There may not be a cloud in the sky with the sun shining, its that cold wind blowing that is keeping things cool. We are still wearing pullovers to ward off the cold, though it did not deter us from washing the Motorhome and the Suzuki. The road grime over the past month was unbelievable especially all those days of driving on wet roads plus the spray off passing vehicles. Both vehicles now look a treat though we expect to strike more rain and more grime coming up from the roads in the coming months.
Went for a walk and noticed new buildings being erected on the side of the hill, you would need to be a mountain goat to climb the bank they may have to install escalators from the garage to the house. It is getting a little warmer and if you can get out of the wind that is a bonus.
We still have a few things to do and again we needed a bit of retail therapy so down to the Tree Tops shopping centre and went into Coles and bought a few groceries which included a nice piece of silverside for our evening meal tomorrow night or Friday. Then into Broccoli Brothers green grocery and purchased beautiful banana's for $1.99 a kilo and then back in the Suzuki and down to the Burleigh Shopping Centre, which is double the size of Tree Tops and has many more specialty shops.

Surfers awaiting right wave
Burleigh Heads Beach
Palm Beach

First up we went into the food hall to have lunch and we chose to have Subway. Liz had a 6 inch and I had the 12 inch both Moroccan with plenty of salad and toasted as well. They were very tasty and filling and we washed them down with a cup of Fanta. Then into Best for Less and the Big W where looked at the seat covers for the Motorhome, we didn't like what we saw so just purchased some gas canisters; then Liz went into the jewelery store to purchase ear rings. Then down to Burleigh town to replenish the cash reserves and then onto the headland to watch the surfers go through their paces. Unfortunately the swells were not large though a bystander indicated when the tide changes the swells would get larger and better for surfing.
We relaxed on the headland for about one and half hours taking in the views and watching those that were lucky enough to catch the right wave to surf. We could see Surfers Paradise in the distance with all the high rise buildings really standing out. The Burleigh beachfront had nearly been washed away and there wasn't much action there. We then decided to drive down the coastal road to the next beach front. We went past the Talebudgeria inlet and pulled into the Palm Beach area and walked up into the dunes. Even though there was a surf lifeguard on patrol there wasn't a person in the water thanks to the cool south easter that was there, it cold breezes that kept any self respecting person our of the water and rugged up. We could see well down the beach and it was deserted though the high rises of Tweed Heads were quite noticeable.
It was around 4 pm when we decided to head for home and we noted the traffic had become trafficker and the horns had become hornier plus the rude fingers become ruder! We decided to leave the roads to the locals which a few were acting stupid.
We arrived home and we unpacked our goods and then had a cuppa. Liz then went back to the shopping centre to have a hair cut with Helen, no doubt they will do bit more shopping and as yet they have not been on the op shop circuit so I would not be surprised if they included this as well.
Again a lazy night just watching tellie and because they have austar we will probably watch a movie if there is nothing worthwhile on free to air.

Thursday the 7th of June
We just cannot believe how cold that wind is, though the sun is shining there are many clouds that from time to time obstruct the warmth of the sun. Well, we are not doing much today Liz has gone with Helen for a girls day out which will turn into a luncheon with Helen's friends and then shopping in the afternoon. Dad and I drove down to Autobarn to buy woollen seat covers for the Motorhome. I chose a light grey colour and they are the same brand as in the Suzuki, though it would be true to say that the price of the covers has increased dramatically in the past three years even with the 20% discount we received. I fitted the seat covers and in the process skun my knuckles and drew blood on my wrist. They feel nice to sit on and should be great when we travel in the warmer parts Queensland. Then over to IGA to purchase pork chops at a discounted price plus a chicken priced at $2.39 a kilo the cheapest we have seen for awhile and then back home.
Liz doesn't know about the meat purchase's which will not make her happy. Out came the cryovac machine and all was cryovaced and should keep for a considerable time in the fridge. Lunch time arrived and then a poppy nap before taking Dad down to the specialist for his eye test. We run into Liz in Helen in the shopping complex then into the Big W to buy batteries and then home.
Tonight we are going to the Tweed Heads Bowls Club for our evening meal. So back into NSW and wouldn't you know it the rain has reappeared once again hope it doesn't come over the border. When we went into the club where we met my sister Julie and husband Norm along with sulynn and their grand daughter. The meal was excellent Liz having roast beef and I had roast pork complete with crackling. Then Liz had trifle and I lemon meringue pie with plenty of cream.
Then we retired to the poker machine room and went onto the one cent machines, at the end of the night Liz had lost her money and even though I struck a twelve dollar jackpot I came away with my initial money intact. These machines I find very boring and to see people feed big notes into the machines has me at a loss. Though I have to accept that the pokies are what ensures the meals are quality and cheap at the club.
We watched the old rock and rollers strut their stuff on the dance floor and they looked so professional that we didn't dare get on the floor. They were decked out in clothes from the sixties and likewise the music was from that era. They have a Rock and Roll and Vintage Car show on all weekend at Tweed Heads, we were to see some of the cars around the streets the old Chev's, and roadsters which had been modified from their original style. Then home and sure enough when we went across the border it had not been raining in our area. We watched television for awhile and as it was midnight we went off to bed. Another good day.

Highway to Southport
Entrance to Southport
Mirage Resort Southport

Friday the 8th of May
It was hard to believe that were having breakfast at 10-30 am then we showered and cleaned up and we decided to go to Southport and Surfers Paradise today. We left at 11 am and decided to go on the Pacific Highway to Nerang and come into the Gold Coast/Broadbeach from that direction.
The traffic was congested three lanes wide though the vehicles were proceeding at a fair pace only red lights now and again slowed us down until we came across the Broadbeach off ramp and then turned into Surfers Paradise and drove onto Southport.
We pulled in on arrival opposite the famous Mirage Resort and watched the river traffic and the Duck an amphibious vehicle. We watched it drive in off the road and into the broadwater and head up stream to sight see it appeared to be full of tourists. We spent awhile enjoying the sights and the small boats coming and going, We were to see one of the first Incat catamarans with plenty of tourists on board coming back into port.
We then drove around the spit side of the broadwater and past the Mirage Resort and Sea World which appeared to be closed for there was lot of work being carried out with cranes etc. The we watched the divers out at the spit entrance plus the many small and large craft heading out to the fishing grounds for the day. We stopped in at the marine shop and had a look at the led lights we want for the Motorhome and I put them back for they wanted $39.95 for the same light you can get off e-bay for $7.95 plus freight. We then drove along the esplanade towards Surfers Paradise.

Hi rise on Surfers beachfront
Surfer's Paradise Beach
Ibis near Beach

The first thing you notice is all the anti camping signs threatening very large fines for camping overnight the second is the amount of hi rise buildings placing shade across the beach for they are built very near the beach.
We parked in a three hour parking zone and then went walkabout. Where we parked is about 700 meters from the main section of the beach and there were no surfers or swimmers in this zone. We strolled along the board walk and noticed the Ibis were plentiful walking along the beach picking up food scraps and the same in the Mall they seem to have no fear of humans at all. Other than a couple of surfers there were no swimmers and why should there be for again today the clouds are with us and that cold south easter. Liz and I were both rugged up against the cold though it was surprising to see people wearing shorts and T-Shirts.
We strolled down through the mall and the small shops and Liz bought a hat for the hot weather hopefully ahead. I decided to have a couple of pies for lunch and Liz had a salad roll and then we strolled around taking in the scenery and shops etc and then back to the car which was some three blocks away.
We drove along the waterfront and then onto the old pacific highway back towards Burleigh Heads. There wasn't to many red lights that we missed before turning onto the Reedy Creek Drive and home. Though cold it was a good trip and let us see most of the sights from the Suzuki.
Julie and Norm came over with fish and chips for for our evening meal and we had a good old natter before settling in to watch the Carlton V Geelong football match tonight. Geelong won after a struggle and I believe both clubs are struggling for form at the moment.

Saturday the 9th of June
We had our breakfast and showers and then Liz went off with Helen to check for mercury cider plus do other things. Dad came with me and we drove along the motorway to Brisbane and stopped at the service station that sells the dockets to allow you to go over the Gateway Bridge to the sunshine coast. This saves the arduous trip through Brisbane, the cost one way $5.48. After purchasing the docket we then drove back to West Burleigh and Bunnings for a few items for Dad and purchase a new broom for Liz.
Back home and set the Suzuki up for towing and topping up water tanks for we intend to leave as early as possible in the morning to head north.
We relaxed and read our books until it was time to head off to watch the St Kilda V Gold Coast Suns football game. There has been advertising boards on the back of Utes promoting the football game this afternoon, actually it is a twilight game.

