North With Larinda
Taking Larinda to QLD to explore rivers and lakes.
See it on the interactive map · Flyby videos
Chapters
- Queensland Bound · 14 pebbls
- South Bound. · 23 pebbls
Queensland Bound
Maclean will be our first stop.
11 Aug 2023 - 13:22
11 Aug 2023 - 13:23
Ballina
After coffee in Maclean and wandering through a local market, we set off for Ballina. We hadn’t checked the availability of fuel and very nearly ran out causing much anxiety along the way. We called into 1 town with relief only to find out there was no fuel there and we had to travel a further 9 kms! All ended well and we came onto Ballina.
A Day In Ballina.
We spent the day in Ballina just catching our breath really.
Did a bit of shopping and are now ready for more adventures tomorrow.
To Tamborine Mountain.
Started the day in Ballina without headlights working. A quick globe replacement and we were off. Made the it to Tallebudgera to have a quick lunch with friends, and then left the boat tucked up beautifully with friends at Benowa. And finally onto our very dear friend, Maggie, right on sunset.
North Of Brisbane.
After walking down for coffee, we sadly left Maggie to return to Larinda. Another cuppa with Jim and Pam and the shopping done and we were on our way by 3pm. Headed north!
It rained. We wondered about the state of our beds (which were fine) and navigated our way through unknown territory to get just north of Brisbane.
Thinking that we might stay at Mooloolaba for a few nights to see more friends and get organised.
Cheers,
Chris
Stayed At Nudgee.
We didn’t realise that it was a public holiday in Qld today and so were unable to make a booking in the Mooloolaba area. So we decided to stay where we are for another night.
This morning about 150 pushbike riders came in riding in a memorial ride.
And horses were brought down for exercise. Lovely to watch.
We went for a lovely walk along the boardwalk through the mangroves following coffee.
So we spent a very relaxing afternoon catching up with the odd jobs.
Tomorrow, who knows.
Onto Maryborough.
Before we left Nudgee Beach after our second illegal night, this enormous Fire and Rescue truck came in and did an exercise right beside us! We think he was being examined and we think he passed!
We didn’t make the same mistake twice, and so filled with fuel before we got to the motorway.
Pulled over and had lunch in Gympie and then travelled on to Maryborough.
We’re all set up in the most spacious of spots along with several other vans and rv’s in a powered site at the Showgrounds, all for $27.
Looking forward to a hot shower tonight!!!
Visiting Old And New Friends.
19 Aug 2023 - 21:13
Oops! Didn’t mean to post that last one without a story.
Yesterday we did a bit of shopping here trying to replace the bike helmets that are sitting on the workbench at home. Through a lot of good fortune and wonderful people we secured 2 FREE bike helmets that will keep us legal!!
Today we visited “Lavinda” at Urangan and caught up with Mi.
A Short Move.
So, today we were “evicted” because the Showgrounds had been booked for an equestrian event for a week. So we moved about 10km towards Hervey Bay and will stay here for 2 nights.
But we did go into town this morning to visit the statue of “Mary Poppins” author P. L. Travers. Stirred up lots of memories.
We’re now trying to make plans for the rest of the trip. Our turn around point will be Yeppoon as we want to spend a bit of time on the water.
Maryborough To Caliope.
We visited “Mary Poppins” author’s place of birth and managed to take a few photos. Even the “WALK/DON’T WALK” sign was Mary Poppins!!!
It was also time to hang out the washing at the end of the day, but it actually dried!
And the last photo shows another boat in the campground. And, yes, David chatted to them. They’re from Ballarat.
Amazing Catch Ups.
Yesterday we walked across the old bridge to the other side of the freedom campground. A beautiful time of the day.
Today we made arrangements to meet up with a 90+ year old friend in Gladstone who is helping crew his previous boat to wherever, with the new owners. We had such a lovely day with him! Lots of chatting as you can imagine.
Back to “Larinda” after getting the battery checked because we thought the Isuzu was a bit reluctant to start this morning.
