sept 15th - 30th
15th September
Another early start in order to get us 100kms up the road in Mackay by 8! Visited the caravan repair shop and they're hopeless, we've got to come back on Monday and try and sort it all out.
It was then off to the truck company to pick up the 10th pair of schockies, these ones better bloody work or else!
Explored the centre of town before setting up for the arvo at the local caravan park.
We're staying right beside a massive 5th wheeler and the occupants remind us heaps of Uncle John from England. There from England which helps with the accent but he's just the spitting image. He's spent most of the arvo either in front of the telly with a can of XXXX in his hand watching the rugby world cup or out baking in the sun only in his shorts, classic!!
Our other neighbors arrived this arvo, they're lovely. Laurie, Sue and little Bella (poodle x king charles). Had a good chat and Laurie watched or should we say laughed and watched Mike die Bec's hair.
Had a few bevies and watched some cheesy movie on TV.
16th September
Awoke at the caravan park this morning and it seems everyone has the same idea as us today, to move on. We're going to head in land today after a recommendation from the tourist center that there is some beautiful rain forest to be seen as well as some lovely countryside.
After a slow pack up including chatting to the neighbors etc we swapped details with Laurie and Sue as they will be heading over to the West sometime next year. Mike also had a look at Laurie's laptop for him as he's hoping to get wireless internet like ours but unfortunately as he has an Apple Laptop it won't work. He then suppressed Bec by giving her his unused laptop. When she said that she could possibly accept he insisted and said he'd only bin it anyway and get a new one that is compatible with the internet. Very generous and will actually come in handy for Bec as she can type the diary etc whilst we're driving or in bed. What lovely people.
Then after trying to hunt down a supermarket (it’s the first time since leaving WA we've struggled to find a shopping centre open on a Sunday - Mackay must be stuck back in the 80's with Perth, it’s time to catch up!!
We then took a fabulous drive through some sugar cane fields. The smell was sickly sweet but the sights where amazing, all at the bottom of mountains. It was a great drive to the gorge for a day that would only get better.
After walking for about 5kms we reached a large water hole opening at the bottom of a water fall. It was just magic and Mike had worked up a sweet and needed to cool off so he stripped down and slid into the water. He reckons it was by far the coldest water he's ever been in, even colder than diving in Tasmania! Cold but exhilarating at the same time!
We enjoyed the view for a fair while before taking the trek back to the bus. That was a scary walk, about 100 meters into it Mike came charging up behind Bec and just said run run run! He'd seen a massive snake and knew that if he told her she'd freak out but it was right near her feet so he had to get her out of there. Thank god we were safe but we spent the long walk back stamping our feet and on high alert!!
There is a show grounds into that you're allowed to camp at so that's us for the night. We're the only ones here but are a beaut little spot surrounded by mountains and lush lawn.
We've had a great day and are really hoping that our luck has changed and the new week will bring happy times and not dramas like last week.
Another early start in order to get us 100kms up the road in Mackay by 8! Visited the caravan repair shop and they're hopeless, we've got to come back on Monday and try and sort it all out.
It was then off to the truck company to pick up the 10th pair of schockies, these ones better bloody work or else!
Explored the centre of town before setting up for the arvo at the local caravan park.
We're staying right beside a massive 5th wheeler and the occupants remind us heaps of Uncle John from England. There from England which helps with the accent but he's just the spitting image. He's spent most of the arvo either in front of the telly with a can of XXXX in his hand watching the rugby world cup or out baking in the sun only in his shorts, classic!!
Our other neighbors arrived this arvo, they're lovely. Laurie, Sue and little Bella (poodle x king charles). Had a good chat and Laurie watched or should we say laughed and watched Mike die Bec's hair.
Had a few bevies and watched some cheesy movie on TV.
16th September
Awoke at the caravan park this morning and it seems everyone has the same idea as us today, to move on. We're going to head in land today after a recommendation from the tourist center that there is some beautiful rain forest to be seen as well as some lovely countryside.
