Day 8 - Theresa Creek Dam

Well we decided to hang around here and do the run up to Townsville in one hit.  The boys were happy to trade a full day of playing with a full day of driving instead of half and half.  We'll see how they go tomorrow after the 5th hour ....

The day started out with a fairly thick fog that was being particularly stubborn and didn't lift till mid morning.  It opened up to a clear day, the temps warmed up.  The playground packed with kids and boys got into it.

During the day we did a range of activities around camp from badminton, bike riding, footy, swimming and of course, relaxing. We also discovered a few things that we forgot to pack, including the bats for totem tennis!!! The pole, new ball (and a spare) were there but no bats!

The view from our deck chairs at camp ... 

It's an early start tomorrow so we'll be attempting to leave early to make it to Townsville for dinner. We are getting better at the pack up: we start strong, seem to lag a bit and then realising the time, get it together again!

Day 7 - Canarvon Gorge to Clemont

Last night was interesting going to sleep with the chatting next door of a ex commonwealth spri tee I the '81 games.  We took notes but didn't get his name, something for when we have service.  Nice way to go sleep hearing about so me of the trials and tribulations of athlete back then.

Well after a chilly evening we woke and started with pancakes for breakfast.  Our aim for the day was to get as far north as we could get.  It took a while to pack up while chatting to the guys next door explaining our trip and hearing of their experiences travelling with a family of three kids.  It shows that even back then what we doing is possible without some of the comforts that we have on our travels.

We decided to take some of the back roads to Emerald, the highway scenery doesn't change that much, also a good time to test out the dust worthiness of Ernie (a few spots need some work).  Stopped in Emerald there for lunch and dropped into the info centre.  Love lady Max mentioned that it is a short stop over at Rubyvale for fossicking and then mentioned Teresa Creek Dam as possible place to park for the night.  It's just as long as the highway. 

Well Max was spot on, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn on the way, we stopped for some sapphire fossicking in Rubyvale, at Bobby Dazzler Mine.  Getting a bucket of dirt and sieve with a few instructions we were fossicking like champions. In the end we came out with a couple of green sapphires totalling 16.9 grammes.  It was interesting talking to Fran about how mining has really slipped off here, rents have dropped from $600 / week to $300, with many houses now for rent and businesses moving on.  Made me think how little towns handle the boom and bust times, I am sure it's a real struggle.  They now in the in the process of building the business back up.  Out the back of bobby dazzlers noticed our first pair of Brolga's, rather large birds that didn't mind a photo to two. (Sorry on the other camera)

Today was the first day the temperature went above 20 degrees, 24 exact.  It felt more temperate as well with the humidity starting to increase.  Hope there is more that to come!

Taking the back roads again to the campsite at Theresa Creek Dam the colours and scenery were simply spectacular. 

(To be inserted the picture of storm and rainbow)

 With cattle across the road (as they don't do the fence thing up here) and not a straight section in sight with too many cattle grids to speak of, it meant eyes had to be on the road, no relaxing.

After a drive where you could count the cars on one hand, we pulled into the campsite faced with a sea of trailers and caravans, a little hidden place which is obviuously well known to the locals and gray nomads.  We pulled into a lovely little spot, setup and started cooking tuna casserole "wok style".   Meals were polished off with some to spare for tomorrow.

Having said we wanted to head north early to have to timeout in Townsville we apt hiking that place is nice enough to hang for another day and then make the big 510 ish kilometre trek up north.  Will see the office in the morning to see if they will have us for another day ...

Day 6 - Canarvon Gorge

Well today was the first day we haven't had to pack up and move on.  It was quite relaxing really not having to rush about. We had plans to do a walk or two and Andi had requested a swim! 

It was pretty chilly again overnight and we all ended up in the big bed by morning. Andi was the best sleeper once again and with the assistance of a call to nature throughout the night, we had a dry night too! After a morning tea for Dad, he and Andi headed off for the first of their walks for the day.  Nice 1.2k loop around the campsite.  The place was very picturesque with sunrise on the cliffs bringing out the ocre colours.

