oct 1st - 14th
1st October
The weather has turned a bit today and there isn't much sunshine so lazing around by the pool isn't an option for today. Instead we shall take the opportunity to get a bit of running around done. Mike was approached by an old guy from the park this morning who needs a light replaced so we'll grab a fluro (or fluryesent as Wendy would say) while we're out and about.
Mike dropped Bec off at the local shopping centre as she had some secret anniversary shopping to do whilst he ran around and picked up some parts, the light and a memory card for his new camera which he'll be picking up later this week.
It was then time to head back to the caravan park for Mike to do a bit of work whilst Bec had an afternoon of lounging around and getting the washing done.
2nd October
Bit of a restless night!! It started raining quite heavily in the night and that was bad for two reasons - 1 the washing was on the line and 2 the windows were open. Bec woke abruptly in the wee hours of the morning with a wet pillow, head and mattress - 'not happy Jan'!
We then packed up and headed south for Innisfale. We hope to find a castle that we were told about by some other travelers near Bundy(the snake breeders!!).
We did find it and we're also able to camp here for the night as they have a caravan park attached to the castle. It’s called Paronella Park and it comprises of 13 acres of rain forest, a waterfall, a natural spring, a hydro electric generator from the 1930's and the ruins of a Spanish Castle. We set up camp in the caravan park and then joined the 4.30 guided tour through the park.
The tour was fantastic and somewhat humorous in the fact that our tour leader Luke was an absolute chirpper! It included the full history of the park as well as the opportunity to see small bats, turtles, eels and cat fish. The castle is amazing and it would have been fantastic to have experienced it in the 1930's - it would have been a truly magical place to visit.
We then went back to camp and started cooking our dinner before we joined the 6.30 night tour of the park. This tour didn't include the history side of things but we got to experience the castle lit up by lights as well as the animal night life. There were fire flies, spiders, bats, eels, fish, yabbies, toads and numerous other things that go bump in the night. Mike was very annoyed that he hasn't got his new camera as he had to use Bec's cheap point and shoot for a job that an SLR would have done much better. It was a truly spectacular tour that we would recommend to anyone travelling to northern QLD.
We've met a couple of groups of travelers tonight. One being a young couple from Coffs Harbor who are planning to come and work in WA next year. He's a sparky some hopefully Mike might be able to help him out with a few contact names when they arrive.
What a great day/night!!
3rd October
Awoke at Paronella and got packed up before visiting the park again. This morning we took a leisurely walk back around the park to visit the museum, the hydro generator and take some more photo's of the areas that were a little crowded on the tours. We had the unfortunate experience of meeting yet another snake!! Mike was walking along a path with Bec in toe when this blue, black and yellow snake appeared on the path and reared its head and Mike. We both turned and ran a mile - what's with us and snakes!!
We left the park drove north in the direction of Townsville. Everywhere we drove we bumped into the travelers from last night - the petrol station, rest bays you name it!
After a long drive we arrived at Saunders Beach where we stayed a week or so ago. We took Charlie for a walk along the beach before relaxing in the shade.
4th October - Happy Birthday Bobop!
Awoke at the beach and took Charlie for a walk before heading into town to get some supplies as this would be our last big town until we hit Darwin.
Mike camera has finally arrived from Melbourne so we picked that up from Toll - he's very happy and can't wait until tonight to have a play with his new toy!
Took Charlie for a much needed hair cut and ended up spending a bit of time chatting with the people there as they have just bought an old motor home which they hope to do up over the next year and then go travelling too. Charlie was really good compared to normal at the clippers - probably because he's been stinking hot and just can't wait to get rid of some of his hair and cool down a bit. They had a Shitsu x King Charles so Charlie enjoyed a run around with him after his cut. So cute.
As we'd managed to get everything done we decided to start the big trek to Darwin by driving to Charters Towers, only about 100kms down the road.
We stopped at a large rest area by a river where whilst it was cool it was infested with ants. We met a couple who had just set off for 2 years from Brisbane so we had a few drinks with them and Mike looked at his solar for him.
5th October
Woke quite early and after doing a few bits in town we hit the road for what was no doubt going to be a long few days!!
