26 June to 11 July

FRIDAY 26TH JUNE 2009 – KUNUNURRA TO KATHERINE W.A... - DAY 109

Our departure from Kununurra is without any problems as we head east towards Katherine. It is a long tedious day of driving and we notice the scenery is quite boring compared to driving into Kununurra.

As we still have radio contact we are saddened by the news of the death of Farrah Fawcett Majors. Her battle with cancer finally coming to an end. I will never forget trying to copy 'that hairstyle' in my youth in the 70's.

We were also shocked at the sudden death of Michael Jackson at the young age of 50. I am sure he had a very tormented life but love him or dislike him he made a huge contribution to the music industry. I'm sure these 2 performers, in their own right, will be sorely missed.

We stop a couple of times to let Lucy have a 'comfort stop' and us to stretch our legs before being back in the car and continuing our journey. Just as well we can share the driving as amazingly is gets very tiring driving these long distances between stops.

Our arrival into Katherine is around 4:00pm so we check into the first caravan park we come across 'The Riverview' and are told it is full. I phone the Tourist Information Centre who tell us Munbullo Homestead Caravan Park is our next best option. This Homestead was 3kms off the highway on our way in so we have to back track to get there.

It is another working cattle station with a caravan park attached so we find a lovely shady site with views to the paddock with many adorable Brahman cows. Lucy is fascinated as we also see some wallabies. We decide to stay hooked up for the night to make an easier getaway in the morning.

Just on dark a ute arrives with hundreds of fat rockmelons on board. We are told these are the 'seconds' and they bring them here to give to anyone who wants them and what is left over goes to the cows! Lucky cows.

We are given two of the fattest rockmelons we have seen and can't wait to cut them open. We will have them after our chops and sausages for dinner. Lucy enjoys a closer look at the cows as they devour these juicy pieces of fruit.

SATURDAY 27TH JUNE 2009 – KATHERINE W.A TO DALY WATERS N.T. - DAY 110

Up early and we are on our way. We get petrol in Katherine and as its Saturday morning the town is buzzing. There is a local market on but as we have a long drive we decline the urge to 'have a closer look' and head south..

In the meantime I have phone messages from our friends from Adelaide David and Helen. They are in Cairns at the moment in their caravan and are wondering where we are. I contact them and let them know where we are and that we are probably about 5 or 6 days from them. They will stay in Cairns until Tuesday (30th) and then will head up to Port Douglas. We will try to meet up with them there and spend some time with them if possible.

We head to Mataranka where 4 years ago we swam in the idyllic clear waters of Bitter Springs here so we were keen to repeat this. We were not sure whether to stay at the caravan park there for the night or drive on. We would make a decision after our swim.

Once we are there we are surprised at how 'busy' it has become with many signs and an extended carpark. We knew this place to be really isolated and hoped it had not become to 'well known'.

We left Lucy in the cool of the van while we donned our swimmers and towels and walked the short distance to the pools. There were about a dozen people of varying ages in the water and despite being a 'bit crowded' for our liking we plunged in nevertheless.

The water was very warm – possibly a little too warm but the crystal clear water, the lovely vegetation and view through the water to the bottom was spectacular. There was quite a strong current which swept us southwards. We noticed a couple of platforms on either side which had been erected since our last visit which, we assume for safety purposes, to make it easier to emerge if you wished. We were swept about 200metres to the end and had to climb up a ladder to a bridge. Nick decided he would swim back to the beginning which was very difficult but as he informed a 'good workout'. I elected to walk back.

After about an hour we dried off, had some lunch then decided to continue our journey to Daly Waters another couple of hours drive south.

By the time we got there it was full with only unpowered sites left. We decided, as we were going to have dinner at the pub that night we would not need power and for what power we did need (ie our fridge etc) we could use our battery.

The Pub hasn't changed at all since we were here 4 years ago. Maybe a few more bras lining the bar. This is a place of much memorabilia where patrons tend to leave something. It could be as simple as a business card to international drivers licences to international currency to undies, caps, thongs (the ones you wear on your feet that is) etc. It makes up an eclectic mix of an interesting tradition that travellers have left over many years,

Saturday nights at the Daly Waters Pub are very popular and many campers coincide their stop here on that day. They have a 'Beef and Barra' night where they serve the freshest barra and juiciest beef. They also have a show with a country and western theme and comedian.

It was a fun night and the food delicious but as we had an early start the next day we were in bed by 9:30pm.