After a slow pack up including chatting to the neighbors etc we swapped details with Laurie and Sue as they will be heading over to the West sometime next year. Mike also had a look at Laurie's laptop for him as he's hoping to get wireless internet like ours but unfortunately as he has an Apple Laptop it won't work. He then suppressed Bec by giving her his unused laptop. When she said that she could possibly accept he insisted and said he'd only bin it anyway and get a new one that is compatible with the internet. Very generous and will actually come in handy for Bec as she can type the diary etc whilst we're driving or in bed. What lovely people.
Then after trying to hunt down a supermarket (it’s the first time since leaving WA we've struggled to find a shopping centre open on a Sunday - Mackay must be stuck back in the 80's with Perth, it’s time to catch up!!
We then took a fabulous drive through some sugar cane fields. The smell was sickly sweet but the sights where amazing, all at the bottom of mountains. It was a great drive to the gorge for a day that would only get better.
After walking for about 5kms we reached a large water hole opening at the bottom of a water fall. It was just magic and Mike had worked up a sweet and needed to cool off so he stripped down and slid into the water. He reckons it was by far the coldest water he's ever been in, even colder than diving in Tasmania! Cold but exhilarating at the same time!
We enjoyed the view for a fair while before taking the trek back to the bus. That was a scary walk, about 100 meters into it Mike came charging up behind Bec and just said run run run! He'd seen a massive snake and knew that if he told her she'd freak out but it was right near her feet so he had to get her out of there. Thank god we were safe but we spent the long walk back stamping our feet and on high alert!!
There is a show grounds into that you're allowed to camp at so that's us for the night. We're the only ones here but are a beaut little spot surrounded by mountains and lush lawn.
We've had a great day and are really hoping that our luck has changed and the new week will bring happy times and not dramas like last week.
17th September
Had a well deserved sleep in and a very lazy day!
After enjoying breakie with views of the nearby mountains we took Charlie for a walk around the show grounds and the little town of Finch Hatton. It really is rather quaint with just a hardware, corner shop, pub and old train station that has been converted into a tourist info centre.
We're the only ones staying here at the showground’s as the area doesn't appear in any of our tourist books and we only stumbled on it as we were told about it in Mackay. It’s really special and but very hot, have no idea of the actual temperature today but its 31 in Brisbane and we're a fair bit further north so our guess would be mid 30's.
Got a few phone calls and organizing out the way before working on the website and just relaxing.
Had a phone call from Perth re the hot water system and thank god we've finally reached a helpful person at the suppliers and they're going to organize for either the parts or a whole new unit to be sent to Townsville so that we can have it all fixed up at the end of the week. The only down side is we have to have bucket showers for the rest of the week, fun, fun...
Walked to the local pub tonight for a meal and a few bevies. A standard country pub i.e. a little run down but full of character and friendly staff.
Spoke to Tom tonight, he flew back to Perth today and will begin his new job flying in and out of Karratha soon rather than being stuck up there full time. Was quite a spin out as he seems a very different guy these days since he's been away - a lot more mature but then its about time isn't it Tombo!!
18th September
Mike woke early and enjoyed reading his book while Bec slept on. Enjoyed breakie and then began packing up before Mike was rudely interrupted by a massive spider!!
Went to the tourist info centre and picked up a magnet (our standard collectable from the towns we like!) before heading off back into Mackay.
Picked up Bec's new glasses from the Post Office and then went to the local shopping centre to do the food shopping as well as hunt for a small laptop bad for the new computer, a birthday present for our niece Kristen and some new shorts for Bec. Shopping was a success and we left with all our goodies.
Drove onto what we thought would be a rest area 35kms out of town however our GPS gave us a bum steer for some reason and we ended up down a gravel road in the middle of nowhere surrounded by snakes slivering across the road. By the time we found the rest area a few kms down the road we discovered that it was for day use only and we couldn't camp there. Great it’s gone 4 and we've got to drive at least another 100kms to find a spot! Oh well at least we'll be closer to Airlie Beach for tomorrow.
Found a caravan park just out of Proserpine and set up there for the night, we're only about 30kms from Airlie Beach so hopefully the weathers great tomorrow and we can spend the day enjoying this well know spot.
19th September
After a late night finishing our books we had a bit of a sleep in. It was a bit of a restless night due to the cane trains rattling through at all hours.
Got packed up and drove to Airlie Beach for a very enjoyable day soaking up the views and the atmosphere of a fantastic coastal town.