We were just settling in for the evening when David noticed a fellow walking towards us. Turns out it was a guy we used to know quite well and he and his wife live at Anna Bay in Port Stephens!! Such a surprise to meet he and his wife, June, here in Qld. Both of them are into prospecting for gold and showed us what they had collected on this trip. We spent the next few hours chatting and catching up on years of family news and when they left, we all agreed that we’ll keep in touch when we get home again.
AYesterday we walked across the old bridge to the other side of the freedom campground. A beautiful time of the day.
Today we made arrangements to meet up with a 90+ year old friend in Gladstone who is helping crew his previous boat to wherever, with the new owners. We had such a lovely day with him! Lots of chatting as you can imagine.
Back to “Larinda” after getting the battery checked because we thought the Isuzu was a bit reluctant to start this morning.
We were just settling in for the evening when David noticed a fellow walking towards us. Turns out it was a guy we used to know quite well and he and his wife live at Anna Bay in Port Stephens!! Such a surprise to meet he and his wife, June, here in Qld. Both of them are into prospecting for gold and showed us what they had collected on this trip. We spent the next few hours chatting and catching up on years of family news and when they left, we all agreed that we’ll keep in touch when we get home again.
And that’s the end of our day.
Cheers,
Chris.
To Emu Park. (near Yeppoon)
We left Calliope at about 9:30 this morning and travelled almost to Rockhampton before having a coffee in a rest area.
On through Rocky to Emu Park to the caravan park. Set up and had a quick lunch before letting good friends Jeanette and Jeff, who have their van in Yeppoon, know that we had arrived.
Lots of chat and fish and chips for an early dinner.
We’re here until Sunday morning.
South Bound.
Slowly heading home.
27 Aug 2023 - 18:55
After a very pleasant couple of days spent in the company of wonderful friends, we set off this morning and headed south. We had coffee on the way once we were through Rockhampton and gradually made our way to Agnes Water, stopping at Miriam Vale for lunch.
We had to pass a fire and the photo doesn’t do it justice as the fire was BOTH sides of the road!!!
But before we left the Yeppoon area, we enjoyed a bit of sight seeing and actually hearing the singing ship as the south Easter’s were blowing. The infinity pool is amazing and FREE for anyone. Adelaide and Lachie, you would have LOVED it!!!
We’ve now settled down in a camp at Agnes Water and will be meeting up with a guy we knew when we were sailing our yacht.
Cheers.
1770 And Agnes Waters.
We met one of our old sailing friends who showed us around the area for a couple of hours that included coffee and the most amazing vanilla slice which was HUGE!!
We went for a walk after seeing the cairn that has been constructed for Capt. James Cook who landed here in 1770!!
Off to Urangan tomorrow and hopefully get this little boat into the water about Thursday.
In Hervey Bay.
Before we left Agnes Water yesterday, we noticed a Cub Camper very close to us and of course it reminded us of our little family who had travelled to Western Australia in the same outfit recently.
While we were having lunch in Childers yesterday, a couple of cane trains rumbled through. Don’t think much has changed there from years ago!
Today was spent in Hervey Bay getting ready for launching “Larinda” tomorrow. Washing✅ Shopping✅
Cooking✅ Anzacs and a fruit cake on the barbecue. Still a bit to learn but VERY edible!!!!
So, we’re all set to go into the water tomorrow and we’re looking forward to it too!!
My grandson advised me to use the word audio in Wordle!!
Change Of Plans.
Sooooo, this morning I woke up with a feeling of dread. Discussed my concerns with David and we decided to delay our launching by a day.
We spent the day quietly. I started knitting Lachies vest, we went for a drive and walked the full length of Urangan pier, all 880 meters of it. Met some strange fishermen out there!!!
We drove out to River Heads and watched a ferry come in from K’gari. The mudflats at low tide go on forever! We reckon you could walk to K’gari (Fraser Island)!!!
In The Water.
