Chris & Shirley's 2022 Darwin Trip

Wednesday, 17 August 2022

Chapter 10 - Yeppoon 2

Day 84 – Thursday 18 August – Yeppoon

The last day of our 12th week provided the best weather of our stay so far in Yeppoon. Although the forecast top was only 22 the lack of any cool breeze made for great holiday weather.

We celebrated with a walk on our fifth Yeppoon beach (this holiday) - this time it was the southern section of Farnborough Beach - which is around 17 km long.

Before we took the path to the beach we were warned of local snakes being active. This time they were active somewhere else.

As we stepped on the beach we were treated to a flock of red tailed black cockatoos - who were enjoying the nuts on a beach-side tree, or two. They are beautiful birds, and I never tire of trying to get a good photo.

On the second photo note the white spots on its head.

The walk on the beach was the icing on the cake. The following photo is looking south back to the Yeppoon township.

After our energetic start to the day we stopped at a beachside café and enjoyed their fare - Shirley with a cappuccino and me with a superb chocolate milkshake.

It was time for an investment so we drove to Coles and bought a few provisions.

Lunch was a healthy salad and afternoon tea was the leftover scones from yesterday. The good weather continued.

Just before 4:30 we wandered up to the camp kitchen to enjoy 90 minutes of music from Jo King. Jo sang a wide variety of songs with multiple selections from Tracy Chapman and John Denver and others. She finished with a fine version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.

Apparently Jo has a mother called Fay and a brother called Leigh - all with the same surname. Say each of those names and think about it.

Day 85 – Friday 19 August – Yeppoon

We had a rude awakening when the smoke alarm went off, while I was still in bed and Shirley had just put two feet on the floor. It was suggested that Shirley's speed generated so much heat that the alarm went off.

However we rejected that suggestion and tossed the alarm into the bin.

The morning somehow disappeared and it was time for lunch at the Keppel Bay Marina - for the four of us. It was a superb lunch. Shirley had Chiang Mai Curry and I had Vegetarian Malaysian Vegetable Laksa Curry. We did not need dessert.

After lunch we went to Bunnings and bought a new smoke alarm - then went home and installed it. It is so flash it has a 'Hush' button. Shirley wished she had one to install on me.

Just after 5pm I drove one km to the 'Causeway', a bridge over the joining of the waters of Mulambin Creek and the ocean. The bridge is also a weir wall that ensures that the Mulambin Creek forms an inland lake. I took the following photo of Mulambin Creek from under the Causeway bridge a few minutes before sunset, at 5:32 pm. Local 'burning off' caused the haze in the photo.

By the time I had returned to camp Darryl had made the mixture for dinner - pancakes - with banana, ice-cream and maple syrup. We did not need anything more substantial after our great lunch.

Day 86 – Saturday 20 August – Yeppoon

It was another magnificent start to the day. Full sun, no cloud, no wind. It was wasted on Shirley as she slept on. The washing was on the line at 7:30 am and I resisted the temptation to head for the beach, as breakfast beckoned.

Birds were chirping, kids were making noise, and Land Cruiser owners were out wiping the dew of their limousines. Bull bars would be polished as it was Saturday.

After morning coffee the beach called, so we headed around 5 km north of Yeppoon to the middle section of Farnborough Beach - our 6th different beach in and around Yeppoon. Sun, sand and surf - magic.

Shirley found a seat and stopped while I took a photo. Yes, her feet are a foot off the sand.

Around 3:45 I lit the hooded BBQ and at 4pm the roast pork started cooking. Around 6pm the four of us sat down to a feast. It was pretty good.

Day 87 – Sunday 21 August – Yeppoon

I was awake at the right time to get to Kemp Beach for a sunrise photo. Although the sun was above the horizon it was hidden by a small island. A lone walker appeared at the right time. A few minutes later the sun appeared.