The water here is really turquoise and the streets are laced with little funky boutiques, cafe and numerous backpackers from all countries.
Friends of ours John and Carol used to run the YHA here so we took a quick snap and text it to them for old times sake!
There is what's called a Lagoon here which is very similar to the beach at South Bank in Brisbane. For those of you who haven't been to QLD it’s a man made pool/beach which is well set up for an enjoyable day. There are even life guards here! It’s great for Families and there sure were a few here enjoying it today.
We had lunch in a really nice cafe overlooking the lagoon and enjoyed the view along with the funky tunes.
The day soon came to an end and as there are no caravan parks or camps here we moved up the road just past Bowen for the night. An average camp spot but there appears to be a heap more up the coast past Townsville on the beach so bring it on.
20th September
Awoke near the highway after another restless night! Its warm already so we're probably set for a scorcher today. Followed the usual routine of breakie and packing up before getting on the road.
Drove to Townsville and did some exploring. It almost like the place has 2 areas, a beautiful foreshore with a similar design to Airlie Beach and then the back of the town or entry being a lot more industrial. Unfortunately today won't be a day of R & R as we have more things to get sorted out for the bus etc.
Called Garuda and got our trip to Bali extended by a few days as we're now going to be flying to Melbourne from Darwin for Em and Shan's Engagement Party on 10th November so we thought rather than just hang around waiting in Darwin we'd get a bit more time up in Paradise with Mum and Dad (Dawn and Jeff).
Enjoyed lunch down by the water. It was really pleasant under the shade of the trees with the breeze running through.
We then found a gas fitter that's happy to repair the hot water system so hopefully if we can get the parts air bagged from Melbourne today we can have it fixed tomorrow.
It was then off to a suspension mob to get a second opinion on the work we had done in Gladstone as Mike still not happy as everything is not 100%. The guy here seemed to have a fair bit more experience and told Mike that we've probably done all we can do and that your never going to get a perfect ride in such a large vehicle without air bag suspension. At least that's settled Mikes mind as he's been thinking about it a fair bit lately.
Tonight we're staying at Saunders Beach, a great little spot about 25kms north of Townsville. Its a designated camp spot at the beach with all facilities, plenty of shade and a short commute back into Townsville in the morning.
Sat out by the water and whilst Charlie enjoyed a run around we had a few well deserved bevies, Mike read his book and Bec typed the latest diary up. Finally we stop and just enjoy - lets hope the hot waters all fixed tomorrow and we can go enjoy some beach camping for a week or 2!!
Had a well deserved sleep in and a very lazy day!
After enjoying breakie with views of the nearby mountains we took Charlie for a walk around the show grounds and the little town of Finch Hatton. It really is rather quaint with just a hardware, corner shop, pub and old train station that has been converted into a tourist info centre.
We're the only ones staying here at the showground’s as the area doesn't appear in any of our tourist books and we only stumbled on it as we were told about it in Mackay. It’s really special and but very hot, have no idea of the actual temperature today but its 31 in Brisbane and we're a fair bit further north so our guess would be mid 30's.
Got a few phone calls and organizing out the way before working on the website and just relaxing.
Had a phone call from Perth re the hot water system and thank god we've finally reached a helpful person at the suppliers and they're going to organize for either the parts or a whole new unit to be sent to Townsville so that we can have it all fixed up at the end of the week. The only down side is we have to have bucket showers for the rest of the week, fun, fun...
Walked to the local pub tonight for a meal and a few bevies. A standard country pub i.e. a little run down but full of character and friendly staff.
Spoke to Tom tonight, he flew back to Perth today and will begin his new job flying in and out of Karratha soon rather than being stuck up there full time. Was quite a spin out as he seems a very different guy these days since he's been away - a lot more mature but then its about time isn't it Tombo!!
18th September
Mike woke early and enjoyed reading his book while Bec slept on. Enjoyed breakie and then began packing up before Mike was rudely interrupted by a massive spider!!
Went to the tourist info centre and picked up a magnet (our standard collectable from the towns we like!) before heading off back into Mackay.
Picked up Bec's new glasses from the Post Office and then went to the local shopping centre to do the food shopping as well as hunt for a small laptop bad for the new computer, a birthday present for our niece Kristen and some new shorts for Bec. Shopping was a success and we left with all our goodies.
