Out of range

Hey there guys
We have been a bit out of range for any internet so hence a bit slow on the posts. We left Mission Beach and headed towards Paronella park which was really interesting with its history of Jose' Paronella and his family. It's waterfall was beautifully light at night which was great for photos.

                                                               Mena Creek (Paronella) falls at Night

Micro bats at Paronella

Pip and Amber at Mena Creek Karaoke

Pip made a friend (Amber) and we all had a great time at the Mena Creek Karaoke. Mike doing his rendition off Johnny Cash with Dabsie as back up. Dabsie couldn't read the words without his glasses let alone the booooooze.

On the way from Mena Creek we had to climb onto the highest point in Queensland (our car didn't car too much for the 10% grade inclines) We stopped at windy hill and checked out the windmill turbines.

                                            Sonia & Dabsie ahead with Windy Hill in background

We also took a trip into Ravenshoe where we met a really interesting local named Graham. He had be one of the people who had orchestrated a steam train to be brought from Cappella and used as a tourist attraction 21 years ago. We took a ride on the train and had afternoon tea. The high light of Pips day.

                                                    Pip on the train                                                

                                                Mike Pip and Graham our new mate
                                             
Next stop was a night at Innot hot springs. It got its name because people put their toe in the water and say "It's hot, innot" (just kidding). Took some pics in one of the spas, it reminded me of a show I watched once called Coocoon. All the "oldies" get in the pool in hope of rejuvenation of their youth. Lots of oldies here too.

                                                    Pip down near the river springs
This water was so hot in places you could give yourself a bad burn. Didn't seem to deter the little aboriginal kids from having their bath there though. ( in the back ground)

                                         Coocoon.. Check the olds out including Sonia!!!!!!


We have been here at Undara for the past 2 days and are heading today to Mt Surprise for a spot of gemming. Undara was fantastic, this is real bushy country. We took a tour down to the Lava tubes and swam into the darkness of one. Pip was a bit scared as we went about 200m into the tube and the water level was just above my neck. Pip clung on like a monkey. Took a self guided walk up and around the rim of an very very old volcano crater. Spectacular views. We also climbed up the bluff with a bunch of other tourists and with a glass of champagne and some cheese and biscuits we watched the sun setting. again just beautiful.

                                                      Sunset Undara lava and volcano country

                                                  Pip and the locals
                   

                                                       sunset again

Road to kalkani Crater

Mission Beach

Here we are at Mission Beach, a lovely little spot but quiet effected by the Yasi cyclone. Lots of over turned trees and roofs still off of homes.

Getting some good runs in whilst we are still on the beach fronts and even had a PT session today with Dabsie, Mike and Sonia. Sure Dabsie was trying to kill us. Great place for sky divers.

Saw some tandem jumps come in on the beach this morning. They do a 60 sec free fall..... thought those chutes were never going to open. Pip was keen as mustard to have a go and was upset to find out you have to be 16 yrs.

 Had to make do with a giant game of chess.
Pip is really enjoying herself and it shows in her attitude to everything. She doesn't stop prancing and dancing all over the place. She's really getting into reading and has got herself hooked on Roald Dahl... cant get her away from them long enough to go to the shower. She spent an hour by the pool lazing in her bathers and sunnies reading (how cute). Of course a quick lesson it how to shuck a coconut doesn't go astray for a 7 yr old and they are in abundance up here on the beach thanks to Yasi.

Really enjoying the wind down from work. However keen to now turn in land and start the real adventure. Off to Paranella Park tomorrow (sorry McCullys we got there first!!! hahaha) We'll spend the night at the park then thean in towards innot springs

One for the boys from Airlie! just a short one......

A slight change in plans

With just a bit of a change in plan we are now headed up the coast on our way to Airlie. We left Yeppoon after 2 days at the Beach side c'van park. Right on the beach so here I have started my NEW exercise regime.... well running that is, and now have a running partner as Dabsie and and Sonia have buddied up with us on the journey to Lawn Hill and Sonia is a seasoned runner who has now got me in training. That is a 1/2 hr run followed by a few glasses of wine to wind down . This morning we left Yeppoon and are having an overnighter at Sarina, friendly little town south of Mackay. Staying at the Sarina Palms have to say this would be a 5 star park with its very clean amenities and lovely kept grounds....... except that the sergeant major from "starlag 13" runs the place.  If only there were hot water in the camp kitchen and hand towels and soap in the loo!