We had a cooked breakfast outside and then drove the 11 km to the Emu Park monthly market. It was not overly impressive and our only purchase was some lemons.

The rest of the day was rest and relaxation, before Happy Hour and a couple of lamb-burgers for dinner.

Day 88 – Monday 22 August – Yeppoon

The sun came through a few clouds at sunrise (I could see through the window), but by the time I headed for a shower at 8am it was raining. By the time I had showered and dressed it was sunny.

By the time we had finished breakfast the sun had disappeared - again........

Walking was off the agenda so we drifted in to town and bought a new pack of mozzie coils - a product that has been needed of late.

After lunch I made a batch of pumpkin scones. However they did not last long enough to take a photo.

There was time for some relaxation before I headed off to Keppel Bay Marina for a sunset photo. It has not been a good trip for sunrise/sunset photos but I enjoy trying. The land mass in the photo below is the Yeppoon township.

I headed back towards camp and went past the turnoff to the Causeway. The sunset clouds were impressive and the pelicans enjoyed the solitude.

Shirley conjured up some left over roast pork for dinner. Yum.

Day 89 – Tuesday 23 August – Yeppoon

No wind and clear skies - the perfect start to the day.

After morning coffee we headed to Emu Park. Shirley had a stroll on the beach while the local (female) Barber made my golden locks look suitable for the upcoming wedding. During the process she advised me that the local beach was recently visited by a crocodile.

I soon joined Shirley on that same beach. Before I could tell her about the croc she showed me a local snake. It was not very active, but seemed to be alive.

Right: Snake on beach

Below: Croc & snake infested beach at Emu Park

We chose the local bakery for our lunch and we both selected a "Ned Kelly" pie - which seems to be popular in Queensland. It contained chunky beef, bacon, egg, tomato, onions & potato. It was superb. We ate it while overlooking the beach in the photo above.

We admired some of the local (emu) art work near where we ate our lunch.

We relaxed for a while, had a Happy Hour, then headed inside for dinner.

Day 90 – Wednesday 24 August – Yeppoon

Strong winds were forecast and they arrived overnight, and continued throughout the day - with a few periods of respite.

Above: The Kelly Camp

We chose a walk along the beachfront promenade in Yeppoon and what a pleasant place it is to stroll though - and a great place in which the young can play.

We chilled out back at camp and did very little until a couple of Kookaburras encouraged me to get out of my chair. I never tire of Kookaburras.

Happy Hour came and went, as did a couple of lamb steaks.

Day 91 – Thursday 25 August – Yeppoon

It was our coolest night in Yeppoon and many heaters were on around the caravan park - including ours.

We had a casual drive into Rockhampton to pick up our daughter Amanda at the airport. Amanda is staying with a school-days mate who lives a mere 5 km from our caravan park (shorter if you can fly).

The three of us had lunch at the caravan park before a walk on our local beach.

Around mid afternoon I dropped Amanda at her mate's house.

For dinner we had a meal that significantly reduced the food in our freezer - a necessary action as we need to turn the fridge off for a week on Sunday. The last of the following formed part of dinner - sausages, onion, potato, pumpkin, capsicum and peas. We also had carrot.

Day 92 – Friday 26 August – Yeppoon

The start of our 14th week started chilly, but just got better and better. Two loads of washing were on the line by 8:15 - despite the first wash not getting a 'spin' cycle. However the entire lot was nearly dry by lunch time.

Lunch was at the Keppel Bay Marina restaurant "Waterline". In attendance were Kay & Darryl & their daughter, Sara, plus team Kelly consisting of Shirley, myself, our daughter Amanda and her mate, Carly. It was so enjoyable that I forget to get a photo. It is a lovely spot that serves great food.

The afternoon was lazy. Happy Hour preceded a snack dinner.

Day 93 – Saturday 27 August – Yeppoon

The overnight wind was so strong and loud that I thought it was raining. I got up to check outside and found that all was Ok - and no rain. I resisted the temptation to head to the beach for an early sunrise photo. Bed was more alluring.

