1st - Had breakfast and headed off to Bundaberg to have a last cuppa with Erica and Terry.
Erica gave me some desert rose seeds for Jeff and some little plants and seeds for Kaylene. Erica is very happy with the hair cut I gave her.
We headed off. Topped up with diesel first - the price has been climbing, 159.9c/l now.
We headed out of town towards Sharon but decided to turn off and go up to 1770 as we haven’t been there for years - before kids!
First we made a 2km detour down to the Kolan River and Faulkner Park for lunch. A couple came down for a swim to I asked if he knew where the river came out and he said Miara.
I found Miara on the map so we headed back to the main road and then turned east towards Yandaran and then 12km on to Miara. We found the boat ramp and someone’s shack on the river. The mouth isn’t far away.
The caravan park is right on the water so we parked outside and walked in for a look.
Lots of permanent camps here so the fishing must be good. We walked to the beach which is still on the edge of the river and we could see out to the mouth.
Back out to the main road and on to Agnes Waters. Lots of houses covering the hill. We couldn’t see where the beach was so we continued along the road then found a sign for Chinaman’s Beach. I saw not suitable for caravans and then we noticed the steep descent down to the beach.
Oh well - another test for the little motor in the Nissan. We parked and made a cuppa. There is a building in the middle of the turnaround and a big concrete tank in the ground at the top of the beach - septic?
Had a walk through the rocks which looked glazed - might be from the sand and water washing over them - no shells.
‘Smokey’ went up the hill no worries. We drove back to Agnes Waters and found a little for the town beach but no room for us so we continued on to 1770 - famous for being where Captain Cook landed in May 1770. We stopped a the boat ramp for a view over the water which is Round Hill Creek which flows into Bustard Bay (named after the birds, of course).
I saw a sign with a big map so I walked along to that while Steve turned the truck around.
A better view up the creek area.
I noticed a pathway around the toilet block and followed it around to a lovely grassy picnic area. Some information too.
Nice view around to the mouth.
I thought Steve had followed me but he had stayed in the truck so I walked back. Looking up Round Hill to the towers in the distance.
We followed the road around the base of the hill passing the van park that we both remember being at sometime before we had kids but we can’t remember when. We stopped at James Cook’s monument cairn. Walked down the track to check out the view.
Continued around the hill to the Round Hill Headland car park. Another bustard info board.
We followed the path to the ocean side and Wave Lookout.
Up the steps and along the path to the end where the beacon sits.
Time for a selfie.
Very rocky but the cactus is growing well.
Followed the track around to the ocean side - someone is down there fishing. Steve spotted a long pole on the rocks - looks like a very long gaff to pull up the fish with.
Looking up the hill.
A memorial to a few young men - Steve remembers a trawler sank around here. I looked it up and it was the ‘Dianne’ (sea cucumber trawler) which sunk in Bustard Bay in Oct 2017. Sadly six men lost their lives.
We drove back down and back through Agnes Waters and back to the main road and through Miriam Vale. Continued on to the free camp beside the Calliope River. Found a nice spot with water views and settled down with our drinks and books as the sun started setting.
Sent a text to Erica to say where we got to. Roald texted that he and Joan had arrived home safe.
Had dinner and played games with the fans on as it is very still and hot tonight.
2nd - Must have had a sprinkle of rain early this morning as the windows and our thongs were wet. Heard on the radio that Brisbane was it with a wild storm. Rang Leanne to see if they were ok - all good there.
Continued on towards Rocky but turned off first to Bouldercombe to visit Jeff and Lyn. I gave Jeff the desert rose seeds Erica gave me - she is hopeful they will be triples. Enjoyed yummy home-made pikelets with Jeff’s mulberry jam and lots of chat. Lovely to see them both again. We are all dreaming of WA opening up so we can get back over there again and find some ‘yellow’ stuff.
Very windy as we continued north. Stopped for lunch at Clareview - the tide was in for once.
60k/h roadworks nearly all the way from Proserpine to Bowen which slowed us up. No free camps either and the one at Proserpine only opens for the winter months. We kept going through more roadworks. The sun was just setting as we arrived at Guthalungra free camp. Nice picnic area but by the road so it is a bit noisy and they have big bright lights! Oh well can’t complain - at least it is free.