Entrance to Metricon Stadium
Supporters in the stands
St Kilda running through Banner

We left home around 3-30 pm bound for the car park at Robina to catch the bus. Helen gave us her sisters and brother in law's Gold Coast Sons membership lanyard which entitled us to a free bus ride to the Metricon Stadium and entrance to the game. It is a very nice ground and surrounds they certainly have spent many millions of dollars bringing the stadium and ground up to AFL standard. There were plenty of people in attendance especially St Kilda supporters. We were sitting in the Gold Coast Sons stand and had no compulsion in wearing my St Kilda membership lanyard there were only a few who picked that I was supporting the Saints.
When the game started it was a pretty even performance for the first ten minutes then St Kilda started to pull away and by half time were 60 points ahead. At half time I went down amongst the masses and bought two cartons of chips for us all. The next half was much of the same with the GCSons rarely kicking in their half of the ground. There were many fans leaving the game early and St Kilda won by 95 points. Back on the bus to the car park and we were home by 8pm and I was feeling very happy about my team the Saints.
At the moment we are having a toasted sandwich and a cuppa and will now watch the Essendon V Sydney game and then retire for the night.

Driving over the Gateway Bridge Across bridge to Redcliffe

Sunday the 10th of June
We climbed out of bed at 6 am had showers and breakfast. Dad and Helen were still in bed asleep and we didn't wake them to say goodbye given that we did that last night. We hooked up the Suzuki and we were on our way at 7 am along the Motorway towards Brisbane. The weather was foul with steady rain which meant our clean Motorhome and Suzuki would be clean no longer given the road grime and spray.
Being a sunday the traffic was light until nearing Brisbane, drivers come off the slip roads as if there is no other traffic. We passed all the amusement parks which were not operating and it appeared that Movie World was closed undergoing repairs.
In no time at all we were climbing the Gateway Bridge and given the weather conditions we were to get a good view of Brisbane and down the other side. The GPS was going berserk for it hasn't had the new ring roads of last year put in as an upgrade. We finally were back on track and there were no other hiccups. We crossed the bridge to Redcliffe and noted that they had demolished the oldest bridge on completing construction of the new bridge.
We finally arrived at Woody Point around 9 am and it was still raining. We said hello to Kerry and Julie and family and then set up in their yard.

Liz inspecting Motorhome's
Caravans on display
Central Loop Train

We had a cuppa and caught up with the latest happenings in Queensland and then went with Kerry and Julie to the Queensland Motorhome and Caravan show at the Brisbane showgrounds. We drove to Sandgate and discovered that trains were not running from there this weekend and they had bus's on hand to move us. We arrived at Bowen Hill and then walked down to the complex paying pensioner rate of $10 each for admittance. Now where do you start, the show is so big and spread out over many exhibition halls. So we just wandered and there were caravans of all shapes and sizes and I was surprised to see how many they had sold this weekend then onto the fifth wheelers and towing vehicles, camper trailers, motorhome's and when we arrived at the Winnebago stand and inspected what they had on offer we were more than satisfied with our layout, that is with the exception of the Longreach 31. There were tents on display of every kind and many camping goods no matter where you looked. There were plenty of LED light displays and after selecting the light that suited us we returned and made the purchase. This is to replace the light fittings that use the old 21 watt globes. Not only are the LED's much brighter they only burn 3.5 watts which is a battery power saving. The LED'S are much dearer that other lighting and these were certainly dearer than can obtained on the internet.
We had lunch and were pleased to be able to sit and rest for the complex is over many acres and it is not flat land and many of the exhibits are on the second floor of the buildings. We are not sure whether we had seen everything though it now being around 4pm we called it a day. We then had to take the Central City Loop Train to get back to the right side of Bowen Hills to link up with the bus's to take us back to Sandgate and Kerry's car. It was after 5 pm when we arrived back home and I just couldn't help myself I had to try the new LED'S and what a difference they are certainly much brighter and power efficient.
We had our evening meal which was cooked by Kerry and Glen and eaten with delight for we were all a little hungry then watched Television for awhile and off to bed more than a little tired. No reading books this evening straight off to sleep another good day given the poor weather.
Kilometres travelled 121

Canopy of trees over road
Jetty at Redcliffe
Walkway to the point

Monday the 11th of June
It rained heavy all night and didn't ease up until around 10 am. We heard these squeaks continually through the night and this morning and I thought it was a tree rubbing on the motorhome. We were informed that it was bats squeaking in the nearby tree, noisy little devils! I think I'll wait until they are sleeping and wake them.
We went for drive out to Scarborough and on the way we drove under a beautiful canopy of trees that were very colourful. The rain is belting down again with high winds and you couldn't get out of the car to take photo's. We drove back to Redcliffe and went into Coles and then walked up to Crazy Clarks to buy a few items especially amour oil. As we walked along the promenade there were people taking advantage of the public holiday and were filling the kerbside cafe's, most of the shops were open. Then back to the car and we looked at the area where the ducks were and they have a special road sign warning you that ducks are crossing.
We stopped and had a look from a distance at the Jetty where people were fishing. The rain had came again and it was to cold down near the water and then we looked rather than walk along the walkway to the point, They have carried out a large amount of landscaping and on a good day there is no doubt that the area would look great. Then we drove around the foreshore to Woody Point and were taken with the three blokes riding there wind sails.
At times they were coming out of the water to a height of about 2 metres into the air and allowing the wind in the sail to carry them along for some distance before coming down in the water again.
We sat there fascinated and determined they must be very hardy for the wind is blowing and the bay is full of white tops plus there is rain to boot. You only have to look at the bend in the tree to see the effect the wind is having.
Back to the motorhome for lunch for time is getting on and this afternoon we want to watch the Collingwood V Melbourne football match though prior to that I will have poppy nap, bats willing!
Collingwood was to win the game though Melbourne put up good show I believe. We had beautiful curried sausages on a bed of rice for our evening meal and it was great. Watched a bit of tellie and had a natter and then off to bed later in the night.

Glass House Mountains in distance
Marina at Redcliffe
Fishing from the Spit

Tuesday the 12th
Oh No!
Blue sky's and sunshine this morning quick get a photo before the clouds and rain re-appear. Today will be the first time for quite awhile where the solar panels can operate to their optimum performance.
We cleaned up in the motorhome and then decided to go for a drive. A cloud cover had come over and we still had that cold South Easterly wind which meant when outside on went the pullovers and then in the car off with them. In the distance we could see the dark rain clouds coming our way so we may need to dash back to get the washing off the line due to us departing tomorrow.
We drove down to Scarborough again and drove around the shore until we came to the Redcliffe foreshore. Back on with the pullovers and walked along the foreshore, we watched the fishermen attempting to catch fish from the spit that ran out from the shore. It was obvious that when the tide came in the spit is covered so we are sure they are keeping an eye on the rising tide. In the background we could see the Glass House mountains which we will going past in the morning. The mountain ranges had a bluish tinge about them and they looked a treat.
Around to the Marina and had a look at all the boats moored there. Some were very large cruisers and the majority were Yachts of all dimensions some you could see were ocean goers and the others coastal. We spent a fair while just walking and looking around. The Morton Bay Yacht Club is large and has plenty of room for all types of boats and includes some canal development.
Then we drove back went towards Kipper Ring and noticed all the shopping precincts with all the major players including Aldi then onto the service station where we took on unleaded fuel for the Suzuki at $1.37.9 cents a litre and checked the tyre's which were down a little in pressure.
Then back to Woolworths to buy luncheon rolls and then onto the Green Grocer for tomatoes etc and then home for a late lunch.
The rest of the afternoon will spent getting ready for our departure in the Morning hooking up the A frame etc and having a poppy nap of course.

Family having a meal at the RSL Liz playing the poker machines

It was decided that we would all go out for our evening meal this evening so the whole family headed out to the RSL Club. On arrival it was obvious that it was a popular place for meals and it was very modern. The meals as such were excellent with Liz having the assorted fish and chips and I opted for steak and kidney with proper yorkshire pudding. The others had meals from the menu along with garlic bread. All the meals looked good and there was plenty on the plate especially for the price,
Then we adjourned to the poker machine room which was well occupied. Liz played for a short time before losing the initial stake and the others took awhile to lose theirs. At the end of the night there were no winners. We left the RSL well satisfied with the meals and the pokies and Kerry was to drive us around looking at the night sights of Brighton and surrounds which meant we drove over the bridges linking Redcliffe. There was plenty of shipping anchored out in Morton Bay and they lit up the horizon with their lights whilst awaiting to come into Port. Kerry was to show us where the happy campers free camped in the area and their where quite a few sleeping in cars, caravans and motorhome's. It was a good tour which also took in the fisherman's wharf where the prawn trawlers etc were tied up on the way home we wound our way back through Kipper Ring and then home. We had a cuppa on arrival and as most had early starts at their job in the morning we said goodnight and went off to bed and read our books before dropping off to sleep.