Drove onto what we thought would be a rest area 35kms out of town however our GPS gave us a bum steer for some reason and we ended up down a gravel road in the middle of nowhere surrounded by snakes slivering across the road. By the time we found the rest area a few kms down the road we discovered that it was for day use only and we couldn't camp there. Great it’s gone 4 and we've got to drive at least another 100kms to find a spot! Oh well at least we'll be closer to Airlie Beach for tomorrow.
Found a caravan park just out of Proserpine and set up there for the night, we're only about 30kms from Airlie Beach so hopefully the weathers great tomorrow and we can spend the day enjoying this well know spot.
19th September
After a late night finishing our books we had a bit of a sleep in. It was a bit of a restless night due to the cane trains rattling through at all hours.
Got packed up and drove to Airlie Beach for a very enjoyable day soaking up the views and the atmosphere of a fantastic coastal town.
The water here is really turquoise and the streets are laced with little funky boutiques, cafe and numerous backpackers from all countries.
Friends of ours John and Carol used to run the YHA here so we took a quick snap and text it to them for old times sake!
There is what's called a Lagoon here which is very similar to the beach at South Bank in Brisbane. For those of you who haven't been to QLD it’s a man made pool/beach which is well set up for an enjoyable day. There are even life guards here! It’s great for Families and there sure were a few here enjoying it today.
We had lunch in a really nice cafe overlooking the lagoon and enjoyed the view along with the funky tunes.
The day soon came to an end and as there are no caravan parks or camps here we moved up the road just past Bowen for the night. An average camp spot but there appears to be a heap more up the coast past Townsville on the beach so bring it on.
20th September
Awoke near the highway after another restless night! Its warm already so we're probably set for a scorcher today. Followed the usual routine of breakie and packing up before getting on the road.
Drove to Townsville and did some exploring. It almost like the place has 2 areas, a beautiful foreshore with a similar design to Airlie Beach and then the back of the town or entry being a lot more industrial. Unfortunately today won't be a day of R & R as we have more things to get sorted out for the bus etc.
Called Garuda and got our trip to Bali extended by a few days as we're now going to be flying to Melbourne from Darwin for Em and Shan's Engagement Party on 10th November so we thought rather than just hang around waiting in Darwin we'd get a bit more time up in Paradise with Mum and Dad (Dawn and Jeff).
Enjoyed lunch down by the water. It was really pleasant under the shade of the trees with the breeze running through.
We then found a gas fitter that's happy to repair the hot water system so hopefully if we can get the parts air bagged from Melbourne today we can have it fixed tomorrow.
It was then off to a suspension mob to get a second opinion on the work we had done in Gladstone as Mike still not happy as everything is not 100%. The guy here seemed to have a fair bit more experience and told Mike that we've probably done all we can do and that your never going to get a perfect ride in such a large vehicle without air bag suspension. At least that's settled Mikes mind as he's been thinking about it a fair bit lately.
Tonight we're staying at Saunders Beach, a great little spot about 25kms north of Townsville. Its a designated camp spot at the beach with all facilities, plenty of shade and a short commute back into Townsville in the morning.
Sat out by the water and whilst Charlie enjoyed a run around we had a few well deserved bevies, Mike read his book and Bec typed the latest diary up. Finally we stop and just enjoy - lets hope the hot waters all fixed tomorrow and we can go enjoy some beach camping for a week or 2!!
21st September
Had a lovely morning around Saunders Beach. Took Charlie for a walk and booked our flights to Melbourne for Em and Shan's Engagement Party in November.
Headed into town with the hope of having the hot water system repaired but when we arrived we found the parts hadn't arrived so now it wouldn't be until Monday until it’s all fixed, great!!
Did some shopping and had another look around town before heading out to Toomulla Beach (a bit up from Saunders where we stayed last night) a good spot a bit set back off the water.
Went for a walk along the beach which also joints to a creek which has croc warnings!! Stayed very far from the mangroves but Mike still enjoyed scaring Bec by running up behind her and snapping at her legs.
Then it was back to camp to just enjoy. 10 minutes into that we started getting bitten by sand-flies so it was time to move inside. The itching got worse for Bec overnight, who always seems more subseptable to bites etc and by morning it was a sad affair.