There was one other van there and Steve had a chat with him while I got dinner ready. He has bought a house at Mt Carbine for $220,000 - hope he has been there before. His van was in need of a lot of work too.
Steve gave me a flogging at Skipbo - 4 games to 0. Hot night but we are comfortable with our fans.
3rd - Lots of trucks zooming by still when we went to bed but we slept through the rest of the night ok.
Forecast is for rain Townsville north.
Photo of our overnight camp at Guthalungra.
Across the Burdekin River - lots of water in it.
Into Townsville to pick up our new detectors then down to the Strand. We decided to go around to Rowes Bay but ended up driving to the end to Pallarenda. There are no signs about the islands but looking at the map this is Magnetic Island and the one in the distance is actually mainland - Cape Cleveland. We were very confused as we spotted a ferry and it looked like it was going to the other ‘island’!!
Then around to Townsville port and Castle Hill.
Headed back to Rowes Bay township for lunch - lovely big figs line the Esplanade. Nice breeze blowing over the water which made it comfortable to sit outside under the shade shelter otherwise it is pretty hot and humid.
Looking back to Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park which has a historic quarantine station (1915) - another place to come back and explore.
Looking across to Magnetic Island.
Interesting sculpture further down the beach.
They certainly managed to cram some houses on Castle Hill slopes. Check out the one on the far left - wouldn’t want to drop anything off the deck!
Stopped for fuel out of town - the fuel app is a great travel accessory. Saves a lot of money too knowing where to get the best price.
Interesting blue tree nearby.
Stopped for a cuppa at Cardwell. Dark clouds on the mountains but the sun is still out as we head north. No rain like the BOM predicted which is good for us.
Feels like we are nearly home when we see Bartle Frere and Bellenden Ker and we can see them too which is a change since it is supposed to be raining!
Into Babinda and along to the Boulders free camp. Only a couple of other campers here so we chose a spot under the trees.
Went for a walk to check out the creek and spotted a bag on the road. I took photos to prove where we found it. They must have put it on the top of the car when they left and it slid off. It must have just happened as it is dry and clean.
Walked along with it out in case someone was looking for it but no luck. Checked out the water - lovely and clear. We had expected it to be higher from the recent rain we heard about.
We heard some cars come in so went back out to see if they were looking for the bag. Went back to the camper and plugged in the phone to the aerial to get a signal but only enough to send a text. Sent one to Erica and to Greg saying we were here. I tried to search for the police phone number but couldn’t get internet. Next minute the phone rings and it is Greg. He and Tracy were going away in ‘Pat’ for the night so decided to come down and join us. I told him about the bag so he will check with the police what to do.
Greg and Tracy arrived and set up in the next bag. The police were no help on the phone and the station in Babinda closed at 4pm so we will just drop it off there tomorrow when we leave. Had a great time chatting then had our dinner together. A mist of rain fell then we heard a loud noise heading our way and it was the rain hitting the trees. Got inside before we got wet. We settled in with our books for the evening with the pitter patter on the roof.
4th - Greg and Tracy said the rain stopped after half hour last night so they went for a walk to the water - we thought it was still raining with the drops on the roof.
Took a photo of them with ‘Pat’ - so great they are enjoying getting out and seeing things.
Headed into Babinda and I took the bag into the Police Station. The lady behind the counter said she had had two calls already from a lady who lost her bag so she will be very happy to get it back. I left my name and number.
The Pyramid came into view - nearly home. Stopped at Greg’s place to pick up the keys for the Corolla so we can move it out and drop off the camper in the driveway. Greg sanded back a table from Millaa house that we found downstairs, the white ants had had a feast. Came up well with interesting other markings now from the white ants.
Called into Tolly Signs so they can do a final measure for the gecko stickers.
Back up to Mum & Dad’s place to park in the driveway again for another month or so. Plants have grown with the recent rain but we are in and setting up the awnings for the predicted rain. Still hot and humid.
Ruby, the lady who lost her bag, rang me but it was not a good signal but she was so thankful and wanted to send me something. I said her nice words were thanks enough. She sent me this photo too which was lovely.
