15th to 24th August 2009

SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST 2009 – MISSION BEACH QLD - DAY 158

Today we are leaving this lovely area of Mission Beach and heading south hopefully arriving into Blackwater on 20th to meet our son Danny as he has organised a tour of his mine on Saturday. Our plan is that we will stay a couple of day in Townsville where we hope to play golf and then a night at Moranbah then onto Emerald and then Blackwater.

We have packed up and are ready to leave at around 9am but as we are pulling out of the caravan park and get out into the middle of the road we hear a loud crash and then heavy scraping. With the noise people come running from everywhere and as we are in the middle of the road we are holding up traffic. Our caravan has completely detached from the car and is lying on the ground. It appears the tow-ball has completely snapped off.

Within no time a couple of young guys and Phil the Caravan Park owner have the van attached to another car to pull it off the road. Phil tells me to drive into town and get a new tow-ball (probably better to get me out of the way as I was in total shock and quite distressed). $15-00 for a new tow-ball and by the time I get back to the 'scene' the caravan is on the side of the road out of danger.

Phil organises for his mate, who is a caravan specialist, to come and see what damage has been done. He tells us the axle is faulty. We tell him the story of when we were in Western Australia and lost a tyre, after having it checked there they suggested, with wear and tear caused it to crack and that we would need a new one. The mechanic there ordered one from Perth and when it arrived (without telling us) it was not right. In fact it was an axle for a horse float. He knew how eager we were to get away so adapted this axle for our van. We were not keen on the outcome as the van seemed very low to the ground. We put our trust in this mechanic as he assured us all would be fine.

Everyone here is amazed that we were able to get it across to the East Coast without having a major accident. As if we had lost the van on a highway the outcome could certainly have been fatal.

We are told we will have to stay here now until a new axle arrives next Tuesday. The caravan park here is full but Phil finds a spot for us to camp until then. We are very grateful and we say that if we are going to be stuck anywhere here is a perfect place as the weather is glorious, the people friendly and helpful and with the beach just across the road Lucy will be in her element. We find out spot and set up camp.

SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST 2009 – MISSION BEACH QLD – DAY 159

Our plans have changed now somewhat so I phone our friends Di and Richard on the Sunshine Coast to let them know that we are not able to visit them. We were keen to spend some time at Australia Zoo and Eumundi Markets so those plans will have to be abandoned as well. I also phone Jan and Alan who are almost home, to let them know of our plight and still plan to hopefully see them on 23rd August. We will stay with them for maybe two nights before heading straight back to Sydney.

We take Lucy to the beach and for a swim, the water temperature is lovely and warm and we spend the rest of the day reading and relaxing here in this idyllic place.

MONDAY 17TH AUGUST 2009 – MISSION BEACH QLD – DAY 160

I am looking for a new 'banana bed' for the beach so we drive into Mission Beach with no luck. Tully is about 13kms away so we decide to try there and it is a lovely drive anyway so we pack Lucy in the car and off we go. No luck. I buy a few things we need then head back to our camp and spend the rest of the day on the beach.

I think I have had a touch of too much sun and despite coating myself in sunblock and sitting under the umbrella I am feeling a little dehydrated so have an early night while Nick and Lucy entertain themselves

TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST 2009 – MISSION BEACH QLD. - DAY 161

Another day of waiting around. Thank goodness the weather is absolutely glorious so we head to the beach. I am not looking forward to going back to Sydney and despite Spring it is still cool there. We are hearing that there have been some unseasonal high temperatures around the Gold Coast so hopefully when we get that far it will have stayed the same.

We spend the afternoon packing up as hopefully in the morning Jason the caravan repair man will arrive to take the van to put on the new axle.

WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST 2009 – MISSION BEACH TO ELANDRA RESORT SOUTH MISSION BEACH – DAY 162

By 9am everything is ready for the van to be taken. We phone Jason the mechanic and tell him we are going to leave the van and will see him this afternoon. We wait around and spend the time having breakfast at our favourite coffee shop 'Flame' before heading down to Wongaling and to the beach. At around 2pm we decide to drive to see how the repairs are faring.