22nd September - Happy Birthday Em!!
After a very restless night for Bec we awoke to discover that she had literally been eaten alive!! So we decided to pack up and go look for a doctor or chemist as the bites were really really giving her grief. Not before Mike chatted to the whole camp though - no worries Mike no urgency here!! He met a nice couple with an imported bus from Japan so he couldn't really be blamed.
Off to the chemist we went and they gave us some strong antihistamine and a topical location - only problem with the tablets is they will make Bec very drowsy, but that's sounding like a good option to her as she's currently in a fair bit of pain. We decided to go back to Saunders Beach as we know that there weren’t sand-flies there.
Bec spent the afternoon and that night sleeping whilst Mike tried to make himself busy by enjoying walks on the beach with Charlie, reading his book and researching which new camera to buy.
23rd September
After another restless, itchy night we awoke and knew that Bec needed some further medical attention. She has about 100 + very inflamed bites all over her body that are giving her a lot of grief.
As its Sunday we don't really have any other option but the Townsville hospital. Off we went and after a short wait she was seen by a young female doctor who looked as if she was fresh out of uni! She explained that it was an allergic reaction and that there was nothing more to be done apart from taking the tablets and applying the cream - great says Bec, she's in incredible pain.
We decided to stay in town incase Bec needed anything further and as we're getting the hot water system fitted here tomorrow. Went and checking into one of the local caravan parks - Coral Coast. Bec then tried to sleep off the pain whilst Mike was a good boy and did the washing and then kept himself busy so as not to disturb Bec.
24th September
The pain is yet again this morning unbearable for Bec and she's now having problems breathing and chest pain so it was a quick pack up and back to the hospital.
When we arrived the waiting room was full but due to Bec struggling to breath they gave her priority and rushed her through. She had an ECG and they checked her over, they said she had a temperature but that her heart and lungs were ok and that she was probably having a panic attach from the stress of it all.
We then went and spent the arvo down on the foreshore laying low and waiting until 4pm to have the hot water system fixed. That was done and we left about 30 minutes later hoping that our luck has finally changed.
Went to Bluewater Park for the night and joined a far few other campers. We'll be staying away from rivers and sandy beaches for awhile to let Bec recover, hopefully she starts feeling better soon as it’s all been very unpleasant for her and Mike having to watch her in pain has been much better.
25th September
Awoke at the caravan park and started getting organised to head off in the direction of Cairns. Drove as far as Tully Heads through some beautiful scenery. The hills are like mountains her and the roads are closely lined by banana plantations and sugar cain - it makes a very green and interesting combination.
There is a camping spot here right by the ocean and the river inlet - we're hoping there are no sandflies but have doused ourselves with Bushmans to be sure that we don't add insult to injury by getting more bites and prolonging a very uncomfortable time!!
Its stinking hot so we spent most of the arvo out under the awning playing cards and having a few drinks - we'd love a swim but don't fancy swimming alongside a croc!
Met the neighboughs this afternoon and their having problems with their reversing camera so Mike picked up a bit of work and helped them out, he reinstall it in the morning.
26th September 2007
Awoke in Tully Heads to the sunshine beaming in, its sure starting to get very hot! Packed up and left for Inisvale.
As we're coming back this way to travel from Townsville to Darwin we didn't spend much time here and just drove through and checked out the town. Not a whole lot to see here but apparently there is a Castle just inland that you can visit and even camp at - we'll do that on the way back for sure.
Drove on to Cairns, we both commented that the country side is very similar to Bali up near Dawn and Jeff's house. The climate is also very similar and it has the same holiday feel about it - we're sure we'll love it here.
Went and sourced a net to hang over the bed to prevent the blasted sandflies and organized a few birthday presents for home. It was then time to find a caravan park and rest up for the arvo/night.
We found a lovely one just north of town, it’s very tropical and has more of a resort feel than a caravan park. Set up for the night.
27th September
Awoke at the caravan park after a hot night, packed up and headed into town for the day.
First we went to the foreshore as we'd been told about a great little area near there from some other WA travelers back at the park. There is a lagoon there similar to the one in Airlie Beach and its right in amongst bars, restaurants, shopping and night markets. A great spot loaded to the max with people. We enjoyed a walk around the area before having a few drinks at the pub.