Leaving Caboolture
Travelling through Kilcoy
Huge roadwork's on Blackbutt Mountain

Wednesday the 13th of June
Shower, breakfast and then said our goodbye's to Kerry and Julie and Tina and Glenn and the rest of the family thanked them for their hospitality as well as making us most welcome when we arrived. It was good for Liz to catch up with her sister Julie for they had not seen each other for a few years. We hooked the Suzuki up and we were ready to head off. Julie and Liz shed a tear or two as they said there final farewell and they will see each other at Christmas time when Kerry and Julie come to Tasmania.
That persistent wind is still with us though the sun was shining and early in the day the sky was cloud free.
We headed up Anzac Parade and must have struck every red light along the way, We pulled into the service station at Kippa Ring where we paid $1.45.9 cents a litre. From here on we expect to be paying more as we head into the outback and north. We were to strike a lot of traffic and most are considerate and a few are downright obnoxious. Before we knew it we were on the Bruce Highway with four lanes of traffic and we turned off to go into Caboolture we did not stop kept going and quickly cleared the area. It was becoming hilly and there were a few gear changes required and on one hill we were down to third gear. We could see the Glass House Mountains on our right in the distance and they are certainly large and distinctive. We were enjoying the scenery and were to pass a property that had many hectares of strawberries and another with large plantings of Pineapple. We were to go through many small towns along the way until we arrived at Kilcoy. We stopped and used the dump point and then continued on for we have spent plenty of time here in the past. Back on the highway and it wasn't long before we were climbing Blackbutt mountain where they are carrying out massive road works, in fact they are paring away the side of the mountain for they must have trouble with the highway when heavy rain arrives. We had to wait for 15 minutes for the light to change and a pilot car to appear to take us through, the road is now only 3 metres wide whilst they are working on it. The amount of machinery was huge and all very heavy equipment they are stabilising the mountain with heaps of concrete over mesh with plenty of water run off channels. It was worth the wait for when finished it will make Blackbutt safer both going up or coming down.
We finally arrived at Benarkin and made our way to the free stay where they give you free power and the use of facilities the showers are $2 each more than reasonable it is a twenty hour stop over.
We set up and had a look around the park as it is now 1pm Liz went over to the shop and bought hot chips to have with our rolls and corn beef very nice indeed washed down with a hot cuppa.
We are going to have a poppy nap and then read our books this afternoon. As the television signal is pixelating I will see if I can set up the satellite dish if we can get a clear run through the trees for we want to watch the second match of State of Origin football tonight, for I do not feel like unhooking the Suzuki and travelling back to the Blackbutt Hotel to watch the match.
Kilometres travelled 135

Sun in all its glory rising over Benarkin Rest Area New feature in the park looking very effective History of Benarkin Railway Station

Thursday the 14th of June
When I hopped out of bed this morning I became quite enthused seeing the sun again in all its glory with a clear blue sky. Maybe we will be moving into warmer weather and hopefully away from the rain, it is only 6-45 am and already I am enjoying the day. I went for a walk around all the displays in the park which are kept in very good order. The name says it all " Early Settlers Memorial Park" At the moment they are putting in a new feature that looks very good surrounded by flower beds. They also have extensive information boards of the early life of the town when it was known as Blackbutt which was confusing for the railway station thus it was renamed Benarkin. It is a very nice overnight stay which the locals encourage and being across the road from the general store. They have a good take away section from fish and chips to humongous hamburgers. It is unusual for me to be making an entry into the diary at 7-45 am I am so taken with the warmth of the sun and that dreadful wind has dropped. There is a heavy dew this morning and the early temperature is 12 degrees. Oh well! must pack and get on the road.

Driving up through Pine Forests
Nanango wood cutter
Heritage building Nanango

Out onto the highway and we were steadily climbing many gear changes were required. We came across many small villages who appeared to have the logging industry as there main income. There were many pine forests that were on either side of the highway and when you reached the top of some of the hills you could see the plantations stretching out into the distance. We finally arrived at Nanango another town that rely's on the timber industry. We parked up and decided to walk around the town centre that was just off the highway. Here is a town that had no vacant shops and looked to have a vibrant economy. There were many statues in the streets depicting wood cutters and the same at the information centre which is very modern. The information centre offers 24 hour touch screen facilities for tourists, this is the first time we have experienced this.
We went into Wayne's World which is just another cheap article shop and then down to the bakery for a coffee. There is a lack of cafe's in the town and the Bakery had won the first prize for the best coffee in the South Burnett area. We had a banana slice for Liz and a potato pie for me with a cappuccino each. We had to agree the coffee was excellent.
We had a look at some of the heritage buildings which included the court house and then we were back on the highway.
The sun was shining and we had removed our pullovers for it was getting warmer and would hit 24 degrees in the mid afternoon, We were still climbing and going through small villages with timber mills and machinery. Again a lot of gear changing however the motorhome was making short work of the hills. Then down on the flat. There were many farms along the way some with just cattle and other with crops, one we recognised was the Sorghum crops which there were plenty hectare after hectare. We passed an area that had a lake that was quite large alongside the highway with a lot of birdlife on and around the shores. Cattle were actually standing in the water eating what appeared to be water lilies. By now we had entered North Burnett country and though still very hilly it was more farms and crops though there was a need for many gear changes to get over some of the larger hills that had no climbing lane.

Camp site at Ban Ban Springs the home of the Wakka Wakka's seen gathering around the waterhole

We noted that there were many semi trailers going south carrying hay and many paddocks not only had this years hay they had plenty of last years as well. We arrived at the rest area that we had decided on and we thought it was not what we had in mind so we pushed on for another forty kilometres. The road was much the same with plenty of trucks and caravans heading north. We noted that we had now entered the North Burnett region. We finally pulled up at the Ban Ban Springs rest area where you can camp for 20 hours and the bonus is the toilets. Signs state that this is the sacred site of the Wakka Wakka's and is guarded by the rainbow serpent. And if I have a happier than normal happy hour I may just see the rainbow serpent during the evening.
There are plenty of happy campers camped up and we went for a stroll and met quite a few including one motor home couple who remember us from Tasmania. I tried the normal television and could not get the football tonight so out came the satellite dish and would you believe after an hour and a half I still did not have the satellite signal. I was looking at the direction of the dish on the top of the pub up the road and boy was I wrong. I gave it away and I have to say that many of the happy campers were watching and some stated that I must have a lot of patience. When I came back I thought that the dish on the pub was more to the west and sure enough two minutes later after I swung the dish to the east there was the signal coming in strong
Oh well, it meant that I had to take a bit of a shellacking during happy hour and I have to admit there was plenty of laughter. We had our evening meal and then settled in to watch the West Coast Eagles V Carlton game tonight I hope it is as good as the State of Origin game last night. The spell checker has had a good workout tonight given the happy hour!
Kilometres travelled 178

Across the open plains
Citrus Groves Gayndah
The big Orange at Gayndah

Friday the 15th of June
Doesn't time fly when you are having fun, half way through June already. We said our farewells to our happy camper friends and then over to the service station to top up the fuel tank. Surprise! the diesel was $1.44.9 cents a litre and then I picked up a very good multi spanner off the road it looks as if it had been there awhile. Back on the highway and for the first fifty kilometres the road and surrounds were undulating which meant for easy going. The sky's were blue as, with the sun belting in through the window and by 11am the temperature was 22 degrees. Beauuutiful! We were to see sorghum paddocks again though the galahs were sitting on the plants picking out the seed etc. In to hilly country just before Gayndah where they advertise themselves as citrus growing country with many orange groves advertising oranges for $2 for a very large bag. We did not buy any for we have plenty enough plus mandarins to last us. They even have a Big Orange also selling fruit, we notice these road side stalls along with the fruit also sell whole pumpkins. We noted the price of diesel was $1.55.9 cents a litre so we made the right decision to top up at Ban Ban Springs. Once leaving Gayndah we where climbing once again and the mountains were now displaying signs of 9% ascent and 8% descent and they were right.

B-Double climbing 9% ascent
Mundubbera Rest Area
Indigenous centre Eidsvold

We were to catch up with a B-Double cattle truck that had passed us some time earlier. We were climbing a very steep incline with no passing lanes and we were back in second gear due to the truck.
Once we reached the top the truck went away from us and in the distance we could see small towns as came down onto the flat country. We drove through these small towns which appeared to rely on farms and the timber industry for their survival. We arrived at the Mundubbera rest area which gives you an outlook over the town and we had to say that it was the best set out and cleanest rest area we have come across in all our travels. We pushed on and the road conditions were the same, hilly and twisty in places so much so that you had to reduce speed dramatically. Along the way we started looking for firewood and we couldn't believe that it was so scarce so far from towns, we finally came across a spot where we could pull off the road and out came the chainsaw and we loaded the lengths onto the roof rack. When I threw one piece it struck poor Liz on the toe and removed skin and she said that it hurt. Back on the road and we arrived at Eidsvold and noticed that they have finally finished the R M Williams information and display centre. The rest of the town has not changed much since we were here about eight years ago. Therefore we did not stop just carried on through. We finally arrived at our rest area which is only 10 kilometres north of Eidsvold. It is a very nice area with plenty of shade if this is want you want. We chose to park in the sun for the solar panels though we expect to lose the sun to shade later in the afternoon. Set up the satellite dish and having no trees in the way we gained the signal in a matter of moments. Unloaded the firepot and set it up to cook our meal tonight and then unloaded the wood and cut it into lengths suitable for the firepot. There are a few of the happy campers we saw back at Ban Ban Springs so we reacquainted ourselves and will come together at happy hour again. We were to look at a couples washing machine which was very good though it did not have a spinning section only wash. A few came over to look at Liz's. We have decided to stay again tomorrow and Liz will drag out the washing machine for the first time and do a major wash while I do what I do best just relax and read a book.
We will sit outside for awhile tonight and at the moment I am wearing trakkies and a singlet for the temperature is a nice 24 degrees with no humid conditions. Then inside to watch the St Kilda V Adelaide and then off to bed. St Kilda lost by 4 points

