26 April 2011

24th April 2011 - Brisbane

The Queensland Government did the unthinkable late last year and decided that our second eldest grandson could have a drivers licence. He then bought himself a 1995 Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 dual cab trayback. Shirl and myself thought that we should shout him a 4x4 driving course so that he knew just what his machine could and couldn’t do. So last Sunday Jordan and his Dad (Scott), in the Triton, plus Shirl & myself in the Cruiser set out for a fantastic day of bush driving.

The training covered everything from bogs & logs to water crossings, recovering from stalling on steep hills, and then up and down progressively steeper hills – great fun, great learning, and all-round good day.

Monday morning came way too early – had to be out of bed at 5:30am – we didn’t even realise that such a time still existed. The last time we were up and about at this time, Gough Whitlam was still the Prime Minister.

Car packed, eyes kind of opened, then off to the Moreton Island Ferry with the entire family – all 18 of us. Arrived at the island at 9:45 and after exiting the ferry we had to drive along the beach for about a kilometre before we turned inland for about 7 km of sand tracks until we reached the 2 beach houses we had rented. Initial impression? Wow! What views. Unfortunately they were a little weakened by the rain – yes, more damn rain. Made the first day a bit damp!

Day 2 fine and sunny, all the youngsters (anyone younger than Shirl & I qualifies for this title) were on the beach, in the water, or snorkelling. To get back to the houses, they needed to climb up a really steep and long series of steps. The trouble wasn’t just the steepness or length, but the steps varied in both rise and width so that you couldn’t get into a rhythm – bugger! Everyone gathered in the one house for evening BBQ – that’s a lot of people in one house; and a lot of kids to make lots of noise.

Wednesday had us all drive to the northern end of the island and look at the lighthouse – the only one in Queensland built from sandstone. The views from here are most likely the best from any lighthouse in Oz. If not protected by National Park, these would be lost to some developer.

Back at the resort, the youngsters chose to go back to “The Wrecks” for more snorkelling. There are 6 old wrecks that are a haven for sea life and everyone and their 2nd best friends use them as dive sites. They got to see dolphins, fish, turtles, and more fish.

Once more back at the resort, we spied a passing submarine – not the sort of thing you see every day.

Thursday morning: Time to pack up. Yuk. Fifteen of the mob decided to go for a ‘Quad Bike’ ride. An hour later they returned with smiles that were wider than their faces – the Cheshire cat on steroids. Then onto the ferry and home to Scott & Gael’s place.

Yesterday was Easter Egg buying day for Shirl & I. Popped down to the local Woolies and found that they had a promotion that gave 10c per litre if you spent more than $20 on eggs – bargain, since we had a telephone directory size list of family to buy for. We came away with 3 vouchers that gave 14c/litre off, and one for 10c. The lady behind us was not too happy as we continually asked the checkout guy to stop the till whenever the total was over $20 to $30. However, since we will be filling up with fuel at least 4 times in the next month, and at 120 litres per fill, the extra 10c / litre is equal to $12 each time.

Rest day today. Scott’s house had a traditional easter egg hunt which was quite noisy and energetic given the number of kids involved. Afterwards, the entire family went to Sizzlers for a Sunday Breakfast – not sure it was a good idea because despite all the adults saying that they were going to have ‘just a coffee and cereal or toast’, everyone exceeded their daily calorie intake within the first 20 minutes - - - and then went back for more, and more.

Most of them had a fairly quiet day after this gluttony!

Wet & Wild for the youngsters tomorrow.

15th April 2011 - Brisbane


We stayed on for an extra day at Sawtell so we could go to the Woolgoolga Curry Festival – can’t miss a festival devoted to curry! What a success it was, I’m no good estimating crowd numbers, but there was a full house. Tried a number of vegetable curries (looking for ideas), plus some finger food. The big issue with all these food festivals is that you run out of stomach capacity before your taste buds run out of desire.

The area used was a large park right on the beachfront, with lots of trees. Despite the sound stage, the multitude of people, the numerous stalls and overall noise, a 6 foot python had chosen the lower branch of a Norfolk Pine as his ideal place to stretch out for the day. I think he won the prize for the most photographed thing.