It was then time for Mike to hold Bec's hand and take her to the mole check clinic as she's got a mole on her back that has changed a bit. 30 minutes later after Bec got the all clear she convinced Mike to get his checked out and now he's got to come back on Sunday and have it removed. Poor bugger!!
We then went back to the centre of town as the night market was open. We checked them out, nothing really of interest but very similar to those in Bali with 20+ people asking you if you want massage!!
It was then time for a well deserved beer to calm Mike's nerves for Sunday. Stopped at a nice bar right near the lagoon. We then went and had a nice Thai meal before heading back to the caravan park for the night.
28th September
As we've got to be in Cairns for Sunday we decided that today we'd head up to Port Douglas to check it out.
It was a windy drive there around cliffs that dropped to the ocean but finally we see some nice beach. We were going to stop for a swim and walk Charlie along the beach but unfortunately there weren't any areas to park:( Got to Port Douglas and headed straight for the beach.
We were a little disappointed went we got there as although the view of the surrounding mountains was nice the sand wasn't white - there’s just something about white sandy beaches. Enjoyed a walk along the beach before checking out the funky little town. A nice spot.
We then decided that we'd drive just out of town and try and find somewhere to camp for the night right on the beach. We found a great spot and set up for an afternoon of sunbathing. We had a lovely afternoon relaxing on the beach and then spent the evening sorting through our wedding pictures and trying to decided which photos we want in our wedding album - a hard choice so many great shots to choose from.
29th September
A very strange night! At god knows what hour a ute pulled into the beach car park where we were staying. It stopped quite close to us and a man rolled something off the back of it! Bec thought it was a dead body but it turned out to be a swag. The guy then jumped in it and feel fast asleep - we had the windows open so could hear him snoring. Next minute his dog starts barking and continued to do so for the next hour or so, he didn't even flinch and seeing as we weren’t exactly meant to be staying there (no camping signs everywhere) we couldn't really do anything. Finally we feel asleep and all was good until about 6.30 this morning when Mike woke up and looked out the window to find him laying in his swag starkers with some interesting reading material - we'll leave the rest to your imagination but it was bloody disgusting and Mike was glad that Bec was fast asleep.
After that we didn't really fancy hanging around so we packed up and headed back to Cairns. Stopped in to get some shopping and then went and checked back into the caravan park for an afternoon of sun, swimming and the AFL Grand Final. They have a plasma right by the pool so it made for a great afternoon - shame about the game.
Bec then cooked dinner for Mike - he reckons it was probably one of the only times she's cooked but Bec reckons it quality not quantity that matters!!
30th September
After Mike installed our new 12 volt fan above the bed we had a nice night sleep and were even able to have a bit of a lay in as they heat wasn't too extreme this morning.
After a lazy Sunday afternoon breakfast we strolled over to the pool and enjoyed a day full of sun baking, swimming, reading and the NRL Grand Final - not really too keen on the rugby but a couple we've met are from QLD and are mad keen supporters and we were having drinks with them so we tried to get into the festivities. The pool was crowded for most of the day with screaming kids and it made us think twice about the prospect of a family!!
In the late arvo we broke away from the party to take Charlie for a nice run in the local dog park before starting to pack up as Mike's having his mole removed tonight - yes tonight it’s a 24hr doctors surgery and the only available appointments they had where between 8.30 and midnight tonight. Mike reckons it’s a bit like a Woolworths meat counter - take a number and wait!!
The procedure went well except for Mike's nerves with the needles and after about 20 minutes he was stitched up and we were pushed out the door.
Bec then took Mike to the esplanade for an ice cream to cheer him up. We then visited the night markets again, it had a very different feel about it late at night as the last time we were here it was only about 5pm. We bought a few little goodies for us as well as Mark and Darryl.
Had a lovely morning around Saunders Beach. Took Charlie for a walk and booked our flights to Melbourne for Em and Shan's Engagement Party in November.
Headed into town with the hope of having the hot water system repaired but when we arrived we found the parts hadn't arrived so now it wouldn't be until Monday until it’s all fixed, great!!
Did some shopping and had another look around town before heading out to Toomulla Beach (a bit up from Saunders where we stayed last night) a good spot a bit set back off the water.