Drove about 600kms and stayed at a budget caravan park in Julia Creek. It has been such a hot day and there was a public pool right beside the park so we put our swimmers on and headed over to cool down a bit.
Pretty boring day really, not too much to see.
6th October
Got an early start to try and bet the heat today. Today we crossed the NT and QLD border. The first thing that we were quite shocked to see was that the NT speed limit for the highway is 130kms, we both automatically thought of Tom - thank god it’s not that high in WA!!
Stopped at Barclay Homestead (a big road house with motels, caravan park, pub, fuel, restaurant etc. - quite common in these parts) for diesel and a swim as they had a pool and you guessed it today has been another scorcher of a day.
Stopped in a rest area just after the homestead and had a few hours rest and wiring up our spotlights so that we could continue driving into the night.
We got back on the road at about 8pm and drove on until about midnight. We saw the odd roo but nothing too big and the spotlights did the trick so thankfully no mishaps.
Stopped in a rest area for a well deserved break.
The weather has turned a bit today and there isn't much sunshine so lazing around by the pool isn't an option for today. Instead we shall take the opportunity to get a bit of running around done. Mike was approached by an old guy from the park this morning who needs a light replaced so we'll grab a fluro (or fluryesent as Wendy would say) while we're out and about.
Mike dropped Bec off at the local shopping centre as she had some secret anniversary shopping to do whilst he ran around and picked up some parts, the light and a memory card for his new camera which he'll be picking up later this week.
It was then time to head back to the caravan park for Mike to do a bit of work whilst Bec had an afternoon of lounging around and getting the washing done.
2nd October
Bit of a restless night!! It started raining quite heavily in the night and that was bad for two reasons - 1 the washing was on the line and 2 the windows were open. Bec woke abruptly in the wee hours of the morning with a wet pillow, head and mattress - 'not happy Jan'!
We then packed up and headed south for Innisfale. We hope to find a castle that we were told about by some other travelers near Bundy(the snake breeders!!).
We did find it and we're also able to camp here for the night as they have a caravan park attached to the castle. It’s called Paronella Park and it comprises of 13 acres of rain forest, a waterfall, a natural spring, a hydro electric generator from the 1930's and the ruins of a Spanish Castle. We set up camp in the caravan park and then joined the 4.30 guided tour through the park.
The tour was fantastic and somewhat humorous in the fact that our tour leader Luke was an absolute chirpper! It included the full history of the park as well as the opportunity to see small bats, turtles, eels and cat fish. The castle is amazing and it would have been fantastic to have experienced it in the 1930's - it would have been a truly magical place to visit.
We then went back to camp and started cooking our dinner before we joined the 6.30 night tour of the park. This tour didn't include the history side of things but we got to experience the castle lit up by lights as well as the animal night life. There were fire flies, spiders, bats, eels, fish, yabbies, toads and numerous other things that go bump in the night. Mike was very annoyed that he hasn't got his new camera as he had to use Bec's cheap point and shoot for a job that an SLR would have done much better. It was a truly spectacular tour that we would recommend to anyone travelling to northern QLD.
We've met a couple of groups of travelers tonight. One being a young couple from Coffs Harbor who are planning to come and work in WA next year. He's a sparky some hopefully Mike might be able to help him out with a few contact names when they arrive.
What a great day/night!!
3rd October
Awoke at Paronella and got packed up before visiting the park again. This morning we took a leisurely walk back around the park to visit the museum, the hydro generator and take some more photo's of the areas that were a little crowded on the tours. We had the unfortunate experience of meeting yet another snake!! Mike was walking along a path with Bec in toe when this blue, black and yellow snake appeared on the path and reared its head and Mike. We both turned and ran a mile - what's with us and snakes!!
We left the park drove north in the direction of Townsville. Everywhere we drove we bumped into the travelers from last night - the petrol station, rest bays you name it!
After a long drive we arrived at Saunders Beach where we stayed a week or so ago. We took Charlie for a walk along the beach before relaxing in the shade.
4th October - Happy Birthday Bobop!
Awoke at the beach and took Charlie for a walk before heading into town to get some supplies as this would be our last big town until we hit Darwin.