On our way to Airlie for a few days however the weather is not looking to favourable for the beach. Pippa is traveling really well and not really asking to many times "are we there yet" and the signs on the roadside saying the same are a bit of a laugh.

we are all getting a bit of the action when it comes to driving even Pip

THE TOWN OF 1770

Hey Guys
This our last stop now before heading inland. 1770 - Agnes waters, nice little twin township with a great pub that has a great view of the spot that Captain Cook first stepped foot on Queensland soil on May 24th 1770, hence the name. Aptly the replica Endeavor has been sailing up the coast this week and has been anchored out toward Bustard Head light house for the past 2 nights. Thats been good for Pip with her home schooling, lots of things to learn when your 7 and a new explorer. Pip is starting already to settle into her school work and powering along with her math and writing much to my relief.


We spent the last to late afternoons watching the sun set while having an ale at the pub. Befriended a couple travelling to the kimberley (Garry AKA Dabs soon also to be known as Gazza and Sonia) they will hopefully meet up with us further up the road. 

Not quite sure exactly where we will be tonight somewhere towards Emerald. Need to sit down with a cuppa and make a plan with Pip and Mike, (right now actually) so until next time have fun at work you guys  hahahahahahahah

Burrum Heads

Here we are at Burrum Heads catching up with the Ol' Girl. A couple of last fare well drinks. For those who don't know Burrum is  a little (not so little now) fishing village very popular with the southern grey nomads in the winter months escaping Victorias cold months.

Departing tomorrow for 1770 so just tidying up a few things around the van and car and stocking up on the essentials. Picked up some panning equipment for the inland run. Pip is excited to be going through to Emerald where she can start digging for gems.

This is our last stop for good byes we will really feel like we are off tomorrow.

Going Gone!

We left Bris Vegas at 11:20 on Friday the 13th as planned, how emotional was that? Didn't know whether to laugh or cry so did both at the same time, with a little excited kid cheering and waving her arms in the back Mike power through brisbane counting down the number of traffic lights until we hit the highway. First stop Kilkivan as planned for a relaxing catch up with the McCullys in their new camper "The Pony Express". The kids had a ball catching little fish and yabbies in the creek next to our site, some of which Luke and Darren cooked and ate. We on the other hand relaxed with our feet up and a beer or two by the camp fire (Its was soooooo cold the first night). Met a lovely old fella named Ian apparently Shane Webke's uncle, who was  fantastic on the harmonica ( sound only too dark for the movie).

 He sat with us by the fire, sharing his home brew Gin and Scotch and played us a few tunes before retiring back to the warmth of his van and lovely wife Faye. I managed to catch a little tune on Pips Ipod before he announced "Im Off". Next stop Burrum heads to catch up with Mum and Nev and "do the washing".

Only 2 more sleeps until we start our tow! Can't believe it's finally arrived. We've done most of our farewells and are pretty well sorted to go. Well in saying that there are a few die hards that have refused to lets us go for the whole 18 months. To our beautiful boys Pete and Stu and antipodeans Alex and Dawn..."see you in Broome". To my bestest buddies Megano, Denny boy, Tenzie and Miss V,  yours will be a surprise visit, undecided where yet but look forward to it all the same.

 There's been a lot of organising and sorting of "stuff" which i'm glad to see the back of.  Only a few more bits and pieces to fit into the van "somewhere"!!! I've been some what anxious over the last week or two that we wouldn't fit everything in. There is so much you need to take and of course so much you want to take. Unfortunately the wants have to go when space and weight have to be considered. So it was goodbye to the surfboard, the kayak and the "Bromptons" (bikes), hello to 3 spare tyres a recovery set, a buch of Jerry cans and a pair of runners ............we did however get to pack one small guitare.

So to all now we say  THANKS... Thanks to Robert and Maggie who have put us up and put up with us since our house was let out. Thanks to Jay and Don for taking care of ALL our bikes and guitares, to Greg and Morrie for signing us off for leave, to kathy and Georgia Pips teacher, for the help in applying for Pips home schooling. Thanks to Trace,  Dazza,  Chezza and Bazza for trip advice and the ongoing emailing and blogging they are going to do to keep us on the right track. Thanks to me mum for advice on how to pack into small places, I never would have thought to store the linen under the mattress. Thanks to all our mates and colleagues for putting up with our camping banter for the last 12 months.

This will be the last post from Bris Vegas, next time we will be on the road.  First stop will be Kilkivan, "yeh yeh we know that it's only 2 hrs drive away" but to rub it in just one last time "We've got EIGHTEEN months whats the rush" hahahaha Much love to everyone, speak to you on the road.