The road less travelled

 After leaving Cape Flattery, we head off again, destination Lakefield National Park. We decided to take the most interesting way through Wakooka and Cape Melville NP. We estimated that we should be on the road for about 6-8 hours. We needed to get to Musgrove to refuel which was on the boarder of Lakefield NP. Well, we always said that we wanted to get off the beaten track on this holiday and today we did exactly that. The road looked like no one had used them in ages. There was ruts, holes and boggy sand continuously and James effortlessly manoeuvred Ivan through. The going was slow but time just flew past as we went on, I was always hanging out the window taking photo after photo!

 after a few hours, we still hadn't seen anyone, we started to look for a place to stop and have a break, when the road got even more rugged when, uh oh, James hit a rut and the car would not move. after a few attempts, out came the winch but it wouldn't work! James was trying everything, and Daniel and I were running collecting rocks to give the tires some grip. James said, we may have to dig our selves out otherwise we are staying as who knows when some one else comes through! After awhile, James changed the winch over to the main battery and luckily the winch worked and pulled us out! We had been having problems with our batteries not recharging and this was why the winch wouldn't work.We found a place to stop and have a break and eat some lunch. It was a little bit weird being all alone in some wild country, even though it was beautiful.

 After a couple of hours we did pass another two cars who said that the road ahead appeared to disappear but it was OK. The road was always changing from sandy, rocky and then pot holes big enough to stop you. We came to another section that we knew we wouldn't get out of without the winch. At least we were prepared and even though it was really boggy, we got out.

 Back on track, the landscape continued to change and as we were told the road did disappear into long grass for a bit! The next thing we hit was miles of bull dust. It was so thick and fine that we couldn't see the Tvan behind us.

 The sun began to set and we were getting close to Kalpower Camp, we crossed the flooded cause way in the dark, and got cracking in setting up camp. We were exhausted and dusty but on a high from a very adventurous 7 hour drive! If the Old Telegraph is anything like this then we should be fine!

Cape Flattery!

 We spent a few days in Cook Town, with the boys having a charter with a local fishing guru. He took them deep into the state forest, through croc infested swamp and bush looking for barramundi. Daniel caught some Archer fish, but that was all! The guide worked hard but the barra weren't fooled!They didn't get back to camp until after 8pm. What they did get was some tips on how to catch them as well as trapping for fresh crays...yum ,can't wait to for their success.
 Cook Town was a lovely sleepy place and we spent a nice afternoon on the wharf fishing, the sun was setting and the people were out and about, a nice atmosphere.

 Our next stop was Cape Flattery, a place we heard was a gem, but first we wanted to check out Isabella Falls. It was really pretty and worth the stop. Daniel wanted to sit up front for a better view and he became chief navigator. The drive through the bush tracks was really something, I can't begin to express the beauty in its ruggedness and it's always changing.

 We set the GPS for Cape Flattery and off we went! James spoke to a local in HopeVille, who said that getting down to CP would be fine, just getting back up may be a problem, we just had to wait and see. The travel through the bush was an adventure in its self! Daniel came in handy as our scout and would run along the path in front to see what the conditions were like. Once, we took a path and the road just disappeared, we had to reverse back in a straight line to get out! We came to a fork path, both full of water and we had to guess which one would be the better, we got through fine but it was sandy and boggy. Full of confidence, Daniel said, as we approached another one, this isn't deep!! Looks were deceiving and the water came right over the top, Daniel got his feet wet!! We will know for next time! We hit the dunes, and the wind as we got closer and the dunes were soft but not as bad as we thought they'd be. Once on the beach it was an 18km drive up to the track that would lead us to Cape Flattery.

The main beach was blowing a gale and there was so much stuff washed ashore from all over the globe, it would have been a scavengers delight! We followed the track to the camp and OMG! Sorry for sounding like a teenager, but Cape Flattery IS an absolute gem. It was totaly protected from the south easters and the water is that tropical blue with white sand and the camp site was just set back from beach with plenty of shade. We knew it was going to be hard to leave here.

We spent 3 relaxing days at CP, Daniel got his first driving lessons and would always look for a reason to get the car out for a drive. We met a guy who shared some of his mud crabs with us and gave us some great tips on places we should visit. This place is so special and there was no one around, we had it almost to ourselves.

 The boys spent the days fishing and I got into some creative stuff and we just chilled out. The water was so inviting, but each afternoon the sharks would come thrashing into shore chasing the bait fish that is in abundance here. Although we wanted to swim we didn't want to be on the menu!
 Before long, however it was time to leave. Darren left at the same time so if we had any problems he could help us out, as it was, we got out without any dramas.

 So long Cape flattery, it was a pleasure!

