STAGE TWO......
Sunday 8th July
On our way, again after three weeks with Tracie and the boys, an opportunity to do some work on the van, Jordan’s new car and some maintenance on Tracie’s house.
Birthday celebrations firstly Pam then Jordan’s 17th both wonderful occasions, Tracie bought tickets to a show in Logan an English group performing songs from various musicals they were excellent. On the soccer front both boys played well and Jordan held his position in the under 20s however at the dying stages of last week ends match he received a red card and unfortunately this means he misses two weeks and is relegated back to the under 18s suffice to say he was badly done by as was acknowledged by his coach and team members. I am sure it will not be long before he re-instated into the under 20s.
On a brighter note Jordan passed his driving test and this cheered him up no end. Dinner and lunches with relatives and old friends was very enjoyable always great to catch up on news of family and enjoy the company of dear friends.
We are now on our way to Scarborough to catch up with sailing mates Neil and Lois who only recently sold their yacht Imagine 5 a superbly maintained Celestial. Of course, our time was spent talking sailing enjoying the superb meal prepared by Lois and a little alcoholic refreshment, a very enjoyable night.
Monday 9th July
Breakfast with Lois and Neil, beautifully cooked and presented Bacon, eggs and tomatoes and joining us Fluffy and Squeaky the bower birds both taking food from Neil and Lois hands squeaky standing on Lois knee very tame and on what has turned out to be a beautiful day. We were on our way by 10.30am our next stop Six Mile Creek just out of Gympie, we are booked into the Burrum Heads caravan park but as it is school holidays the park was booked out until the 11th as such some so called free camping for two nights. Six-mile creek is a reasonable over night spot and this place was full, the disadvantage it is just off the Bruce Highway as such quite noisy with trucks on the go all night.
Tuesday 10th July
Another cold night, today we are heading to Torbanlea staying at the sports centre there an easy drive from Gympie and only 25km from Burrum Heads our intended destination. The sports centre is excellent it has power, water and clean amenities in all there are eight power sites and numerous non-powered sites, cost $18.00 per night for a power site. The sports centre consists of a race track, tennis courts and two rugby grounds and well maintained. Torbanlea is only a small town but very tidy and looks quite prosperous. However, Mr Google tells me that the population is 871 with an average income of $515.00.
Wednesday 11th July
What we thought would be a peaceful night turned out to be quite noisy the road alongside the sports ground being the main route to Hervey Bay. We were on our way by 9.30am and arrived at our destination by 10.15am and set up directly behind Pam's cousin’s Jenny and Roger who is a top fisherman, I am hoping to get some good fishing tips from him but I feel he is aware of my fishing reputation and as such booked in to play bowls today.
The park manager was very helpful guiding me into a rather tight site, at $35.00 per night this is reasonable particularly during the school holiday period. This is a wonderful caravan park and right alongside the Burrum River, a tidal river system with a boat launching ramp with a winch for boat retrieval, great place for fishing. One leg on the van packed up today but soon repaired with the advice and assistance of Graham who is camped opposite. A lazy day and off tonight to the local pub for dinner.
The pub was full it was roast night Beef, lamb or pork $10.00 a meal very tasty, tonight is the third state of origin match and the Queenslanders are out in number all very confident of a win. Back to the van by the courtesy bus and ready for a good night’s sleep.
Thursday 12th July
How great to get a peaceful night’s sleep, the sun shining and a good day for fishing low tide at midday. Was I a keen pupil up early and preparing two rods under the watchful eye of Roger, well what he told me was to attach a long shank hook, which I did. An early lunch then off fishing. We set off to the entrance, Roger has his favourite spot marked on his GPS but first to lay some crab pots. This done we drifted with lines cast hoping for a bite they were few and far apart Roger caught a lovely Flounder, slim pickings so off to Rogers special spot. Trouble looming, Roger looking very serious, a boat had Rogers spot, not good. We however anchored close by and started fishing our aim to catch winter whiting. After two hours, we, or should I say Roger had six winter whiting with one rather exciting catch a lovely 45cm Flathead that latched onto a whiting on Rogers hook and Roger somehow, got this into the boat, what a nice fish.
