1st - Packed up. Sunny clear blue sky. I had taken photos of our favourite paintings and had them printed and scanned. I blue-tacked them to the walls in the camper behind our chairs and on the shower door so we can take them with us. The swans didn’t come out well as they are supposed to be a lovely blue.
Said goodbye to our neighbour David and the housesitter, Niamh.
Left at 8.30am.
Stopped at the Crematorium to check out Dad’s plaque. Glad they are beside each other again.
Off we continued heading south. Steve commented that the boost gauge seemed to be playing up as it wasn’t giving the same reading as the other day.
Pulled into Babinda Rest Area for a cuppa. Time for a selfie - back on the road, well sort of.
As we headed off again Steve said the truck had no boost so maybe the gauge was working and something else is wrong. He pulled over at Mirriwinni and discovered a small vacuum tube had split - it was hidden so he didn’t notice it in his pre-departure check. At least that proved the gauge was working properly. Luckily he carries all kinds of spares and he quickly changed it and we were off again.
Turned off before Tully to visit Doreen. Her sister Lola was visiting as was Daureen’s daughter Margaret, husband Fred and their daughter. I gave Doreen the photos I had printed of Dad with Tommy as kids, young men and at Julie’s wedding with all the Brotherton siblings and one of Tommy and Doreen’s wedding that she hadn’t seen. Dad must have taken the photo. We had a lovely time chatting and listening to stories Doreen told of her early life in Millaa etc.
We said farewell and headed into town for lunch in the park near the Golden Gumboot. A chap from the caravan nearby came over and quizzed Steve on the camper and truck. They were just finishing a lap of Australia with their two young children.
Turned off the highway towards Hull and Tully Heads. Big fish at the caravan park which is in the middle of the road between the two rivers - Hull and Tully.
We drove down to Tully Heads first. Found this information at the first spot by Googarra Beach.
Looking north to Hull Heads then around to the south (4km beach between the two rivers). Beautiful calm day though the clouds have moved in.
Next info board about the islands around here.
Drove to the end of the beach and walked around to the Tully River mouth. I moved to close to the mangroves to take this photo and the sandflies found me. We didn’t stay long!
Walked back to the car - view down to some people fishing off the beach near the mouth of the river near a big sand spit.
Steve asked if I had taken a photo of the truck with the new boxes done and the camper on top. Just need the signwriting - will have to get that done when we get back in February.
Back out and around to the Hull River boat ramp and view to the mouth.
Found Lesley and Paul’s home. So great to see them both again. We had a cuppa and chatted about everyone and everything. Lesley was a big sister to us when we were little and living at Redlynch. I was one of Lesley’s bridesmaids too.
Paul shifted his tinny etc and Steve backed in. They had sold their big boat so there was plenty of head room for us. They were hit badly by Cyclone Yasi and had to rebuild - it was the force of the water coming in from the sea that did all the damage. There are a lot of empty allotments where the old cottages were before being washed away.
Lesley and I went for a walk along the beach - view back along Googarra Beach to Tully Heads.
To the mouth of the Hull River and the islands.
Looking back up the river to the boat ramp.
Lesley said the council built this platform for the kids to fish off - unfortunately since then the river has changed and the sand has built up.
We sat out the front for happy hour watching the Torres Strait Pigeons flying over the water heading to the islands for the night. The sea is so flat.
They have a heap of curlews too which the plovers were giving a hard time. Obviously these curlews having kicked their kids out of home yet like ours had.
Just after we finished our lovely dinner upstairs we heard the sound of rain. A heavy shower came down for about 10 minutes. Luckily we were undercover as we had the top windows all open.
2nd - Lovely sleep though the curlews woke us early with their calls rather than during the night. I should have got up at sunrise to take a photo as the sea is still so flat.
It was so great to see Lesley and Paul again. We will come back again and hopefully do some fishing too next time.
Headed off after breakfast. Sent a text to Kayleigh for her birthday.
Sky cleared and is lovely and blue again.
As we drove through Cardwell we noticed heaps of classic cars etc lining up along the foreshore so we found a park and walked back for a look. Sent off a photo to Dave & Wendy in case they were coming down and sent one to Malcolm that he would have liked. He sent back a photo of him working the field in Westbury!
Still lovely and calm here too.
A bit of history too.
Walked back checking out more cars.
This truck was parked by the road. Steve said it was like the ones in Mad Max complete with spiky wheel nuts.
This one has had a major transformation compared to the photos inside.
After a cuppa we headed off again. We get lots of looks as we drive along - shame we haven’t got the ‘geckos’ on the side. Steve is arguing with ‘Girlie’ again about speed limits - the Hema, not me.
We will have to hire a houseboat one day and explore around Hinchinbrook Channel.
Just for Mum - the lovely trees are in bloom as we near Townsville.
Lunch at the rest area near Pioneer Speedway before Ayr.
We were going to visit Nev and Carol who were holidaying at Groper Beach but they were home cooking up some crabs so we called in there for a cuppa. They haven’t changed a bit.