SUNDAY 28TH JUNE 2009 – DALY WATERS TO BARKLY HOMESTEAD – N.T. - DAY 111

7am start it took no time to pack up. Amazing how quick we can be when all we have to do is make the bed and stow the tables and chairs.

We were not sure how far we would drive today but as the passing view were as tedious as they were yesterday we were keen to get this part of our journey over.

Our longest drive so far as we clocked up almost just on 600kms we stop at Barkly Homestead just past 3 ways turn off. We are given a 'drive though' powered site and sit under a lovely shady tree close by to enjoy our 5 o'clock drinks (despite only being 3:10pm as our friends Peter and Jane in NZ would say 'its 5:00 somewhere in the world)!!!!

The Homestead put on a lovely Sunday night roast and the alternative is sausages so we decide for $12-00 the roast sounds good. Which it is.

People in caravan parks eat and go to bed so early by the time we get to the restaurant it is full and it is just 6pm. We find a table and enjoy the roast with a lovely bottle of red. By 9pm we are in bed – no washing up or cleaning up – I could really get used to this!!!

MONDAY 29TH JUNE 2009 – BARKLY HOMESTEAD TO MT ISA – DAY 112

Problem again with caravan tyre – apparently we have a crack in the axle near the tyre. We have it Soldered and the mechanic asks us to keep and eye on it. Once we are on the East Coast we will find a lovely quiet spot and set up camp, perhaps staying for a couple of weeks.

I try to phone our friends from Kingscliff Rose and Don, as guaging by our estimated travel distances, and their well planned itinerary we don't think we will see them. Rose has gone to so much trouble with 'fine tuning' their itinerary unfortunately we will probably miss them by a day.

We have a fairly boring day driving trying to get across to the East now. We get to Mt Isa and decide to camp there for the night. There is a lovely camp ground about 4kms before arriving into town so after filling up with petrol and buying ice (for our gin and tonics mainly) we drive across the river.

Our camp site is fantastic, a drive through and we seem to be on our own. We don't have to unhook so it is not long before we are enjoying our “5seys”' as we listen to the local birds. Apart from the busy 'detour' road we discovered not far away we disregard the noise and enjoy our g & t's.

TUESDAY 30TH JUNE 2009 - MT ISA TO HUGHENDEN QLD – DAY 113

We rise early and are away at 7am wondering whether we will head across to Townsville or to Cloncurry then up to Normanton. We travelled the latter on our last trip and despite having to 'back track' a bit once we get to Cairns we decide we will take that option.

When we are travelling we tend not to have breakfast, preferring for me to make fresh sandwich and hot coffee to eat on the way. Then after driving for about 4 hours (2 hours each) we stop at a roadhouse for a comfort stop, fresh coffee and a sandwich. We decided we would do this in Cloncurry.

After driving past the first roadhouse we pulled into the second one a 'Shell Roadhouse', filled up with petrol and then ventured into order our coffee and sandwiches. We had only been sitting there for about 10 minutes when we heard a familiar voice. “Amazing who you run into when least expect'!!!! We couldn't believe our eyes as we greeted our friends Rose and Don. Unbelievable!!! They had were travelling from the East and just so happened to decide on the spur of the moment to stop in Cloncurry. They, like us, drove past the first roadhouse and decided to come into the second roadhouse (as we did). They had decided to digress a little from their very 'fine tuned' itinerary and amazingly had not received my text message as to our 'change of direction'.

This similar coincidence also occurred with them and us back in Airlie Beach in 2005. A long story I won't go into but we realised we must have very similar ideas!! We sat and talked to them, caught up on family, friends and news from each other in general. They would be heading to Katherine to meet Jan and Alan so would have great delight on telling them this story of our chance meeting.

Farewells were bid with assurances that we would see them back in Kingscliff when we all arrive there in late August.

On our very first 'serious camping' experience we hired a camper (similar to Jan and Alan's). We, together with our daughter Chelsea were going with them and their youngest daughter Lisa joining Rose and Don and their son Rheece to spend 2 weeks travelling to Carnarvon Gorge to 'see whether this life was for us'!. After a few problems and Rheece, Chelsea and I getting a stomach bug – not very endearing when camping and needing to run to the toilet it was not a huge success. Nick, Chelsea and I ended up in Hughenden in a motel room in the local pub, awaiting a part for our Honda which had broken down in the middle of nowhere. I must admit as basic as the motel was it was like the “Hilton” compared to the camper. This being our very first experience we made the decision then camping was not for us.