Picture of our campsite

After a few running repairs on the compressor, dish cleaning and general tidy up we made our way up the 7km return walk up the gorge to Moss Gardens.  Surprising the boys made it up with only a small amount of "are we they yet" and "how many kilometres to go Dad!".  Griff really enjoyed the gorge walls, taking opportunities to take lots of pictures.  With only one main track and side tracks to see particular gorge features, there were quite a number of walkers (young and old) both on the way there and back.

The Moss Gardens was a pretty speccy little place, with the cliffs getting closer together and the temperature dropping.

 The start of our walk

 Andy powering across the steams

The family at Moss Gardens

Waterfalls abound ...

 Andy doing walking ediquette lessons

 Griffin's interpretation !

We go back just after 1pm with somewhat tired little boys and parents. We thought we might have worn them out but after a quick drink and the promise of a sandwich they were back on their bikes for a few quick laps of the campsite.  During lunch we started some Ross school, with Griff and Andi both choosing to do Maths for today's lesson.  Being in a gorge the sun goes off pretty quick, and although it was warm in the sun, once in the shade it cooled off remarkedly.  So off to the creek for a quick dip for the boys.  It was more like let's walk through the water, even though they claimed they would "swim no matter what the temperature".  Not surprisingly it was pretty chilly, and while they had a ball in the icy water for about 30 or so minutes it was off to the showers to warm up.

The boys "swimming", admittedly it was icy cold ...

After showers it was back to camp for the oldies to start dinner and the boys to continue riding around, they are really taking to bikes and enjoy racing each other around the loop of the camp.  Andi's riding has improved remarkedly. While he comes back to camp with a few more scratches on each loop, he's got a lovely grin on his face and a story to tell about how he got them. Apparently rocks and trees get in his way!

After dinner, the day's energetic activities were taking their toll, with the boys in bed by 7pm. Andi in particular hit the pillow half asleep.  Mum and Dad stayed awake for a little longer planning the days route ahead.  It seems strange that we will be meeting Uncle Chris in Cairns in less than 7 days.  We have three days ahead of us before we meet up with Andi and Gem for some time on Paws. 

Night all.

Day 5 - Roma to Canarvon gorge

Well the day started with quite the frost, a chilly night that had Stu sleeping between Katie and Griff on the big bed as he wasn't able to keep blankets on long enough to reduce the chill.  The quote from Stu was it felt like sleeping in a vice, teach me right for being warm blooded and the secondary heater for the tent. We talked through the night saying that we must make a big deal of Andi's night as he pretty much stayed wrapped the whole night. Unfortunately though he woke up saturated (warm blooded like his Dad). Being so warm also meant finding a laundromat at 7.300am in the morning to make sure we got everything dry for this evening!

It was a glorious crisp morning, not a cloud in the sky and not a breath of wind, and that is how it stayed all day. The boys continued the exploration of showgrounds on their bikes. Andi has progressed so much in just a few short days - trying to stand up now! Griff is Mr Harry Casual cruising around, sometimes even pedalling backwards. 

We filled up Ernie's water tanks with water as Roma's water doesn't seem so bad and we need some for the days ahead.  Once packed we headed into town to catch the big Roma attraction, the Big Rig. A display and information about the history of oil and gas exploration in the region.  Very informative and the boys liked the displays, Andi particularly taken by the seismic and gravity display, very interactive.  I learnt a few things as well, puts things into perspective even appropriate for back at work as well!

We had a quick lunch and play before heading off for Canarvon Gorge, a short 242 kms north.  Had a good trip up. We had a nice conversation with some grey nomads in a couple of caravans over the UHF. They were heading to Cooktown. We told them about Canarvon Gorge as they'd never heard of it before! We wished them on their way and headed off the major road to the gorge.  It was our first dirt road of the trip.

Arriving at close to 4pm everyone got out and commenced the set up. With everyone pitching in Ernie went up really well (and fast).  The campsite is just perfect and facilities are quite surreal, reminded me of a safari style, raised high and all wood.  

Picture of our campsite for the next couple days

We'll see how the boys (and Katie) feel about going for a short walk or two tomorrow.  Hopefully not to chilly tonight.

Day 3 - Brisbane and Roma

Well we got Brisbane and settled down with family for a relaxing meal and a few quite ones.  Didn't last long after the day 2 drive, it always seems a long 5 or so hours for the trip into Brissie.  