Now I know you are all wanting to know how I went well I caught three fantastic, fighting, large Toads. Nothing has changed and to add insult to injury I lost one rod over board. Roger was not impressed. Are but there is always a silver lining Roger had the job of cleaning all the fish, my catch was all waiting for me to feed them again.
The boat all clean and packed away for the night then of all things to buy fish and chips which went down well, after we went to the bowling club some liquid refreshment and hoping to win one of the many prizes in the raffle, once again Rogers luck was in he won eight vouchers for pots of beer a fun night.
Friday 13th July
The wind was strengthening so off early to pick up the crab pots, which we did, out of six crab pots only three male crabs the rest females, which must to be returned for breeding, a poor result according to Roger. Once, again we tried fishing at the entrance but the wind was now about 13 knots and it was becoming uncomfortable and no one was catching fish so back to camp. After lunch Pam and I took a walk along the foreshore. Burrum Heads is one of my favourite places to visit it’s a small beach village holiday area with a population of just over 2000, a great place for fishing, Bowling with golf courses not far away, a very peaceful place with a wide tidal river going well inland. Before we left Melbourne, I bought a new GPS for the car, which was giving me grief, I could not get back into settings no matter how I tried, Graham in the van opposite offered to have a look at it to see if he could sort it out, thankfully he did and now all working OK except for the time, which is two hours out neither of us could correct this, it seems it needs upgrading.
Saturday 14th to 16th July
On our way to Bargara a suburb of Bundaberg on the coast, the caravan park being full we could only book one night on a powered site then two on unpowered. The park operators however were very helpful and found a second night on power leaving us with only one night on unpowered, which worked out well, the nights were unseasonably cold and we were giving the electric heater plenty of work.
When setting up I noticed a fellow walking near our van who I was sure I knew it turned out to be Brendon from the Rosebud Country club he was staying at the park for two months. Also, another group from the country club were passing through so golf organised for Monday and I was invited to join them.
Our main reason for being at Bargara is to catch up with Tiny and Bob, friends from Mornington who have been coming to Bargara for years, tennis Club mates.
The caravan park at Bargara is huge with large sites, it is situated opposite the beach and walking distance from the village, the new management have refurbished the amenities blocks and they are excellent, further improvements are in train all through the park. Being close to Bundaberg there is lots to do in this area the Hinkler museum being a must.
Golf with Geoff, Keith and Brendon was enjoyable the golf course in great condition and challenging, scores will remain undisclosed. Sundowners each night with Tiny and Bob were great and we caught up on some home news and met some of their park friends, relaxing evenings.
17th 18th 19th July
Now at Moore Park Beach Caravan Park only 30km from Bundaberg a short drive. The reason to call in here is to catch up with Bill and Leslie caravanning friends we met at Kurrimine Beach, they have sold their house in Brisbane and are at present building a house at Moore Park. What a beautiful area, the caravan Park is alongside a superb beach which is about 10 km long, at one end the mouth of a tidal river which runs east and west inside the sand dunes it is a drainage area for the mangrove swamp, the river section travelling west ends at the caravan park and is a haven for ducks, Ibis, and swallows who each morning and evening fly around catching insects. Our site overlooks the pondage and out towards the sea, we are also alongside a swimming pool, however it’s to dam cold for swimming just yet.
Pam and I walked the beach to the river mouth and were surprised to find a small water fall the water draining from the mangrove swamp it looked to me a good place to throw in a line. Moore Park is a small village with a population of 1700, besides the caravan park there is a general store and a service station, although a great holiday destination it is becoming a more permanent residential area with many new homes established and being built. A new house of about 25 squares and land in this area is very reasonable, starting at around $300.000. When I purchased the cruiser I had it converted to LPG environmentally friendly and economical, to our surprise there are very few service stations in Bundaberg supplying LPG, now down to just two and both off the beaten track. I downloaded a fuel app to check just how many LPG stations there were along our chosen route and found numbers have deminished but I was able to determine that we would have ample LPG supply through to Georgetown from there to Darwin we will be on petrol. Our concern, the petrol tank capacity is only about 280km but with some spare fuel carried and keeping our LPG tank full after Georgetown we will be in good condition to get to Darwin. I recommend fuel app its excellent when planning a trip.
We enjoyed our time with Bill and Leslie, dinner at the bowling club seeing the new ABBA movie good fun and of course sun downers and a little liquid refreshment.
Tomorrow we head further north..........