What type of trees are these?
Barbecue area
Ceratodus Railway Station

Saturday the 16th of June
There was plenty of fog this morning and the sun was trying to break through. I lit the firepot and cooked eggs and bacon and toast for us both for breakfast. By 10 am the fog had dissipated and the sun we shining warm again. Most of the happy campers left this morning with the exception of the poor bloke that has to wait until next tuesday to get a new part for his car at Eidsvold. Out came the washing machine and Liz was to do the heavy and light washing and she was more than pleased with the result especially the spin dry. The spin dry really stripped the water from the clothes and we thought it was better than the spin dryer on the washing machine at home. I went for a stroll around the rest area and it is pretty area bounded by the river, highway and a tree plantation that no one is able to tell me what type of trees they are.
Up went the clothes line and then we settled in to read our books in the brilliant sunshine so much so that again I was in trakkies and singlet, it is not time for shorts yet. Liz was to go around wiping of the grime off her pride and joy.
A few new happy campers came in and we said our hello's especially to the lady from Tassie. The afternoon went fast and it was time to cook our chicken in the camp oven along with spuds and pumpkin. While is was sizzling away we had six happy campers come over for happy hour and they were trying to invite themselves for the evening meal it smelt so good. All good things come to an end it was time to go inside for it was getting cold and besides we want to watch the football tonight on tellie. So today has been a relaxing day with not much happening and some of the photo's I took are on the internal memory of the camera and I do not have a cord to transfer to the computer. What a bugger!

Cropping country
Cactus by the highway
Lawgi Rest Area

Sunday the 17th of June
There was another fog this morning though it had disappeared by 8am when the sun started to shine. I was speaking with the bloke on the motorbike who is riding right around Australia. By the time he packed his bike with his gear there was just enough space on the bike for him to sit, in all he had three panniers full of gear. I bid him farewell and he was off heading north he tells me he is doing 1100 kilometres a day, we are not doing that in a month in recent times.
I had packed he firepot away last night leaving the unburnt wood for the next happy camper. There had been a heavy dew again so I had to wipe the satellite dish and associated gear before packing it away.
We said farewell to the Tassie lady and the others we had happy hour with last night and then headed up the highway towards Minto. The road was a little hilly though not enough to warrant changing gears. When we came down on the flats there was cropping and cattle being the mainstay of the farms. There was not much traffic on the road so the going was easy and I was able to look around for change. We finally arrived at Minto and I pulled up for we are now in telephone range and then uploaded the diary for the past two days. Whilst I was doing this Liz went for a walk up the road into the town centre. As we did not pull into the main centre of town we did not have a coffee we had promised ourselves. We pushed onto Biloela, we started to climb and in no time at all we were going up a mountain range which had us back in third gear. We saw a car and small caravan coming down and the drivers side of the caravan's tyre was punctured and had been for some time for the smoke coming off the destroyed tyre was immense. Obviously the driver was not aware so I tried to call him on the UHF to alert him to no avail. I came across a B-Double going in the same direction and requested that when he caught with the caravan that he alert driver. He confirmed this though I wouldn't be surprised if the caravan in not in flames given the amount of smoke and heat off the destroyed tyre.
We were climbing 9% inclines and the road was a bit rough as well and the when we reached the top of the mountain we were advised that it was an 8% grade down with two horseshoe bends thrown in.
When we came out on the flat again we came across three large silo's that stated they stored Sorghum, wheat, barley and maize. You could see all the fields with shoots of the new crop. There was plenty of Cacti along the verge of the highway though there was none on the farm land. There was the old Boab tree starting to appear as well, given the leaves were very green they must have had a lot of rain in this area as well.
We have decided to go only as far as the Lawgi Rest Area which Liz said we stopped there in 2010 and as we approached the area I recognised it immediately for this is where I discovered the holes in the diesel tank of the old motorhome that necessitated a drive back to Biloela for material to repair. It is a nice area and we arrived at 11am. This motorhome's climbs hills faster and easier than our old motorhome. If we were driving the old motorhome we would not have arrived until at least 12-45 pm. We set up and I thought we would watch DVD'S tonight though Liz wish's to watch Dancing with the Stars so I checked to television and there was not a signal so out with the satellite dish and it was set up the quickest yet. Having no trees or other obstructions certainly helped.
This afternoon we are watching the Hawthorn V Brisbane Lions and then probably have a poppy nap though a few of the happy campers that we had happy hour with last night have just come in for the night. So I expect we will come to together again later in the day.
Kilometres travelled 132

Good morning to you all
Paddocks of trees for cattle
Beautiful countryside

Monday the 18th of June
When we hopped out of bed at 8 am we were met by cattle standing at the fence just staring at us. They were not frightened at all and it is not hard to believe that previous campers may have given them some treats.
We said farewell again to those we shared the fire with last night for they are mostly now going to the coast and travelling north. We topped up with water and we were on our way, we came down off the hill onto flat country and it was very beautiful the many different colours that were displayed. We came across paddocks that are growing small trees for the cattle to feed on in the winter months. The countryside became hilly again and it wasn't long before we reached Biloela and decided on doing a bit of retail therapy. When we looked in the real estate office we were shocked to see houses available for rent from $480 upwards and they were not the type of house you would buy to live in. As we are now in the Callide Valley there is a strong coal mining industry so we can expect the rents for other articles to be dearer than normal. This what we found when went went to Woolworths for a few a fruit and vegetables. They were very dear by other towns standards though the specials are the same as the coastal stores, needless to say we did want any of their specials. We bought among other things three cream buns with jam and a corn beef roll for later up the road. Then to Targets, Crazy Clarke's and a couple of small specialty shops and we did not purchase much at all. Liz was to buy a couple of t/shirts for the heat up north.
Then onto to have a cappuccino and after a wait of 20 minutes we went and asked them to put them in cups to take away, then back to the motorhome and ate our special buns and cappuccino before we hit the road again.

Banana the old drovers bull Welcome to the Shire of Banana

We were on the way at Midday towards our rest area for the night. The going was good when we left Biloela and failed to take photo's of the area. The land was still undulation though the motorhome was handling what ever was thrown at in an easy manner. The countryside is very green and we came across many hectares down to crops of some description. There were plenty of cattle in the paddocks and for the first time we saw the lovely silver/grey Brahman cattle laying around in the shade of the trees for it is now 22 degrees and getting warmer.
We are not far from crossing the Tropic of Capricorn where the temperature of the day and the coolness of the day will be to our liking. We arrived at the township of Banana so named after the bullock that lead many cattle over the years whilst being driven to the slaughterhouse or railway station. Old Banana apparently lead many thousands of cattle over his career thus the township was named after him and the large area that abounds is called the Banana Shire. We stopped for a couple of photo's and to renew our acquaintance with old Banana the bullock standing in the park which divides the two highways. We moved on and the day was fine for looking at the distant mountain ranges and the beauty that abounds.

Mullock hill from Coal Mine
Dawson River Rest Area

We were coming up on Moura and about 10 kilometres out we were to see the huge Mullock hills from the open cut coal mines. Then the huge stacks of coal awaiting shipment to Gladstone and then overseas. We were to see a train loading and the carriages went for a considerable distance so they must drag many hundreds of tonnes to the coal port. We did not stop in Moura for there was nothing that attracted our attention so we continued on towards our rest area for the night at Dawson creek which is only 7 kilometres from Moura.
It is now 2.30pm and I am back wearing singlet's for the sky is cloudless and the sun has raised the temperature to 24 degrees.
This rest area is full of caravans and the nearest to us is only two metres sometimes I think these people, including motorhomers, think they are in a caravan park. The rest of the day will be spent reading out books and then either watch television or watch a DVD before retiring to bed after another good day.
Kilometres travelled 105

Tazzie meet Pink Koala
Beautiful countryside
Massive open cut mine

Tuesday the 19th of June
Yesterday afternoon at Happy Hour we drifted on down to the rivers edge and admired the birds and park in general while throwing back a few, then back to talk to the groups that had formed around there caravans. Many had fires going for the wood is supplied by the Fishing Club for all to use. We didn't bother having a fire before we drifted back to our motorhome when it was dark.
This morning I counted 25 vehicles of which 21 were caravans and 4 motorhome's, caravans are certainly are in the majority on the road. We said farewell to those beside us and packed ready to go. Many had left and those still here are staying for a extended period for the area is quite good with showers, toilets and barbecue areas. We placed Tazzie our Tasmanian Devil mascot in the tree with a pink bear that someone had called a Koala Bear. There is no such thing only a Koala so we took a photo for it looked interesting and unusual.
On the road again at 9-30 am headed for our camp area in gravel pit that we have camped before. We were still climbing and the road was rough given it is bitumen there are so many holes that you are forever bouncing along and even those coming at us were doing the same. I tried to drink a pepsi max it was just to difficult the bonus is that the countryside is just beautiful with all the different colours with the roller coaster ride it was not to easy to enjoy the countryside, not to mention the blue sky and sunny conditions.
We were climbing at a fast rate and eventually we arrived at the top of the range and signs indicated we were 555 metres above sea level, other signs stated we are now in CQ (Central Queensland) country. Along the way there were many farms with heaps of cattle and we were to pass 11 B-Double loaded cattle trucks heading for Rockhampton no doubt.