When we get there the van is wheel-less and the mechanics are comparing the new axle with the old one. There is a huge difference. We are told the old one (the one that was put on in Western Australia) was for a horse float and way too big for our van. To our alarm we are told they need to keep the van overnight and it will be ready tomorrow. What are we to do!!!

Our first thought is that we might be able to stay at the caravan park in a cabin so we go back there and speak to the owner Phil. He is sympathetic to our needs but tells us he has not one available. He also would have allowed us to keep Lucy overnight but that doesn't help now. I make a quick decision that we might be able to get her into the Kennels she stayed in while we went to Dunk Island and we will try to get a room at the beautiful Resort 'Elandra' where we had coffee and loved and said we would come here next year and stay a few days. We had no idea then it would be sooner rather than later.

As I was driving I came to the corner (the one where we had lost the van) and there was a STOP sign. I have no idea how I did it but I completely ignored it and drove straight through it (even though it was at walking speed). To my horror in the rear view mirror all I could see were flashing red and blue lights. It was the local Police. I pulled into the kerb and the young policeman walked up to me and greeted us with a friendly smile saying – why have you stopped!!! I explained to him that I had so many things on my mind at present I just didn't register the stop sign. I burst into tears, told him of our predicament with the broken caravan and how it all happened at that corner.

He explained to me that it was a corner which has been the scene of many accidents therefore the stop sign was put in place. As he could see how obviously distraught I was he kindly said he was sorry to have had to pull me up, gave me a warning and said to be careful and with a smile bid us on our way!!! He was such a delightful and caring young man.

From here we drove to the Kennels. I forgot they closed at 11am but we were lucky the owner, Karl was still on the premises. We explained our predicament and he said it would be fine to leave Lucy for the night. Despite her eagerness to go with him she put up a slight fight as we were getting into the car and driving away.

We then headed up to 'Elandra'. We were given a lovely room with Balinese furnishings and stunning views out over the bay to Dunk Island. With swimmers on we raced up to spend the rest of the afternoon in the gorgeous pool.



THURSDAY 20TH AUGUST 2009 – ELANDRA (SOUTH MISSION BEACH) TO AYR QLD – DAY 163

We decided to make the most of this beautiful Resort and had a late checkout. Breakfast was included in the tariff so we enjoyed this overlooking the ocean and pool.
By 11am we thought we should go an pick up Lucy and go to pick up the van. Once there, just a few minor checks and some information as to what was done and we were on our way. It felt so good to be on the road again but a little sad to leave this beautiful area to which we had spent the last 6 weeks.

As we were driving through Cardwell we decided as we were keen to make up time we would not try and see our 'new friends' Jason and Shane (the lovely young couple we were next to at Wongaling Beach). They were staying at the Kookaburra Caravan Park and as we thought it would take some time to find them, our luck would be that they would be out on their boat for the day, and we would be later getting to our next destination of Blackwater.

Just as we were driving through town and us discussing the fact we would not see them and hopefully see them in Wollongong when they returned there in a couple of weeks time we decided we would see them then. Co-incidentally as we were saying this they just happened to be walking along the street in front of us. A quick pull over to the side of the road and we stopped to catch up with them.

They were surprised to hear of our bad luck and we were interested to hear of their fishing expeditions so after talking to them for about 15 minutes and arrangements to see them in Wollongong we were on our way.

It was a long day for us and drive however by the time we got to Ayr we decided to pull into a caravan park on the side of the road and stay hooked up and camp for the night.

FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST 2009 – AYR TO HYDEAWAY BAY QLD – DAY 164

We were packed up and away by 7am and it was pleasant driving in the cooler part of the day. With the problems of the past I was not keen to drive too fast and sat on a comfortable 80kms down the coast.. After we had been driving about 4 hours I saw a sign with an arrow to the left indicating Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach, about 20kms away. My friend from Sydney Jan Amies who I had spoken to only a couple of weeks ago, told me she had just been to Bowen on holidays and spent a day discovering some of the coastal beaches nearby. She mentioned that if and when we were coming past this area Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach were a must see.

