To the Gulf and Home Again

Its remarkable just how much you can do in a few days.

I left Brisbane last Tuesday morning for Mt.Isa aboard the Flying Kangaroo. Constable Plod had returned to the Isa from her holiday at Alice and the Rock so she met me and we left at lunch time for Normanton.

Naturally a quick stop at the Burke and Wills Roadhouse before continuing on

Then to Normanton. Funny thing, Monday night both in different places and both thinking of the Gulflander Train and both searching the web. Great minds think alike. Timing couldn’t have been better as it leaves Normanton at 8.30 each Wednesday morning for Croydon. So 8.00 am saw us at the station ready for our day out

It was a very interesting trip to Croydon and no mail or deliveries this morning, our only stop other than morning tea was for cattle on the line

Arrived at Croydon round 1.30 and then some relaxing time to take in the sights (and the pub) . What a nice little town.

Then back on the bus to Normanton where we took in the Big Croc and of course a photo of probably one of the most photographed hotels in Australia

We then decided that seeing we were just so close to Kurumba we might as well make the effort and have a look.

So the tent was down so fast and we headed for the water. Made it to Kurumba in time to get my tent up again and be ready for the sunset. And what a wonderful sight to be sitting at the Sunset Hotel looking out over the Gulf.

A beautiful meal at a local restaurant finished off what was a most enjoyable day.

We left in the morning and drove back through Croydon again and Mt.Surprise and decided to spend the night at Innot Hot Springs. That was also a wonderful way to spend the evening.

From there we headed through Ravenshoe and Milla Milla and down to the coast to just south of Innisfail. Through the outskirts of Townsville, to Charters Towers then to Clermont for Friday night , Mundubbera Saturday night and we arrived home yesterday morning. At least I did, then Plod had to go on from here. So in five and a half days we travelled a fair distance. Thanks for having me along for the ride, I enjoyed it immensely.

Back to the River

It doesn’t take much for us to head for our favourite camping spot. A mention by a friend at a 4WD meeting that he would like to try out his new caravan bush camping soon had four couples making tracks to the river for five days of relaxation. Two vans on their maiden voyages so plenty to keep the men happy fiddling and tweaking.

The river always looks good

Acting like teenagers floating down the river on tubes, gee this retired life isn’t bad

Poo and the dog enjoying themselves

Good chance too for me to try out the new Webber Baby Q.

Bread was the first try. Made a great small loaf, just perfect for Poo’s lunch

Then carrot cake for morning tea. Cooling, waiting to be iced. Delicious

We also cooked scones, a larger loaf of bread and a roast and all other meals for the five days were cooked on the Webber. Not a failure. Definitely, a good investment. Lives up to the accolades given it on the forum.

So another great time with once again, great company as always. We are so lucky to have a wonderful haven so close to our homes. Yet as we sit round the fire, you could be miles and miles away from civilization.

This week sees me flying to Mt.Isa to spend a week driving back with Constable Plod who has just enjoyed a holiday to Alice and the Rock. So its tenting for mother and daughter as we make our way back through Qld. Wonder what I’ll have to report on that trip?