That night we had a Chinese meal at the local restaurant downtown and one place I'm sure we would never forget.

We arrived into this very familiar town, stocked up at the local bottle shop with our wine and beer and headed to the local caravan park. It was lovely, very clean, and grassed. The owners were hosting a BBQ night but as we had already brought 'Chines' (for old times sake) we enjoyed that with a glass of wine and as we had a long drive again tomorrow, we had an early nigh.

WEDNESDAY 1ST JULY 2009 – HUGHENDEN TO CARDWELL QLD - DAY 114

As we were already hooked up we got away early and would drive all day. This sort of travelling is very tiring but worth it in the end as once we get somewhere nice to just 'stop' for a few days and enjoy the 'scenery' is worth it.

I phoned our friends David and Helen (from Adelaide) who were staying at Ellis Beach just past Cairns in their caravan and decided we would meet up tomorrow at Newell Beach, about 4kms from Mossman and just north of Port Douglas. David offered kindly to book each of us a site for 3 nights (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) then we would decide where to go next.

Another full day of driving but with scenery of lovely mountains, blue ocean, many cane and banana plantations it was evident we were approaching the tropics and a warm familiar feeling was being experienced by both of us that we were closer to 'home' and our children and grandchildren who we miss terribly.

By 4pm we were driving into Cardwell. This is a lovely seaside town on the coast with magnificent views of the Great Barrier Reef and Hinchinbrook Island across the water. We found a lovely caravan park opposite the beach and booked in for 1 night, conveniently staying hooked up ready for our early departure in the morning.

THURSDAY 2ND JULY 2009 – CARDWELL TO NEWELL BEACH QLD - DAY 115

We rise early and take Lucy for a walk across to the beach. This is a lovely area and nice caravan park so we decide to stay here for longer on our way back in about 5 weeks time.

It is not a very long drive today and we are getting excited to be catching up with our very dear friends with much anticipation of spending some time with them.

We drive through the town of Mossman and follow directions to Newell Beach 4kms further on. As we turn into the road that takes us to the caravan park and to the beach we notice a lovely golf course. As Helen and David are keen golfers Nick says now I know why they chose this place!!!! He didn't realise I chose this place as the caravan park is 'pet friendly' something which is very scarce up here.

We check in and are shown to our site. It would have to be the worst site as far as manouvring the princess into place. I am better at 'reversing' while Nick is better at navigating so together with the help of David we get into our 'tight' spot with no trouble and to the obvious delight of all the onlookers. Helen, with thumbs up greets me with a huge hug and assures me she knew I could do it.

We Set up camp and Helen invites us to share a delicious roast dinner with them which is very much appreciated after our last 5 days of quick make-do meals we have had while on the road.

Over dinner we decide to play golf tomorrow at the Mossman Golf Club, the one we admired on our way in. I could see Nick was not so keen on the idea but with Helen, David and I so enthusiastic he went along with the idea anyway.

FRIDAY 3RD JULY 2009 – NEWELL BEACH QLD - DAY 116

By 7:45am we were up and on the golf course early – 18 holes. I urge Nick that with my painful heel spur I would like to use a cart, reluctantly he agrees and before long we are hitting off the first hole.

David and Helen play golf regularly in Adelaide and are very good players, Nick and I not so regular but we played on nevertheless.

The scenery on the course was lovely with the magnificent view of the mountains and even a rainforest between holes. After 4 hours, our game was over and despite some bad shots by mainly Nick and I we enjoyed the day immensely.

After an easy afternoon we all get together here for drinks and I cook thai chicken curry for dinner.

SATURDAY 4TH JULY 2009 – NEWELL BEACH QLD - DAY 117

There are the weekly Saturday morning markets at Mossman so the 4 of us, and Lucy head into town. They are like any other small town market and we buy a few small items, enjoy coffee talking to some of the locals. On our way back to camp we decide we will take our lunch to Katherine Gorge. We might even have a swim.

The Gorge is beautiful but so crowded. We are amazed at how many people there are there and as such not very inviting to swim. We walk into the rainforest and look out and listen to the colourful butterflies and birds along the way. There is a small picnic area where we have lunch before driving back to camp, enjoying some lovely scenery along the way.

This is such a lovely place we decide to extend our stay and re-book for another 3 nights. Back at camp we spend the afternoon relaxing then taking a long walk on beach with Lucy/ before having dinner and an early night.