In the meantime we got a phone call from my son Danny to say he had arranged for us to have a tour of his mine, Yarrabee on Monday morning (24th) and as there was absolutely nothing to do or see in Blackwater we should take our time and stay somewhere on the way. We drove the 20kms to Hydeaway Bay to check it out and once there were absolutely mesmerised by its beauty. We immediately checked into the caravan park and headed to the beach. I agree with my friend Jan, it is probably one of the prettiest and unspoilt places on the far north Queensland Coast. We will spend the next 2 nights here.

While we were on the beach we met a couple Penne and Terry from the Gold Coast. They were staying at the caravan park for the last few days and was heading north to Mission Beach tomorrow. We arranged to have our 5o'clock drinks with them tonight.

The wildlife here is abundant and as we are driving around it is hard to avoid the wallabies everywhere. Just as well the speed limit here is 40 so as to preserve these creatures in their almost natural habitat. I hate to think what this place would be one the developers discover it. We fed thousands of lorrikeets our leftover fruit just outside our door. Even Lucy was content to watch them eat and play.

SATURDAY 22ND AUGUST 2009 – HYDEAWAY BAY QLD – DAY 165

During the morning (the cooler part of the day) we took our umbrella, chairs and books off to the beach. The tide was much higher so it gave Nick the opportunity of having a long swim up and down the beach. The water temperature was despite a little cool on entering, very refreshing and it was lovely to swim in this clear clear water which is lacking in the ocean further up the coast.

After a delicious seafood lunch at the local Dingo Beach Pub overlooking the ocean we headed back to camp to pack up ready for our early departure in the morning. We will head inland to Blackwater.

SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST, 2009 – HYDEAWAY BAY QLD TO BLACKWATER – DAY 166

As planned we were up very early, packed up and away by 7am. It is so much better travelling in the cooler part of the day and as we were now heading inland we would not have a lovely refreshing swim at the end of a long hot day of driving.

We arrived into Blackwater at around 4pm and being Sunday afternoon there seemed to be no-one around. Despite lots of cars which we assumed belonged to the resident miners who were obviously on night shift and asleep we weren't keen to make too much of a racquet.

Danny was at work so we knew we couldn't phone him so we had to be patient and wait. Before long a gentleman tenant came along and as he knew the drill was able to arouse Dave, the Caravan Park Manager from watching his AFL football game on the TV. He gave us a spot just near the front gate and about a mile from he amenities block. There are plans for a huge renovation here so it was like an obstacle course to get anywhere. However, we were content to be here and looking forward to seeing Danny for dinner at the local pub. He was picking us up at 7:30pm so it gave us time to settle in, shower and have a drink before he came.

Right on the dot of 7:30 Dan arrived and it was great to see how well and fit he looked. This mine work must be for him as despite being out here in the middle of nowhere he loves his job and he is active playing golf, tennis and riding his bike. This fills in his down time from work.

He took us to the local pub for dinner and was keen to shout us which was certainly unnecessary but a really nice gesture. Over the years he always seemed to work so hard, mainly for his love of the outdoors, but not a lot of reward. It is so great to see the tables have now turned as he is still working outdoors but earning a very good wage. He tells us he has been doing quite a bit of overtime as once Tash leaves Qantas to have their 2nd baby, she will have 2 years of unpaid maternity leave so the extra money will help greatly.

After a lovely evening and meal with Dan and Nick partaking in a couple of beers and a bottle of wine together I decided I would only have 2 glasses of wine and would drive. This would give the boys an opportunity to unwind and relax a bit. It was a very good decision as when we were driving out the driveway of the pub and into Danny's street I looked in the rear vision mirror and to my shock more blue and red flashing lights.

With alarm this time I immediately opened my door and called to the 2 young female police officers, 'What have I done”! They walked up to me and said don't worry it was just a breathalizer!!!! They asked if I had had a drink tonight while I said yes 2 red wines with dinner – there was deathly silence from my 2 passengers! I was asked politely to blow in the bag. I was so nervous I attempted this exercise 3 times and just couldn't get it right. The ladies were so delightful, friendly, pleasant and patient and eventually I succeeded. They informed me my reading was 'O' and with a friendly farewell bid us on our way.

