Category Archives: 2017

Fishing

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It’s the last day at Keri Keri and we are sat out in the bay fishing from our kayak. The weather is cool but calm, although a storm is forecast for tomorrow.

We’re just bobbing along drifting slowly with the tide, or perhaps the light breeze is pushing us slightly. Having been in this spot for a couple of minutes without a single bite Jo decides it’s time to move.

She paddles a short distance towards a yellow marker buoy, where last year we caught a couple of decent sized snapper, well decent for us is just over the legal size.

As soon as the lines are in and Jo gets a few nibbles, then all is quiet again. She brings in her line only to find the bait has gone. I do the honours and fix some more squid to her line. Looks like we’ll be feeding the fish again today.

Down goes her line, nibble nibble again. She starts to reel in. ‘I think I’ve got this one’

Then it’s nibble nibble on my line. Shall I try to catch this brat or get ready to help Jo?

‘I think this one’s a decent size can you get the net ready’

I carefully place my rod across my lap, pleading for my fish to take my bait and wait until I’ve sorted Jo’s out.

Jo’s nearly reeled her line in. I place the landing net in the water ready.

‘Holy shit!’ Jo screams as she throws her fishing tackle into the sea and grabbing her paddle in one blurred movement.

‘Christ’ did I just imagine that or did Jaws just swim under us. It’s bright eye stared at me, just before it turned away from my pathetically small landing net, it’s body as round as our kayak.

By the time I realised what had happened Jo was screaming. ‘Get paddling, we’re not staying here.’ Her arms paddling frantically like one of those toy wind up swimmers you played with in your bath as a child.

Greg & Debs Place

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Greg & Debs place is a isolated, off grid, back to basics campsite. Although they do have a hot outdoor shower.

Rustic outdoor shower.

When we arrived we were warmly greeted by both Greg & Debs who pointed out the various camping sites and the facilities. They pointed out the various tracks and informed us we were free to wander around their grounds and to relax and enjoy ourselves.

They then left us to settle in informing us they would be back around 5:00 for happy hour.

We selected a site and set up our camp. I then took time out to unwind from the drive from Bundaberg.

Resting after the long drive to Greg & Debs

After my rest I was ready to get up and go, so we wandered down to the stream and water hole. It wasn’t quite warm or deep enough to jump in so we walked up along the stream and picked up the track that looped around the property.

By the time we arrived back at camp it was nearly 5.00 so time for happy hour.  Greg & Debs arrived in their ute along with their dog. Greg lit the campfire and the beers and conversation started flowing. Both Greg and Debs are great hosts and make you feel you are at home, at no time did it dawn on me that the only one wearing any clothes was Jo.

I think the happy hour lasted somewhere near 3 hours, so it was dinner by moon light (well nearly) Even in the remoteness there are lights supplied and charged by solar power.

The following morning after breakfast we took a stroll along the road all in all a 4 km walk. Although I called it a road, which technically it is, it is more like a forest track winding it’s way through the trees.

The main road

After the walk I took a nice warm shower.

Shower with a view

 

Greg & Debs

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After another walk along the beach first thing we (I) decided that with all the camps along the beach area being full it was about time to head inland for a change. So we headed off to Greg & Debs place near Gin Gin. Jo was beginning to get worried as this is an off grid bush campsite. I phoned ahead to make sure there was availability as I didn’t want this to be a wasted journey.

So address loaded into the TomTom off we went. An hour later we arrived at Gin Gin and decided to stop for a coffee and get some provisions, it’s not as if we will be able to walk down the road to the pub tonight. After wandering up and back down the main high street, all 10 mins we decided to ask one of the locals which was the best coffee in town. Just out luck they are also visitors.

We take pot luck and manage to find a reasonable coffee then it’s off to the supermarket. One think I have noticed here in Gin Gin is that the town has a hippie feeling. Women with multi or brightly coloured hair. Men with long hair pulled back in a ponytail.

Back to the campervan for the final leg of the trip and it’s follow Greg’s directions (he had warned us that the TomTom would want to go the opposite way).

When we were almost there Jo started to panic again as the tarmac ran out and we were now driving on a dirt road, this last all of 2 km.

Finally we arrive at Debs & Greg’s gate, where the instructions were to ring to be allowed in. On calling Greg he laughed and said the gate is always locked, the sign was just to keep nosy parkers out. He arranged to meet us at the junction in the driveway and would then show us where we could camp.