Mike camera has finally arrived from Melbourne so we picked that up from Toll - he's very happy and can't wait until tonight to have a play with his new toy!
Took Charlie for a much needed hair cut and ended up spending a bit of time chatting with the people there as they have just bought an old motor home which they hope to do up over the next year and then go travelling too. Charlie was really good compared to normal at the clippers - probably because he's been stinking hot and just can't wait to get rid of some of his hair and cool down a bit. They had a Shitsu x King Charles so Charlie enjoyed a run around with him after his cut. So cute.
As we'd managed to get everything done we decided to start the big trek to Darwin by driving to Charters Towers, only about 100kms down the road.
We stopped at a large rest area by a river where whilst it was cool it was infested with ants. We met a couple who had just set off for 2 years from Brisbane so we had a few drinks with them and Mike looked at his solar for him.
5th October
Woke quite early and after doing a few bits in town we hit the road for what was no doubt going to be a long few days!!
Drove about 600kms and stayed at a budget caravan park in Julia Creek. It has been such a hot day and there was a public pool right beside the park so we put our swimmers on and headed over to cool down a bit.
Pretty boring day really, not too much to see.
6th October
Got an early start to try and bet the heat today. Today we crossed the NT and QLD border. The first thing that we were quite shocked to see was that the NT speed limit for the highway is 130kms, we both automatically thought of Tom - thank god it’s not that high in WA!!
Stopped at Barclay Homestead (a big road house with motels, caravan park, pub, fuel, restaurant etc. - quite common in these parts) for diesel and a swim as they had a pool and you guessed it today has been another scorcher of a day.
Stopped in a rest area just after the homestead and had a few hours rest and wiring up our spotlights so that we could continue driving into the night.
We got back on the road at about 8pm and drove on until about midnight. We saw the odd roo but nothing too big and the spotlights did the trick so thankfully no mishaps.
Stopped in a rest area for a well deserved break.
7th October - Happy 4th Birthday Kristen!!
Got up at 5am and hit the road again. We're now on the Stuart Highway heading north and as its mostly unfenced properties we're on high alert for not only roo's but bulls too.
It wasn't long into the drive before we spotted a fair few of them on the road side - they are massive so we drove past with extreme caution. Thankfully they were too busy eating so they didn't bother us. There are so many dead by the side of the road, it’s disgusting.
This morning we saw a dingo, bulls, roos, eagles (alive) and a lot more road kill. It was probably the only interesting part of the drive!
We made it to Katherine by lunch and the first thing we saw were numerous native persons laying on the grass medium strip in the middle of the road!! Oh my god get us out of here it’s a dump!!
Drove on to Darwin and finally 3 days later this long trek is over! Found a caravan park that would take Charlie (not a very nice one) and enjoyed some much needed rest.
8th October
Today we are flying Charlie home as we're off to Bali on Friday for 3 weeks and then to Melbourne for a week - it didn't seem fair to put him in a kennel for that long, plus he's hating the heat. Mum and Dad have been very good and are having Charlie for us until we get home. He'll be very well looked after and enjoy running around with Montey so it really is for the best. Doesn't make it easy though we'll both be so sad to see him go as he's our little man.
After packing up and leaving the caravan park we got Charlie all organized and dropped him off at the airport. He was naturally quite scared and it was sad to see him go.
Now that we're pet free we can stay in a nice caravan park. We've found one quite close to the airport that are happy to store the bus for us whilst we're away and it’s a lovely spot.
Set up for the arvo and enjoyed the warm pool.
9th October
After driving and messing around for the last week or so today is going to be a day of total R & R.
Bec worked desperately on her tan so that she doesn't go to Bali looking like a ghost whilst Mike opted to sit in the shade and polish off a book in one sitting.
Very nice day but the heat is really getting to us, its just so humid (in our eyes but apparently it will get a lot worse - great!!).
10th October
Today is our day for running around organising bits and bobs for our trip to Bali. It involved hair cuts, shopping, getting money exchanged etc. all the usual last minute bits and pieces. It will be a relief when its all done.
Mike did a small job this arvo and then we both enjoyed the pool into the night.