Amazement was coming from my 2 passengers who began to tell me that if either one of them had been driving the outcome would have been different. I told them that is why I 'insisted' on driving!!!

We dropped Dan home and arranged to pick him up (in his car) the next morning at 9am sharp. As we were driving off into the never never he said if you are not here by 9am I will know you got lost driving home tonight.

Fortunately, I have developed excellent direction instincts and within 7 minutes (although Blackwater is not that big) we were back at the van and into bed.

MONDAY 24TH AUGUST 2009 – BLACKWATER QLD – DAY 167

After a restful night sleep we woke at 6am. It was nice to have a slight sleep in and after breakfast I was not keen to trust my navigational skills back to where Danny lived as we had to be at the mine today on time.

Our trusty GPS came in handy and we arrived at Danny's house at 9am sharp just as he was organising the bus which would be our transport to the mine.
First stop was to the local Salvation Army shop as we needed steel boots. These were vital if we wanted to get out and have a closer look at the sights and as Dan had had a spare pair which he lent Nick I needed a pair which he told me the Salvos were the shop to purchase them.

He introduced us to his friend Caroline at the counter who took me aside and told me that she had taken Dan under her wing and out of all the workers at the mine HE was her favourite!!!! Being a bit biased myself I agreed with her and with that she said if I couldn't find the right pair of boots she would go home and get hers to lend me. We found a perfect size 9 and as Dan said with a little bit of spit and polish they would be like new.

We then drove the 30 minutes to the Mine Site. I have only ever seen the huge gold mine site in Kalgoorlie so it would be interesting to see if they were any different. Dan told us Yarrabee was quite a small site but produced a large amount of the best quality coal in all of Australia. Unlike other mines who are putting workers off this mine is about to have a huge recruitment drive. They are hoping to double their output.

After checking in at the office, Safety and Security is paramount and once we had signed in, received our protective jackets, hard hats and glasses we were transferred to a smaller vehicle. Dan continually had to notify the many people operating the different machinery that we were coming through and to beware of us. They even accommodated us by having the morning and lunch breaks so that we could get up close and personal to the huge machinery for a closer look.

I couldn't help thinking while all this was happening how Dan was in 7th heaven. From when he was a little boy his first drawing at school was a huge cane harvester with the most minute detail. As he was growing up he loved nothing more than to be in a dirt or sand pit with his Tonka trucks filling and emptying them with the contents. From that time I always thought his career path would definitely be outdoors and something to do with machinery or rocks or dirt. I was not far wrong and Nick and I were both fascinated by his passion for this environment.

He was so informative on all aspects of the mine and as we asked what his future would be he wants to become familiar with all machinery and their workings. He told us a lot of the workers here come for the money and that alone. They are content to allocate say 3 – 4 years here make as much money as they can and then get out. Dan says this is his career and he wants to work his way up to having complete knowledge of all the different trucks, graders, loaders, and what their workings entail and how to keep them running at their prime capacity.

After 2 ½ hours and many many photos we finished with Dan heading home to catch a couple of hours sleep (he is working a 12 hour night shift tonight) so we have to say goodbye and Nick and I decide to head to the golf club for lunch.

We spend the afternoon in the cool of our air-conditioned van before packing up to get ready for our early departure tomorrow. We are heading south towards Cudgen to spend a couple of days with Jan and Alan.

8th to 14th August 2009

SATURDAY 8TH AUGUST 2009 – MISSION BEACH QLD – 151

The beach is beckoning today and so give Lucy a long run and have extra time there. She loves it so much and we don't think she will get this much exercise where we take her at El Arish the small village just near Mission Beach where Tropicats Kennels are. This is where she will be boarding for the next 6 days we pack up all her gear and bedding and drive the short distance through the country to her temporary home. It is a lovely place and we are res asurred as the owners, a husband and wife team are very friendly and their premises are immaculate. We are sure she will be happy here.

