Tues, 21st Aug, 2018 Bush camp by Dog Leg Creek to Mum & Dad’s, Cairns, Qld (exploring)

Cool crisp morning – no wind. Bob and Margaret up early to detect.

We enjoyed relaxing under the trees listening to the many birds. Magpie/butcher birds enjoyed my Cornflakes. I think the other ones is a bower bird. Two ducks landed in the creek but flew off by the time I got my camera.

Packed up after smoko and headed back out. Stopped at Adam Dam to chat with Russell (Steve met him a few years back). He was given the opportunity of caretaking this area for the Aboriginal group who have now been given Bonny Glen Station.

Lunch at the intersection with the Mulligan Highway. A couple of cars pulled in and asked advice on the road.

Down the Desailly Range – great view from this side.

Around a few bends to Bob’s Lookout. Got Bob to pose under the sign.

Rocks have become note boards.

I felt a sharp spike come through my thongs and then had to sit down on the rail for a while pulling all the bull head thorns.

Down the other side and on to Mt Carbine where a company is reprocessing the tailings dumps for tungsten. Only the pub and caravan park and a few houses left.

Got phone reception again and a heaps of texts came through for Steve’s birthday.

Stopped at Rifle Creek for a cuppa then continued through Mt Molloy. 

The remains of the timber yard’s boilers etc.

Past Lake Mitchell which is a man-made lake. A real estate chap from Cairns had created it as he had property up here he wished to subdivide. He put a road through from Wangetti Beach (north of Cairns) but the Main Roads said it wasn’t up to standard and they wouldn’t maintain it so the whole thing fell apart.

As we headed into Mareeba we noticed big wind turbines on the hills over Atherton in the distance. That’s new.

Lots of mango trees and sugarcane.

We did a hot air balloon flight over Mareeba for one of our wedding anniversaries – it was magical.

Past the turnoff to Chillagoe. They call it the Wheelbarrow Way as tribute to the miners who pushed their wheelbarrows of worldly possessions out to the mines etc.

I just love the mountain views.

Pulled into the Emerald Creek Roadhouse for Bob to get some fuel. I noticed a cairn and went to investigate. A memorial to all the families that opened up this area from 1931 to 1940.

Into the lush rainforest as we head past the turnoff to Kuranda (390m elevation).

Across the long bridge over the Barron River which is divided by an island in the middle. The falls and weir for the hydro system are downstream from here.

Lots of people at the lookout so we didn’t stop – looks like a beautiful day in Cairns.

At the bottom of the range is Smithfield and lots of traffic – turn round and head back to the bush!! Steve came up with a better idea for this intersection – should write a letter to the Main Roads!!

Another mountain shot as we pass through Caravonica.

Over the Barron River again as it heads towards Machans Beach to flow into the Coral Sea.

Need to get this for Greg and Katie who love Doctor Who. Also Clive and Rebecca need the number plate for their motorhome.

Down Reservoir Road with a view of the city high rises – lucky they aren’t too tall..

Turn off and up to Mum and Dad’s – home again. Hugs and kisses then we unpacked and put the washing on.

Margit and Isabelle called in for a catch up which was lovely. Lovely fresh eggs from her chooks as well.

Caught up with our friends in WA on what’s been happening in detecting world.

Mum ordered chinese for dinner to celebrate Steve’s birthday.

Cool evening.