In a further effort to reduce the food in the fridge we had bacon and eggs for breakfast. That was a good start to the day. Neither of us were motivated to do anything, so we didn't - for a while.

The strong wind continued all day and so did our lack of motivation. Some organisation for our trip next week happened in bits and pieces, as did some shopping.

It was a quiet evening.

Day 94 – Sunday 28 August – Yeppoon

The wind continued overnight, but eased into the morning. I went for a drive and took a photo of our local Mulambin beach - from beside the road from Yeppoon - looking south.

The main two activities for the day were getting the caravan ready for 7 days of storage - with the fridge off - and getting the car ready for a 1200 km road trip to Port Douglas. Wedding gear was folded and packed neatly and double checked. Space was made for the coffee machine + several boxes of pods.

The Engel fridge in the car was loaded with the necessary liquid and solid food stuffs - for the 3 day road trip and beyond.

The biggest single task of the day was cleaning the top of the awning. Twenty one days of bird and palm fruit residue made it a necessary and painful job.

We pick up Amanda around 9:30 tomorrow and head north. It will be interesting to have an eager relief driver - or will it?

Late afternoon clouds encouraged me to go for a drive and seek a sunset photo. The following is what I saw.

We relaxed in preparation for an interesting and busy week ahead of us.

This chapter is Complete.

Last updated at 3:20 pm on Sunday 28 August.

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Monday, 1 August 2022

Chapter 9 - Yeppoon 1

Day 74 – Monday 8 August – Yeppoon 1

It was a magic way to start our three weeks at Yeppoon.............

Slow out of bed, casual shower, breakfast outside in the sunshine ...........

As we moved inside to do the stuff that you need to do after breakfast a Kookaburra decided that a spot on the fence behind us was a good place to perch. The fence is 120 cm from the caravan window. It is not a good photo, but I am sure the idea comes across. I then was able to get a clearer photo from outside the caravan - and not through the dirty window.

Not long after the sheets and towels were on the line and the beds remade.

Shirley was on a roll - beds remade, floor mats brushed, floor washed, hand washing. I tried to look busy and keep out of her way.

Before long it was lunch time, so I prepared magnificent gourmet corned beef sandwiches.

Soon it was time for a 3 km (return) pleasant walk along our local (Mulambin) beach.

Not much happened for the rest of the day. Shirley cooked an excellent stew.

Day 75 – Tuesday 9 August – Yeppoon

The day started on a sad note with the overnight passing of Olivia Newton-John. She was the same age as Shirley and myself. I soon realised from news snippets that I was in London when Olivia competed for the UK in the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. She came fourth. Her contribution to cancer research and support will probably out-live "Grease". She was a true champion.

I needed to do something, so I vacuumed the car - the first time in around 12,000 km. It contained red dirt and sand and numerous other contaminants. Even the mats got a wash. It is now fit for friends to ride in.

There was time for reading and sudoku before lunch.

Then it was time for beach walk No 2 - again around 3 km return - this time it was Kemp Beach. The temperature was around 21 degrees with a cool breeze.

Some time elapsed before we wandered over to the camp kitchen at 5:30 to listen to local bush poet Bob Pasey. He was very good and told some ripping bush yarns/poetry. It was a great way to spend 60 minutes.

Day 76 – Wednesday 10 August – Yeppoon

Today was a day of activity. First we started with a 54 km drive to Capricorn Caves - the only known Queensland caves that have always been privately owned (and that is another story).

They have a choice of three tours, so we choose the shortest and the easiest. No need to get dirty clothes or bump heads, or get stuck.

Our guide, Kat, lead us though a number of impressive caves until we got to the best cave of all - the Cathedral. It is very impressive, the acoustics allegedly being better than Sydney Opera House (a claim made by a producer of opera shows in the cave). To prove the sound qualities Kay played a rendition of the Leonard Cohan song, Hallelujah (sung by Pentatonix). The sound was magnificent.