We spend the rest of the day cleaning out our 2 small fridges and stowing things away before packing our clothes . This will make it easier tomorrow.

There is a little restaurant at Mission Beach called Friends where I have been told by the hairdressers in Tully it is really worth going to so we head into town for an early dinner (which in our opinion was a little overated and expensive) before heading back to camp.

SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST 2009 – MISSION BEACH TO DUNK ISLAND QLD – 152

Our pack up is uneventful as we got most things done yesterday. It wasn't the same though without our beloved little mate Lucy. We were both feeling a little lost without her and although we didn't say too much her obvious absence was leaving a huge void in both our lives. We had to keep busy.

After doing the final stash away we hooked up and took the van to another spot in the park which the manager told us would be safe to leave it and the car while we were away. All locked up and we had to walk the 500 metres down the road to where we would meet the water taxi. There were about 24 other people using this very efficient service but there was only us and another 2 couples who were staying for an extended time everyone else were just going over for the day.

10 minutes is all it took and with a lovely calm ocean it was a very pleasant start to our 'holiday'!

After some confusion with rooms we were shown a lovely suite on the beachfront with lovely views out over the bay. This would be perfect as although many of you might think we have been on holidays and why would we need another holiday – caravanning whilst it is a lovely way of life I certainly don't find it completely relaxing. I still have to cook and do housework (even though it is smaller scale). Our holiday to Dunk is what I call a 'real holiday'!


We meet our friends from Sydney Ron and Bev Tait who we have previously arranged to meet here. Bev and I have a lot in common and enjoy each others company whilst Nick has known Ron since they started at Coogee Prep 66 years. Their friendship has lasted a very long time and they will also enjoy spending time together.

After lunch we arrange to meet at our room for 5 o'clock drinks which is very pleasant watching sunset over this lovely bay.

MONDAY 10TH AUGUST 2009 – DUNK ISLAND QLD 153

We can't believe how lovely the weather is here after the rain and cloudy day we had been experiencing in the weeks leading up to this week. I think we might just have picked the right week but will not get too excited.

Our day is spend just like yesterday lapping up the sun, and swimming in the, although a little fresh, lovely nevertheless, crystal clear pool.

We have brought over from the mainland with us a case of beer and my Tequilla so we arrange to have drinks on our balcony overlooking the bay at sunset. I introduce Bev to my famous Margarita and she encourages me to teach her how to make them. We enjoy this before heading to the restaurant for a lovely A'la carte dinner.
TUESDAY 11TH AUGUST 2009 – DUNK ISLAND QLD 154

On the beach today we meet a mother and daughter from Melbourne, Shirley and Rachael who are here on holidays. Shirley is a delightful lady, recently widowed and as her work stressed daughter was needing a holiday she was keen to be her companion. It was so interesting finding out about where they live and their life in Melbourne as I guess it was the same for them finding out about us.

Our days were spent reading and swimming in the pool despite the temperature being a little fresh it was enjoyable just the same. We have lunch with a delightful couple (again from Melbourne) Sue and Greg and as he is a car broker, and I am keen to buy a new car when we get home I he gives me some tips on the best cars to look at. Walking across the pool area I notice 2 familiar faces. It is Shane and Jason our caravan neighbours from Mission Beach. They have brought their little tinnie over here to see us. They are such a lovely couple we are really excited to see them.

They spend a couple of hours with us, sitting around the pool and fascinating us with their fishing stories. As they leave we arrange to see them in Cardwell where they will be visiting next after leaving Wongaling.. It is not very far from Mission Beach so we will head there on Saturday and probably spend a night there with them.

We have 5 o'clock drinks at Ron and Bev's room tonight and again the scene is idyllic, overlooking the bay at sunset. A Seafood Buffet is on the menu tonight and it was so fresh and so plentiful. I had been successful in losing a few kilos over the last few weeks but after this holiday I am not so sure the result will be the same. I will be very very good next week I promise!!!

WEDNESDAY 12TH AUGUST 2009 – DUNK ISLAND QLD 155

Nick and Ron decide to go on a snorkelling trip out to the reef today and as Bev is not keen on this activity I decide I will keep her company and let the boys have a 'day out'.