11th October
Its all starting to get very exciting!! Today is our day for packing up all our gear and getting the bus ready for shut down mode for 3 weeks. Not the hardest of tasks normally but in this heat it’s a different story.
That was mostly all done by the arvo so we hit the pool to cool down. Mike had another little job to do and ended up scoring a Waeco top loading fridge - the extra fridge space will be great and I'm sure we'll put it to good use in the car when we get home.
We then had an early anniversary gift exchange as both of our gift are far too large and fragile to take overseas. They say great minds think alike and in this case their spot on. Bec had a large picture frame made for Mike with one of our beautiful wedding photos and her speech to him on our wedding day. Whilst Mike had a frame made for Bec with his wedding vowels to her on the day, the lyrics to our bridal dance and some of the beautiful photos from the day. Both gifts where amazing and thoughtful and we were both so pleased. They even meet the traditional 1 year gift of paper.
It was then back to the pool for the evening before some last minute packing and finally bed.
Who knows if we'll get any sleep, we're both so excited!!
12th October
Yay its finally time!!
We got up at 4 and we were all organized and at the airport by 5. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of visiting Darwin airport it’s as exciting as the virgin terminal in Perth - very dated and sparse!!
Did all the usually security check, customs and duty free before boarding the plane. Mike got explosive tested and a pat down - he must look quite suspicious with that bald head!!
Once we were on the plane the excitement really set in as we heard the Indonesian voices and language for the first time in over 1 year.
It’s only a 2.5 hour flight so it went really quickly. We updated the diary and enjoyed the ride before reaching our destination. Yay we're finally here!
Cleared customers etc pretty easily and then organized a cab to take us to the hotel. We were there by 9 but unfortunately the room won't be ready until 2 so we have some time to kill.
We left our bags there and caught a cab into the centre of Kuta - today is the 5th anniversary of the first Bali bombings so there a tribute at the memorial and a ceremony tonight. Checked out Kuta Square before going to Centro to get Bec's cosmetics from the Clinique Counter and have lunch and a browse. Before we knew it, it was 2 and time to go back to the hotel and check in.
Our room is lovely and only a few doors up from the room we had last time. We unpacked before having an arvo around and in the pool.
We ducked out for a quick massage to get us into the swing of things. It was ok but Bec got a bit freaked out by her lady watching her get dressed!!
We then got dressed up for dinner and attempted to catch a taxi to Poppies but due to the ceremony we couldn't get anywhere near it by car and had to walk. That was fine because we got some exercise and the chance to see the ceremony in full flight. The security was really tight which was great to see, made you feel a bit safer at least!
Poppies was great as always and we had a fantastic first day, by the time we got home we were so tired and couldn't believe we'd only been here for 1 day - getting up so early and arriving so early made it feel quite strange.
Got up at 5am and hit the road again. We're now on the Stuart Highway heading north and as its mostly unfenced properties we're on high alert for not only roo's but bulls too.
It wasn't long into the drive before we spotted a fair few of them on the road side - they are massive so we drove past with extreme caution. Thankfully they were too busy eating so they didn't bother us. There are so many dead by the side of the road, it’s disgusting.
This morning we saw a dingo, bulls, roos, eagles (alive) and a lot more road kill. It was probably the only interesting part of the drive!
We made it to Katherine by lunch and the first thing we saw were numerous native persons laying on the grass medium strip in the middle of the road!! Oh my god get us out of here it’s a dump!!
Drove on to Darwin and finally 3 days later this long trek is over! Found a caravan park that would take Charlie (not a very nice one) and enjoyed some much needed rest.
8th October
Today we are flying Charlie home as we're off to Bali on Friday for 3 weeks and then to Melbourne for a week - it didn't seem fair to put him in a kennel for that long, plus he's hating the heat. Mum and Dad have been very good and are having Charlie for us until we get home. He'll be very well looked after and enjoy running around with Montey so it really is for the best. Doesn't make it easy though we'll both be so sad to see him go as he's our little man.
After packing up and leaving the caravan park we got Charlie all organized and dropped him off at the airport. He was naturally quite scared and it was sad to see him go.
Now that we're pet free we can stay in a nice caravan park. We've found one quite close to the airport that are happy to store the bus for us whilst we're away and it’s a lovely spot.