SUNDAY 5TH JULY 2009 – NEWELL BEACH QLD - DAY 118

Port Douglas is not far from Mossman and after noticing many more accommodation units and houses from our last visit, we drive to the lookout. The view is spectacular and despite the 'overcrowding' feeling on the ground from here the vast countryside of mountains, palm trees and ocean camouflages the buildings below

Down the mountain and after parking the car walk to the Markets a short distance away. These markets are huge and very upmarket compared to the small town ones at Mossman. Helen and I leave David and Nick at the local cafe across the road or as I call it 'The bored husbands chairs' while we help the local economy. I buy 3 lovely summer dresses, very reasonable and well made by a delightful local lady by the name of Pam. I will put them away to take on our short 5 day trip to Dunk Island.

We have lunch at a local cafe and are astounded at the price but remember this is Port Douglas. We then drive back to our camp. David cooks a lovely bbq for dinner which we enjoy together as we make plans for another game of golf the next day. A time Is decided on and we will make it earlier than last as despite being winter here the daily temperature gets up to 30 degrees, very warm to be playing golf so we decide to hit off at 7:30am sharp.

MONDAY 6TH JULY 2009 – NEWELL BEACH QLD - DAY 119

We are up early and hit off for our morning game of golf at 7:30am. Helen assures me she thinks I have improved since our last game 2 days ago. I am not so confident but I am enjoying it nevertheless.

I beat my last round by 5 shots. I could get to enjoy this and I am sure the secret is to play often. I speak to Jan and Alan on the phone who are in Katherine with Rose and Don and other friends Carol and Les. Jan is impressed that we are playing more. I tell her I am going to be much more improved by the time we get to Tweed Heads in late August so will be ready for a game with her and Alan. Jan's handicap is 16 and Alan is even less so I am keen to play more to hopefully improve by the time we see them.

We spend the afternoon relaxing and I cook a roast pork dinner. Tomorrow we decide we will drive up to Cape Tribulation and into the Rainforest for a picnic.

TUESDAY 7TH JULY 2009 – NEWELL BEACH QLD – DAY 120

We pack a picnic lunch and leave early to drive to Cape Tribulation/and the Daintree National Park which is about 70kms from Newell Beach. We enjoy the many river crossings along the way and all eagerly look out for the elusive crocs which we have heard so much about.

The dense rainforest is spectacular and so cool. We could imagine this site after the wet season and how amazing the swollen creeks and rivers would look during that time. The temperature here at the moment is perfect with warm days and cooler nights. Can't imagine how uncomfortable it would be in the summer months though.

We stop at a parking area in the national park and as we have little Lucy with us she prevents us from venturing too far. I am happy to stay with her while the others venture further onto the walking tracks. It is not long before they are back and urge me to go to look at a wild Casowary bird not far from the car park.

It is a very regal bird with its colourful head, the size of a small emu. There are many signs along the roadside indicating to beware of them crossing the roads.

Cape Tribulation is very crowded with obviously many tourists. Note the photo as I named it 'knees up mother brown' of all the tourists sunbaking with their knees up. We can take Lucy to the beach here so this is where we set up our picnic.

The water is a bit too cold for a swim and always the fear of a hungry croc lurking we are content to take a lovely walk and many photos. On our drive back we stop at Cow Beach and in my opinion just as pretty as Cape Tribulation. I let Lucy off her lead and she has a lovely time frolicking in the ocean and running in the sand as we follow her and take many photos of her.

We enjoy a little bit of beach 4 wheel driving before enjoying the changing scenery as we head back to our camp

Back at camp I cooked what's left in fridge, we watch some tv and head to bed after a lovely day in this lovely part of the world.

WEDNESDAY 8TH JULY 2009 – NEWELL BEACH TO FLYING FISH POINT - DAY 121

Today we have to say our sad farewells as we head in different directions. Helen and David are going inland toward Atherton and we will go back down the coast to Innisfail and a little place about 6kms towards the beach which Helen recommended to us called Flying Fish Point. We haven't made a booking which we have been told anywhere here and down the coast is essential. It is so hard as we like to view our potential address before we make any commitment. Despite this we decide to take a chance and if we like it we hopefully get a spot.

Our last 6 days have been so enjoyable we decide we will make more opportunities of catching up with our lovely southern friends more often. We each have so much in common we will make some plans for another holiday together in the near future.

As we drive through Cairns we stop at a lovely seafood outlet, one I remember from our last visit. We buy fresh cooked prawns, fresh green prawns and oysters which we will enjoy over the next 3 days. Something about being on the coast with the need of eating fresh seafood.