Click here to get an idea of what we heard and what we saw. There was also a light show to accompany the music.

If you like that click here to hear more of Pentatonix.

Cathedral cave is also used for weddings as well as opera shows. There are church pews to seat maybe 45 people.

Capricorn Caves is the only place in the world where a small tufted terrestrial fern (Tectaria Devexa var devexa) can be found - and it is endangered. As recently as a few years ago there was only one plant in existence. The fern below is approx 600 mm from side to side.

We drove into Rockhampton and visited the tourist information centre. An elderly lady (Jessie) took a liking to us and gave us a detailed history of 'Rocky'. She insisted that we go the Station Museum, which we did after lunch.

We found a café and had a couple of superb focaccias for lunch.

Then off to the Station Museum we went. Jessie had explained Rocky's history of Purrey steam trams from France. Rockhampton now has the only operational Purrey steam tram in the world. It was found by some enthusiasts 40 years ago and was rebuilt and restored. It only runs on a Sunday.

We were met at the station ticket office by a volunteer who has the same "gift of the gab" as Jessie. He even had me pulling levers to change the signals. Lucky the Ghan does not run through the station. He also gave me permission to go into the (working) ladies toilet to see the thunderbox - complete with red back spiders. Photo below.

Our new friend (we were popular today) explained that 100 years ago a steam train had regular services to Yeppoon, very popular for holidaymakers and day trippers.

Above: Archer Park Station
Below: Steam Tram

Lower: Steam Loco

The station had numerous 'in character' statues that have an interesting history themselves. The couple on the left are saying goodbye as he is off to war. The accordion player on the right is based on a local colorful identity.

Below: Thunderbox, complete with a blowfly and redback spiders

Jessie had also strongly suggested that we check out the "Quay Street Historical Walk" and admire the magnificent architecture in the old buildings. So we did.

Jessie's other gem was to tell us that Rockhampton's name came from Matthew Flinders who realised that the mighty Fitzroy River was too rocky to sail any further than where the CBD now sits. He also included the English town of Hampton, as Hampton denotes a place near water as in Southampton - hence Rockhampton.

We were out of ideas so we had a cuppa on the banks of the Fitzroy River then headed home. Jessie had been a wealth of information, as had the 'ticket inspector' at the station.

We had dinner then I had a bowls AGM via ZOOM. I kept myself on mute so that I could not volunteer for any positions.

Day 77 – Thursday 11 August – Yeppoon

It had been a very windy night, but the caravan withstood all attempts to rock. We had nothing on the agenda, apart from a beach walk, so we started the day practicing our procrastination. It came very easy to us, as during COVID lockdowns we were experts at it.

The wind continued, so did our procrastination. We did a couple of jobs, but not a lot.

It was a quiet day.

Day 78 – Friday 12 August – Yeppoon

Although it rained overnight we took a punt and washed clothes, as tomorrow has a worse forecast. The sun came out so we headed to Lammermoor Beach for another 3km walk.

Before we stepped on to the beach we studied the Soldier Crab - so called because they are the only crab to walk forwards (the rest walk sideways) and they move in huge numbers. They are a useful species to have around, and their value is commemorated by the sculptures below.

As usual we nearly had the beach to ourselves.

We did find one little critter who was in strife, trying to fit into its cramped accommodation.

We returned to camp then had lunch, then I continued with the saga of trying to master microwave cake cooking. This time it was carrot cup-cakes. The chief tester gave them an honourable mention.

Day 79 – Saturday 13 August – Yeppoon

We were at the weekly community farmers market by 9 am, and were disappointed with the fewer stalls than in previous years. However, we bought some avocados, tomatoes and a pineapple.

After lunch the forecast said rain, the dark clouds suggested rain, but the beach beckoned. The beach won. So we had a walk along our local (Mulambin) beach. It was nearly low tide, and there were lots of little critters scurrying into self-dug holes.