Sunday was moving day: north to Mt Warning. Noticed that things are moving ahead with the new road north of Ballina with the climb almost bypassed but it will be quite some time before they finish the entire 20km to join the existing dual road.

Our directions were to turn onto the old Pacific Hwy (now renamed ‘Tweed Valley Way’), over the Burringbar range, where the sign at the bottom advised “15%” climb – I don’t seem to remember it as that steep, but up we went. I was a wee bit nervous because we were running with the van at full weight of 3 tonnes, and “Tom” Cruiser also carrying a decent load. No need for concern – it happily climbed all the way in 2nd gear with no heating issues.

The directions then sent us onto a small country road that was so skinny we both had to breath in whenever a car approached. Around a corner and the road just pointed upwards – another 15% sign, and up we went. A lot longer than the previous climb, but the real issue was that the road was not really wide enough for comfortable passing so if anything came our way we would need to slow down, thus loosing revs and would force us back to 1st gear – and once down a gear, it’s really hard to get it back. Anyway, we got there with no issues.

Finally found the van park, and what a gem. They seem to have found a perfect solution for the common problem of ‘dogs allowed/no dogs’, by having a segregated area for vans etc who have dogs.

On the way here we passed through a small village with a sign “Warning, Children” – now I can understand warnings for wild animals, or dangerous road issues, but to have children who are so dangerous that they need to warn travellers about them is a worry!

The tweed valley is a tourists delight – we visited the Madura tea plantation where they do a great little tour that explains all about the making of tea – the older we get, the more we realise that we still know bugger all about most things! Next place was the Tropical Fruit Farm where, would you believe they grow 500 fruit varieties. We did a tasting of fruit that is in season and found a number of new taste sensations, that unfortunately are not to be found at the local Canberra markets.

Took the long way back via a full lap of Mt Warning and experienced the best fun of the day – an Echidna was ambling across the dirt track so I stopped the car while Shirl got out with the camera. As she approached, the echidna did what they do and folded into a ball – Shirl paused, the echidna poked his nose out, Shirl lifted the camera, the echidna folded again ...... and again ........ and again ....... and again ........ and again. So we have a number of photos of an ecidna rolled into a ball if anyone is interested.

As the morning sun arrives, the first bit of Australia that it hits is Mt Warning. It’s the central plug of a volcano that blew it’s top some 22 million years ago. For the fit folks, a walking trail goes all the way to the top with the last 100 mtrs or so via a vertical climb aided by a chain. Shirl & I decided to have a go, and were amazed at the steepness – up, up and up, then around a ledge with vertical wall on one side, and vertical drop the other. Another bend, and the track kicked even steeper and harder. Thought this was about as hard as it could get, and after a little culvert, it kicked again until we thought we’d fall backwards. Finally we arrived at the car park where we got out of the car to read the info board and warning at the start of the walk . . . . . . . the road up to this point is without a doubt, the steepest tar road I have driven.

Another day we visited a farm that specialises in miniature horses – they aren’t ponies, but genuine tiny horses. The foals are so tiny that you could pick them up as you would a dog. Also on the farm are miniature cattle including the world’s smallest fully grown bull.







We are now in Brisbane with eldest son. The van is in for some minor modifications, and we are waiting for the rest of the family to arrive so we can all go out to Moreton Island for a big get together. We expect to leave here on the 28th or 29th.


07 April 2011

6th April 2011 - Sawtell

Still at Sawtell.
Went to Dorrigo on Saturday. There is no doubt that many of our small villages are picture perfect. I guess that we all forget to take a really deep look at wherever we live, because if we did we might just find that there is bugger all to complain about.

Many years ago a work friend and I shared the passion of just getting out there and exploring. One Monday morning, he asked me where I had been on the week-end and I replied “Just popped up to Lithgow, and if they ever give the World an enema, I know where they’ll insert the tube” Brian’s sage response has stayed with me wherever I go “You didn’t look hard enough. Over 10,000 people choose to live there, and most could find work elsewhere if they wished- but they don’t. They’ve looked, and found more than you!” Interesting viewpoint.