Went out to Kaylene and Ricks for drinks and dinner. It is very still then the wind picked up and we heard thunder. A storm cell passed over but not much rain. Some great bolts of lightning as the storm headed out to sea.
5th - Back home to the rooster crowing all night long and the curlews calling outside the camper during the night - nature such a wonderful thing.
Went up to Jon and Annalise’s for morning tea to sample some cupcakes she got from the lady who is making the engagement and wedding cakes. Lynda was there too so we had a lovely catch-up.
Jon has been busy chopping out palm trees - he is certainly enjoying his home. He has started on the electric gate for the front by putting up the brick pillars.
Showers of rain came across but not much up here but it is great to see how it travels across Cairns with their fabulous view. It has cooled things down a bit which is nice.
6th - Busy morning tidying up and sorting out things in the camper. Showers of rain then the sun comes out making it quite sticky.
Greg continued with his work on the front steps.
Dave and Wendy called in after lunch for a chat which was lovely.
Drinks with Pete at Jon and Annalise’s then we enjoyed a delicious fish curry using the fish Jon caught when he went out with Pete last year. I grabbed a bag of mackerel to take home too.
7th - Aah the rooster is crowing all night again. David said yesterday his days are numbered. He has lost his hens to snakes recently so will have to start all over again.
Handed in the number plates off ‘Smokey’ so we can put our personalised ones on. Did our shopping - bought new walking shoes as Steve’s had fallen apart at Woodgate with all the walking I made him do.
2G3CK0 in green to match the green geckos going on the camper.
Tried out our new shoes walking along the Esplanade boardwalk. Mine gave me blisters so will go back to Athlete’s Foot and see them.
Enjoying watching the amazing athletes at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
8th - 6 months since Dad passed and now we are back in their house feeling them both around us.
Woke at 5.30am to the sound of a car roaring up the street. It zoomed up onto the hillside land where we used to park the van and camper. I put on lights as we are parked in the driveway and the car realised it couldn’t go anywhere so it turned around and zoomed back down the road - stolen obviously. I hope the owners get it back in one piece. Silly me though, I didn’t take the usual care coming down the steps and slipped but luckily I just whacked the back of my left arm and my right back - will see what bruises I get tomorrow.
Steve cleaned the dead bugs off the camper ready for the Geckos and footprints next week. When we were coming through a 40km/hr worksite just north of Innisfail (at the start of an overtaking lane) a few cars roared past us and flicked up a rock. It went bang but we didn’t see any crack. Today though a ‘nice’ crack is creeping down from the start right at the top of the windscreen on the driver’s side. I rang Club 4x4 who we are insured with and they arranged a new windscreen for us as we chose to have one free one per year. Unfortunately we are only at the beginning of that year so hopefully we don’t get any more. We had one when we first started out in 2014 and got a rock on it in the first week! But it didn’t impede the driver so we continued on till we came home in 2018 and had the windscreen replaced after it had been through the hail storm in Leonora and was all pitted. Not bad for being on the road all the time.
Took my shoes back and the lady at Athlete’s Foot was very helpful and gave me a new style to try which felt a lot better.
Posted our old detectors up on Facebook Marketplace to sell.
Went for another walk but this time just around our streets and my new shoes are great. Steve likes his too so we are all good for hiking up the gorges etc if we can get onto the Gibb River Road in May.
9th - Nice day pottering about. Sunny but not too hot or humid. Steve did the oil change on Smokey then the new bit for the transmission arrived so he will put that in tomorrow while he waits for the chap to come and replace our cracked windscreen.
Susan and Ross became grandparents again. Jessica and Michael had a lovely daughter, Chiara Anne.
10th - Got up at 6am and picked up Wendy for a long walk along the Esplanade all the way to the Airport Access Road. Good try out for my new shoes.
Back to Wendy’s to use her sewing machine to turn the gecko print sarong Erica & Terry gave me into a poncho to wear over my togs on the cruise. I had also bought a new quick dry towel in Childers that Wendy had shown us but it is too big. Cut it in half and sewed up the edge so we have one each and it will be much lighter and less bulky than normal towels for our walk into the gorges in the Kimberleys.
The chap came and put in the new windscreen. Steve got to work putting the new transmission thing in.