Set up for the arvo and enjoyed the warm pool.
9th October
After driving and messing around for the last week or so today is going to be a day of total R & R.
Bec worked desperately on her tan so that she doesn't go to Bali looking like a ghost whilst Mike opted to sit in the shade and polish off a book in one sitting.
Very nice day but the heat is really getting to us, its just so humid (in our eyes but apparently it will get a lot worse - great!!).
10th October
Today is our day for running around organising bits and bobs for our trip to Bali. It involved hair cuts, shopping, getting money exchanged etc. all the usual last minute bits and pieces. It will be a relief when its all done.
Mike did a small job this arvo and then we both enjoyed the pool into the night.
11th October
Its all starting to get very exciting!! Today is our day for packing up all our gear and getting the bus ready for shut down mode for 3 weeks. Not the hardest of tasks normally but in this heat it’s a different story.
That was mostly all done by the arvo so we hit the pool to cool down. Mike had another little job to do and ended up scoring a Waeco top loading fridge - the extra fridge space will be great and I'm sure we'll put it to good use in the car when we get home.
We then had an early anniversary gift exchange as both of our gift are far too large and fragile to take overseas. They say great minds think alike and in this case their spot on. Bec had a large picture frame made for Mike with one of our beautiful wedding photos and her speech to him on our wedding day. Whilst Mike had a frame made for Bec with his wedding vowels to her on the day, the lyrics to our bridal dance and some of the beautiful photos from the day. Both gifts where amazing and thoughtful and we were both so pleased. They even meet the traditional 1 year gift of paper.
It was then back to the pool for the evening before some last minute packing and finally bed.
Who knows if we'll get any sleep, we're both so excited!!
12th October
Yay its finally time!!
We got up at 4 and we were all organized and at the airport by 5. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of visiting Darwin airport it’s as exciting as the virgin terminal in Perth - very dated and sparse!!
Did all the usually security check, customs and duty free before boarding the plane. Mike got explosive tested and a pat down - he must look quite suspicious with that bald head!!
Once we were on the plane the excitement really set in as we heard the Indonesian voices and language for the first time in over 1 year.
It’s only a 2.5 hour flight so it went really quickly. We updated the diary and enjoyed the ride before reaching our destination. Yay we're finally here!
Cleared customers etc pretty easily and then organized a cab to take us to the hotel. We were there by 9 but unfortunately the room won't be ready until 2 so we have some time to kill.
We left our bags there and caught a cab into the centre of Kuta - today is the 5th anniversary of the first Bali bombings so there a tribute at the memorial and a ceremony tonight. Checked out Kuta Square before going to Centro to get Bec's cosmetics from the Clinique Counter and have lunch and a browse. Before we knew it, it was 2 and time to go back to the hotel and check in.
Our room is lovely and only a few doors up from the room we had last time. We unpacked before having an arvo around and in the pool.
We ducked out for a quick massage to get us into the swing of things. It was ok but Bec got a bit freaked out by her lady watching her get dressed!!
We then got dressed up for dinner and attempted to catch a taxi to Poppies but due to the ceremony we couldn't get anywhere near it by car and had to walk. That was fine because we got some exercise and the chance to see the ceremony in full flight. The security was really tight which was great to see, made you feel a bit safer at least!
Poppies was great as always and we had a fantastic first day, by the time we got home we were so tired and couldn't believe we'd only been here for 1 day - getting up so early and arriving so early made it feel quite strange.
13th October
We're obviously still on Darwin time because this morning we woke at 6am! Enjoyed an early breakie at the hotel before taking a stroll down the beach. Surprisingly there were heaps of people down there including heaps of people walking dogs, it seems like having pet dogs is the latest and greatest craze here at the moment - we saw the cutest thing 2 little dogs on a scooter!!
It was then time for Mike to go back to the hotel and enjoy the customary couple of hours by the pool whilst Bec went to the spa for a manicure and pedicure before enjoying lunch at the hotel and then heading out to Carrefour (a new shopping centre) to check it out. Bec wasn't too impressed but as it was full of electronics Mike would have been happy to walk around for hours.
