Monday, August 28, 2006
TOWNSVILLE
Wednesday 23rd August:
Back to reality for a little while. Picked up our mail, made appointments for various things. We called in to Jodie's new flat and spent time playing with Ferg's grandson, Dane. I spent the afternoon shopping with Jessie and then I watched her play netball in the evening.
Thursday 24th August:
Shopping in the morning, checked out BCF. Finally got time to get on the internet and catch up on the Blog. I played a couple of games of scrabble with Ferg, June and Lyn in the evening.
Friday 25th August:
Spent the morning at my mum's place attending her embroidery classes. Ferg went bowling in the afternoon at Jubilee and I went out to work to catch up with the workers.
Saturday 26th August:
Ferg played bowls again in the afternoon, I stayed back at the van and caught up on the domestics. Well someone has to do it! We all went out to the RSL for dinner and a few dances. It was a good night.
Sunday 27th August:
It was a beautiful day for a drive up to Max Carlyon's place at Mt Fox which is situated behind Ingham. We all drove up in two cars, stopping at the Frosty Mango for an icecream on the way. The road up the mountain is very narrow and winding but you get magnificent views down the valley. Max has built a memorial walk on his property to commemorate the 6RAR soldiers who died in the Vietnam War between 1969 and 1970. It was a very emotional walk and at the end Max performed a small ceremony. We had a lovely BBQ then played a couple of games of Bocce. We left at 5pm for the long trip home via Hidden Valley and Paluma. The road was dirt all the way to Paluma and we were following Bill so we got all the dust.
Monday 28th August - Wednesday 6th September:
Caught up with family and friends and enjoyed many lunches and dinners out during this time. I'm sure we've put on several kilos while staying in Townsville. Got to baby sit Dane a few times. Spent Father's Day with Jodie and had a lovely lunch at the Capitol Restuarant. Also had a lovely dinner out with Jess and Alistair.
Wednesday 23rd August:
Back to reality for a little while. Picked up our mail, made appointments for various things. We called in to Jodie's new flat and spent time playing with Ferg's grandson, Dane. I spent the afternoon shopping with Jessie and then I watched her play netball in the evening.
Thursday 24th August:
Shopping in the morning, checked out BCF. Finally got time to get on the internet and catch up on the Blog. I played a couple of games of scrabble with Ferg, June and Lyn in the evening.
Friday 25th August:
Spent the morning at my mum's place attending her embroidery classes. Ferg went bowling in the afternoon at Jubilee and I went out to work to catch up with the workers.
Saturday 26th August:
Ferg played bowls again in the afternoon, I stayed back at the van and caught up on the domestics. Well someone has to do it! We all went out to the RSL for dinner and a few dances. It was a good night.
Sunday 27th August:
It was a beautiful day for a drive up to Max Carlyon's place at Mt Fox which is situated behind Ingham. We all drove up in two cars, stopping at the Frosty Mango for an icecream on the way. The road up the mountain is very narrow and winding but you get magnificent views down the valley. Max has built a memorial walk on his property to commemorate the 6RAR soldiers who died in the Vietnam War between 1969 and 1970. It was a very emotional walk and at the end Max performed a small ceremony. We had a lovely BBQ then played a couple of games of Bocce. We left at 5pm for the long trip home via Hidden Valley and Paluma. The road was dirt all the way to Paluma and we were following Bill so we got all the dust.
Monday 28th August - Wednesday 6th September:Caught up with family and friends and enjoyed many lunches and dinners out during this time. I'm sure we've put on several kilos while staying in Townsville. Got to baby sit Dane a few times. Spent Father's Day with Jodie and had a lovely lunch at the Capitol Restuarant. Also had a lovely dinner out with Jess and Alistair.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
BRAMSTON BEACH
Saturday 19th August:
On the move to Bramston Beach, stopped off at the Innisfail Markets on the way through town. The Bramston Beach Plantation Caravan Park is right on the beach and we had a lovely spot with an uninterupted view of the beach. We had a lovely walk along the beach in the afternoon and then joined our fellow campers for the usual happy hour chat.