Travel takes longer now with all the reduced speed zones and heaps of road works. The section from Townsville to Mackay is just about continual road works - boy the Government has spent a lot of money recently.
Arrived at Dale’s in Mackay at 7pm. Chatted over a drink then went for a drive in his Falcon to pick up pizza. He has a few nice cars now. A heavy fog has set in and at one point it was hard to see the road - it was amazing to see. Even Dale was amazed.
We had a lovely night chatting and reminiscing.
3rd - Clear blue sky again - no fog this morning. A bit of condensation on the aluminium frame of the pop-top from the very wet air last night. Didn’t take a photo of ‘camp’ last night so I took it this morning.
Today would have been the Big Race at Bathurst but that has been postponed till December.
Ben’s birthday today so I sent off a text.
Dale flushed some water down his drain pipe and a huge green frog came out - he didn’t look happy about it either.
Dale took us to the showgrounds for a look at a Swap Meet which was also the Markets so we had a wander around. I found a couple of books and some fudge. Didn’t take long to get hot in the sunshine with a clear blue sky.
Had a cuppa at Dale’s then headed off again. We went back up the highway to the north and turned off onto the new Ring Road - which is really a bypass and we popped out near Baker’s Creek in the south. Unfortunately the council were ‘mowing’ mangroves or something along the edge of a bridge and so they closed down one lane and the traffic was banked up for miles. It was interesting listening to all the comments on the UHF channel - not happy, especially as it was the end of the school holidays so the roads were very busy.
We stopped at Sarina for fuel and had lunch. Steve fighting a gusty wind now which will knock the fuel economy about!
Pulled into Clareview for a look - the tide is out.
Cuppa at the rest area on the Malborough Stretch. Rick rang to say they had just bought a caravan - they were going to hire one to come down to Woodgate in December. It is a Jayco dual axle pop-top and looks in good condition.
More roadworks as we near Rockhampton though a lot has been completed from when we passed through last. At 5.30pm we pulled into Jeff & Lyn’s at Bouldercombe.
Parked in the big front yard.
Checked out some of the Desert Roses as we headed in for drinks and dinner. Jeff has graffed two colours onto one plant.
4th - The birds woke us up early. Cloudy. Jon texted that he and Annalise are home safely from their trip to Lakefield but unfortunately didn’t bring home any Barramundi. Jon lost a good one and Annalise caught a big Archer fish. He said they had fun.
There are more Desert Roses in the front yard and a big plot full of rosellas - ready to be made into jam.
Jeff dropped Lyn off to help with a special Bingo day fundraiser. We had a cuppa with Jeff when he came back then we headed off. The sky is clear again.
Pulled into the rest area beside the Calliope Museum and checked out the free camping area on the high side of the river. We liked the look of the other side better so we drove back out to the highway, crossed the Calliope River and turned off to head down to the lower bank side of the river.
We found a nice spot by the water. There are heaps of campers here already and it is only lunch time. I think a few have been here longer than the 48 hour limit too.
It is 35 degrees in the van but there is a lovely cool breeze at the moment so it is very comfortable. Steve got out our new chairs - first time we have used them. We had lunch in the shade of the big tree near us overlooking the river.
We went for a walk up to the high area where the toilet block is then back down the old Bruce Highway to the old bridge. I forgot my camera so I grabbed it and walked back to take photos. There is a boat ramp and you can see the new bridge we drove over further downstream.
The river is salty here hence there are ‘crocodile’ warning signs. Spotted some mullet swimming around in the water under the bridge. The water is still running out with the tide making nice waterfalls.
Before the bridge it must have just been a causeway as you can see what’s left of it under the bridge.
Some people were enjoying the cool water.
Steve got one of the books I bought from the Mackay market and enjoyed the shade the camper provides. Nice and cool in the shade.
I got my book and we relaxed for a while with our cuppas.
We walked back across the bridge to see if the tide had changed. Better croc sign on the other side.
Walked along the high bank checking out all the different camper rigs and chatted with a couple of people.
We liked this tree as the leaves looked so arranged around the berries.
Back to the camper for drinks, overlooking the water as the sun set behind the trees on the other side. A chap on a jet ski zoomed up and down then came back towing a length of timber behind him - bit wet for firewood! It is very tranquil here considering there must be over 60 camps here.
Had dinner then played cards. Somewhere a peacock is calling out - probably up at the Museum. Fish are flipping and splashing in the water as we climb into bed. I thought I heard the boof of a barra - wishful thinking Steve says.
5th - Cool morning and quiet. It is lovely looking over the water as we eat breakfast.
The girls started back at Tuckshop today. Sent them a text hoping they have a good day.
Walked down to the bridge again to see where the water height is - tide has come in and a few people where trying their luck. One chap said high tide was another hour yet.
Headed off. Through Gin Gin but instead of our usual path towards Childers then Woodgate we turned left towards Bundaberg.
Through a little town called Sharon. Was going to stop and get a photo under a sign but we didn’t see any so I got a photo of the service station sign. We will come back as there is Sharon Gorge to explore too.