In the afternoon I picked up Kaylene and we did the walk along Freshwater Creek - getting lots of exercise.
Steve happy with the truck’s transmission upgrade.
11th - After lunch Jon rang to see if we had heard from Dan as Rion (Jon’s tenant) rang to say there were two ambulances, police and fire brigade there this morning. I rang Dan and he answered cheerily so that was a good sign. He said it was the taxi depot next door. A taxi zoomed in early this morning hitting his fence then going around the back of the depot and running into the fence there. Apparently the guy was very drunk and naked! Wow - bit of early morning excitement.
Cuppa and cheesecake at Rebecca’s to celebrate Clive’s birthday tomorrow. Sat out on their new patio to enjoy the breeze.
Drinks then pizza on the Esplanade with Kaylene, Rick, Steve & Sandra. It was lovely and breezy and so nice to be out with friends.
14th - Heavy shower of rain this morning. More showers on and off.
15th - Woke to heavy rain but all good in the camper with the canvas awnings.
The sun came out about 9.30 so I went down to see the girls at Tuckshop with some of my date slice to have morning tea with them. They are all doing well and the kids are buying well so they were busy. Caught up on the latest news etc then left them too it.
Did some groceries then home for toasties for lunch as the rain has settled in. Watched a bit more of the Winter Olympics then put on ‘Trip in a Van’ on You-tube. They are a couple with three children who have been travelling Australia for years and they are so great to watch. They made it back into WA last year so we watched their latest videos of the Gibb River Road, Broome then Exmouth. We can’t wait to get going again ourselves.
Great day for lazing around watching TV as more rain poured down.
Rain stopped in the late afternoon so we were good and put on our boots for our daily walk.
Daniel and Fran called in. So lovely to see them both looking well. Steve showed Dan what we need for the pop-top surround and the mud-guards Steve needs made. Very handy having a skilled son who can do these jobs for us.
16th - Sun out this morning so we took off the awnings and raised the camper to go back onto the truck. Taking it to Tolly’s tomorrow to get the geckos and footprints stickers put on. Exciting.
Rain started in the afternoon so camper all closed up since we took the awnings down.
Ordered a bag to hang off the recovery tracks on the back of the camper for wet mats and rubbish. We had been trying to decide how to use the shower when we are in bore water areas as we had a separate system in the caravan but it still came up through the main pipes which got calcified. Decided on a high flow camping shower rose and pump in a bucket in the shower recess.
17th - Woke to pouring rain. Luckily the camper is undercover to get the stickers put on.
Dropped off the camper at Tolly’s then picked up Wendy for our walk. We had our umbrella’s just in case but the sky was brighter so we headed down to the Esplanade. Lovely morning in the end. We stopped at a cafe for a cuppa and the rain came down - good timing.
Rang Steve and he was at Pink’s so I went around and joined them for a catch-up.
Home for lunch. The air con stopped in the truck on 1,2,3 - only works on flat out. He ‘googled’ it and found out he needs a new resistor. He is getting very good at buying online! Only a couple more bits to do and we should be all done - front sway bars and new tyres.
Tolly’s rang to say the camper was ready so we headed back down.
It looks amazing. So glad we decided on the geckos rather than just the usual stripes etc. Jon and Annalise had given us the wording for 2020 Christmas with Stephen and Sharon. We decided to put the names inside (at the end of our beds - just in case we forget whose bed is whose!) We bought the door one off the internet and it is just perfect for us as this is our home now. The green geckos go perfectly with our new number plates too (except for the auxiliary one which unfortunately can only come in the burgundy). Took these with my camera.
Rang Greg so he could meet us on the Esplanade to take some photos for our new Facebook page, TwoGeckos Travelling and also for our new ‘business’ cards - need a better name for the cards. He took these with his camera.
Then he took these with my phone.
A shower of rain fell just as we finished so we headed home. Greg realised he had filter on the camera so he followed us home to take some more at the end of the street to compare.
18th - Shower of rain in the early hours but clearer this morning.
Picked up Kaylene and went for a walk at Holloways Beach then morning tea at the cafe. The tide was in and the breeze was lovely.
Home for lunch - very hot and humid after the rain.
Down to Rebecca & Clive’s for afternoon tea with them and Wendy.