Day 80 – Sunday 14 August – Yeppoon

The rain seemed to have stopped, so I checked the sky at 6:05 am. It looked right for a good sunrise photo. So off to Mulambin beach I went. It was nearly low tide, but the clouds appeared from nowhere to thwart my morning.

However I was able to catch a fishing boat looking to catch Sunday's lunch or dinner.

It was time to have an early shower, as Shirley still had an hour or more of beauty sleep to go.

It was a Sunday cooked breakfast outside then a relaxing morning.

After lunch we had a stroll on a new (to us) beach - Kinka Beach.

As we crossed the sandy dunes from the beach to the carpark we saw an echidna scurrying to get into the bush.

The weather was good enough for Happy Hour outside.

Day 81 – Monday 15 August – Yeppoon

The day started as a lovely day and only got better - our best day in Yeppoon to date. Hardly a cloud and a light wind.

It was a slow day with little activity in the Kelly household. A drive to Emu Park to buy some bread was the only activity of note.

Day 82 – Tuesday 16 August – Yeppoon

Another lovely start to the day, and what a huge day it was.......

While Shirley headed off to the hairdresser, Darryl and I repaired a 'Kings' gazebo that a previous park resident had discarded - and Darryl had rescued. Darryl will have a bit of extra wind resistance on his roof rack on the way home.

It was declared mango smoothie day, and so that was what the four of us did after lunch - at Keppel Bay marina. The smoothie was very good, nearly in the class of the excellent smoothies that we had at Darwin and Airlie Beach.

After the smoothie we bought the cheapest diesel that we had bought since leaving home - at $1.91 per litre.

It was time for another beach walk and so that is what we did - again at Kemp beach - which was adjacent to the marina and fuel station.

After some relaxation it was time for more bush poetry, again from local bush poet Bob Pasey. It was a pleasant hour.

Day 83 – Wednesday 17 August – Yeppoon

Yet another lovely start to the day, and what another huge day it was.......

I was rudely awaken by a phone call from our youngest daughter at 8:30. Yep, she was just as surprised as I was.

Darryl and I later headed off to Bunnings and BCF - because we could. The ladies headed into town for a stroll.

It was a quiet period, before I cooked a batch of date scones.

While Shirley ensured that roast chicken was on the table for dinner I admired the magnificent sunset - from the front of the caravan.

This chapter is complete.

Last updated at 7:45 pm on Wednesday 17 August.

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Chapter 8 - Airlie Beach

Day 64 – Friday 29 July – Airlie Beach

It was time to move and at 8:30 am we did, south. There was a lot of roadworks in the 135 km to Bowen. However, that was achieved OK and we bought some Gulf Barramundi and Spanish Mackerel at Bowen.

Soon after leaving Bowen we passed the sole Agave Farm in Australia. This region has the same micro-climate as the region in Mexico that is famous for the same plant - that is used to make Tequila.

I could not get a photo as we travelled past so the adjacent photo is courtesy of the Aussie Agave web site.

It is an interesting story about what is happening in Australia with Agave. Click here if you would like to read more.

We stopped at a road-side stall and bought a pineapple.

By 12:30 we were on site at Airlie Beach and by 1:30 camp was established and lunch was eaten. It was a pretty spot.

We soon realised that we had lost the light cover for the external light that illuminates the awning (on the RHS of the caravan in the above photo). A visit to a local caravan accessories place provided a solution. So now we have a new light that is brighter than its predecessor.

By late afternoon the cold wind drove us inside for Happy Hour.

Around 6pm Darryl cooked the barramundi while Shirley made an accompanying salad. The barra and salad went superbly with the Pepperjack shiraz mentioned yesterday. Life is Ok.

Day 65 – Saturday 30 July – Airlie Beach

The wind continued over night and in to the morning. However the sun was shining and the temperature was fine if you were out of the wind.