Using the fuel app we found a cheap service station and filled up. Across the Burnett River on the old bridge. Managed to get a photo between the big cross beams.
We drove to the new RV rest area opposite the airport to have lunch.
Erica texted to say she was home again so we headed over. We pulled up opposite the house to assess our parking situation. Terry had pruned the frangipani tree ready for us so Steve backed under it and down the side of the house. There is a bit of a slope in the land so we decided to off-load the camper and just level it up.
Unloaded the bits and pieces we brought down from Cairns. After chatting for a bit Steve got to work putting up the handrail in the toilet - courtesy of Mum and Dad. No point wasting them at home now.
I hung the blacksmith painting up in the kitchen that Erica loved.
Erica has three other paintings of Mum’s.
Erica also treasures this one that Mum painted for her and Terry for their 50th wedding anniversary and Geoff Russell had made the frame.
There was also one from Val Russell which is lovely.
This is a cross-saw that Erica had painted depicting Albert Geck’s travelling sawmill.
We brought down the chairs into the shade created by the camper for drinks. The grass looks lovely and green thanks to a recent shower of rain. It is amazing how quickly grass greens up after rain from heaven in comparison to using water from the hose.
Erica is enjoying growing her desert roses too. Another job to do is to plant out heaps of seedlings.
Lovely evening though it has cooled off quickly. Had to close up the van when we went down for our showers.
6th - The temperature dropped to 14 overnight so we were a bit chilly in the camper. Luckily I hadn’t put the blankets away. There was condensation on the aluminium frame around the top of the pop-top and on the bottom section which I easily dried up with a hand towel. Will be something to watch out for when we are colder climates, especially if we have the heater on.
Greg’s birthday today - sent him a message as he will be a work. Will ring him later.
There is a good walking path across the road that goes up the centre garden between the two sections of Avoca Street. We put on our boots and went to one end and back which took about half hour. It didn’t take long to warm up in the sunshine. Up to 35 degrees forecast for today.
Terry and Steve started taking measurements to make some handrails for the two sets of steps out the back and the set in the carport. Erica said she didn’t need one for the front patio steps. Steve said “where’s Daniel” as he started welding it all together. He did a great job and Terry painted them.
Back home and the boys had the handrails up on the patio so Erica tried them out - she is very impressed. Simple but functional. I think Terry will be happy to have the support up and down the stairs as well.
7th - Steve and Terry continued with the rails in the carport and put it up. Terry then painted it.
Erica and I used some bleach to clean up the front steps and the letterbox. There is a hive of native bees in the bottom section of the letterbox. Erica wonders how much honey would be in there as they have been there for years.
In the cool of the afternoon I started cleaning the front wall of the shed with the bleach as the mould has embedded itself, amazingly it has come up quite well.
Rang Rick for his birthday. He picks up the caravan tomorrow, great birthday present.
Still cool at night but quite hot during the day in the sun.
8th - Dad has been gone for 2 months now. I messaged Helen and Phil to get their address in Brisbane. Helen rang back so we had a lovely chat and will pop in and see them in November.
Erica and I went off to Brothers for Bingo. No wins for us. We tried her favourite poker machine and had a nice win so we left with $44 in our pocket and came home for lunch.
After drinks I finished off cleaning the shed’s guttering and facia using our new ladder.
9th - I cleaned the lounge room and the display cabinet. Erica polished the timber furniture. I found a few treasures - Erica bought this china cabinet when she was 17 from where she was working; a piece of Huon pine from the sawmiller in Strahan, Tasmania - Erica was going to put a clock in the curved section; a vase that belonged to Erica’s mother, Beatrice Miller; a petrified mussel from Maranoa River, Mitchell and the pine cone that Terry climbed up the tree for in Mundubbera after he met Erica at a dance. He says he was mad as he was in his best clothes.
Brian sent us the photographer’s photo of the Geck family taken at Jodie & Bryon’s wedding.
Steve got on the roof of the shed and scrapped off all the leaves from the Silky Oak and mango tree as there is rain forecast for Tuesday. We also cleaned up the lawn locker roof. Steve cut down the trees at the back then they fixed the back fence where the tree had grown through it.
10th - We all piled into Erica’s little Getz to go to Shalom Markets. We picked up some fruit and veg and chatted to the chap Erica gets advice from for her desert roses.
Steve and Terry trimmed the trees at the front. They will do a dump run tomorrow.
11th - We all headed off for a drive to Bargara for morning tea. First we went to the Port on the Burnett River - lots of boats out of the water waiting to be refitted. Drove to the Basin of Burnett Heads where there is a man-made marina. Looking back down the Burnett River, out to the mouth then over the Basin.
We continued on to the old lighthouse next to the caravan park. It was relocated here when the new one was built in 1972.
Beside it is the old flagstaff.
Continued on till we met the ocean and Oak Beach but we didn’t stop. Turned off to Mon Repos to check out the new Turtle Centre - huge building. There will be a cafe soon but you have to pay now to see the interactive display etc. There was information boards we could still look at.