The road to Dorrigo is very steep, and very skinny. I’d tow a small van up (or down), but certainly not our 22 footer. But, we were followed up the climb by a big low loader (empty) and he seemed to have no problems.

We spent some time at the local markets and came away with lots of really fresh local vegies, plus some chilli beetroot relish.

Followed this with a visit to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre – what a magnificient place. One of those ‘walk out at treetop level boardwalks’ that opens up a view across half of Australia (or so it seemed). Numerous walks from short and simple, to long and arduous – including one that takes you under and behind a waterfall.










After lunch in the rainforest cafe, we ventured forth to find the little village of Cascade. Our eldest, Scott, had stayed there on a school excursion some 35 years ago – gee, he must be getting a bit old now!

















Stopped along the way to look at waterfalls, as you do. Amazing how we all seem drawn to the sound and look of falling water – seems to invoke contradictory feeling of power, yet serenity. It should be noted that these feelings are replaced by totally different ones if the bloody water is falling on you when you want to go somewhere!
Came across a street sign: “Considering Ground Road”. Wonder where that name popped up? Imagine the conversation......

“I was wondering Jimmy, if we could buy a new ‘widget’?
“Well, Susie, I might need to consider that”
“Aaah, okay, Jimmy, when did you wanna do this ‘considerin’?”
“How about this evenin’ Suze”
Later, that evening.
“Hey, Susie, this considering ground is good – lots of folks here just sorting out things”
“Have you considered enough yet Jimmy?”
"Nearly there Susie, just a moment. ...... there, all considered ........ what colour widget would you like?”
At Anna Bay we had a Koala in our little patch of paradise, then a Kookaburra at Seal Rocks – here at Sawtell we have a huge Goanna that just wanders around like he owns the place – I’m not going to tell him otherwise.









Our neighbour went to use the public toots at Park Beach and upon entering, found a large carpet snake was just leaving – maybe the same one her hubby nearly stepped on when he stopped at a local roadside banana stall.
Yesterday we did a bit of local exploring – drove up to Red Rock, Corindi, and Arrawarra for a look at the local van parks – all look real good and have been added to our llllooooooooonggg list of potential places to stay awhile. Followed this with a bit of dirt roading in the hinter land, and finished off the day at the Butterfly Farm.









Stuck inside today because of rain. It normally buckets down at night, but clears up for the day – well, today was different.

01 April 2011

31st March 2011




Have had a folks from Czech Republic, Canada and Netherland camped behind us over the last few days. Great chatting with them and finding out what they think of Oz – it’s very big! Perhaps the most enlightening thing was that they find our easy going approach a bit odd. In their own countries, a man just starting a conversation (Hi, how ya goin') with another man would be suspected of being gay. Likewise, our funny habit of offering a beer to a stranger that you have just met, is difficult for them to understand.

The beach is obviously a preferred site for the “Surf Board Riding” schools that operate from Forster, because each day or so a small bus load arrive at the beach and do their thing. As grandparents of a 17 year old girl, we must say that the modern bikinis seem to have shrunk to intolerable proportions (Ian is not complaining).


Ian went fishing (again) and didn't catch any fish (again). He has now extended his record of number of places, and number of different species of fish that he hasn't caught.




Walked up to the local lighthouse and our thoughts were with the early keepers – imagine waking up to that view every morning, and then getting paid for it!









Went into Forster on Tuesday and paid our respects to Shirl’s dad and step-mother. Then, since it was Shirl’s birthday I decided to get in the good books and took her to a nice restaurant for lunch.

Pulled up stakes on Wednesday and headed for Sawtell. Pondered along the way that you can now travel from the Hume highway, south of the Sturt junction, to Port Macquarie and remain on dual carriageway. A bit different than it was 20 years ago. One thing that hasn't changed is Freddo's Pie shop at Fredericktown (just north of Kempsey) - still some of the best pies around. I had satay beef, and Shirl had Lamb's Fry & Bacon.

Sawtell Caravan park is really good – maybe the largest site that we have ever had. Again the area is occupied by a number of Brush Turkeys – if there are any at our next stop, they’ll be on the dinner plate.....