Port Douglas and beyond

  After living it up with the reptiles in Innisfail, we pulled in late at Port Douglas. We weren't that impressed with the camp ground...or should I say the slab of concrete we were offered, so we kept on going to Wonga Beach. Man! Only 20 minutes further up the coast and it was peaceful and so spacious. Daniel was stoked because it had a pool, but best of all no crowds.

 We liked it so much we stayed for 3 days, it was good to regroup and get a few jobs done, like washing. The couple who ran the park were very friendly and gave us some free ferry passes so we could visit the Daintree which we did.

Daniel and the Boyds Dragon.

Waiting for the Daintree ferry.

 The Daintree was fabulous, although it was raining, it didn't hinder us at all. We are by now well use to this wet QLD weather! We spent a couple of hours walking around, taking it all in. It was amazing and quite fitting to see the rainforest in the rain. The highlight was Daniel's encounter with a Boyds dragon, something he was very keen to spot.
 After the Daintree we did a bit of sight seeing around the area before getting ready to leave the next day. James was carefully watching the rain as we were heading out through the Bloomfield track and it gets cut off in heavy rain. We didn't want to get to Cooktown via the highway with all the grey nomads.
 It rained all night and started to clear in the morning as we were packing up wet again! The way through to the Bloomfield track was beautiful, again passing the Daintree and all the surrounding rain forests. The road was also very busy with 4 wheel drives coming and going and at one stage we got stuck behind a convoy of 5 4 wheelers all driven by oldies....you can imagine what James was thinking!!

Yes, we crossed this cheered on by fellow campers!

 We got to the Bloomfield river causeway crossing around midday and we had to stop. The water was rushing over the top at quite a speed and no one was wanting to cross. Pretty soon the south side looked like a car park! We decided to wait and if need be, camp over night. Next to us were Two friendly older ladies wanting to visit one of their daughters who lived on the other side. They were happy to camp along side us. The water was still high and no appearing to ease, so we waited, by this time most people had turned back. Around 4, a local turned up and he had to cross still he waited about an hour before he went through. He got through fine and had told James that Ivan would work as an anchor to the car so we should be OK to cross. By this time the water had eased somewhat but it wasn't for the faint hearted, in fact, I nearly s#*t myself! My hands were shaking I couldn't hold the camera. James had it all under control and easily got the car and Ivan through with no trouble. I must admit, I was in awe of james' skill and have total faith in his judgment.

 After I caught hold of my nerves we headed out to the Lions Den. This place is a must for any one who travels this way. It is an iconic Aussie pub filled with with memorabilia of travellers stories.Out the back is lovely camp grounds and the serve a pretty mean Pizza too. With a gold coin donation, we also put our mark on the wall.

 The next morning we saw some of the people we met from yesterday and they told us that those two lovely ladies tried to cross the river and unfortunately got swept off the road. They were able to cling to some rope and get out safely but the same can't be said about their car and belongings. It upset us very much, as we didn't think they would attempt the crossing. At least they didn't get hurt. It just goes to show you what inexperience can do.
 It was time for us to move on again, we are now not far from Cook Town but instead of heading straight there, we detoured to Archer Point, a beautiful but very windy spot. At least it was not raining.

Crikey! Get aload of this one!!

 It just wouldn't be a Qld experience without a wrestle with a crocodile, and so off we went to the local croc farm to do just that! We went to the one at Innisfail, you find these places up and down the north Qld coast! We got there early and and had our own personal meet and greet with the reptiles. Daniel was all excited but the baby croc was cranky and kept thrashing about, freaking him out just a bit! Funny enough it was calm as a kitten when James got a hold, as for me, well some one had to take the photos!
 Next was the snake, and poor Daniel got it wrapped around his neck and got a bit freaked out again! I had a hold and the smile on my face was more of a grimace. The one thing we all loved was the friendly black cockatoo. He went from shoulder to shoulder and decided that Daniel was his new best friend. This was more to Daniel's liking. Now a visit to a reptile place would not be complete until Dan got a hold of a bearded dragon, and cuddle one he did!. The croc talk was really entertaining and informative, putting a few fears at rest for me.

The place was littered with crocs!

Daniel getting in the middle of some bad mannered Roos!

Even though it was pouring with rain, we had a great time but soon enough it was time to head up the road, destination Port Douglas. We could only hope that the weather would some how improve.

Post cards from all over.

They say a pictures says a thousands words and I can not begin tell you about all the beautiful things we have seen.Take a look and see for your selves.

Stormy seas @ Scotts Head.

Daniel meeting the local @ Boreen Point

The Road Into Wreck  Rock @ Agnes Waters

Wreck Rock.

Relaxing @ Carmila Beach.

Great fire in a great spot. Carmila beach.

A night in a paddock with friendly beasts!

Beautiful Townsville.

Dan had the whole skate park to him self in Gladstone.

Bingil Bay From Clumpy Head Look out.

Stormy Bingil Bay.

...and we still have a way to go, so its back on the road for us, we will keep you posted!