Waiting at the junction they turn up on a quad bike Debs on the back wearing a t-shirt & Greg in front wearing only a pair of boots and sunscreen, his hair tied back in a pony tail.

 

 

Hervey Bay to Moore Park Beach

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After our beach walk and coffee at Hervey Bay it was time to up anchor and away, travelling North along the coast. We were heading up to Bundaberg. By the time we had reached this part of  Aus on our big tour we had just about had enough and by-passed Bundaberg.

We started off by following the coast to Burrum Heads. Although following the coast on this day meant travelling along a road with no view of the sea. When we arrived at the heads we looked at each other and both said ‘We’ve been here before’ I will check out our old tour route to check it out one day, but the place did look familiar. We also found out the only way out was a 7 km backtrack.

So it was back to the main as the only viable way to get to Bundaberg. We initially drove along the by-pass to get to the camping grounds at Burnett Heads only to find them both booked out. Not sure if that was due to school holidays or Grey Nomads. We did however get informed that there was space at Moore Side Park campground. So it was back through Bundaberg and north up the coast a bit more.

Driving through the town I can now see why Jo decided to bypass it on our last trip.

What a turn out, right on the beach so much better than anything over at Burnett Heads. Good walks along a prom, fairly short as it turned out, and along the beach. The campground also had a great camp kitchen, lounge area & tv. All included in the price and all for our soul enjoyment.

 

Morning Walk Hervey Bay

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This morning on the keep fit theme after breakfast we decided to take a walk to Hervey Bay pier or to use it’s correct name Urangan Pier.

We walk past the yacht club restaurant deciding to have a coffee on the way back as we have a bogof offer from the campground.

The first part of the walk is boring having to walk along the road, we eventually find a cut through to the beach. There in front of us in the distance is the pier, stretching out to the horizon.

Urangan Pier Hervey BAy, Queensland

As we approach the pier Jo stops to take a picture of some more pelicans. I’m not sure what it s about them but they just seem to command a picture be taken.

They it is onto the pier, the walk to the end is some 868 mrts, which means it’s another 868 mtrs back again, or in other word the return trip along the pier is 1.25 miles.

As we walk along we pass several people fishing, but no one appears to be catching anything. As we arrive at the end thedeck is covered with dark red blood. I hope it’s fish blood, perhaps this could be the inspiration for another Jo book.

On the way back we stop off to get Jo’s free coffee, we have to pay for mine, and we sit out on the deck admiring the view. (I really must take more photos)

Then it’s back to camp just in time to pack up and leave for Bundaberg.

Boondooma to Hervey Bay

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Having driven north yesterday and having a pleasant stay inland at  Boondooma now it is time to hit the sunshine coast. We are looking forward to be at the beach again and are heading over to Hervey Bay on the recommendation of one of our fellow campers. Although it might be a sign that although they live there they are currently staying some distance away.

Oh well we will soon find out.

Arriving at Hervey Bay we drive along the beach road trying to find a camp site. There are 3 camp grounds on the beach front but all are full, there are people everywhere and tourist type shops and cafes all along the front. I’m sure we came here in 2008 and were glad to leave it. The beach doesn’t look very nice as well.

Having driven up and down the fore shore road we try at a motel. They only have 2 rooms left. We take a look and for the price they are charging they are very basic and don’t have any cooking facilities. On the off chance Jo asks they owner if there are any other camp grounds around. He directs us to the marina where we find a site available for the night.

The campsite also allows a discount at the marina restaurant and bar. So having set up camp i.e. park up, we head out to take a look.

We find the building with little problem and enter. The brightness of the main bar area hits us, we take a look around and there is just no atmosphere. So we miss out on the discount and walk back out.

While were inside we did notice some interesting looking place a little further on. There appeared to be flames dancing about the tables. So we take a wander down and find a delightful restaurant. The owner seemed over the top camp, I think some of this is showmanship for the patrons. This was a good choice and we both have delicious meals.

Maryvale to Boondooma

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Today we started off on our ticky tour of Queensland. We are wanting to go further north and off towards the beach for some warmer weather. Although the days have been pleasant at Paul’s the nights have been rather cold with frosts on a couple of nights. Waking up to ice on the outside of the van hasn’t been that enjoyable.