Wattle flowering
Early Settlers Hut
Hectares of Sunflowers

At times we were driving through wooded areas and the wattle trees were flowering which looked nice. The road did not improve before we arrived at Rolleston. We pulled up near the park and went for a walk for we were both stiff from the roller coaster ride. We went in and looked at the displays of early settlers and a replica of the first bush huts of the area. Then down to the shop to buy a paper which was to no avail for they did not arrive until 1pm and we were not going to hang around just for a paper. As the town is very small there is not a lot to see so we headed off and took the turn on the Dawson Highway again towards Springsure.

Floods on way to Springsure 4.5 metre wide load on Dawson Highway

Once back on the highway we were to encounter road trains carting coal to the rail station. Rolleston has a large open cut coal mine though you cannot get into the place to view it in operation. We came across signs that indicated that the road ahead had been undermined by the recent floods and care should be taken due to the road works underway.
We were to see many areas still in flood and there was plenty of debris in the many creeks and waterways. We finally came across hectares of Sunflowers and they went out of sight for as far as you could see, Then we followed them alongside the highway for over 3 kilometres. I would not like to hazard a guess as to how many hectares it involved.
We pulled over off the road into a farm entrance for we heard over the UHF that a 4.5 metre wide load was coming at us. We could see dust in the distance where vehicles were raising dust from the side of the road in their endeavor to get off the road.
It was a big load consisting of a very large bulldozer with the trailer it was sitting on having 48 wheels to carry the weight. It wasn't long before we arrived at our destination at the gravel pit where we have stopped on two previous occasions over the years. The area is now well grassed though we were able to pick an area that had a base of blue metal and then pulled up.
The first thing was to lower the awning for the temperature has reached 23 degrees and then have our lunch it now being 12-30 pm. We will again watch the trucks and caravans go past whilst reading our books. We doubt if any one will come in for the entrance is not easy to find and it was because we have been here before that we knew where the entrance was hidden. No need to set up the generator and satellite dish for we can get the normal digital channels.
Kilometres travelled 181

Mountain range before Springsure
Wide load Springsure
Mountains leaving Springsure

Wednesday the 20th of June
We had a happy camper join us in the gravel pit last night for where were parked you could see us from the road even though were in at least 100 metres, we never spoke to them until they were leaving this morning.
Another glorious day, cloudless again with the sun shining brightly. There were a lot of caravans coming from the opposite direction heading south or to the coast we presume. The road again was like a roller coaster and we came across area's that are under repair and we had delays of 15 minutes to let traffic from the opposite direction through.
We came down off the ranges once again and onto the flat country where they were cropping wheat the first we have seen for awhile and it certainly looks a treat with the mountains and clear sky's as a background. The traffic was getting heavier especially coal road trains and we were to pass a coal mine complex which wasn't far off the highway there didn't seem to be a rail line running near the mine.
Before we knew it we were arriving at Springsure, a town that we have been through before. It is old and we noted that it now had a RV Friendly town sign on the outskirts. We didn't even stop for a paper for they would not have arrived. Just on leaving Springsure we had to pull off the road for a 4.5 metre load was coming our way.

Approaching Emerald from the east
Bougainvillea's Emerald
Cattle Train near camp

We enjoyed the scenery of the mountains on our left with all their beautiful colours made even better by the blue sky and sun shining on them, we were to pass them on flat ground and the highway into Emerald again has several road works in progress though we didn't lose any time. We were back into cropping country and we came across a paddock of steers with very long twisted horns that we haven't seen before in our travels.
We arrived at the outskirts of Emerald and noted the large wheat silo's and trains being loaded. We went to our rest area for the night and already it has gone from near empty to overflowing and again caravans are in the majority. We unhooked the Suzuki and went to the tourist information centre and picked up information on the town especially the location of the hospital. Liz has to have her blood checked and the hospital we found did not do outpatient work. We were directed to the doctors surgery in the Coles complex and made an appointment. After lunch Liz kept that appointment and she has to go back tomorrow for the results of the test. We looked in Coles and bought some tomatoes at $3 a kilo and Banana's at 89 cents a kilo. Back in camp were able to view a Cattle Train that had 50 cattle carriages behind no doubt to fill and then cart them to Rockhampton for processing.
We went for a walk down through the Botanical Gardens that unfortunately were under water during the recent floods so the workers are in the process of tidying up and removing all the rubbish that came down with the flood. They are renewing the children's play area with all new equipment and as we strolled through the shaded areas the trees from various parts of the world were very attractive especially again all the different greens on display.
We then went out to the showgrounds where we stayed two years ago and it hasn't been re-opened to the travelling public after the floods only the permanents are still there. One was good enough to give us a lend of his key to the ablutions block and we took the opportunity to have a shower. Then filled one water bottle and then back to our camp to find a caravan has parked that close we will not be able to drive out frontward's in the morning. Oh well! time for happy hour and we have found a couple of ex Tasmanians who we will be joining. Then back for our evening meal and watch a bit of tellie. The traffic noise is unbelievable and that's what you get at times if you wish to free camp.
Kilometres travelled 108

Book stall across the road from us
Wide load Emerald
Roads under construction

Thursday the 21st of June
We are in no hurry to get away this morning for Liz has to go back to the doctor's at 12-45 pm for the results of her blood test. We were surprised how early the caravans left this morning we climbed out of bed at 7-30am and most had gone. It wasn't long before a book stall appeared across the road from our camp so we went over and had a look though we didn't buy anything. Several times when he wasn't busy I went over and had a chat about this and that for he calls his stall "Travelling Grey Nomads Book Exchange" We went over to the shopping centre to buy citronella patches that are supposed to keep mosquito's away for up to twelve hours. We saw some happy campers wearing them last night on their sleeves and when we made enquiries they told us they work and are available from supermarkets. We checked and found they were in the Chemist shop and at ten dollars a box they will want to work. The happy camper driving the Winnebago Iveco told us when I asked how fast they drove stated the highest speed they have achieved was 129 kilometres an hour on the way to Darwin, I was absolutely amazed and thought they were joking they were not.
We had a cappuccino back at the motorhome and a piece of macadamia pie and then read our books until it was time for Liz to go over to the Doctor's surgery.
Liz didn't arrive back until 2-15 pm and then we were on the way to Woollies to get diesel at $1.44.9 a litre. It was nearly 3pm when we left Emerald headed for Cappella and our next camp. On the way we struck a lot of traffic and road works with plenty of machinery repairing roads after the floods. We were only held up twice over a twenty kilometre stretch which wasn't bad.
We appeared to be climbing all the time and you could see mountains in the distance though to far away to capture on camera. We were in wheat country again and there were many hectares under cultivation and alongside the road was at lot of loose cotton off trucks. Again Sorghum crops and unfortunately for he first time we had a head wind . We finally arrived at Cappella and made our way out to the sports complex where there is no charge and it is deserted for there is no mention of it in camps 6 maybe that will change in the future.
We set up and the bonus is that you can hook into power which we have done and no need for the satellite dish again for we have good digital television. Liz's health? good reports and the levels are good for the wolfram she is taking and now doesn't need another test for three weeks and of course both of us are happy about her continued good health.
Kilometres travelled 55

Farewell from Cappella
Construction work on highway
Entrance welcome to Clermont

Friday the 22nd of June
It was a humid night and didn't cool until the early hours of this morning, we had to shed a doona last night. We were to use the hot showers at the sports complex after breakfast and then we were on the road. We are very thankful of the hospitality of the town which seems to have a large horse population. They were training their horses this morning for among other things they play polo cross. On the highway we were just in front of a 4.8 metre wide load coming from the south. We were to come across another three sets of road works on the way to Clermont and each one we had a wait for up to ten minutes . The wide load caught up with us though did not cause any hassle for we were able to pull away from them once we cleared the road works.
We were going through a lot of bush land and then into cropping country where we saw once again huge hectares of Sunflower and Sorghum plus wheat sown and starting to shoot. At one stage the road was that bumpy that I was concerned we may do damage though this wasn't to be just a few things moved about in the motorhome proper.
This bad bitumen road continued for about 20 kilometres and we were to see three rolled and wrecked cars and a caravan that had disintegrated as if hit by a bomb. We didn't stop for I am sure it has been well picked over though there were ovens and fridge that didn't survive the accident. We were to slow down in this section for even the trucks coming at us were jumping all over the place. I was glad when we finally came off it on to better highway.
We arrived at Clermont and decided to give the diesel tank a splash at $1.50.9 before moving on. The original town was moved for it was built over a rich seam of coal that they wished to mine by the open cut method. So now the town is in two parts one that still contains as few of the old houses and the museum that houses all the early mining equipment, trucks and carriages and horse drawn wagons. The other much more modern as could be expected. They like Cappella have cut steel displays of their early history at both ends of the their towns. Having refueled we are now back on the Highway heading for Charters Towers.