Sunday 8th July
On our way, again after three weeks with Tracie and the boys, an opportunity to do some work on the van, Jordan’s new car and some maintenance on Tracie’s house.
Birthday celebrations firstly Pam then Jordan’s 17th both wonderful occasions, Tracie bought tickets to a show in Logan an English group performing songs from various musicals they were excellent. On the soccer front both boys played well and Jordan held his position in the under 20s however at the dying stages of last week ends match he received a red card and unfortunately this means he misses two weeks and is relegated back to the under 18s suffice to say he was badly done by as was acknowledged by his coach and team members. I am sure it will not be long before he re-instated into the under 20s.
On a brighter note Jordan passed his driving test and this cheered him up no end. Dinner and lunches with relatives and old friends was very enjoyable always great to catch up on news of family and enjoy the company of dear friends.
We are now on our way to Scarborough to catch up with sailing mates Neil and Lois who only recently sold their yacht Imagine 5 a superbly maintained Celestial. Of course, our time was spent talking sailing enjoying the superb meal prepared by Lois and a little alcoholic refreshment, a very enjoyable night.
Monday 9th July
Breakfast with Lois and Neil, beautifully cooked and presented Bacon, eggs and tomatoes and joining us Fluffy and Squeaky the bower birds both taking food from Neil and Lois hands squeaky standing on Lois knee very tame and on what has turned out to be a beautiful day. We were on our way by 10.30am our next stop Six Mile Creek just out of Gympie, we are booked into the Burrum Heads caravan park but as it is school holidays the park was booked out until the 11th as such some so called free camping for two nights. Six-mile creek is a reasonable over night spot and this place was full, the disadvantage it is just off the Bruce Highway as such quite noisy with trucks on the go all night.
Tuesday 10th July
Another cold night, today we are heading to Torbanlea staying at the sports centre there an easy drive from Gympie and only 25km from Burrum Heads our intended destination. The sports centre is excellent it has power, water and clean amenities in all there are eight power sites and numerous non-powered sites, cost $18.00 per night for a power site. The sports centre consists of a race track, tennis courts and two rugby grounds and well maintained. Torbanlea is only a small town but very tidy and looks quite prosperous. However, Mr Google tells me that the population is 871 with an average income of $515.00.
Wednesday 11th July
What we thought would be a peaceful night turned out to be quite noisy the road alongside the sports ground being the main route to Hervey Bay. We were on our way by 9.30am and arrived at our destination by 10.15am and set up directly behind Pam's cousin’s Jenny and Roger who is a top fisherman, I am hoping to get some good fishing tips from him but I feel he is aware of my fishing reputation and as such booked in to play bowls today.
The park manager was very helpful guiding me into a rather tight site, at $35.00 per night this is reasonable particularly during the school holiday period. This is a wonderful caravan park and right alongside the Burrum River, a tidal river system with a boat launching ramp with a winch for boat retrieval, great place for fishing. One leg on the van packed up today but soon repaired with the advice and assistance of Graham who is camped opposite. A lazy day and off tonight to the local pub for dinner.
The pub was full it was roast night Beef, lamb or pork $10.00 a meal very tasty, tonight is the third state of origin match and the Queenslanders are out in number all very confident of a win. Back to the van by the courtesy bus and ready for a good night’s sleep.
Thursday 12th July
How great to get a peaceful night’s sleep, the sun shining and a good day for fishing low tide at midday. Was I a keen pupil up early and preparing two rods under the watchful eye of Roger, well what he told me was to attach a long shank hook, which I did. An early lunch then off fishing. We set off to the entrance, Roger has his favourite spot marked on his GPS but first to lay some crab pots. This done we drifted with lines cast hoping for a bite they were few and far apart Roger caught a lovely Flounder, slim pickings so off to Rogers special spot. Trouble looming, Roger looking very serious, a boat had Rogers spot, not good. We however anchored close by and started fishing our aim to catch winter whiting. After two hours, we, or should I say Roger had six winter whiting with one rather exciting catch a lovely 45cm Flathead that latched onto a whiting on Rogers hook and Roger somehow, got this into the boat, what a nice fish.
Now I know you are all wanting to know how I went well I caught three fantastic, fighting, large Toads. Nothing has changed and to add insult to injury I lost one rod over board. Roger was not impressed. Are but there is always a silver lining Roger had the job of cleaning all the fish, my catch was all waiting for me to feed them again.