As it isn’t turtle season yet we could still walk down to the beach. We came here with the boys when they were young and sat for hours waiting for our turn to see a turtle laying its eggs. She laid them below high tide so Dan and Jon carried two eggs each further up the beach to a safe spot above high-tide that the rangers dug out. As we were walking back I saw lights further along the beach and the ranger said some hatchlings were heading down to the water. As it was midnight we asked if we could have a look so we joined the other group. Dan was given a torch and stood on the edge of the water to help guide the turtles into the water. It was very exciting but of course they can hardly remember now. Something for them to do with their children one day.
As we drove out Terry pointed out a rock wall that was built by the ‘Kanakas’- South Sea Islanders who were here in the early days as cane-cutters. All the fields around Bundaberg are covered in these rocks (volcanic debris from the Hummock) and had to be removed to so the land could be farmed.
As we headed for Bargara we could see the Hummock. It is the only hill in this area.
Bargara is a lovely tourist beach area. Years ago the beach was covered in all the black rocks and the council bulldozed them to make the beach and create the groins to keep the sand on the beach. We bought coffees and sat under the shelter watching the waves roll in - quite windy today.
I walked out onto the groin and took some more photos looking south then north.
There is a great park for the kids with a huge turtle, birds and fish. Terry said one time they came there was a chap climbing out of the turtle’s mouth with his swag - good spot to sleep for the night.
Continued along the beach front, passed the golf course where a ladies’ competition was being held. Across Moneys Creek - silted up so doesn’t reach the ocean now. Good shot through the back window of Erica’s car.
Back to the Hummock to the lookout.
Mackerel sky - Mum would say there is rain coming.
The Hummock also houses a lot of communication towers.
Monument to Bert Hinkler.
Interesting house as we came down the hill - made of shipping containers.
Back home again for lunch.
Rang Rebecca for a chat. She has been hard at work on her mosaic table top.
Mackerel sky thickened in the late afternoon. Forecast all week has been for rain tomorrow though it started as 1 to 15mm but now it is down to 1 to 4mm.
Played Skipbo with Erica and she won all the games - hope her luck continues for Bingo tomorrow.
12th - Woke to the sound of misty rain on our camper at 5.30am. Didn’t last for long.
Sky dark, thinking about more rain. Erica and I went to Brothers for Bingo. Met the other ladies she normally sits with. I had a win, getting the special - all the middle row but in the meantime I had filled in all the rest of the card so I won the full house too. $25 - wow. Shame I couldn’t do it for the $2000 card. No wins for Erica. A shower of rain fell as we headed downstairs to play her favourite poker machine. Her luck is back and we had a win straight off. We tried the one beside it and had a win on it too. Erica’s brother, Ronnie, arrived so he joined us and we had a fun afternoon playing the machines. Didn’t make a fortune but had fun. The sun is back out but with lots of clouds about and dark sky in the distance.
We picked up some groceries on our way home then stopped at the Cemetery to look at Terry’s sister (Barbara) and brother-in-law’s (Len) memorial plaque. The garden has been built up since the plaque was placed so it is a bit lost in the shrubbery now.
Margaret rang for a chat. All well over there, hoping to get away for a few days detecting.
A light shower of rain fell at dinnertime but nothing to really green up the grass again.
13th - We continued with our jobs - I cleaned the bathroom and Steve dug holes for Erica to plant a few plants. I helped her pot some desert rose seedlings.
Terry had showed me an old compass he acquired so I wrote out the story and took a photo. Trying to record the ‘special’ things they have.
An old butter churn from the Selmes side of the family.
Erica rolled around the verandah at her family home in Mundubbera on these. She said her Mother was having a fit when Erica was skating a week before her marriage to Terrry - “What if you break your leg!” Steve remembers using them too.
Erica mentioned about getting rid of their gem fossicking equipment as they won’t be doing it any more so I told her about putting it on Facebook Marketplace. We cleaned it all up and took photos and I posted the add online. Got someone straight off but they were only after the sieves.
Messaged Susan and Ross as they are posting up lots of photos of their travels into South Australia. So glad they are enjoying their caravanning lifestyle. A few other friends are travelling again now too. We are both looking forward to returning to our travels next year.
14th - Got an early message from a chap about the gem fossicking equipment so arranged for him to come after 10am. Steve and I have been doing our walks every morning for half hour.
I started baking Anzacs (Terry’s favourite) and date slice (Erica’s favourite) but I couldn’t get the oven to light in the camper so cooked them in the house. Need a gas-fitter but he was on the shed roof putting up a new sheet of iron with Terry’s help.
Stephen & Irene arrived and were happy with their purchase especially as Erica and Terry gave them all the details of how to use it all and where to go too. His father fossicked and cuts stones so they were wanting to give it a try too. She also has desert roses so Erica gave her some of the seedlings as she has so many. Lovely couple.
The sale inspired Erica to get out her golf clubs and clean them up to sell them too as she hasn’t played golf in years.