Coal conveyer Clermont Cattle Road Train Belyando
Wattle flowering in abundance

About 10 kilometres out of Clermont we were to see a reasonably new covered conveyer belt that no doubt transports coal for shipment that followed the road for a distance before branching away from the highway. We came across heavy machinery working on top of mullock heaps and they were huge, that is machinery and the height of the mullock heaps.
Then we were climbing again and came across another section of horror road with only two wrecked cars on this occasion, again we slowed down for we were bucking and swaying at the same time. Then we came out on the flats again highway had improved and then we arrived at Belyando whose claim to fame is a road house on the side of the bank with diesel selling for $1.85.5 cents a litre take it or leave it. They didn't seem to doing much business in that area though doing a roaring trade in take away's.
We pulled in and parked near the information tables and had our lunch which consisted of sandwiches washed down with a cup of tea. Whilst there we closed all the windows for two cattle road trains had pulled in and the stench from the brahman cattle was very high. They were three trailers long plus the prime mover and two stories high, I wouldn't hazard a guess how many cattle they had on board. Each driver was going along with an electrified cattle prod getting cattle up on their feet that had gone down during the trip.
We were starting to get sprinkles of rain and even though it was only 22 degrees celsius it was humid so we treated our selves to a soft serve cone of ice cream and then back on the highway. We really do not want to get into Charters Towers today so we will look for a suitable rest area for the night along the way.
The clouds were really grey and it was sprinkling on and off though not enough to wet the highway. Back into hill country and still climbing and we noted that the Wattle was really flowering in this area and it looked a treat coupled with the red earth and the different colours of the trees.
Here it is 3pm and we have parked up and set up the satellite dish to watch our AFL Football tonight. It should be a good game with Sydney V Geelong and then off to bed to read and into Charters Tower tomorrow.
Kilometres travelled 291

Crossing floodway Welcome to Charters Towers
Entering business district

Saturday the 23rd of June
What a night of contrasts! First the Sydney V Geelong football game it was the best game that I have watched this season. When the game finished I still had adrenalin pumping when I climbed into bed. I had to read a book to settle down to go off to sleep.
Now the second incident that made the night the worst we have experienced so far. Just before I went off to sleep a cattle road train pulled in across the road and the driver set about using his cattle prod which made all the cattle kick the steel sides and they did this for hours on end. The driver had a sleep and fortunately I did not hear him pull out. Come 2am I awoke to more cattle bellowing and kicking their cattle trucks and on investigation there were now three road trains and it set up unbelievable noise. We dropped off to sleep about 4 am and then awoke at 6 am to more noise. We decided to get out of bed and maybe park up a little earlier this afternoon.
We were on the road at 7-45 am and the going was good with the wind now behind us. The sky looked ominous for rain and would stay overcast all day with no rain. We were only about 150 kilometres out of Charters Towers and the road was bumpy at times. We came across more roadwork's that delayed us by a half hour for they only allowed for single lane traffic so we had to wait our turn. We then entered the completed section of the highway and the going was good and the scenery of the bush and its surrounds was great. We were to see the prickly pear cacti appear again though only small specimens. There were plenty of Brahman cattle standing in the bush close to the road or around the water holes that were full. Judging by the creeks and dams they have had plenty of rain in this area.
We could see the hills that surround Charters Towers in the distance and we spotted a couple of good rest areas we could use if we come back this way which doesn't allow for cattle road trains. For the first time we are seeing a lot of road kill including the big red kangaroos, we did see two smaller grey kangaroo cross the road and into the bush.
We were driving alongside the large hill that was the first gold mine in Charters Towers which made the town which was much larger than today. We drove up the main street and then around the corner and parked up. We then walked down the street looking at the fine old buildings which were built on gold mining. Then into woollies to buy rolls for lunch and few other items such as bacon which we have run out of. Then into the tourist centre and browsed given that we have been here before and have driven up the big hill to the old mine workings and rusting boilers. Of an evening they have an indoor/outdoor movie theatre where they show the area before and now.

Town Hall Charters Towers Beautiful Architecture
How are these for rain gutters

As we were walking around we noticed the large gutters which means they must have plenty of water flowing when it rains we do not wish to be here when it does.
We refueled at Woollies and the diesel with the discount was $1.43.9 cents a litre. We then noticed the Miners Museum in an old original miners hut and then around the corner the building looked very old and looked like it could fall down at any moment sitting on its tall timber foundations. Then we were on way to Fletchers Creek were intend to camp up for a couple of days before moving onto Mareeba. The highway had improved dramatically and the going was easy with plenty of bush both sides of the road and cattle sitting around water holes or creeks.
When we arrived we couldn't believe it how many happy campers were set up and Liz informed that you could stay for a month if you wished. When we pulled in off the road the parking area was full and looked just like a caravan park. We drove down as far as we could go and as we went around the roundabout at the end a happy camper pulled us up and stated they would be moving in an hour and if we like to wait we could have his spot. Why not for they had a concrete slab as well and if it rained we could easily get back on the hard pan others would get stuck in the black soil where they have parked. True to his word he moved out and we moved in with our nearest neighbor being 12 metres away.

Miners Museum Is this house falling down
Two bush pigeons at our camp

We set up and out came the awning and though it is overcast I am down to a singlet again though the shorts have still not made an appearance. We had a late lunch and set up the satellite dish for once again you could not receive digital television out here. We watched the Western Bulldogs V Brisbane Lions football game for awhile and though very tired the both of us read our books and spoke to our neighbors for awhile. After our evening meal we watched the television and the Essendon V Fremantle game though at half time we were both tired so we went to bed and straight off to sleep
Kilometres travelled 197

Fletcher Creek in flood Liz lighting the fire
Our camp Fletcher Creek

Sunday the 24th of June
I was out of bed at 6-30 am and went for a walk along the creek to the bridge. I was surprised at the amount of people out and about the place is packed and I counted thirty camper trailers in the Bush Expedition from Lightening Ridge to the Cape. I noted they were all packing up and when they leave it will leave plenty of room along the creek. On my return I walked across the small foot bridge and the creek was running very fast and in some area the shallowness created small rapids. We have noted that they no longer allow you to camp right on the creek and you have to camp on the southern side of the gravel road. We were lucky to get the campsite that we have for you walk straight out of the motorhome onto a concrete slab which is a bonus.
After breakfast I filled the buckets from the creek for Liz to bring out her washing machine though it clouded over and looked like rain so a stopper was put on that until tomorrow. We drove out along the road towards Charters Tower and pulled onto a side road that services the large farms in the outback and along this road we were to cut some excellent wood for our fire. I decided to leave the firepot in the Suzuki and use the fireplace at the back of camp. Unloaded the wood and cut it into smaller lengths and then Liz lit the fire and we boiled the kettle and had a cuppa at 11am with some nice fruit cake. We felt a couple of sprinkles of rain though a couple of campers told us not to worry for it wouldn't last. The sky is very dull and they look like rain clouds. I would assume those camped on black soil will want move if it does rain. We noted a couple of camps nearby have enough wood to last at least a month. You are allowed to stay in this area up to one month so the signs say and there a quite a few people taking advantage of this. After lunch I had a poppy nap and then stoked up the fire to cook our evening meal which will also consist of potatoes and pumpkin cooked in alfoil on the hot coals.
One of the happy campers who also owned a motorhome the same as ours came up for a look and was able to give some excellent advise on the running of the Iveco and supplied a fuse which in turn bought the alarm for the steps back on line. We then went for a drive around all the camps and especially a couple that looked as being there awhile. I suppose it would true to say they are squatters for it is alleged they have been there on private land for the past seven years they even have carports and covers over their caravans and have gardens of vegetables and trees of paw paws plus chooks. It is totally unbelievable that they can have squatted so long and not moved on.
Come happy hour and our next door neighbours came over and we had a good old chin wag and couple of stubbies then he obtained his paper and pencils and did a caricature of both Liz and I which looked a bit strange however you could say this what he saw.
The rain had stayed away though it was cloudy and a chilly 18 degrees there has been enough ultra violet to charge the house batteries.
After our evening meal and watching a bit of television we went down to another camp and enjoyed their fire and their hospitality and then home to bed and our books.