Thought we were back in Anna Bay last night – it absolutely bucketed down nearly all night. Woke up this morning to fine and clear skies.

26th March 2011



We thought that we were going to float away during the first three nights at Anna Bay. Each night the rain just fell as if a fire hose was above us – no wind, just water and lots of it. Each morning we awoke to great sunny days, a little bit humid because of all the water that had fallen the previous night, but apart from that they were near perfect.

We drove into Newcastle one night to have dinner with brother Mal (and Robyn), at the Wests "Rosellas" Leagues Club (what sort of name is that for big burly tough footy players?). As we were leaving, the sky opened up and we were forced to drive the first 30km at less than 40 kph. Anna Bay is a part of the area known as Port Stephens. But Port Stephens doesn’t really exist as an item of land. The name refers to the water inlet only. The towns and villages which make up the locality are all separated by large tracts of National Park, bushland and/or sand. If you like beaches, you’ll love this place. Perhaps the ‘big daddy’ of them is Stockton beach: all 32 km of it. The dunes are considered the largest on the east coast and extend up to 3km inland.









We went on a sand driving session with 7 other vehicles and learned heaps. As the day progressed, our confidence rose and we tackled dunes that we steeper than any sealed road we’ve ever seen. Perhaps the most amazing part was that Shirl didn’t squeal once all day.





The following day we had our first visit to our camp area by a Koala – obviously liked the flavour of a particular tree at the rear of our site. He (or She) used it as his/her evening restaurant.


I had a small win on Monday when we were at Salamander Bay and found a Mr Minute who sold new programmable remote key thingo. Since I had been quoted over $600 from Toyota, the $80 at Mr Minute was a bargain. Mind you, the method to get the car into ‘Prograqm mode’ was designed by a sadist. “..close and open door 2 times with working remote (what if I only have one its the bloody one not working), within 10 seconds begin turning the ignition key from accessories to on and back 20 times within 12 seconds...” and what if the key ‘catches’ or you loose count or you turn it beyond access (to off) = start again. Eventually got it – only to find that Shirl’s remote (the Working one that I had used) wasn’t a working one anymore!!!!!! Bugger.


Hitched up yesterday and moved a short way up the coast to Seal Rocks – no shops, no traffic, nothing but beaches, sun, and bushland. Walked along the beach; ah! Feel the serenity. Chatted to a guy who was fishing – introduced me to his wife whom he called “3 Horses”! When I commented how unusual it was, he explained that it was an old Indian name that meant “Nag, Nag, Nag”.


A Kookaburra visited yesterday evening and sat on a post just 2 metres from our van and didn’t mind if we walked right up to him.



A number of Brush Turkeys walk around the park – they’re a bit shy and run from everybody. Woken up at 1am this morning by heavy rain! When we bedded down, it was perfect tranquil night. This morning it was still pouring – so we stayed in bed, because (a) we’re indulgently patient, (b) we can, and we’re not in a hurry.

19th March 2011

It finally arrived; we’re on our way. There were times during the last month when we thought that we’d never make it – so much to do, and time just racing away. Despite our doubts, we did get away on time last Tuesday morning and soon got into the rhythm of dragging nearly 3 tonnes of anchor behind us. First stop was Parklea Caravan Park in Sydney. We needed somewhere so that we could easily visit Shirl’s mum who is in a nearby nursing home. After 3 days of visiting family and going out for lunch or dinner with various family and friends, we were exhausted. Whoever said that retirement was when you slowed down, had obviously never been retired. We’re now at Anna Bay (Birubi Caravan Park) where we’ll stay for a week(ish).

11th March 2011

After nearly 14 months at home, we are somewhat stir crazy. I’ve modified the van’s water tanks to make the front one exclusively drinking water with its own pump and pipes. Also fitted a camera to the rear of the van so that we can see what it is that is monstering us from behind. Our trip is planned – leave home on the 15th (I need / want / must do the “Big Canberra Day Bike Ride” on the 14th. This covers 25km and includes a decent climb up and over Parliament House.). We’ll take a month to get to Brisbane where we’ll meet all the boys and their families for a joint Xmas in April get-together on Moreton Island.