Dark clouds in the distance and we can hear thunder and saw some lightning but no sure it will reach us.
15th - Shower of rain this morning so no walk today. Thunder rumbling as we had breakfast with more rain.
Grey sky as we head off to Brothers for bingo. Had some close calls, 1 number to go etc and eventually I won a feature then a full house so won $30 which covered the cost of playing for both of us. We put $20 in a poker machine beside Erica’s favourite and won $43 so we pulled it out and left. We popped into Coles first for a few items and when we came out the heavens had opened with plenty of thunder and lightning. We dashed to the car when it eased and headed home.
The boys were out getting Terry’s eye test done for his driving licence renewal. The power must have gone off as the roller door wouldn’t go up but Erica had her house key so she went in and opened it from the inside as the power was back on. It rained heavily for 15 minutes then stopped and the sun came out. Another scud came over. All dry in the camper - at last all the vinyl is waterproof. Livio on Channel 7 said Bundy got 25mm.
Erica has been tumbling a heap of gemstones and a big topaz of Dad’s for the past week or so. We washed them off and it is amazing how clean they have come up. Dad’s topaz is clear on one end but fractured on the other now you can see it more clearly. She will put them in for more tumbling.
Enjoying a few games of Skipbo with Erica each night after dinner.
16th - Cool morning (17), needed my blanket! Beautiful clear blue sky again - hard to believe it poured rain yesterday.
Went to Bunnings for paint for the patio and steps of Woodgate house.
Steve finished putting in the extra bolts for the boxes Daniel made for the truck.
17th - Not as cool this morning but I was glad I had pulled up the blanket.
Went to the markets but no treasures to be found.
Stopped at Alexandra Park. They aren’t the usual ones from the 2 wars but from the 1880s and were to be used on ships of the colony. They were first installed in 1913 by the river, now 100 years later they are safe on high ground after the floods in 2013.
Terry is making good use of Dad’s walking stick now - I said ‘people give you more room too when you use one”.
The Alexandra Park Zoo has had a major refurbishment from when we used to bring the kids when they were little. Sadly years ago some terrible kids got in and killed a lot of animals. Terry was on the jury for the case. It is lovely to see the Council provide this zoo free for all to enjoy. There is a good variety of animals, reptiles and birds. The King Parrots were busy trying to make a family.
There is a long walkway down to the river.
Lovely Queenslander across the road.
Back home for a late cuppa.
Read books and pottered about.
18th - Dark clouds building as we did our daily walk.
The clouds are building and now there is thunder.
Steve and Terry headed out after smoko to pick up some things. The storm got closer so Erica and I decided not to go out. Just as well as the rain came down then for half hour. Wasn’t as much as the other day. By lunch the sun was out again.
Pottered about for the afternoon - enjoying our books too.
Wendy texted to say she and Dave have bought a campervan - Applause 500 and they will be picking it up in Bundaberg on the 1st of Dec. We will be back in Bundy then so will catch up with them and check it out.
19th - My darling Mum has been gone from this earth 6 months now but a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think of something to tell her.
Erica’s friend had given her this lovely verse which I found on her fridge door. It was so lovely I posted it on Facebook to share with my family and friends.
“Happiness is an inside job that comes from living our lives to the fullest and enjoying all the little things around us. Happiness is not money, nor job, nor house. Happiness is when you are satisfied to be you when you like the face in the mirror. Happiness is peace of mind.” Mum would have loved that one.
Clear blue sky again as we did our walk.
Erica and I joined her friends for Bingo at Brothers. No luck today - only got one feature win and I had to share the winnings so only got $2.50. Sadly Erica didn’t have a win again. The pokies weren’t much better - her favourite machine must have just paid out as it just gobbled up our money. Joined Ronnie for lunch and we played for a few hours on $10 each.
Dark clouds greeted us as we came out of Brothers so decided to leave the grocery shopping till tomorrow.
The storm moved on and didn’t get anything. Heard reports of big hail falling north of Mackay. Hope we don’t get any on our new camper.
The lorikeets are having a lovely time in the tree in the back yard. There is a baby who has a very annoying squawk!
Erica’s Desert Roses are blooming well.
She has a seed pod on her ‘triple’ flower plant which she is very excited about.
This one started with all white flowers but after a few days in the sun the flowers are getting a pink tinge.
Each night after dinner I read a few more ‘funnies’ from Dad’s very big collection. Erica will keep some to give to their newsletter editor for the caravan club. I found this lovely verse too.
20th - Lovely clear sky again today but more storms predicted.
After lunch started packing up ready to head down to Woodgate tomorrow.
Late afternoon the clouds started to build again.
Rang Greg to see how things were going. All good at the house.
Played Phase 10 again. Probably the highest scoring game ever. I had 310, Erica 375 and Steve a whopping 800.
21st - Loaded the camper onto the truck and helped Erica and Terry load the ‘Getz’. We headed off to Sugarland as the battery in the camper legs decided to die and it was a special little one. Took 3 stores to find one. Got some shorts for me and Steve from Big W too. We headed out of town to try out the Ring Road instead of the usual way Erica & Terry take to get to Woodgate. Nice and open so no traffic or lights etc to deal with.
