Further North and then Westward Ho

Our stay in Airlie beach was just delightful, although we did wonder as we had a pary of 25 school kids move into the van park righy behind us. For some peace and quiet we thought that we should do a cruise around the islands - not just any boat but a delightful catamaran, here we are thinking a great time we will have until the night before Peter was talking to the teacher in charge and we found out - they were going on the same boat! As it turned out they were great, the boat was not crowded and we had a great day (managed to have a few chardy's). One of the things Peter laughed at was my application for seniors cards for both of us ($39) - well by using them we saved $60 on the cruise. It was a good bit of advice from Trevor and Sylvia and we have now used them a number of times.

The trip covered about 50 nautical miles and we actually got to 16 knots under sail on the way home.

Like the rest of the east coast, Airlie is undergoing huge development, with a new marina almost completed and development muted for Shute Harbor. Developers have bought and closed 2 van parks for worker accommodation so things will continue to change. The locals are not too thrilled as it has become a bit dangerous at night with fighting at night a pretty regular occurance.

From there we travelled to Ingham and met Marg and Flyn from Jerilderie who were on their way home from Mareeba, the main aim was to give them some clothes that we have realised we will never wear. Spent a lovley few hours having a look at Lucinda which has a 1 kilometer pier which is used to get refined sugar to ships.

Finally on the 6 September we went to Cairns, making sure that we stopped at the Frosty Mango just north of Townsville. We discovered this icecream 14 years ago and it is still just as good - although they have upgraded the building and facilities.

We stayed in Crytal Cascades Van park - thank god no mosquitos or sandflies. I forgot just how alergic I was to sandflies (blisters and welts) - so it was time for the antihistermine and a rest from them (Peter did really well choosing this park). For the first two days - lovely weather and then rain, rain, rain!!!!! But taking the good with the bad drove to Port Douglas, northern beached and reaquainted ourselves with places we had been to some years ago.

We seemed to be blessed (not) whenever we had to hitch up or unhitch the van in Cairns - it bucketted rain every time.

It was also great to catch up with our friends Rendal, Jim and Karleah - we see them infrequently, so good to have the laugh and catch up on all things.

We also took the opportunity to c atch up with "Australia oldest Navy sailor" Tim Van Wyck who was still in Cairns with a job - for those who know Tim - he has not changed! He has recently had his appointment extended for another two years.

We also caught up with a very old friend who we have not seen for too many years - Bruno Mayne. For those who may have known Bruno during those mad times we did the Childrens Diabetic camps - like the rest of us he is a little older but still has the same sense of humor and gentle nature.


We were also able to get the couple of minor warranty repairs carried out to the van, so that we can be self sufficient on the road.

It was off to Cooktown on the 13 September, and as Peter had been doing all the driving up the east coast, once we were through Mareeba (it looked flat) I suggested I have a drive. Bad mistake! Everything was going well until some hills appeared (they were a mountain range actually) and I caught up to a road train who was travelling about 5km/hour - well my anxiety rose, blood pressure high. I could not do anything except follow Petes instructions (he was so good) - anyway we got through it but I pulled up at the first available area and let Pete take over again.

We stopped at the Palmer River Roadhouse for a coffee and the noted road train was there. I am still amazed by the Black Mountains just outside Cooktown.

While there has been some development since we were last in Cooktown, it is still small and still has the aura of yesteryear about it.

This was the place we thought Peter may get his fish, but...... on talking to the locals at the wharf, and the guy next door - the advice was "save your bait and money the only F#@* fish you will get is one in newspaper" So still no fish

The wharf in cooktown is a place where most people migrate to - even this fashion accessory for a BMW bike - her name was Candy.

For those interested cost of fuel in Cooktown was $1.50.9 per litre.




One of the more interesting things to happen in Cooktown was the change to Peters appearance - I was let loose with the hair clippers (see photo to the left). He did ask me to do it but I certainly thought I had really stuffed his hair, at the end of the session I did not know if I had a bowling ball or a criminal for a husband - mind you now 7 days later it is looking great!




On the 16 Sept we decided to head south to start the trek to Alice Springs. We did not stop on the tablelands as we have been there before and thought we would leave that for another time. So drove to a rest stop south of Tully - Bilyana, where we stopped for the night. Yes free camping, there was about 6 others there that night. It was great to have our own shower, hot water etc.

Next day was a right turn at Townsville and we headed west passing through Charters Towers (lunch and a walk around) - stopping at Hughendon for the night. That was a big day - some 500km. The next day we drove through Julia Creek (petrol $1.72per litre), Cloncurry and arrived in Mount Isa - another big day, but we knew we could rest up as we were staying in Mt Isa for two days. It was amazing how quickly we left the lush green of the coast behind, although it was considerably hilly to Mt Isa and we noticed the temperature climb. Today in Mt Isa it has been about 35deg - but a nice dry heat with a bit of a breeze. Needless to say the cold beer has been appreciated.

I also got over my previous driving experience and decided to take the plunge again. For the past couple of days Peter and I have shared the driving on the road - but I do not do towns, traffic lights, mountains or anything too difficult like reversing!. I was not looking forward to the road train experience but Peter has been excellent in his teaching - so while we are on the flat - I will continue to assist to be able to give Peter a rest.

We will next head for Alice Springs.

Well we are almost to the end of our third month and some stats for those interested- travelled almost 9000k's, used 1650 litres fuel, average cost for food and accommodation is less that $50 per day - and we have not been stingy to ourselves.

Spoke to Judy tonight (we contact her most everyother day as she is having the virtual tour) and the update is, after having further surgery in Albury, she sees the specialist on the 30 Sept, so we will then have a better idea when and where she may join us again. All her possessions are having a good time!