Tues, 19th Sept, 2023 Jon & Annalise’s place, Cairns to Bluewater Rest Area, north of Townsville, Qld (On the road again)

Said a quick farewell to Annalise as she headed off to work. 

Had breakfast then started packing up. A misty shower came over as we were loading the camper back on but it was all good. Left a couple of divets in Jon’s grass and a dry bit where the camper had been but that will come good with all the rain we have had. Sent off photos to Jon & Annalise.

Low range to slowly go up the grass - didn’t want to dig up the grass after the rain yesterday.

Down the drive and ready to hit the road again.

We went around to top up the diesel but Steve had rerouted a pipe and it caused a blockage so the fuel was only going it slowly and burping up so we gave up and headed off. He will fix that when we stopped at Babinda. We were hoping the diesel price might drop soon but unfortunately it hasn’t though this one is the cheapest at the moment at $2.118/L.

Truck purring along as I sent off more thank you text and photos to those who have helped Steve get the changeover done. Daniel, his boss Rohan Cross, Griffo, Michael & Fozzie. We were able to repay them with gifts as we so appreciate all their help.

Pulled into Babinda RV Stop for a cuppa and Steve fixed the fuel thing. I walked down to take a photo of Babinda Creek and found some flowering Sensitive Weed. I remember Mum’s brother, Wally, wanting to take some back to Sydney as he thought it was so good.

It started to rain as we headed off across the creek then followed the old Bruce Highway back out to the new one.

The joy of being back on the road again was spoilt with the continuous road works - you would think they wouldn’t have the roads all blocked up in the school holidays!

The sky is clearing as we pass Tully. Lots of lovely messages coming through wishing us safe travels etc.

Into Cardwell then turned off to find the Cardwell Spa Pool that Steve had seen on a Facebook post. Nice drive through the pine trees along the gravel Forestry Drive. Nice picnic area etc but unfortunately we need to visit again after the wet season as it wasn’t too pretty today.

Back to the nice rest area on the south end of Cardwell for lunch. Lovely view across to Hinchinbrook Island.

Filled up with diesel at Crystal Creek van park where it is only $2.119 (great having this fuel app) and Steve fix worked as the fuel didn’t burp up going in. Will start the odometer reading from here to see how the fuel economy is with the new engine.

Continued on to Bluewater Rest Area, north of Townsville for the night. Had a cuppa in the shade of the camper - bright and sunny here though there are clouds low in the north and west.

Steve checked over the truck and made some adjustments - moved a fan to make sure the radiator was getting the most air to keep it cool. Will be a few things to do along the way as the engine settles in.

I wrote my blog - got to get back into the daily write again now. 3pm 31 degrees with the sun coming in the dining window but there is a nice breeze.

Rang Terry for a chat. Had a great time at Merv’s 80^th birthday.

Chatted with our neighbours from NSW coast who are heading home after 6 months travel. Steve finally finished playing with the engine and joined us for a short bit then Fozzie rang for an update on the engine.

Cooked dinner then we played 3 to Kings as we haven’t put the TV up. Nice to be back on the road again.