Turned onto the Goodwood Road and headed to Goodwood then turned left onto the Woodgate Road. As we neared the railway crossing we noticed cars turning around etc as there was a train on the track. A railway employee told us that diesel/electric engine had died and spilt diesel etc out of the engine so they were waiting for a new engine from Bundaberg. But first they had to wait for the tilt train to pass. Luckily this is the site of the old Goodwood train station so there was a bypass line for the train. Unfortunately he didn’t get far enough along so the last wagon was blocking the road.
We pulled up with lots of other people and got out our chairs, made a cuppa and prepared to wait a few hours for the road to open again. They are saying it could be 6 hours! I rang Erica hoping they were ahead of us and already at Woodgate. She didn’t answer so I tried the neighbour Ann. She answered and she was standing there chatting to Erica. I explained what happened and would see them when we were allowed through.
The police arrived. We watched as they went through a gate on the south side and then under a tunnel to the other side. When I walked over to take photos the policeman was explaining to a new arrival what has happened. I asked if the tunnel could be used by the waiting public and he said no as it has gone sloppy already with the few rail vehicles and himself that had used it. A bit later on though we saw a ute with the trailed (only had one gas bottle on the back) come through from Woodgate - must the Mayor to be allowed that special privilege. Not long after that another 2 wheel drive came through - this is why people get upset when it is one rule for some and one rule for others. Luckily we weren’t in a hurry to go anywhere. I made lunch. The Tilt train came by and someone said the other engine should be here about 1pm.
We were parked in front of a lovely place, sitting under the big tree in the front yard. The chap who owned it came over to see what was happening as had just got home. We explained and then got chatting. He was a lighting expert for shows etc and of course hasn’t had any work since Covid stopped all the events. The house is the Station Master’s home and was built in 1902 - though only one story then. He has some memorabilia etc and is planning to get some train carriages to provide some accommodation etc. Steve mentioned that his cousin Rodney had some which might be going cheap. The Goodwood Station is now at Hervey Bay Museum.
We heard some noises coming from the engine. I walked up to see if the other engine had arrived. We don’t think so but it moved so maybe they got it going again. Everyone jumped in their cars and lined up. We weren’t rushing as there were lots backed up the road. We headed off at 1.30.
Turned onto the Esplanade for the first look at the beach - Steve won’t use the bypass as he says “what’s the point of being at the beach if you don’t look at it”.
Erica and Terry were having their lie-down so we parked up the in back yard and set ourselves up. Terry came down to watch. We put up the 4 awnings - 2 shade-cloth and 2 canvas.
The neighbour across the road is moving and had posted a heap of things to give away on the ‘We Love Woodgate’ Facebook page which Maralyn sent to me last week. Only the white plastic chairs were left which is what I wanted! Chatted with Sam when she came back. They have been renting the place for a couple of years but it has sold and their house hasn’t started being built yet. Luckily the neighbours are letting them move in their as they hardly use it anymore. Even though they are moving next door there is still a lot of work in packing it up and sorting out what they want etc as well as working and having kids to organise.
Sent the boys a photo of the beach before we went for our walk. The beach has changed shape again after recent storms. Lots of little shells exposed up high.
The tide is out so we wandered on the flat wet sand with the waves rolling over our feet. Spotted some blue bottle jellyfish so moved out of the water. Picked up some rubbish to put in the bin - will have to remember to take a bag with us on our walks to keep the beach clean. Passed 6 dead black birds on the water’s edge too - dead by storm, worn-out flying - who knows. We walked back along the paved pathway so we could find a bin to drop the rubbish into.
Phil and Brenda were chatting with Erica and Terry under the house when we got back.
Easy dinner tonight - pizzas then cheesecake & ice-cream and a game of Phase 10 - Erica won this time.
Full moon tonight.
22nd - Slept in till nearly 7 - must be the sound of the waves. I have been waking at 6am each day at Bundaberg.
Went for our walk along the boardwalk to the Post Office - the tide is in this morning.. Chatted to the lady we sat with yesterday when the train had broken down. They have a good site in the van park.
Dark clouds are building - Tiaro had hail the other day. Hope we don’t get any as I don’t want our truck and camper dented just yet!
I joined Erica, Ann, Brenda and her friend for Bingo at the Bowls Club. They all had a win - I couldn’t win a trick. Got down to 1 number a couple of times but no joy. At least Erica won enough to cover the cost of her and my tickets - she always pays for me!
I have been sorting through photos I took of Mum and Dad's cards they gave each other - so lovely. Found this verse too.
Steve and Terry have been hard at work sanding the steps. Next will be the patio so it can all have a paint job next week.
Went for a late walk - the tide was still up so stayed on the boardwalk.
Erica had a big win at Phase 10.
23rd - Nice walk again this morning on the boardwalk.