Sunday 20th August:
The tide was high at 7.30am so we were up early fishing on the beach. Ferg caught a whiting but again it was too small to keep. We lazed around most of the day, very peaceful spot. We took a drive up to north end of Bramston into the Graham Range National Park. There were a few campers nestled into spots along the beach.
Monday 21st August:
Fished again this morning, I caught a salmon, still not big enough! Took another long walk along the beach. Joined the group for happy hour then got fish and chips from the local shop. The fish was fantastic.
Tuesday 22nd August:
Awoke to a beautiful morning with the sunrising over a glassy ocean. Sadly we are moving today, back to Townsville, would liked to have stayed a bit longer. We had a good run down, stopped at Bilyana for a cuppa and to stretch the legs. We arrived at Bluey & Lyn's place (Hotel California) just after lunch. Bill and June are also staying here with their van. We all enjoyed a BBQ for dinner.
Saturday 19th August:
On the move to Bramston Beach, stopped off at the Innisfail Markets on the way through town. The Bramston Beach Plantation Caravan Park is right on the beach and we had a lovely spot with an uninterupted view of the beach. We had a lovely walk along the beach in the afternoon and then joined our fellow campers for the usual happy hour chat.
Sunday 20th August:
The tide was high at 7.30am so we were up early fishing on the beach. Ferg caught a whiting but again it was too small to keep. We lazed around most of the day, very peaceful spot. We took a drive up to north end of Bramston into the Graham Range National Park. There were a few campers nestled into spots along the beach.
Monday 21st August:
Fished again this morning, I caught a salmon, still not big enough! Took another long walk along the beach. Joined the group for happy hour then got fish and chips from the local shop. The fish was fantastic.
Tuesday 22nd August:
Awoke to a beautiful morning with the sunrising over a glassy ocean. Sadly we are moving today, back to Townsville, would liked to have stayed a bit longer. We had a good run down, stopped at Bilyana for a cuppa and to stretch the legs. We arrived at Bluey & Lyn's place (Hotel California) just after lunch. Bill and June are also staying here with their van. We all enjoyed a BBQ for dinner.
INNISFAIL - FLYING FISH POINT
Saturday 12th August - 19th August:
We packed up at Ravenshoe with an icy wind blowing. We were in cloud for the first half hour as we descended down the Palmerston Highway to Innisfail. We drove out to Flying Fish Point Caravan Park and booked in for a week. We had rain for the first couple of days but then it fined up and we were able to do some fishing. I caught a moray eel and was just wondering how I would get it off the hook when it fell off and swam away thankfully. We did some sightseeing down to Bingil Bay, Mission Beach, Hull Heads and Tully on Wednesday 16th. Ferg caught a spotted Mackerel in the afternoon and we cooked it up for dinner. Had a quite morning on Thursday then Ferg went to the Innisfail Bowls Club for a game. On Friday 18th we attended the Innisfail RSL service for the 40th anniversary of Long Tan. Ferg marched in the parade and we joined another couple from the caravan park for lunch at the RSL. In the afternoon we took a drive north to Bra
mston Beach. Found a beaut van park right on the beach and decided to move there the next day.
Saturday 12th August - 19th August:
We packed up at Ravenshoe with an icy wind blowing. We were in cloud for the first half hour as we descended down the Palmerston Highway to Innisfail. We drove out to Flying Fish Point Caravan Park and booked in for a week. We had rain for the first couple of days but then it fined up and we were able to do some fishing. I caught a moray eel and was just wondering how I would get it off the hook when it fell off and swam away thankfully. We did some sightseeing down to Bingil Bay, Mission Beach, Hull Heads and Tully on Wednesday 16th. Ferg caught a spotted Mackerel in the afternoon and we cooked it up for dinner. Had a quite morning on Thursday then Ferg went to the Innisfail Bowls Club for a game. On Friday 18th we attended the Innisfail RSL service for the 40th anniversary of Long Tan. Ferg marched in the parade and we joined another couple from the caravan park for lunch at the RSL. In the afternoon we took a drive north to Bra
mston Beach. Found a beaut van park right on the beach and decided to move there the next day.