Gathered around the fire last night Caricature of Liz and Jim

Monday the 25th of June
There is not much movement in the camps this morning. It rained during the night though not heavy enough to hear it on the roof of the motorhome. Unfortunately I did not push our chairs far enough under the awning last night and they are wet though will dry out no doubt. Across from us there is a camper trailer and they left everything out last night and its all wet not to mention the poor bloke in his swag sleeping in the open.
I went for a drive at 7-30 am and those on black soil will be in a bit of trouble if they want to move out this morning. Though it is not raining at the moment it is very overcast and there sure to be more rain.
A couple are moving on today though they have to go back to Charters Tower and have indicated they will get us today's paper and drop back in on there way north, this will allow us to check the football ladder etc.

Poor day around the camp Kettle on the boil
Our resident bird

We had our lunch and sat out by the fire even though it was drizzling rain ever so light. Then we had 45 minutes of entertainment with the antics of the couple that arrived who were trying to maneuver their caravan in the space about 30 metres away. It became that heated that they both started to use the F word in a very loud tone. At one stage the woman had a go of reversing though didn't last long. Then finally parked up and the fun was still continuing as they blamed each other for the length of time it took. I have to say I thought the bloke was in the wrong due his continual provoking of his wife. I was of the opinion that all he was doing was creating attention to himself. Then it continued for the rest of the afternoon so much so we hopped in the car and drove around the grounds and came across a few more Tassie's and we chewed the fat. We were able to find where people we knew were and who is travelling north.
Back to the camp and then we had our showers and decided even if the awning is wet we will move on in the morning for the forecast for the next three days is for more rain. We had another couple of Tassie's drop in to the camp and after they left I went over to the other camp area and found another four more Tassie's from Launceston. In all there were five Tasmanian couples staying at Fletcher Creek at the moment.
We elected to have cappuccino and cake for happy hour and we stayed in our camp due to the drizzle and read our books. It is a very popular area though we are surprised that caravans still come in after 6pm expecting to be accommodated. We had pork chops for our evening meal which were large and then settled in to watch tellie before going off to bed.

Driving into rain Back to single bitumen highway
Greenvale Roadhouse

Tuesday 26th of June
What a day it would turn out to be. We had breakfast and packed which included putting away a very wet awning for it was still drizzling rain. We hooked the Suzuki up and we were on our way at 8-30 am. The window wipers were on intermittent and there was not much traffic about that is until we reached the single bitumen highway it was a question of who would yield and go into the soft edges of the gravel. I for one was not inclined to do so for you could see where trucks had gone and became bogged. I received the bird a few times though I suppose them's the breaks. We were to see kangaroo hopping across the road and a small family of emu's a first on this trip.
The road ahead did not look any better and the clouds were threatening rain just more than the drizzle we were experiencing. We pulled into the Greenvale Roadhouse and even though it only 10-30 am we had a spring roll and a cappuccino each, the price of diesel was $1.69.9 a litre we didn't need it. We sat outside under the palms for the rain had now stopped though the clouds were not clearing and then back on the road to Mareeba. The GPS indicated that we had only 290 kilometres to go.
We were to run into new road work which had widened the road now to double lane and we were cruising along nicely. The scenery was improving and we were to see for the first time Droughtmasters cattle and a few brahmans. We arrived at the Oasis and as it was after 11-30am we had a pie under the jacaranda trees and watched the traffic go past. Now this when things went pear shape for some reason. We commenced our journey again and the GPS informed us that we should turn in 750 metres nothing wrong with that.

Onto gravel road & blue sky Deeper floodway
One of many floodways

I noted that the GPS now said we had 490 kilometres to go. So we took the turn and before we knew it we were on gravel which I baulked at. I checked the GPS and yes in the avoidance's I had ticked avoid unpaved roads. Here we were on a gravel road with no room to turn. I reset the GPS and it still told us to take this road for 74 kilometres as it wasn't a bad road we decided to push on. In all there were stretches of corrugations though we were able to still maintain 80 kph. One thing about it the scenery was magnificent and as we went along the road we struck a lot of dust in front of us so I called on the UHF and found we had a drill rig traveling in the same direction, he kindly pulled up and we went past thanking him for good deed. We finally completed the 74 kilometres and then the GPS told us to take a turn right towards Mount Surprise. We did this and the first thing we noticed was the sign that vehicles other than four wheel drives should have high clearance to travel the road. This put us off and as we went down a bank I saw room to turn so I parked up and walked down the road and found that there was a floodway with about six inches of water running at a fast pace over it. We turned back and went into the small town and came across a fellow camper who was going to try with his four wheel drive and caravan. We followed him and he crossed easily so we followed, now this road was only 34 kilometres long and it was to take us as long as it did to cover the previous 74 kilometres. We found more floodways with sandy or rocky bottom not nice. However, we laboured on the motorhome was taking it all in its stride though we will need to be careful when we open cupboards.
We finally arrived at the main road into Mount Surprise and it was single bitumen highway for most of the way. When we arrived we found the riders on their bikes in the annual Cairns to Karumba bike ride to raise funds for charity so needless to say for such a small town it was inundated with people and it took us nearly half an hour to get to the bowser for diesel the price? $1.58.9 the highest we have to pay yet. The temperature had risen to a warm 29 degrees with plenty of sun and blue sky's different when we left Fletcher Creek with drizzle and only 15 degrees. We moved on to our rest area for the night at the junction some 34 kilometres from Mount Surprise in a gravel pit along with ten other happy campers. We put out the awning and wiped the moisture as best we could and put it back in when dry and then lit the gas for the fridge and the gizmo that lights the gas will not turn off which is going to cause a problem no doubt. We figure we drove more than two hundred kilometres from our original plans. In all it has been a good day with some pleasant and not so pleasant surprises and unfortunately we cant show all the photo's of the beautiful countryside.
Kilometers travelled 443

Road through Rain Forest Colourful Rain Forest
Koombooloomba Dam and Floodway

Wednesday the 27th of June
We didn't sleep well last due to the humid night something we haven't been used to, though no doubt we will acclimatise quickly. We were our of bed by 7 am had our breakfast and then headed to the Highway for Ravenshoe. ("pronounced Ravens-ho")
It was only 117 kilometres up the highway so we are going to have an easy day. The traffic was light and we seem to be climbing again and it wasn't long before we arrived at Mount Garnet and pulled into the roadhouse for a cappuccino of course it wouldn't be right unless Liz had carrot cake and me two large chicken dim sims. You wouldn't want to know the price other than to know it makes the Epping Forest take away appear cheap. We noticed the price of fuel was cheaper by 10 cents a litre compared to Mount Surprise.
Back on the road and we were going through some fairly hilly country with plenty of bush land and rainforest. We arrived at Ravenshoe to set up at the Train Museum where for a gold coin donation you can stay free and use the toilets and showers.
We were waiting for a caravan to move out so as we would be on the grass and not the red soil, whilst waiting we noticed a Vinnies store across the road so over we went and checked it out without buying anything. Back and set up and it was time for lunch and wouldn't you know it a caravan pulled up behind me and by this action gave me no room to get out in the morning when I drew this to his attention he moved over 5 metres and blocked another motorhome from exiting.
After lunch we took a few photo's of the trains and then drove down to the Millstream Falls and walked down 350 metres to view the magnificent falls took some photo's and the camera told me that the memory was full. Oh no! I have done it again neglected to load the memory card so the photo's of Millstream area are in the internal memory of the camera with no way of me retrieving them.

Fog blanketing Tully Falls Falls coming down rain forest
Liz inspecting small falls

We drove back to camp retrieved the memory card and then decided to go out to the Tully Falls and the Koombooloomba Dam. It turned out to be a 70 kilometre return trip though it was well worth the effort though the Suzuki is just a mess due to us having to drive on 28 kilometres return of wet gravel road.
We started on two lane bitumen though once it cleared the houses along the way it became single lane and very tricky for the bends you could not see around and on one occasion we thought that we were going to have a four wheel drive vehicle in our drivers door he just missed us. Now what is a rain forest without rain of course is was just drizzle though it made the forest come alive with beautiful colours and dense bush. We were now in a National Park so there were plenty of walking tracks along the way which we ignored heading for the ? dam ( I am not going to repeat the name again)
The last section of 14 kilometres was gravel and when it wasn't corrugated it had large holes of the which you couldn't guess the depth due to them being full of water so this is why the Suzuki is splattered with mud and slush. The trip was well worth it for the water was spilling over the dam and they were also releasing a large quantity of water also. It may have a small hydro power scheme though we are not sure. There was spray even hitting the the viewing area where we were standing though the most spectacular place was on the small concrete bridge.
We started back most satisfied with the dam and the rain forest beauty and then we drove into the Tully Falls, However to no avail for there was to much fog and mist blocking the gorge though you could hear the falls tumbling. We had to make do with some small falls wending their way into the valley to the main falls.
We finally arrived back at our camp for the night tired though happy that we did the kilometres and took in the wonderful sights of the wet rain forest. We drove around the streets of Ravenshoe who boast being the highest town in Queensland and there are two hotels and the higher of the two boasts of being the highest hotel in Queensland.
We went over and had our showers and given that there in rain it is just a little humid we will watch local television tonight and you can be sure we will be in bed early and have a good sleep hopefully.
Kilometres travelled 117