Steve looked at moving the filleting shelter to the back of the house so we can have more ‘van’ parking room at the back. Unfortunately the clothes line will hit it so they decided to move it to the side of the lawn locker.
Erica had won it in a competition years ago. One Christmas we plaited palm leaves with Margit and made a new cover for it. The palm trees have been removed so it is just shade-cloth now. Got these photos off Erica & Terry’s brag wall.
Phil and Brenda called in for a chat so he helped the boys with the filleting shelter too.
David and Amanda arrived. Chatted for a while then back to work. Steve and Terry pulled the old filleting table out. The water had been cut off to it years ago. A lot of fish have been filleted on these boards. Another old photo of the board when I would come down at Easter time with the boys were they were young (Mum came one year too). Terry and I would have wonderful time fishing while Erica & Mum looked after the boys. Erica made the best battered whiting fillets.
David and I got down a big round post that had washed up on the beach years ago and they will cut it to make the new posts for the filleting table as the old ones had rotted away.
Sam put out some more things to give away - Erica spotted a lamp which still works but the base is a bit rusty and a rectangular table that we could use for jigsaws. There was a small glass picnic table that was rusty which was perfect for Erica to pot her plants on back in Bundy so we grabbed that as well. Nothing like ‘recycling’.
Cleaned up Erica’s front garden and planted a flower she brought down from Bundy. Trimmed the Jade tree and dropped off some with roots to the lady down the road who called in yesterday to ask for a cutting. She was most grateful.
Nice dinner and chatting - plenty of old stories being tossed around. Should have had my recorder on!
I had a win at Phase 10 tonight.
24th - Very still morning - such a change from the strong winds last night.
Started painting the edges of the patio and steps with Steve and David did the rest with the roller.
David had brought his old stove here as they put in a new one. Amanda cleaned it up but we won’t be putting it in just yet as Erica doesn’t need it yet. We will keep it for ‘later’.
A light breeze has come up. We sat out the back in the shade chatting over a cuppa with Ann from next door.
Jon and Annalise are up the Dam having a nice time in their boat with the dogs.
Steve is wearing one of Rick’s concrete business shirts so I sent him a photo.
After lunch the boys put another coat on the patio and steps. Steve will put another coat with grit in it tomorrow morning to make the steps non-slip.
We all heard the thump thump of a helicopter and looked up to see 2 Chinooks pass overhead quite close to the roof tops. I didn’t have my camera but we then heard another one so I ran down to the beach and got two photos of it as it passed over just the tops of the pine trees along the beach.
David and Amanda headed back to Maryborough.
25th - Steve put the grit in the paint and gave the steps another coat to make them non-slip. I cleaned the white timber rails downstairs.
He and Terry headed off in the truck to Bundy to pick up the new springs for the truck.
Erica and I worked on our computer - she is putting photos together for the last 3 grandchildren’s 21st albums. I started writing up my travel diary from when I was 18 and went to Thredbo by myself. There is also my trip to New Zealand that I won for Miss Cairns and the Carnival of Flowers in Toowoomba trip with Helen (Miss Fun In The Sun). Round the Coast trip in April 1985 with Steve. A trip to Alice Springs and Ayres Rock for Aust F500 Championships in March 1986 and a trip to Cape York in Sept 1986 with Graeme & Ann Robins (we met Graeme on our honeymoon at Great Keppel Island). Funny reading my notes and it is bringing back lots of memories.
A big storm brewed inland which brought clouds and thunder to us. It started sprinkling about 2pm which cooled things off. The boys came back. The new Water Watch filter Steve ordered had arrived too which was handy.
Started planning our meanderings south for November. Rang Roald and Joan to catch up with them.
Rebecca sent a text that she was booked in tomorrow morning for her second hip replacement. Hope all goes well. Clive has been busy painting the bedroom and putting in built-in cupboards. They have bought new beds too - the motorised ones that bend to make it easier for her to sit up in bed etc while she recovers. She sent a photo of her table - nearly finished - just needs another flower and then the tiles grouted in. Well done. The builder has started on the verandah too so it will all be lovely for them in the new year.
The rain is now just a light sprinkle so Steve decided to start on the springs. Nearly got one side done when the rain started heavier so he gave up.
Luckily the boys got the painting finished. Just the posts need a fresh coat now. More jobs to be done so a list is being made to do them in December.
26th - Overcast morning. Mrs Roo and her joey were nibbling the wet grass beside the camper.
Went for our walk. Steve continued working on the springs, I went back to typing up my old travel diaries.
Steve did well with the new springs then put the old ones into the lazy axle. I helped Erica clean out the downstairs cupboard, slowly ticking off the jobs.
The sun has come out so I did washed some sheets and towels that we found in a cupboard.
After lunch we took the truck for a drive to settle in the springs. Dark clouds are building inland.
Headed southward to Walker’s Point on the Burrum River. There are a few houses here and they now have a nice new boat ramp. View to the mouth then back around up the river. Rain in the distance.
Bit of information near the toilet block.
Lovely wrap on this chap’s truck.
We drove along the front of the houses - two thong trees and a third one is being started.