We met up with Kay and Darryl at the Airlie Beach Saturday market and bought a cucumber and some corn cobs. We admired the view, then walked down the main street and had an excellent mango smoothie, plus some window shopping.

It was a relaxing afternoon. I chatted to a guy from Canberra who was glad that he was not home for the -6 weather this morning.

We settled for snags n onion gravy with mashed spuds and vegies for dinner - as the wind continued to blow.

Day 66 – Sunday 31 July – Airlie Beach

As we were going to bed the wind dropped and the scattered showers started. That is Ok, as it is good to hear the rain on the roof of the caravan. The scattered showers continued all night and moved into continuous rain as I was walking back from the shower just after 7:30 am. That was Ok as my (little bit of) hair was wet anyway.

Each time the rain eased and we made plans the rain started again. However, it was not cold, being 19 degrees at 9 am.

I had time to produce a catalog of some of the birds who frequent our camp site.

Clockwise from top left: Bush Stone-curlew, White Ibis, Duck 1, Duck 2

Bottom: Australian Brushturkey

As it is Darryl's pretend birthday tomorrow I made my (first ever) chocolate cake in the microwave. Although it was a packet mix, and my first microwave attempt, it came out OK. The result was much better than a couple of attempts in 2019.

While it cooled Shirley and I went for a drive and ended up at a school fete. 90% of the activities were rides for kids so we headed to the 'snag in bread' stall. The queue was far too long so we headed home for a salad lunch.

The Bunnings in Airlie Beach did not have a sausage stall yesterday or today - a bit sad.

Happy Hour was inside Kay & Darryl's caravan, prior to a dinner of Spanish Mackerel & salad. An excellent meal, the fish again cooked by Darryl.

Day 67 – Monday 1 August – Airlie Beach

The day started sunny and that was the case for most of the day - our best day for a while.

Morning tea was a birthday celebration for Darryl with the left over chocolate cake. It was not really his birthday but we needed an excuse for the cake.

It was time to restock the cupboard and off to Woolworths we went.

After lunch it was a 3 km seaside board walk - and the coffee shop was closed.

It was time to cook the curried sausages for Darryl's birthday dinner, so we did. Happy hour happened, then dinner. All was good.

Day 68 – Tuesday 2 August – Airlie Beach

It was a rude awakening at 6:20 am as a Brush-turkey (with gum boots) clomped around the roof of the caravan. I suggested that he go somewhere else and he did. As I got back to sleep some campers decided that it was time to leave Airlie Beach - and most campers have a loud voice early in the morning - me included.

I lasted in bed until 7:45 - a pretty good effort for me.

By the time we sat down for breakfast - cereal and pineapple - all was quiet in the camp. However the sun was out and the forecast provided optimism of a nice day.

At 9:45 the four of us headed to Cedar Creek Falls, quite a scenic spot. We did not have a swim and resisted the temptation to walk to the top of the falls. That is for another day.

We bought some bananas at a road-side stall.

We then drove to Conway Beach, another scenic beach location. Its bonus was the caravan park that had an excellent “Route 66” style café where we had coffee and milkshakes.

It was a pleasant spot to relax. A walk on the beach can occur another day. Most of the cabins and amenities in the caravan park were painted a wide range of colours. Every cubicle door inside the amenities was a different colour.

Onwards we pressed, this time having a walk around Proserpine. Shirley bought a couple of items, before we stopped at “Prossy Pies” – allegedly the best pies in the region. They were very good.

After lunch Darryl decided that we needed to check out Lake Proserpine (also known as Peter Faust Dam). It is a big body of water with cheap camping allowed in one area. It is a pretty spot and was noted as a future stopover point.

We arrived back at camp in time for a coffee and some relaxation. Later we listened to an entertainer who played for a couple of hours.