We arrive into Innisfail a lovely sugar cane town and find directions to Flying Fish Point 6kms to the beach. As we come into 'town' 1 shop and drive along the beach we come to a lovely caravan park. This area is not unlike Newell Beach and it is evident the developers haven't discovered these little places AS YET!!!! So unspoiled and lots of small timber beach houses dotted along the beach. I'm sure we could pick up a real bargain here as far as real estate goes. Just a shame it is so far from our families as it would be the perfect place to retire.

As we speak to the delightful Manager of the park we are in luck. There are only 2 spots left – not the best sites but close to the amenities (which Nick says is important to him) and lots of lovely palm trees around which gives us privacy and very easy access to the dog friendly beach. Although not the most ideal it will do so we book for a week. Like Newell Beach Caravan Park it is very friendly. We find these parks which mainly cater for people with dogs are the best. The big expensive tourist parks which cater for kids have the flash swimming pools and water slides etc are not so friendly. We have even met caravanners who don't have dogs and opt to stay in the pet friendly parks as they say the atmosphere is better and more relaxed.

We set up camp and with Lucy on her lead we head to the beach. She again, is in heaven. She loves nothing more than to be frolicking beside us, running up and down the beach at a million miles an hour before plunging into the ocean. She is in puppy heaven and we can't help thinking this little dog has had so many experiences from when she was chosen by Chelsea and me as a puppy in a cramped little cage at a pet shop in Sydney's Parramatta.

From there we brought her home to a 10th floor highrise apartment with spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House with her playground Observatory Park where all the 'in dogs' and their owners would hang out.

Her next address was Tweed Heads for 3 months where we spent renovating our 'Pet Friendly' holiday house and her likes and dislikes certainly influenced some decision we made for that project.

After that she lived at a Caravan Park in Rockdale for 8 months with us while we were endeavouring to locate and eventually renovate our cottage in Randwick. With the fantastic Coogee leash free park close by what more could an active little dog want.

2 years later she is all packed and ready to go travelling around Australia. What a life this little dog has had in her 4 short years. She has had so many experiences and been to so many locations but when it all boils down to it – we don't think she cares where she is as long as she is with us. We think she is a very lucky little dog nevertheless!!!!! But also she gives us many many hours of pleasure in return.

THURSDAY 9TH JULY 2009 – FLYING FISH POINT QLD – DAY 122

I leave Nick this morning as he wants to potter around camp and I want to have a look at the shops. I head into town and park the car – again despite being a busy little town parking is so much easier than in Sydney. I park the car and walk up and down the strip where I find a lovely big sewing shop. This shop has an array of beautiful fabrics, cottons, ribbons and laces and after about an hour I emerge armed with lovely ribbons for my hair and some antique lace for my patchwork quilt. Where I will put it I have no idea but half the fun is designing.

A quick wander through the rest of the shops and a detour to the supermarket where I buy some supplies before heading back to camp.

I spend the afternoon sewing while Nick reads one of the many books he has been enjoying.

There are a couple who are camped just up from us and have 2 lovely dogs 'Jake and Jess'. We take Lucy for a long walk on the beach and meet up with them so Lucy loves the challenge of seeing who can run the fastest. I am really making an effort in training her to come back when I call her. She is not too bad but when there is another dog who she can run and have fun with certainly makes the training a little more difficult. The liver treats I have purchased for her make a huge difference though and our trainng efforts are, despite being somewhat slow, is paying off. Consistency is the key here though!!

FRIDAY 10TH JULY 2009 – FLYING FISH POINT QLD - DAY 123

It is a public holiday here in Innisfail today for the Show so we decide to pack a picnic lunch, our swimmers and towel and drive the 30kms to Babinda. This is a pretty little town in the heart of a busy sugar cane region. Unlike other areas of the country who battle drought, they. receives one of the highest rainfall readings in the country. Babinda wears its nickname, The Umbrella Town, and the area is understandably green and lush with some colourful public and private gardens. Those of you who watch the Today Show will remember the delightful newsreader Sharon Ghidella where Babinda is the town she grew up. After leaving Channel Nine and the Today Show she gave birth to a son and returned to Brisbane where she is a regular newsreader on the 7 network evening news.

The Babinda Sugar Mill, which stands sentry at the town's northern entrance, becomes a hive of activity during the can crushing season. We are witness to many cane trains where tiny locomotives pull carriages piled high with sugar cane.