On the other side someone has made a beautiful garden beside the bush.
We headed back out then turned into the National Park and followed the sandy track down to Burrum Point campground. Only put the truck in 4WD towards the end as the sand was wet from the rain and he still had the tyres pumped up. A couple of campers there. Found a footstool like mine - just needs a wash.
Still a lot of burnt trees from the big fires in 2019.
We headed to the beach then onto it.
Headed northwards to Woodgate. Took a few corners before we got around to seeing Woodgate’s pine trees in the distance. You can continue along here and go back to Woodgate at the southern end of the esplanade.
We turned back - looking towards Hervey Bay.
Looks beautiful.
Looking across the mouth to Burrum Heads.
Headed back out then back to Woodgate. Took the back road down to the main road in then turned north towards Theodolite Creek. We used to come here with the kids pumping for yabbies to dry in salt and use for bait for the whiting. This area has silted up and is quite muddy now.
We walked around past the old boat ramp that has all but disappeared.
I spotted a sting ray in the shallow digging holes for yabbies. Long straight tail.
Further along is the new boat ramp.
Scanned around. I bet he has good midgie screens living right beside the creek.
Walked through the trees to the other side where the mouth is.
Back to the car park and the lovely picnic area. Certainly has changed in the last 10 years.
There are lots of Cypress Pine here that has grandad’s beard hanging off it. Terry told Steve about a special gum tree (called Goodwood Gum) that only grows within 50km of Goodwood that they discovered when he was working with the Forestry so they stopped cutting them down.
Headed back past a few houses that are the only ones with beach front - everyone thought they were made buying there as on the other side of the road is the paperbark swamp. Now these houses would be worth a lot.
Stopped at the main boat ramp - looking back towards Theodolite then back up Woodgate Beach. We used to use the tractor to put the boat in on the beach out from where the house is. Times have changed.
We went back out across the drain of the paperbark swamp to the newer estates. There are more allotments being prepared. Word is there will be a Woolies here in a few years. Aah the changes of progress. At least we have a fabulous location for the Geck family to enjoy and will be keeping it as a simple beach house for the future too.
Found a lovely home with a Jacaranda and Flame tree in bloom - Mum would have loved this.
Back home for smoko. Steve and Terry cleaned out the drainage pits - found two little sand crabs in one.
Sky has cleared up and there is a lovely gentle breeze.
I have been cooking dinner in the camper as we haven’t been upstairs so the steps and patio can dry completely.
After cards we headed back to the camper for our cuppas and to read our books. Enjoying James Patterson and David Baldacci books. We heard continual thunder rumblings and looked out to see the sky lighting up in the distance. It appeared to be coming closer so we closed the camper door etc just in case. In the end only a light shower passed over us.
27th - Headed off for our morning walk. Came back and got my phone so I could take a photo of perfect Woodgate to put on Facebook.
We sat under the she oak on the abandoned chairs and enjoyed the view. Terry wandered down - good to see he is using Dad’s walking stick. Then Erica arrived so we sat and watched the little waves roll in commenting on which one is the 7th wave that we used to wait for to launch or land the boat on the beach.
After lunch I fixed my wind chime. Rebecca had given me some very fine line to use. It is all good again to travel with us a few more years. I had it out each time we pulled up for the night. Lovely tingle.
I am having a lovely time reading my diary. Started on my New Zealand trip I did in 1982. Bringing back wonderful memories.
Another Chinook came over heading back north. Snapped a photo as he flew over us.
28th - Lovely walk again - went the south way this time. Sea not as calm today.
Did some tidying up then started packing up to go back to Bundaberg.
Leo called in - he and his late wife Lorna lived here. Erica & Terry did the Canning Stock Route trip with them so we had a wonderful time listening to them reminiscing.
After lunch we packed up and headed back to Bundy. Parked down the side but not all the way back this time as we are only here for a few days, we are leaving the camper on the back.
Erica’s Dancing Ladies are blooming well and her white Desert Rose flowers are all tinged with pink now they have been out in the sun. They go back to white if she puts them inside.
29th - Continued with our morning walk.
Pottered about doing a few more jobs.
I prepared my blog ready to upload - changing my computer has been a problem as I don’t have the same photo program so I takes a lot longer to crop and shrink them.
30th - Went to Hinkler Place to get more documents witnessed by a Justice of the Peace and do some shopping.
Watched the Supercars race in Sydney for a night race - good so see it all happening again. They will race in Sydney for the next two weeks then the last race will be Bathurst which has been postponed back to December 5.
31st - Erica and I went to the markets for a few vegies while the boys went to Bunnings to sort the gas bottles out for Terry. We need one for the stove David pulled out of his place - gas top and electric oven. We will put it downstairs so we can do all the cooking down there over Christmas.
Two races this afternoon for the Supercars at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Very windy afternoon.
After dinner I uploaded this blog while Erica and Stephen played cards and Terry did the washing up - doesn't like cards that much! I had to giggle listening to Mother and Son having a card game battle.
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