Day 69 – Wednesday 3 August – Airlie Beach

It was the best start to the day for some time so Shirley and I headed off to the local Par 3 golf course for a hit - me playing, Shirley scoring. It was my first 'hit' since my thumb operation in February.

I was happy with my game and the hands were fine. Back into golf when we return home.

It was a pretty course and around 24 degrees by the time we finished.

We talked to a Melbourne couple who had bought a new set of clubs (for her) up from Melbourne. They were not even out of the original packaging. At the first tee they opened the packaging and found out that the clubs were left handed - and she is right handed. Not happy.

After a couple of hours of relaxation we headed into 'Airlie' with Kay & Darryl and had a mango smoothie - before a 3 km return walk along the beach front.

We BBQed a couple of excellent scotch fillet steaks for dinner. They were superb.

Day 70 – Thursday 4 August – Airlie Beach

The last day of our tenth week started with magnificent holiday weather, and just got better. Shirley got a new battery for her watch. Then we drove a few km north such that we could see Airlie Beach across the water, and we checked out 'Northerlies' - a bar and restaurant and flash accommodation.

Above: Airlie beach across the water from Northerlies

Below: Northerlies accommodation with a boating twist

We returned to camp and had a salad for lunch.

Motivated by the success of the Aussie swimmers in the Commonwealth Games we decided to 'hit' the pool. The water was a superb temperature for relaxing. Shirley won the new event 'sit at the edge of the pool and relax'. No one was able to match her performance.

I returned to camp and gained a valuable cooking lesson - "if you are going to cook muffins in the microwave use more than one cupcake paper". They are the flattest muffins known to man. I will do better next time.

Around 5:30 we headed to Banjo's - a local relaxed restaurant. Tonight was 'Lamb Shanks' night. The four of us had shanks and they were superb - for just $17.50.

We were home early.

Day 71 – Friday 5 August – Airlie Beach

There was a thick fog as we had breakfast, but it had mostly lifted when we went for a seaside walk around 9:30. There are lovely views in most directions when walking at Airlie Beach, particularly if walking near the ocean.

We drove from our walk to the local green-grocer and stocked up on fruit and vegies - particularly local tomatoes, which looked really good. I also topped up the diesel - the cheapest at $2.08 since Port Augusta at the end of May - for our weekend trip south to Yeppoon.

After lunch I lowered the awning and checked it for bird deposits and dirt. Although it was pretty good I gave it a refresh.

We then headed to the pool, to defend our titles from yesterday. That was duly achieved. I was disappointed that the number of 'reserved' lounges in the pool area exceeded the number of people in the pool. I wondered where the rest were.

Day 72 – Saturday 6 August – Transit Day 1

Airlie Beach was behind us by 9am - slow by our standards. But it was a shortish transit day.

Soon after departure we stopped and bought local road-side-bananas for $2 per kg. Not long after that level crossing lights started flashing when we were maybe 200 metres away. I had time to stop and get the camera ready for the following photo - of an empty sugar cane train.

The two guys in the loco waved.

Around 60 minutes later we stopped for coffee where sugar cane was being harvested.

There are some variations on the way to harvest sugar cane, but the process at this location was as follows:

1. The tractor and trailer follow the harvester, to collect the sugar cane.

2. The tractor delivers the 'cage' on its trailer to a waiting train (an empty train shown above), then returns to the harvester with an empty 'cage'

3. In the interim another tractor has been following the harvester.

4. When fully loaded the train heads to the nearest refinery.

We headed south on a pretty poor major highway (A1). We stopped at Sarina for lunch and Shirley knew where the pie shop was. So chunky beef pie and lamington for lunch.

Around 1:30 we arrived at St Lawrence Wetlands for our stop for the night - the same spot as this time last year. We chatted to neighbours and visited the wetlands. The excellent birds were outnumbered 1000 fold by mozzies so we returned to camp.

I was able to catch a sunset photo before Shirley served spaghetti bolognaise for dinner.