The next morning we out to take Ernie into trackabout headquarters for a few repairs and a GVM upgrade, yes we can carry 2 ton!!! A set of 12" brakes and 2 ton bearings and we are good to go.  I made it all the way to factory without much assistance from Mr Google, I must say that I find Brisbane drivers very courteous, that or they scared a a tourist truck!

This morning set off for our next stop Roma.  It's amazing how the country side changes so dramatically in such a short period, from the hills around Toowoomba through to the plains on the other side.  Lot of similarities between this area and our previous travels around the Mildura district.

One thing that keeps you entertained is the massive industry presence.  On the road, it's an endless line of trucks in all shapes and forms, many carrying mining or cattle style rigs.  We stopped in Dalby for lunch and the lovely ladies at the information centre informed me that the town has grown very quickly in the last few years.  Now that CSG is established! the workers have moved out of the motels into the camps.  At least you can get a room now she said!

Will insert picture of boys in Dalby park when I get it for the other camera.

We arrived in Roma about 4:30pm, a rather long day in the car, hopefully not too many of those on the way.  We stayed at the Roma Showgrounds which was a very clean and well organised setup.  Just took a unpowered site so it was only $12 for the night...the boys were able to ride their bikes around the joint, and I briefly spoke to Bob, the nice next door neighbour about his and our plans...the start of many conversations and it turns out it always pays to be pleasant as we had to call on Bob for a few things during the course of the evening as we couldn't find our ball pump attachment for when Andi just had to play footy nor did we think to throw the crowbar up into the tree to get said ball when it got stuck!

In for a chilly one tonight, predicted to be -1 so will be rugging everyone up and hoping for the best!

And we are off...Cape York here we come!

Well the times has flown by and today we started our journey north.  We left a little on the late side but that is nothing new. 

Here is a picture of Charlie and Ernie, in their final preparation.

The boys were immediately into the car activity packs as well as the lunch boxes even though it was only 9.30am. Just on the other side of Canberra, Andi pipes up with "when do we pick up Uncle Chris?" (Groan by Mum and Dad!)

Making good time throughout the day we had breaks in Molong and Coonabarabran to give the kids and Dad a bit of stretch time. The weather was less than favourable with rain most of the day. We put on an audio book - The Witches by Roald Dahl, which was enjoyed by all - although by the end probably by Mum and Dad the most!

One of our favourite sites across the day was at the Carnowindra "Milk Bar" where instead of the standard outdoor setting was a lovely brown lounge chair, complete with a local sitting comfortablely reading the newspaper.

The best sign for the day was at Dubbo. While waiting for an accident to clear we noticed that the local nursery sign read: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is NOW!"

Other sites we enjoyed were a plane on the back of a truck and six massive tyres on a truck.

We had a few issues trying to find a nice place to stop somewhere north of Narrabri.  Most of the sites were busy or a little too close to the roadside for comfort. Finally we settled about 40kms south of Goondiwindi.  A bit further than planned but it means less for the run tomorrow.  Mr google estimates it at approx 4:30 hours.

We stopped at approx 9ish and had set up, fed and were in bed by 10pm.

A view of the camp site this am, Sunday 29 June.

Our Average fuel, 163.9, filling up at Molong and Narrabri.

Count down is on ....

Well its only 3 more sleeps now till we start our adventure North.  Surprisingly calm at this stage.  Have a few little things to still think about i.e. kids toys but overall we seem pretty organised which is a real surprise for us Ross's.

Roughly our itinerary is:
Canberra
Brisbane
Roma
Canaravon Gorge
Emerald and surrounds
Charleville and surrounds
Townsville
Cairns
Cape Tribulation
Cooktown
Lake Field National Park
Mungkhan Kandju National Park
Roadhouses on the way to the Telegraph track
Telegraph Track (southern section to start with)
Bamaga
Pundsand Bay
Somerset - then the trip back home begins ...
Weipa
Laura
Cairns
Undarra Lava Tubes
Charter Towers
Highenden
Winton
Longreach
Charleville
Bourke
Cobar
Nyngan
Dubbo
Narrandra ... and then home

Chat to you all on the road ... hopefully catch up with some MySwags on the way ...