The boat all clean and packed away for the night then of all things to buy fish and chips which went down well, after we went to the bowling club some liquid refreshment and hoping to win one of the many prizes in the raffle, once again Rogers luck was in he won eight vouchers for pots of beer a fun night.
Friday 13th July
The wind was strengthening so off early to pick up the crab pots, which we did, out of six crab pots only three male crabs the rest females, which must to be returned for breeding, a poor result according to Roger. Once, again we tried fishing at the entrance but the wind was now about 13 knots and it was becoming uncomfortable and no one was catching fish so back to camp. After lunch Pam and I took a walk along the foreshore. Burrum Heads is one of my favourite places to visit it’s a small beach village holiday area with a population of just over 2000, a great place for fishing, Bowling with golf courses not far away, a very peaceful place with a wide tidal river going well inland. Before we left Melbourne, I bought a new GPS for the car, which was giving me grief, I could not get back into settings no matter how I tried, Graham in the van opposite offered to have a look at it to see if he could sort it out, thankfully he did and now all working OK except for the time, which is two hours out neither of us could correct this, it seems it needs upgrading.
Saturday 14th to 16th July
On our way to Bargara a suburb of Bundaberg on the coast, the caravan park being full we could only book one night on a powered site then two on unpowered. The park operators however were very helpful and found a second night on power leaving us with only one night on unpowered, which worked out well, the nights were unseasonably cold and we were giving the electric heater plenty of work.
When setting up I noticed a fellow walking near our van who I was sure I knew it turned out to be Brendon from the Rosebud Country club he was staying at the park for two months. Also, another group from the country club were passing through so golf organised for Monday and I was invited to join them.
Our main reason for being at Bargara is to catch up with Tiny and Bob, friends from Mornington who have been coming to Bargara for years, tennis Club mates.
The caravan park at Bargara is huge with large sites, it is situated opposite the beach and walking distance from the village, the new management have refurbished the amenities blocks and they are excellent, further improvements are in train all through the park. Being close to Bundaberg there is lots to do in this area the Hinkler museum being a must.
Golf with Geoff, Keith and Brendon was enjoyable the golf course in great condition and challenging, scores will remain undisclosed. Sundowners each night with Tiny and Bob were great and we caught up on some home news and met some of their park friends, relaxing evenings.
17th 18th 19th July
Now at Moore Park Beach Caravan Park only 30km from Bundaberg a short drive. The reason to call in here is to catch up with Bill and Leslie caravanning friends we met at Kurrimine Beach, they have sold their house in Brisbane and are at present building a house at Moore Park. What a beautiful area, the caravan Park is alongside a superb beach which is about 10 km long, at one end the mouth of a tidal river which runs east and west inside the sand dunes it is a drainage area for the mangrove swamp, the river section travelling west ends at the caravan park and is a haven for ducks, Ibis, and swallows who each morning and evening fly around catching insects. Our site overlooks the pondage and out towards the sea, we are also alongside a swimming pool, however it’s to dam cold for swimming just yet.
Pam and I walked the beach to the river mouth and were surprised to find a small water fall the water draining from the mangrove swamp it looked to me a good place to throw in a line. Moore Park is a small village with a population of 1700, besides the caravan park there is a general store and a service station, although a great holiday destination it is becoming a more permanent residential area with many new homes established and being built. A new house of about 25 squares and land in this area is very reasonable, starting at around $300.000. When I purchased the cruiser I had it converted to LPG environmentally friendly and economical, to our surprise there are very few service stations in Bundaberg supplying LPG, now down to just two and both off the beaten track. I downloaded a fuel app to check just how many LPG stations there were along our chosen route and found numbers have deminished but I was able to determine that we would have ample LPG supply through to Georgetown from there to Darwin we will be on petrol. Our concern, the petrol tank capacity is only about 280km but with some spare fuel carried and keeping our LPG tank full after Georgetown we will be in good condition to get to Darwin. I recommend fuel app its excellent when planning a trip.
We enjoyed our time with Bill and Leslie, dinner at the bowling club seeing the new ABBA movie good fun and of course sun downers and a little liquid refreshment.
Tomorrow we head further north..........
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