RAVENSHOE
Thursday 10th August:
On the road to Ravenshoe today. Stopped at the Millaa Millaa Lookout to take in the lovely green countryside. We passed a windfarm just before arriving in Ravenshoe. We found a great place to camp at the Railco Museum Yards in amongst the railway lines, carriages and steam engine and only $5 per night for a powered site.
We took a drive out to Little Millstream Falls and walked down to the bottom of the falls then back up to the top. (Huff Puff !!) Then on to Big Millstream Falls and another 
walk up and down. (Huff Puff Phew!!) I was glad to get back to the campsite, we spent the evening around the campfire meeting our fellow travellers.
Friday 11th August:
Ferg was up early to do one of the Misty Mountain trails to Bally's Knob, 6km round trip. After lunch we took the scenic route over to Millaa Millaa and drove the waterfall circuit. We visited Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, Ellinjaa Falls and finally Mungali Falls. No cooking tonight, we dined at the Tully Falls Hotel in Ravenshoe and sat around their roaring fire talking to some locals.
Thursday 10th August:
On the road to Ravenshoe today. Stopped at the Millaa Millaa Lookout to take in the lovely green countryside. We passed a windfarm just before arriving in Ravenshoe. We found a great place to camp at the Railco Museum Yards in amongst the railway lines, carriages and steam engine and only $5 per night for a powered site.
We took a drive out to Little Millstream Falls and walked down to the bottom of the falls then back up to the top. (Huff Puff !!) Then on to Big Millstream Falls and another 
walk up and down. (Huff Puff Phew!!) I was glad to get back to the campsite, we spent the evening around the campfire meeting our fellow travellers.
Friday 11th August:
Ferg was up early to do one of the Misty Mountain trails to Bally's Knob, 6km round trip. After lunch we took the scenic route over to Millaa Millaa and drove the waterfall circuit. We visited Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, Ellinjaa Falls and finally Mungali Falls. No cooking tonight, we dined at the Tully Falls Hotel in Ravenshoe and sat around their roaring fire talking to some locals.
Friday, August 11, 2006
ATHERTON TABLELANDS - MAREEBA TO MALANDA
Friday 4th August:
Washing day today, spent most of the day relaxing at the van. Enjoyed happy hour with our new neighbours Ron & Judy.
Saturday 5th August:
Visited the Skybury Coffee Plantation and enjoyed a nice cuppa overlooking the Mareeba countryside. Took a drive round the back of Mareeba and passed Lotus Glen CC. We went to the Mareeba Drive Inn for the evening. Twistie came too and she sat between us watching the movies. We saw "Cars" (very appropriate seeing it at a drive in!) and "Pirates of the Carribean".
Sunday 6th August:
Visited Emerald Creek Falls and took the 2km walk up to the top of the falls. Great views and Emerald Creek was very beautiful with it's white gums along the waters edge. 
Called into Davies Creek National Park there were a few campers there enjoying the solitude. Further down the road to Kuranda we turned off on Clohesy River Road and discovered a wonderful boardwalk through rainforest and giant fig trees. We crossed 3 creeks to get there and it was worth the drive. We stopped for a cuppa beside the creek before returning to Mareeba.
Monday 7th August:
Moving day again, we are off to Malanda. Gave the van a quick wash down before leaving. We settled into the Malanda Falls CP. Our camp spot was right next to the Malanda Falls and rainforest and we had it all to ourselves. Drove into town in the afternoon and blow me down, there was my Mum on the corner of the street in downtown Malanda. Mum and Charles came back for a cuppa at our van then moved on to their accommodation at Rose Gums.