Fog blanketing the Wind Farm Approaching Rain Forest
Highway through Rain Forest

Thursday the 28th of June
Out of bed at 6 am for I heard voices in the street and it turned out to be workers getting their breakfast from the local Bakery. I wandered the main street looking at all the buildings and the real estate on offer. The prices for what is on offer is pretty hefty I don't think we will be buying here even though it is a good community. I spoke with the cleaners of the amenities building and they were quick to tell me of the local politics especially the uproar when the Federal Labor Government had the rain forests placed on the heritage list plus national parks. Apparently they wiped out a lot of jobs in the area. The timber industry was large employer of locals who are now unemployed. Then later I spoke with the volunteer gardeners who were on the job at 6-45 am and they of course had the opposite view they were glad the forests were protected. This was all to much so early in the morning so back to the motorhome for breakfast.
The Suzuki was so dirty I went down to the showgrounds and used a bucketed water to clean the muck off and then chamoised off the paintwork. We cleaned up motorhome and hooked the Suzuki on and said our farewell to a few happy campers close to us and we were on our way.
Coming out of Ravenshoe the climb up was about 9% and I was back in third gear. When we reached the top we came across a wind farm shrouded in fog and slight drizzle we stopped and took a few photo's and looked down the valley under the fog and it was very pretty indeed.
We were noting the change in temperature it was still low though humid, then we travelled down through the gorges and rain forests which was really a treat. The bends could be likened to Poatina one moment and the St Marys pass the next which is the only way to describe the highway and again I was missing the exhaust brakes.
We were mainly in farm country some dairy and the other cattle producers.

Approaching Atherton
Sugar Cane near Mareeba
Liz using her washing machine

We came through many small villages and it was obvious to us that we were now in the tropics given the nature of the land. Then we came through Atherton which is both sides of the highway and the shopping centre and its building are very old. Down onto flat country before Mareeba and there were olive groves, avocados, sugar cane, peanuts and large banana plantations the area looks to be volcanic soil. We came through the town of Mareeba and then on the northern outskirts of the town we turned left and came across the Mareeba Rodeo Grounds which was advertising the Rodeo later in the month of July. When we pulled into the grounds it looked like a small city with all sorts of caravans, camper vans, motorhome's and 5th wheelers. Those in charge indicated there were 195 units on site. The charge is $15 per night and they could not let us store our motorhome for a period due to the Rodeo in a couple of weeks. So we decided to move on and see what we could find further up the road. We arrived at Mount Malloy and decided to refill with diesel in case we needed to push on as far as Cooktown. The cost was $1.55.9 cents per litre some 8 cents a litre dearer than Mareeba. Again them's the breaks. The going on the highway was easy though the GPS ran out of road once again and tried to recalculate quite a few times before coming back on line. We finally found a caravan park for $18 per night and if we paid for five nights then we could stop for seven. Now we have decided to stay first for four nights and as they will park the motorhome for free while we are at Cape York, on our return we will use the other three nights. What an obliging couple that run the caravan park they couldn't do enough for us. We can leave our frozen food from our fridge in their freezer while we are away and that will allow us to turn the fridge off. What an excellent park and nestled in amongst trees with power. When we set up out came the washing machine and straight to work I put up three clothes lines and Liz had no trouble filling those. It took longer than we thought for we had ten or more woman come and check the washing machine and they were suitably impressed with what they saw. We did not have lunch until 2-30 pm and would you believe it we are now both in shorts as it is humid. Luckily we are having happy hour with happy campers that have just returned from the Cape and their message is do not take to much fuel, food or groceries for all are in plentiful supply though take plenty of money. We cooked our evening meal outside and listened to the radio going inside to watch tellie around 8 pm and I am still in shorts and singlet. This is as far north as the motorhome will be traveling and no doubt "Speedybago" will looking for the rest while are away.
Kilometres travelled 169

 

Friday the 29th of June
Out of bed at 6 am for we have decided to leave early to do the tourist thing in the Suzuki . We had our showers and cooked our breakfast outside and enjoyed the early morning chattering of the birds. It feels strange to be sitting in shorts and singlet this time of the morning and all I did was throw a t-shirt on and we were away.
We dropped into the campgrounds at Mount Malloy and noted two Tassie's set up. Needless to say the park was full of happy campers and parked closer than at caravan parks. We took the turn off to Mossman and we noted the change in temperature as we came down off the plateau and wound our way down the mountain. The road was very twisty and the rain forest on either side of the road was spectacular. At one stage the forest cleared and gave a clear view of the beaches with mountains in the distance. There was a fog with a slight drizzle until we came down onto flat land that had sugar cane plantations either side of the road. It was warm and humid though the sun was not breaking through the clouds and fog.
We drove into Mossman and noted that the mainstay of the area was the Sugar extraction plant that was in full swing. There were both trucks and the nifty little trains carting many carriages of sugar cane in from the plantations. Though there was a lot of steam and smoke from the plant they burn the residue after they extract the sugar. The town itself is old and we did not spot a service station which we thought was unusual. There was not the shops or bank we required so we moved onto Port Douglas.
It was obvious as soon as drove in that the whole town is geared for tourism with resorts, holiday parks, caravan parks, hotels with 5 star accommodation etc etc. We were last here in 1999 and the changes have been enormous. When we went up to the lookout the first thing we noticed they have allowed housing on the lookout hill which detracts from the beauty of the area. We were surprised at 9 am to see so many people walking the beaches there were very few in swimming.

 

We left Port Douglas and decided to drive into Cairns for it was only another 70 kilometres away. The drive was good for the first 20 kilometres and then it wound its way around the shoreline and due to the tightness of corners we had to reduce speed to 60 kph. We came across roadwork's that held us up for ten minutes or so. The closer we came to Cairns the traffic thickened and there were roundabouts every 1000 metres which were really a pain in the pumpkin.
We did not recognise Cairns for awhile it has changed so much. We wound our way down to the waterfront and where were able to camp in 1999 it has become several marina's and they have locked the general public out of that area. The yachts and larger than normal yachts were plentiful and the names that we could see indicated they have come from overseas countries and whilst there the customs were checking a yacht that had just arrived from overseas.
We drove around the streets for awhile for it is hard to get a parking space especially near the mall. We drove into the Central Market Place and parked up and went into the complex to fill some prescriptions etc. We then walked the three blocks down to the mall and had a good look around and no matter where you looked there were restaurants and cafes and on street dining and the whole area is geared to tourism.
We came back and picked up the gear and then into the el cheapo shop displaying Chicken Feed posters and bought a few things then into Coles for sausages to cryovac for our trip to the cape. Then into the food hall and the old stand by for lunch and that was chinese. Liz had marinated pork and black bean beef with fried rice and I had chili squid rings and marinated pork with thai noodles. All very nice and plenty of it. Then we bought beer we noticed they were selling Boags Draft for $39 which is their standard price there were no purchases made of Boags for they were not cans. A couple of items at Auto Cheap and then we were heading back to the Speedybago. The traffic was thick and the roundabouts were a pain in the proverbial's. The sun had popped out from the clouds and the coastline looked great and at every cove there were people walking the beach or swimming. We wound our way up the mountain and when we reached Mount Malloy the temperature increased and there was not so much cloud, it seems to be hanging around the coastal area. Here we are sitting outside having happy hour and it is 5-30 pm and still in shorts and singlet and the sun looks like setting in another hour. Due to our large lunch maybe noodles in a bowl will suffice for our evening meal. We will watch the football tonight and then off to bed.
Kilometres travelled in the Suzuki today 245

Saturday the 30th of June
I do not know why it is that we seem to get out of bed around 6 am and today was no different. We had our breakfast outside where the temperature was quite warm and the birds were chattering away once again. We then started to pack the Suzuki and even though the advise was to not pack to much I think we have over done it once again. Speaking to those that have returned we can expect to spend more than we are would normally expect monetary wise. We have now decided to leave in the morning and not wait until Monday the reason being is the amount of vehicles that are heading in that direction. Many are local Queenslanders who are taking advantage of the school holidays and taking their family north to the Cape. Liz was to get the washing machine out and wash the sheets and other clothes and luckily it doesn't take a great deal of time in this weather to dry. Happy hour was great listening to the happy campers that have returned Cape and the expectations of those heading there shortly. So in essence we have had a lazy day. Liz was to listen to the Collingwood V Fremantle game which Collingwood won easily. Corned Silverside was cooked and left to cool off so we can place it in the Waeco for meals in coming days.
We had our evening meal outside in the cool evening air and back to packing. It is alright to pack its a case can we repack it the same way in the coming weeks;
We came inside and watched the Essendon V Western Bulldogs and the off to bed very tired.





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