They come home with many stories of the lovely coral and huge fish they saw and as we meet Sue and Greg again we join them for an Italian meal at the adjoining Restaurant. The food on this resort is excellent and as we are told Voyagers have sold it and new American owners will take over in September we can only hope they don't change the dining options.

THURSDAY 13TH AUGUST 2009 – DUNK ISLAND QLD 156

We continue the ritual of sitting on the beach during the morning while watching the huge boats come and go. Nick and Ron have organised sailing and the wind is up so they should enjoy it. Just hope they don't get disoriented and end up in New Zealand (which is quite on the cards as Ron slight deafness and Nick's slight confusion should make interesting sailing. We will keep an eye on them from the beach.

They have a great day of sailing and describe it all in fine detail over dinner at the Reef and Beef Restaurant at the jetty that night.

Our new friends Sue and Greg were leaving this morning so after seeing them at breakfast and exchanging contacts with the promise we would see them in Melbourne or they would see us in Sydney, we bid our farewells and after breakfast Bev and I take up our usual spot in our lounge chairs on the beach. Nick and Ron decide to take a swim in the ocean. When they emerge from the water Nick has been frantic as somehow they became separated and when Nick had completed his swim he headed for the beach. He looked around and saw Ron swimming further and further out to sea and in his wake was a shadow in the water. He frantically screamed to Ron to stop swimming and come out of the water. Ron is a little deaf however, he must have seen the distress in Nick's actions so before long he was at the beach (wondering what all the fuss was about). Nick thinks it might have been a manta ray but not sure. It certainly made good conversation over dinner that evening.



For dinner that night we walked along an unlit track to the jetty about 3/4km from the main resort. Nick and I are used to walking in the bush at night but it was quite amusing listening to Bev and her fear of snakes, spiders and anything else that might go 'bump' in the night. We arrived at the cafe which was just near the water and the walk was worth it as the meal of seafood was delicious. We were able to call for the resort shuttle bus take us back to our rooms afterwards which delighted Bev.

FRIDAY 14TH AUGUST 2009 – DUNK ISLAND TO WONGALING BEACH QLD – 157

We wake up to another glorious morning and are a bit sad we are leaving here today although we are excited at the prospect of seeing our little dog Lucy again. We have had a lovely 5 days but all good things must come to an end and we have really missed her. Our friends Ron and Bev are also leaving today, but on an early flight so we are not sure if we will see them. Breakfast is the usual delicious buffet I just hope Nick hasn't got too used to this and will want a big brekkie every morning.

After breakfast we go to Reception to settle our account and run into Ron and Bev. We bid our farewells and as we are quite early decide to catch the earlier water taxi back to Mission Beach at 9am.

It doesn't take long for us to get the van and settle back into a spot just for overnight. Lucy is next to pick up and as we expected she is so excited to see us. We take a detour on the way back to the caravan park and stop off at the beach. She is beside herself and plunges straight into the surf. We meet other dog owners on the beach and spend time chatting while all the dogs have a ball frolicking together. She is exhausted so we take her back to the caravan where she finds a nice spot in the sun. Nick gets his book out and I have to go to town to get some supplies for the next few days.

Our van is very comfortable but when I think of our room on Dunk Island the van could fit into it 3 times and the bed was so big I couldn't even hear Nick snoring!!!!! (He won't be happy I said that)!

30th July to 7th August

THURSDAY 30TH JULY 2009 – GOOGARRA BEACH QLD DAY 142

The weather here for the last few days has been wet and overcast perfect weather to catch up on some books and we went into Tully and hired some DVD's which will keep us occupied for a while.

I decide not to do any washing today as the washing machines here a all new heavy duty ones. They charge
$5-00 for a load (I am used to paying $3-00) and when I like to do 2 loads (whites and coloureds) it can be quite expensive especially when we don't have enough clothes to fill the tub.

We spend the reading our books and watch a couple of DVD's during the evening.