Steve has been helping Greg today with some timber work downstairs.
WA premier just announced he will reopen the borders to triple vaccinated interstate travellers from March 3 - yeah. Looks like the cruise will go ahead and we can then do the Gibb River Road.
Sent Erica & Terry the photos of the camper. They are at Woodgate with friends and they all think the camper looks great.
19th - 10 months have passed since I last hugged my darling Mum.
I put up the photos of the camper on our new Facebook page, TwoGeckos Travelling.
Steve went over to Jon’s to give him a hand with his boat and then down to Dan’s work to make up the mudguards and pop-top corner protectors.
I worked on our new ‘business’ card - maybe I should call it our ‘travel’ card. Made it through Office Works - looks good. Won’t get them till early March though.
Kellie asked for some photos of the camper interior so I posted some up.
Dinner at Pete’s with a few other friends and Jon & Annalise. Pete provided the pizza bases and we put on our own toppings - fabulous. We played a question card game which was a bit of fun.
20th - Took out new googles around to Kaylene and Rick’s to try them out in the pool. Worked well so we are all set to enjoy floating along the Ningaloo Reef later in the year. Had a cuppa and chatted the morning away.
Around to Suzanne’s for lunch which was delicious. Alexander joined us too and gave us some lovely fish fillets from his fishing trip to Hope Island. His mate put up a video of the trip as the sea was so flat and they caught heaps of big fish.
Quiet afternoon then a walk to finish off the day. Watched some more of the Winter Olympics which is nearly finished.
21st - Going to be another hot and sticky day with the sun out but rain still predicted.
We put our names on the end of our beds rather than the front of the camper. Sent a photo of it to Jon as he gave them to us.
Decided to add 4 footprints to the front geckos as Tolly’s had given us a heap of spare ones.
22nd - Valerie picked me up and we met Christine at Cazaly’s for a cuppa and play on the pokies. I tried one of Erica’s favourites, The Pigs, and I had a win. Took a photo to send to her.
24th - Very long walk with Wendy along the Esplanade then a cuppa to finish.
Worked on the itinerary for when we head off though a lot of places on the Gibb aren’t opening at this stage. WA Co-vid cases have been climbing so we might change our plans and do the GRR on the return trip next year when we come back for the wedding. Luckily we are very flexible that way!
Another walk in the afternoon with Steve - will have my new walking shoes worn out before we leave.
25th - Met Kaylene for a walk along Freshwater Creek - quite muggy but shady.
Picked up some turf for Jon so he can tidy up where he removed pavers. He has been working hard making the place look nice for the engagement party. We got it all off then walked up the back to check out the waterfall. Jon has cleaned most of the back wall area - leaving a lovely note for Annalise. Not much at the moment but the pool is still full. Great view out to Green Island.
Jon arrived and so did a storm. A few big rolls of thunder as it came over the mountain behind us and then down came the rain. Very heavy. I checked the BOM and the prediction was for 0-1.4mm - they got that wrong today. Waited for a while then headed off in between the heavy bits. Got home just as the rain stopped.
26th - Rang Leanne and Rick re the heavy rain the SE is getting. Their dam is full and the creek is flowing down and across the road but they are all good there.
Steve’s making the most of having the internet and You-Tube to watch all the detecting and travelling videos.
Very hot and humid today after the rain yesterday afternoon. Good day to just lay about but what do I do - Bake, of course!!
So unpleasant tonight we decided to put on the air conditioner in the lounge. Much nicer. We heard a bang outside and when Steve investigated he found this huge owl sitting on the clothesline. He was looking at us when we first looked but when I brought out the camera he turned away - camera shy!
27th - Picked up our new business cards from Office Works - look great.
Another hot and humid day with clear sky.
Clouds building over Yarrabah looking like they might bring rain.
Lightning flashing in the south as we headed to bed.
28th - Rain started in the early morning cooling things off. Overcast and dreary this morning as we watched the devastating news of the floods in the south-east of Qld and now the rain system is dumping on northern NSW.
Gympie had flooded too which of course will flow down the Mary River to Maryborough. David posted up some photos of the rising water behind his house and ones from the Council. Amazing and they had just been through all this in January.
The sun came out but not as hot as the last two days.
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