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.