FRIDAY 31ST JULY 2009 – GOOGARRA BEACH TO WONGALING BCH (MISSION BEACH) QLD – DAY 143

This morning I leave Nick and Lucy at camp and I head into town to buy supplies for the next week to take with us to Mission Beach. This will last us until Friday night where I am hoping to talk Nick into taking me out for dinner on the Saturday before Dunk Is.

I enjoy looking at the shops here as they are varied and interesting with some of the old buildings being renovated and quite modern but most are the original older ones. There is one shop which sells everything from shoes, to bags, to evening dresses to daywear. The ladies here are so helpful and friendly I spote some lovely shoes. Surprise, Surprise they have my size and purchase 2 pairs.

In desperate need of having some major 'panel beating' done I find up an alley a delightful little hair salon so enter. I am successful in getting an appointment straight away so I have a make-over. These girls are so friendly which I love about these country towns we are visiting. When you leave you feel as if you have made a whole load of new friends even though you will probably never see these people again.

Emerging 3 hours later and feeling like a new women I head across to the local IGA store to fill the car with supplies before heading back to camp.

Nick and Lucy have had a lovely time together so I don't feel so bad about being away so long.

SATURDAY 1ST AUGUST 2009 - WONGALING BEACH (MISSION BEACH) QLD – DAY 144

It is only 26kms from Tully to Mission Beach so we pack up and leave by 9am. We are booked into the Dunk Island View Caravan Park here at Wongaling Beach just south of Mission Beach. It is a huge park and pet friendly so we settle into our spot amongst the trees. It is quite a way away from the amenities block which is a bit of a nuisance but the rain forest atmosphere where we are is worth it. The sound of the birdlife is amazing we just hope there will be no mozzies!!!!

After a bite to eat for lunch we ge into the car and decide to do a drive. It is not far into Mission Beach and it has a lovely cosmopolitan feel without being too big. We notice there are markets on tomorrow so will come in here and spend a bit more time tomorrow.

During the evening I have a lovely long phone call from my old friend Jan Amies. She brings me up to date with what's been happening with her and her family and it was only 2 weeks ago that she was on holidays here in this area so it was unfortunate we missed each other but will look forward to catching up back in Sydney next month.

SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST 2009 – WONGALING BEACH (MISSION BEACH) QLD – DAY 145

The local Markets are on at Mission Beach today so after taking Lucy for a long walk on the beach we head into town. It is a busy Saturday morning here and the markets are an interesting array of plants, books, art, craft and clothing. I buys some tiny ripe avocados as we have discovered Lucy loves them. I threw out some fresh peeled avocado skins with a few remnants of the fruit and she happened to find one lonely discarded one and devoured it. They are so delicious tiny and cheap so I buy a bag for her.

I like to support the locals in these little towns and buy a gorgeous little dress for my new little grand-daughter (due in November). As we are also on the East Coast I buy a couple of pots of fresh herbs as we use up so many each week it can be quite expensive to purchase them at the supermarket . Fresh Basil and the old fashioned crinkly leaf parsley is my favourite and the smell of these fresh herbs is to die for.

Nick finds a stall selling second hand books so he is in heaven and as it is getting warmer and I have done the rounds I have to drag him away. We find a lovely organic coffee shop in town with an eclectic mix of patrons (a group of young people all with dreadlocks and ear rings in every visible crevice) who were meeting the day after a beach wedding (would love to have seen the bride and groom)!!!! I ordered an organic Thai beef salad which was amazing, Nick had a hamburger and chips!!!

We then headed home to our faithful little dog Lucy greeting us with such excitement.

MONDAY 3RD AUGUST 2009 – MISSION BEACH QLD – DAY 146

We wake up today to more rain. Just hope we don't have this rain next week when we are on Dunk Island. I get onto the internet to check emails and as it is early in the month, pay some bills. We decide to go for a bike ride down the road and after putting a bit of air into my tyres we take off down the road by the beach. It is interesting to check out all the holiday houses to let here. It is just a shame it is so far from Sydney as it would be an ideal place to come for a long weekend. We ride 3kms before it begins to spit with rain however it is enough for me (as I am still a little nervous on the bike despite the roads here being so quiet and safe. We will go out again this afternoon if the rain stays away.