Tuesday 8th August:
Drove into Atherton early to drop the Pajero off for its first service. Ferg decided to do the walk up Hallorans Hill which overlooks Atherton. I opted for a hike around the shops. We spent the afternoon touring around Yungaburra and Tinaroo Dam. The weather turned early evening and we had to abandon our campfire when the rain started.
Wednesday 9th August:
Still raining, miserable morning. Drove out to the Rose Gums Retreat and spent the day with Mum and Charles. We had an enjoyable lunch and the sun even came out in the afternoon. The veiws from their treehouse where great.
Friday 4th August:
Washing day today, spent most of the day relaxing at the van. Enjoyed happy hour with our new neighbours Ron & Judy.
Saturday 5th August:
Visited the Skybury Coffee Plantation and enjoyed a nice cuppa overlooking the Mareeba countryside. Took a drive round the back of Mareeba and passed Lotus Glen CC. We went to the Mareeba Drive Inn for the evening. Twistie came too and she sat between us watching the movies. We saw "Cars" (very appropriate seeing it at a drive in!) and "Pirates of the Carribean".
Sunday 6th August:
Visited Emerald Creek Falls and took the 2km walk up to the top of the falls. Great views and Emerald Creek was very beautiful with it's white gums along the waters edge. 
Called into Davies Creek National Park there were a few campers there enjoying the solitude. Further down the road to Kuranda we turned off on Clohesy River Road and discovered a wonderful boardwalk through rainforest and giant fig trees. We crossed 3 creeks to get there and it was worth the drive. We stopped for a cuppa beside the creek before returning to Mareeba.Monday 7th August:
Moving day again, we are off to Malanda. Gave the van a quick wash down before leaving. We settled into the Malanda Falls CP. Our camp spot was right next to the Malanda Falls and rainforest and we had it all to ourselves. Drove into town in the afternoon and blow me down, there was my Mum on the corner of the street in downtown Malanda. Mum and Charles came back for a cuppa at our van then moved on to their accommodation at Rose Gums.
Tuesday 8th August:
Drove into Atherton early to drop the Pajero off for its first service. Ferg decided to do the walk up Hallorans Hill which overlooks Atherton. I opted for a hike around the shops. We spent the afternoon touring around Yungaburra and Tinaroo Dam. The weather turned early evening and we had to abandon our campfire when the rain started.
Wednesday 9th August:
Still raining, miserable morning. Drove out to the Rose Gums Retreat and spent the day with Mum and Charles. We had an enjoyable lunch and the sun even came out in the afternoon. The veiws from their treehouse where great.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
ATHERTON TABLELANDS - MAREEBA
Monday 31st July:
On the move again, packed and on the road by 9am. Saw a funny road sign on the way. We had a good run to Rifle Creek which is a free camp just north of Mt Molloy
. There was about 20 motorhomes and vans parked when we arrived. All afternoon more arrived and I counted 47 by nightfall. It was a nice spot even with the crowd. We met up with a couple who had also come from the Cooktown CP and had a nice chat at sunset.Tuesday 1st August:
We were up at first light and went for a walk down to Rifle Creek. There were lots of birds about and we spotted several wompoo pidgeons fossicking in the grass. We arrived at the Mareeba Rodeo grounds by midday. It's a great spot to camp, power, water, drive through sites and only $10 per night. We watched the kangaroos feeding in the back paddock as the sun went down.
Wednesday 2nd August:
The hot air balloons flew over at 7am, sometimes they land here but not today. We drove out through Walkamin and Tolgo, to Tinaroo Dam. The dam is full and looked very inviting.
We spent a quiet afternoon back at the park.Thursday 3rd August:
Awoke to a foggy sunrise, went for a walk around the rodeo grounds with Twistie. We struck it lucky this morning, the Raging Thunder hot air balloon landed at our campsite. Great morning for a balloon flight.
Ferg is off to bowls this afternoon and I'm going to get a shopping fix wandering around the Mareeba shops.