On the way back to the hotel we booked our day spa for tomorrow and Ku De Ta for dinner. We also stopped and had a lovely massage in Tuban near another hotel that we often stay at.
Once back at the hotel we relaxed for awhile before getting cleaned up for dinner at Posers (the local German pub).
We then fell into bed for the second night in a row!
14th October - Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary to us!!
Today is a very special day for us as it marks our 1st Wedding Anniversary and 1 year of blissful marriage. The day started well with a lovely breakie at the hotel followed by a visit to Green Garden - our favorite day spa. We visit Green Garden every visit and 2 years, 20 days ago when Mike popped the question we started our day here so it only seems right to stick with tradition!
We both enjoyed a deluxe facial followed by a 1.5 hr warm stone massage, it was blissfully relaxing! We then enjoyed some lunch there before going back to the hotel. Whilst Bec was making herself beautiful Mike disappeared for awhile and when he returned he had a massive arrangement of flowers, including roses, orchids, frangipani and other exotic flowers. They are beautiful and Bec was very pleased!
Once again in keeping with tradition tonight we went to Ku De Ta which is where we got engaged. It was pumping when we arrived so we enjoyed some pre-dinner drinks down by the ocean watching the sun set before taking our place in the restaurant for dinner. It was beautiful just like the first time and we went on to enjoy a fantastic night full of fine food, drinks, great company and lots of reminiscing about our special day and the night that we got engaged. Time flies when you’re having fun and that's exactly what our first year of marriage has been, fun, laughter, adventure, love and friendship. Living in such small confines of the bus has helped us to learn the complete ins and outs of one another and we feel that if we can get through this we're set for an amazing life together.
Today many text messages rolled in from our friends and family in Australia to congratulate us and it was so great that so many remembered our special day.
We're obviously still on Darwin time because this morning we woke at 6am! Enjoyed an early breakie at the hotel before taking a stroll down the beach. Surprisingly there were heaps of people down there including heaps of people walking dogs, it seems like having pet dogs is the latest and greatest craze here at the moment - we saw the cutest thing 2 little dogs on a scooter!!
It was then time for Mike to go back to the hotel and enjoy the customary couple of hours by the pool whilst Bec went to the spa for a manicure and pedicure before enjoying lunch at the hotel and then heading out to Carrefour (a new shopping centre) to check it out. Bec wasn't too impressed but as it was full of electronics Mike would have been happy to walk around for hours.
On the way back to the hotel we booked our day spa for tomorrow and Ku De Ta for dinner. We also stopped and had a lovely massage in Tuban near another hotel that we often stay at.
Once back at the hotel we relaxed for awhile before getting cleaned up for dinner at Posers (the local German pub).
We then fell into bed for the second night in a row!
14th October - Happy 1st Wedding Anniversary to us!!
Today is a very special day for us as it marks our 1st Wedding Anniversary and 1 year of blissful marriage. The day started well with a lovely breakie at the hotel followed by a visit to Green Garden - our favorite day spa. We visit Green Garden every visit and 2 years, 20 days ago when Mike popped the question we started our day here so it only seems right to stick with tradition!
We both enjoyed a deluxe facial followed by a 1.5 hr warm stone massage, it was blissfully relaxing! We then enjoyed some lunch there before going back to the hotel. Whilst Bec was making herself beautiful Mike disappeared for awhile and when he returned he had a massive arrangement of flowers, including roses, orchids, frangipani and other exotic flowers. They are beautiful and Bec was very pleased!
Once again in keeping with tradition tonight we went to Ku De Ta which is where we got engaged. It was pumping when we arrived so we enjoyed some pre-dinner drinks down by the ocean watching the sun set before taking our place in the restaurant for dinner. It was beautiful just like the first time and we went on to enjoy a fantastic night full of fine food, drinks, great company and lots of reminiscing about our special day and the night that we got engaged. Time flies when you’re having fun and that's exactly what our first year of marriage has been, fun, laughter, adventure, love and friendship. Living in such small confines of the bus has helped us to learn the complete ins and outs of one another and we feel that if we can get through this we're set for an amazing life together.
Today many text messages rolled in from our friends and family in Australia to congratulate us and it was so great that so many remembered our special day.