Went for a walk along the beach which also joints to a creek which has croc warnings!! Stayed very far from the mangroves but Mike still enjoyed scaring Bec by running up behind her and snapping at her legs.
Then it was back to camp to just enjoy. 10 minutes into that we started getting bitten by sand-flies so it was time to move inside. The itching got worse for Bec overnight, who always seems more subseptable to bites etc and by morning it was a sad affair.
22nd September - Happy Birthday Em!!
After a very restless night for Bec we awoke to discover that she had literally been eaten alive!! So we decided to pack up and go look for a doctor or chemist as the bites were really really giving her grief. Not before Mike chatted to the whole camp though - no worries Mike no urgency here!! He met a nice couple with an imported bus from Japan so he couldn't really be blamed.
Off to the chemist we went and they gave us some strong antihistamine and a topical location - only problem with the tablets is they will make Bec very drowsy, but that's sounding like a good option to her as she's currently in a fair bit of pain. We decided to go back to Saunders Beach as we know that there weren’t sand-flies there.
Bec spent the afternoon and that night sleeping whilst Mike tried to make himself busy by enjoying walks on the beach with Charlie, reading his book and researching which new camera to buy.
23rd September
After another restless, itchy night we awoke and knew that Bec needed some further medical attention. She has about 100 + very inflamed bites all over her body that are giving her a lot of grief.
As its Sunday we don't really have any other option but the Townsville hospital. Off we went and after a short wait she was seen by a young female doctor who looked as if she was fresh out of uni! She explained that it was an allergic reaction and that there was nothing more to be done apart from taking the tablets and applying the cream - great says Bec, she's in incredible pain.
We decided to stay in town incase Bec needed anything further and as we're getting the hot water system fitted here tomorrow. Went and checking into one of the local caravan parks - Coral Coast. Bec then tried to sleep off the pain whilst Mike was a good boy and did the washing and then kept himself busy so as not to disturb Bec.
24th September
The pain is yet again this morning unbearable for Bec and she's now having problems breathing and chest pain so it was a quick pack up and back to the hospital.
When we arrived the waiting room was full but due to Bec struggling to breath they gave her priority and rushed her through. She had an ECG and they checked her over, they said she had a temperature but that her heart and lungs were ok and that she was probably having a panic attach from the stress of it all.
We then went and spent the arvo down on the foreshore laying low and waiting until 4pm to have the hot water system fixed. That was done and we left about 30 minutes later hoping that our luck has finally changed.
Went to Bluewater Park for the night and joined a far few other campers. We'll be staying away from rivers and sandy beaches for awhile to let Bec recover, hopefully she starts feeling better soon as it’s all been very unpleasant for her and Mike having to watch her in pain has been much better.
25th September
Awoke at the caravan park and started getting organised to head off in the direction of Cairns. Drove as far as Tully Heads through some beautiful scenery. The hills are like mountains her and the roads are closely lined by banana plantations and sugar cain - it makes a very green and interesting combination.
There is a camping spot here right by the ocean and the river inlet - we're hoping there are no sandflies but have doused ourselves with Bushmans to be sure that we don't add insult to injury by getting more bites and prolonging a very uncomfortable time!!
Its stinking hot so we spent most of the arvo out under the awning playing cards and having a few drinks - we'd love a swim but don't fancy swimming alongside a croc!
Met the neighboughs this afternoon and their having problems with their reversing camera so Mike picked up a bit of work and helped them out, he reinstall it in the morning.
26th September 2007
Awoke in Tully Heads to the sunshine beaming in, its sure starting to get very hot! Packed up and left for Inisvale.
As we're coming back this way to travel from Townsville to Darwin we didn't spend much time here and just drove through and checked out the town. Not a whole lot to see here but apparently there is a Castle just inland that you can visit and even camp at - we'll do that on the way back for sure.
Drove on to Cairns, we both commented that the country side is very similar to Bali up near Dawn and Jeff's house. The climate is also very similar and it has the same holiday feel about it - we're sure we'll love it here.
Went and sourced a net to hang over the bed to prevent the blasted sandflies and organized a few birthday presents for home. It was then time to find a caravan park and rest up for the arvo/night.