I am cooking a slow cooked beef in red wine with mushroom casserole for dinner tonight so want to go into the bakery for some fresh crusty bread to have with it. Just the perfect comfort food for this kind of weather!!!!!!!! It's crazy though as it is the middle of winter and we are in summer short sleeve tops and shorts with a temp of around 25 degrees. The nights are pleasurably cool where we need a blanket or two but the days temperature is perfect despite the rain.

TUESDAY 4TH AUGUST 2009 – MISSION BEACH QLD – DAY 147

We spend the morning around camp before heading into Tully during the afternoon. We have discovered our fairly new battery for the caravan is not working so we take it to a Battery dealer in Tully to check it out. They tell us we will have to leave it here overnight for testing and we can pick it up tomorrow.

After stocking up on a few items we head back to camp. I decide to cook a roast for dinner but just after I put it on we are invited to a 'free sausage sizzle' hosted by the caravan park managers. We are in two minds as to whether to go as I the roast lamb is smelling delicious!!! Watch this space.

We meet the couple who have set up camp next to us. Shane and Jason who are a delightful couple. They come from Wollongong and are spending 2 years travelling around Australia. Their 2 boys are back at home attending University. After 10 months of travelling up the east coast they have arrived here and will spend a week.

The Park Manager comes around and reiterates the invitation to the sausage sizzle so I feel if they have gone to the effort of putting this on we should support them so our roast dinner is abandoned (we can have it tomorrow night) and at 5pm, armed with our utensils and chairs we head up to the camp kitchen area.

There are many people there (lots and lots of grey nomads which we try and avoid) but we see Shane and Jason and invite them to join us. Shane and I have lots in common as she is very crafty and we find it very easy communicating. Jason is also a keen fisherman and he reminds me very much of my son Danny.

The night is very pleasant and as TV reception here at this park is very poor we decide to stay on and watch 'Packed to the Rafters' on TV before heading back to camp.

WEDNESDAY 5TH AUGUST 2009 - MISSION BEACH QLD – DAY 148

We spend the morning around camp and at the beach before going for a 5km bike ride along the beachfront. It is interesting to see all the lovely beach houses that are for rent and could imagine this area would be very crowded during the summer months. Many of them have put in swimming pools as despite being so close to the beach you are unable to swim here between October and May each year because of the deadly Irrikanji stingers. Despite the beautiful beaches up here the fear of these stingers and crocs makes our beaches down south so much more appealing.

During the afternoon we drive to Tully to find out the outcome of our battery. Unfortunately there is a problem with is and because it is only 10 weeks old we are able to get a new one however this dealer does not have the same brand so he tells us we need to exchange it in Townsville when we are there in a week or two's time. As we won't be doing any 'free camping' in the meantime it should be ok to wait.

THURSDAY 6TH AUGUST 2009 – MISSION BEACH QLD – DAY 149

I decide I want to have a look at an Interior Design shop in the area where our neighbours here Shane and Jason had a look at yesterday and thoroughly recommended a look. So Nick takes Lucy to the beach and I take off.

The Interior Design Shop is lovely, with many lovely imported pieces of furniture and artefacts. I get some great ideas with wall hangings and shells so with these ideas tucked safely away in my head I decide to drive to Innisfail about 50kms away. It is such a pretty drive through the canefields and it reminds me very much of the Murwillumbah and northern New South Wales area.

Innisfail is such a busy small country town and it was nice to wander the main street where I picked up a lovely pair of gold sandals. After a few more purchases I headed back to Mission Beach to find Nick reading and Lucy exhausted sleeping under his feet.

FRIDAY 7TH AUGUST 2009 – MISSION BEACH QLD – DAY 150

After doing our washing we decide to head into Mission Beach to our favourite coffee shop 'Flame' to have brunch. They do the best coffee and lovely fresh healthy food. This is our 3rd visit here and we have recommended it to quite a few people we have met from our caravan park.

We spend the afternoon reading and getting organised ready for storing the car and van here before we go to Dunk Island on Sunday.