We decide to stop at the local Tourist Information Centre where we gather much information for us to investigate. Over coffee we mill over the many things to see and do and while there we meet another couple who are also visitors staying at the local caravan park at Bramston Beach. They have a lovely large dog who Lucy entertains while we enjoy our coffee and chat. We decide to check out Bramston Beach on our way back to Flying Fish Point this afternoon.

A drive through town reveals a thriving arts and crafts community and excellent early Queensland architecture.in the State Hotel, Post Office and Railway Station. We head up towards Josephine Falls which is a stunning picnic spot but as it is really crowded we decide to drive further.

Just north of here is a place we find called Golden Hole. It is a beautifully manicured picnic and recreation area in the middle of the bush. The sound of the waterfall nearby echoes in our ears as we hear a group of white water rafters emerging from the water. They hike 1.9kms up the mountain and raft from there to where we are here at Golden Pond. It looks and sounds so much and by the looks and expression on the faces of the participants it as they say is something not to be missed. As this group appear to be quite a bit younger than us I might think about that.

We walk down a track with our picnic gear where we come to a secluded oasis. It is a freshwater swimming hole with the clearest and cleanest water we have seen in amongst a beautiful rain forest.. I let Lucy off her lead and she has a lovely time running and playing in the water. My fears of crocs are put to the back of my mind as she is almost giggling as she runs.

There is a stray dog roaming around, actually huge black labrador pup we have no idea who belongs to. Lucy finds a friend and we have great delight watching them play together as if they own this piece of heaven. We enjoy our picnic lunch before Nick decides he needs to swim in the water. Its just a little fresh for me but I will not rule out a swim altogether. I enjoy sitting on the banks watching Nick and Lucy swim and play and enjoying the seclusion, peace and quiet.

On our way back to our camp we drive 13kms off the Bruce Highway to Bramston Beach, recommended by the couple we met in the coffee shop at Babinda. If we like it better here we book for a week after our week at Flying Fish Point. We drive through the little town of Miriwinni, the birthplace of Australian champion triathlete Brad Bevan.

Bramston Beach is off the highway as we drive past seemingly endless farmhouses and cane fields. You could say it is somewhat off the beaten track and is a very popular fishing and camping spot. We drive past the campground which is right on the beach and at the other end is the caravan park. The campground looks much more appealing than the caravan park with its very 'basic' amenities and we are not keen to have an unpowered site for any length of time so we decide to stay where we are. When we arrive back at our camp we book our site for another week – which will take us up to Wednesday 22nd July. It is nice to be set up and not have to think about moving anywhere. I must remember to recommend this place to Jan and Alan which I'm sure they would like very much.

SATURDAY 11TH JULY 2009 – FLYING FISH POINT QLD – 124

We wake up this morning to showers of rain. We were planning to head into Innisfail to go the Show but have been told it finished yesterday. The next show is in Cairns and a bit too far away so we have to abandon this idea. I need to head into town anyway as my hairdryer came into close contact with one of our curtain tie backs and with the smell of burning coming from the back of it and despite Nick's persistence that “I'm sure it will be ok” I was not convinced and decided the safest option was to throw it out and invest in a new one. My old faithful watch had also given up the ghost – I think with its age and several different time changes over the last few months and also the humidity had taken its toll.

It did not take long to replace these essential items and surprisingly for a very small outlay (definitely cheaper than Western Australian prices). With the purchase of a few supermarket items and fresh bread rolls for lunch I headed back to camp,.

I found Nick, as I often do, enjoying the intrigue and mystery of where his latest novel takes him. He is very easily entertained which makes it easier for me where I can attend to the things that need to be done without too much fuss.

We have been invited to a BBQ this evening here at the caravan park. The young Manager has caught a huge Mangrove Jack fish so is cooking it on the BBQ tonight. We just have to supply our own knives, forks, plates and salad. Cost is $9-00 each and includes a couple of raffle tickets with fine local wines being the prizes.

While we haven't really partaken in many of these nights hosted by the caravan parks I am keen to have a break from cooking and as there are many friendly people at this park it would be nice to get to know them. The fish is delicious and the company is interesting. This is one way you get to hear of other people's experiences and 'must see' places to go. It is so hard to see everything this country has to offer it is good to get information perhaps to 'tuck away' for later. This is how we found El Questro/Emma Gorge/Cape Leveque and Barn Hill Station.

We headed back to little Lucy and the comfort of our 'home' the Princess before settling in for the night to each watch our respective movies, Nick on TV me on my little Portable DVD Player. It is great to accommodate both of our tastes with these small luxuries.