We’re not sure of where to go but may head up to Bundaberg. Today was a bit of driving and because we took our time packing up, we didn’t get as far as we could have done.

Getting to around 4:00 p.m. we started heading off down a road that suddenly turned into one lane and without any sign of a campsite for miles Jo didn’t want us to proceed and wanted to return to the main road.

So having stopped I turned the van around only to find a large truck sat right beside me. I’m sure I checked the mirrors but I some how didn’t see it coming. That was a near miss and re-enforced our resolve to find some where quickly.Having rejoined the main road we soon saw signs for Boondooma Homestead. so in we turned.

After meeting a fellow camper who wasn’t sure if or where we could stay the camp host turned up. We were shown where to park and invited to happy hour at 5.00.

The homestead was built around 1850 by 3 Scottish brothers who bought up all the land rights around. Initially farming sheep, they turned to cattle when the grass failed. The farm has now been broken up and the local council now own the homestead.

Cunninghams Gap re-visited

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Sunday morning with hangovers lingering on we decide to revisit Cunninghams Gap and take one of the other walks we had seen a couple of days ago. So it’s off in Dory to the top carpark to try and clear our heads.

Being Sunday the carpark was full, luckily some one was just pulling out when we arrive and I quickly grab the spot. We head off to the lookout a short walk before deciding which way to go. After taking in the view again we headed off down the valley loop track, the shortest walk available. We amble off down the track through the tropical rainforest passing a warning sign of steep drop offs.

We round a bend and the path turns into a goat track and the side disappears off down into the distance, we are walking at the top of mature 200 ft trees. Well it seems that way. Luckily this is only for a sort distance of about 750 mtrs and then we are onto the well formed path again.

David suggested that this would be an ideal pace to get back to nature, but he didn’t seem in any rush to prove it.

The path eventually came to a junction, which formed the loop part of the track. We took the left hand path and continued on our way going round in a clockwise directon. Eventually we arrived back at the start, feeling as if we had accomplished something for the day and hangovers cured.

On returning to Paul’s I head off to freshen up in the shower. When finished I wrapped a towel around me and headed back off to our van to get changed. While walking back Kasia taunts me asking why I am wearing a towel. So I quickly remove it and continue on my way naked. On looking back I see Kasia pretending to cover her eyes with her hands. The only problem is she has her fingers spread wide and isn’t hiding her view.

 

Cunninghams Gap Walk

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Well we’ve been at Paul’s for a few days now and at last we are going out to explore the local area a bit.

The walk we have decided to take is at Cunninhams Gap, at the peak of the Great Dividing Range. This entails a back track from Paul’s but it turned out to be worth it just for the views.

View from Cunninghams Gap, Queensland

Brisbane to Maryvale

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Yesterday we had an early start for our flight to Brisbane where we picked up a camper van.  I think perhaps our days of tenting may now be over. We then headed off to our friends Rosemary and Christine for an over night stop before travelling onto Paul’s.

During this trip i hope to be able to not only track where we travel but also get video footage of the drive.

Like all good road trips there are a few false starts and detours to be made. The first error was driving past Anaconda and the first detour was to make a u-turn to visit Anaconda. For those nt in the know Anaconda is a large camping store and the urgency to visit them was to enable us to get a porta-poti for our van.

That detour having been successfully accomplished, with the aid of the tomtoms, yes we have two of them, one came with the van and I had brought my own from NZ we are back on our way. Just to be sure we were heading off in the right direction Jo also had the route planned out on Google maps and here in lies a story.

Both the tomtoms were going some 30 kms further than Google….

Having traversed the Great Dividing Range we were starting to get close to our destination. Jo was worried that we might go too far and end up having to travel back to where Google maps was sending us, so eventually I decided to placate Jo and stop and ask for directions.

The only place on our route was a small dinner decked out in Confederate flags it wouldn’t have looked out of place in hick town America. I braved it and went and asked if they knew where the address was while Jo tried phoning Paul.

The owners were very friendly but they didn’t have a clue, they even checked on google for me without success. I returned to the van only to find out that Jo had managed to speak to Paul and that we were a matter of only 300 metres away. I’m not sure what Paul has been up to while he has been out here, but meeting the neighbours doesn’t seem to have been on his priority list.