A busy day today. Moved from the caravan park to the marina (forgot to turn Pebbls on) and then did some last minute grocery shopping.
Back to the marina and got the boat into the water. The tide was dropping as we watched it!!!!
Had a quick lunch and then got the car and trailer stored securely for just $75 for a week. We’ll sleep well.
Filled up the fuel tanks and will do the water in the morning.
Staying here illegally but nobody is complaining. Happy that we’re at last on the water.
Weather much more compatible tomorrow to go over to K’gari- Fraser Island. Might even get some knitting done on the way over! We’ll leave early and hope that I’ll turn Pebbls on!!
To K’gari (Fraser Island)
Today (Andrew’s birthday)was a very early start as we’d spent the night at the boat ramp. We decided to leave early after we’d filled up the water tanks to try and get across 10 nautical miles of water before the wind came in. But that didn’t happen!!
So it was a bit rough crossing and Bruce and Linda came out to guide us into Coongul Creek which dries out at low tide. Another friend of theirs feed fish to the sea eagle. Magical!!
David devised a system to keep us upright with the use of 2 props and it worked beautifully!!
Sundowners was spent over on the ocean side because there was less wind that side. And a whale breached for us.
Life is good.
Back To Urangan.
Today is Fathers Day and there’s a photo of one happy Dad.
We decided to return to Urangan today instead of tomorrow as the weather prediction was unfavourable. So all 3 boats left more or less together and this afternoon was spent washing ropes and anchors with fresh water. We had a much better trip back than yesterday going over!!
We’re on the boat ramp again and plan to haul out tomorrow at high tide and probably travel down to Tin Can Bay.
Haul Out And Rest Day.
This morning we watched a fishing trawler being lifted out of the water for work to be done. What amazed me was the size of the wheels. You can see a man standing close by as a comparison. Lachie, I thought you’d be interested in how slow they crawl along. That must be one heavy fishing boat.
Take note of the eagles nest on top of the travel lift!! We think the eagle might have been a bit perplexed as to what was happening! But they’re a protected species and the nest cannot be removed.
After hauling out without a problem, we did a few chores and then left the boat in the car park while we went and had lunch at the Kondari Hotel with our friends Linda and Bruce. And a very nice meal it was too! There were so many turtles in the waterway there that had obviously been fed.
Tomorrow we’ll go down to Tin Can Bay for another adventure.
To Tin Can Bay.
Today is David’s birthday!
The day is considered complete after talking to both our offspring! Lovely!!
We left Urangan after a coffee on the boat and travelled to Tin Can Bay. We were amazed at how many pine forests that we went through!
In Tin Can Bay, we refreshed a friendship with Colin who allowed us to park our boat in his yard for the night. We’d met him in 2017 on Great Keppell Island.
After setting up, we went into TCB and found another guy whom we’d met sailing back in 2017!!
Back to Col’s and I cooked a roast dinner for David’s birthday. A great night.
P. S. The birds name is “Sunshine” otherwise known as “Bird”!!
To Noosa Heads.
Set off from Cooloola after a coffee and leisurely travelled down to Noosa Heads arriving a bit before lunch.
We parked in the boat ramp car park at Tewantin to gather our thoughts and decided that we would stay on the boat in the car park. So, off we went and did our grocery shopping etc.
Then a lovely local guy (goes by the name of David!!) advised us that tomorrow is a public holiday here in Noosa!!! Alarm bells started to ring as we know how busy the boat ramp will get and we also know how SLOW we are at going in!!!
So, a rapid decision was made at about 4pm, to launch the boat. And after lots of work, we’re now sitting opposite the boat ramp in the Noosa River.
We’ll head off in the morning to start exploring.
Cheers.
Noosa River
We spent a very peaceful night at our anchorage opposite the ramp until this morning when the tinnys started!!
After breakfast we were visited by our new friend, David and his wife, Kim and we had a coffee together on “Larinda”.
After they left, we got ready to leave.
Just pootled up the river slowly, got through the first shallow lake and then entered the river again.