We found a lovely one just north of town, it’s very tropical and has more of a resort feel than a caravan park. Set up for the night.
27th September
Awoke at the caravan park after a hot night, packed up and headed into town for the day.
First we went to the foreshore as we'd been told about a great little area near there from some other WA travelers back at the park. There is a lagoon there similar to the one in Airlie Beach and its right in amongst bars, restaurants, shopping and night markets. A great spot loaded to the max with people. We enjoyed a walk around the area before having a few drinks at the pub.
It was then time for Mike to hold Bec's hand and take her to the mole check clinic as she's got a mole on her back that has changed a bit. 30 minutes later after Bec got the all clear she convinced Mike to get his checked out and now he's got to come back on Sunday and have it removed. Poor bugger!!
We then went back to the centre of town as the night market was open. We checked them out, nothing really of interest but very similar to those in Bali with 20+ people asking you if you want massage!!
It was then time for a well deserved beer to calm Mike's nerves for Sunday. Stopped at a nice bar right near the lagoon. We then went and had a nice Thai meal before heading back to the caravan park for the night.
28th September
As we've got to be in Cairns for Sunday we decided that today we'd head up to Port Douglas to check it out.
It was a windy drive there around cliffs that dropped to the ocean but finally we see some nice beach. We were going to stop for a swim and walk Charlie along the beach but unfortunately there weren't any areas to park:( Got to Port Douglas and headed straight for the beach.
We were a little disappointed went we got there as although the view of the surrounding mountains was nice the sand wasn't white - there’s just something about white sandy beaches. Enjoyed a walk along the beach before checking out the funky little town. A nice spot.
We then decided that we'd drive just out of town and try and find somewhere to camp for the night right on the beach. We found a great spot and set up for an afternoon of sunbathing. We had a lovely afternoon relaxing on the beach and then spent the evening sorting through our wedding pictures and trying to decided which photos we want in our wedding album - a hard choice so many great shots to choose from.
29th September
A very strange night! At god knows what hour a ute pulled into the beach car park where we were staying. It stopped quite close to us and a man rolled something off the back of it! Bec thought it was a dead body but it turned out to be a swag. The guy then jumped in it and feel fast asleep - we had the windows open so could hear him snoring. Next minute his dog starts barking and continued to do so for the next hour or so, he didn't even flinch and seeing as we weren’t exactly meant to be staying there (no camping signs everywhere) we couldn't really do anything. Finally we feel asleep and all was good until about 6.30 this morning when Mike woke up and looked out the window to find him laying in his swag starkers with some interesting reading material - we'll leave the rest to your imagination but it was bloody disgusting and Mike was glad that Bec was fast asleep.
After that we didn't really fancy hanging around so we packed up and headed back to Cairns. Stopped in to get some shopping and then went and checked back into the caravan park for an afternoon of sun, swimming and the AFL Grand Final. They have a plasma right by the pool so it made for a great afternoon - shame about the game.
Bec then cooked dinner for Mike - he reckons it was probably one of the only times she's cooked but Bec reckons it quality not quantity that matters!!
30th September
After Mike installed our new 12 volt fan above the bed we had a nice night sleep and were even able to have a bit of a lay in as they heat wasn't too extreme this morning.
After a lazy Sunday afternoon breakfast we strolled over to the pool and enjoyed a day full of sun baking, swimming, reading and the NRL Grand Final - not really too keen on the rugby but a couple we've met are from QLD and are mad keen supporters and we were having drinks with them so we tried to get into the festivities. The pool was crowded for most of the day with screaming kids and it made us think twice about the prospect of a family!!
In the late arvo we broke away from the party to take Charlie for a nice run in the local dog park before starting to pack up as Mike's having his mole removed tonight - yes tonight it’s a 24hr doctors surgery and the only available appointments they had where between 8.30 and midnight tonight. Mike reckons it’s a bit like a Woolworths meat counter - take a number and wait!!
The procedure went well except for Mike's nerves with the needles and after about 20 minutes he was stitched up and we were pushed out the door.
Bec then took Mike to the esplanade for an ice cream to cheer him up. We then visited the night markets again, it had a very different feel about it late at night as the last time we were here it was only about 5pm. We bought a few little goodies for us as well as Mark and Darryl.