We decided to stay in the river for the night as storms were predicted and it was a bit windy on the lake.
The Everglades.
Today we did what we couldn’t do with our boat. We visited one of the worlds two Everglades areas on the Noosa River. At one point it was so shallow that our driver asked for volunteers to push the boat through the sand. And it happened again on our return trip. It was a fascinating trip and the reflections were amazing despite the wind. All passengers had to embark and disembark by walking through almost knee high water. A fun day.
Down To Mooloolaba.
Between showers of rain , we gathered up the washing and headed for the local laundromat, which was close by. Had a nice coffee while it was washing and drying!
But before that, I removed a tick from David’s back! He’d been complaining since yesterday!!!
We tried to go to the Noosa National Park to see the interpretative panels that Isa had written, but it was impossible due to the traffic!! We couldn’t get to the Botanic Gardens either……same reason!
So, we went back to the boat, had a quick lunch and then got ready to leave.
Came down to Mooloolaba, found the boat ramp and selected a spot to spend the next few nights.
Rang Jon,who designed our boat and he came down to see us. Good to catch up.
Cheers.
What A Magical Day.
An amazing day!! Started with coffee at Palmwoods before seeing Jon’s (boatbuilder and designer) current project.
Down to the Glasshouse Mountains where Isa wrote the interpretive panels. We offered to sign them with her name in black texta but she didn’t give us permission!!
Then we went for lunch at one of the most unique places that we’ve ever been to. After our beautiful meal, we were given a guided tour by the owner of “Secrets on the Lake”.
Back to the boat to share memories and catch up chat with old friends Laurie and Mary.
Not much knitting done today Lachie!!!
Mooloolaba.
Today we walked out to the end of the breakwater and watched a couple of boats go out the channel that we’ve been out a few times.
We watched the “Aquaduck” go in and out a few times too.
A quick lunch and then we went down to see more friends in Caloundra for the afternoon. Another lovely catch up!
By the way, we were approached by an official this morning who informed us that it is school holidays as of tomorrow and there will be complaints about us here in the boat ramp car park. We told him that we’re moving on tomorrow. He wasn’t a problem at all.
So now we’re drinking from our souvenir wine glassses that we purchased yesterday.
I thought of Adelaide this morning as we walked along the beach. Lachie too. And imagined both of them playing on the sand.
Uh! Oh! I’d better go!!
Beachmere.
A lovely stopover to visit David’s cousin and her hubby, Alan.
We caught up with our washing and enjoyed a lovely shower!!
David and I also went to Bribie Island for a drive. Enjoyed a beautiful ice-cream! For once, we were glad the kids weren’t here!!!!
In The Water!
We put in at the Yamba marina as the wind was too strong at the public wharf. We’re storing the car and trailer in their yard, hopefully for the next 10 days.
Joined Bruce and Linda over in Iluka where we had shelter from the northerly wind. Happy daze!! 😊 🚤
And it’s Lachies birthday in Australia!!!!
Back On The Clarence.
A beautiful day on the Clarence River. We travelled from Iiluka to Lawrence stopping for coffee near the M1. Joined more friends for sundowners who are tied up alongside us and heard some amazing stories.
Walked over the bridge for a shower and it was beautifully hot!!
Lachies birthday today in Canada.
A Leisurely Trip On The River
We came all of 5 nautical miles yesterday! And will be going to another pub for lunch with more friends today. A tough life!!
Went for a nice walk along the river this morning through Brushgrove before coffee on the boat.
Life’s good.
Back To Forget.
We spent last night in the quiet solitude of the Coldstream river. So very restful.
I made bread yesterday in the barbecue. It does need a bit more tweaking!! As do the ginger nuts that I made today. But still amazingly edible!
We came on to Iluka for the night passing a graveyard of wrecks that we couldn’t get close to because of the wind. And it was because of the wind that we chose to come back to the little wharf.
Tomorrow is our last day on the water unfortunately. But we know we’ll be back next April.