Some where.....

 We are two weeks into our trip and are really getting into the swing of things. Broken Head was beautiful but quite busy. (doesn't anyone work up here!!) The car park was full all day every day with surfers and backpackers looking for waves. James & Daniel found the best time was bright and early, after 9am no chance, competition for waves was fierce. We decided to stay for 3 days and check out Byron, It was busy but we found a place that made the best chicken burgers! I did a bit of shopping,(couldn't help myself), and the boys went for a fish and we spent a nice few days chilling out.

 Next stop was to Noosa, putting in a few miles but we took the scenic route and had plenty of stops. We got to Noosa around 4 and it was like arriving in Double Bay! The place was so busy, and because we were tired, dealing with crowds wasn't what we wanted to do so we kept driving until we got to Boreen Point. We stayed at a lovely camp ground with plenty of wild life around but it was bloody freezing, it would have been close to zero that night and we were quickly learning that camp fires were not allowed any where in Qld's camp areas.

 After freezing our buts off that night, we headed out to find Hervey Bay. First thing we wanted to do was buy a national parks permit. The guy at Boreen Point said that sometimes the n/p office up the road was open but most times not,so he suggested Gympie. Gympie n/p office said they don't sell them, but try the next town, they said they don't sell them either and that we would have to try Maryborough! You can't camp in the parks without one, but no one wants to sell us any! We got to Maryborough,( what a beautiful old town), and the info office sent us up the road to the n/p office. When we told the officer we wanted a permit she laughed. To get a permit, you need to know what park you want to stay in. We're travelling and don't know where we might end up. So, then you can buy park credits and email them in when you find a park you want to visit. That only works if there is phone coverage. She thought our dilemma was hilarious and wished us a safe trip and we left without any permit and non the wiser. Bloody Queenslanders.
 We gave up any notion of getting a permit, we had wasted enough time already and continued our journey.We had a quick visit into Hervey Bay and had a look around, then it was time to find camp...yeah right. We found a national park to camp in, and once we got there they had closed the road! The sign said road closed for your protection. I was quickly getting over it! We were tired and wanted to set up and sleep! from the We drove along and just set up off a little track. We had our first fire in our keg since leaving Plomer and had a lovely night.
 Because I was paranoid in getting caught, we were gone after 7 and headed towards Bundaberg.

A quiet camp spot.

 We got to Bundy in time for breckie at Maccas. First Maccas I have been too that had had a dress code. No thongs or singlets after 5pm!! Getting into town, no guesses as to where we went. Yup, the Bundaberg rum factory, where James was in heaven! One Tshirt, hat, sticker, cooler and a bottle of rum later we headed off to Agnes Waters, the last surf spot on the trip.

 Agnes Waters was a very pretty spot. The surf was flat but the beach was crowed with pink, back packers blistering on the sand. It reminded me of beached seals! We drove around to 1770, and the camp ground was packed with massive RVs. The care taker told us to check out the national parks as there is camping allowed there. We found a great spot at wreck rock and had it all to our selves and of course, the rangers didn't bother to come by and collect fees! The beach was beautiful, and on one afternoon we all caught a fish each for dinner. It was lovely to relax and wind down and get some of the domestics done. My bucket and plunger washing machine invention works a treat!
 We met some campers who told us about a spot right on the beach further north near Mackay, tomorrow we will head out that way to check it out.

A woman's work is never done!

First fish I've caught in decades.

1770 head land.

We're off!!

Well, I cant' believe it that we are on our way! As I write this now, we have been on the road for a week and so far we have had quite a few dramas!!
  We left home and via Walcha we went to our Fav place, Point Plomer. Setting up on the "heights" we cracked open a drink and celebrated the start of our adventure. The weather was beautiful, the fire was crackling and we awaited for our friends to arrive the following day.
 Waking on Saturday, the weather had changed,but no rain. The surf was ok and after a few frantic txt's from Paul and Alison, they arrived the same time the rain did! But in true Plomer style,it held off long enough for us to light and enjoy a fire! Lou turned up and we all had a lovely night around the camp fire.

 That night it bucketed down but we all kept dry and had a good nights sleep. The Wally-Bacons headed off late morning, once they could drag Finn and Kurtis out of the surf. Daniel joined in the Mal comp and came 2nd a good effort with the wind and rain messy surf conditions. We had our last night with Lou and then we were just us!
 It was still raining and we were concerned as to what our next move should be. Do we stay and wait it out,thus setting back our plans, do we head back up the Oxley and head north inland or do we do a runner?
That night the weather was insane, I don't think we have ever camped in such conditions. The wind was whipping the tarp around us and Ivan was getting rocked about. Daniel slept through the whole thing!! Luckily only minor damage was done to the tarps. After the cyclonic conditions on Monday night, we spoke to what was left of the other campers,who were leaving, and they heard that the roads out of Crescent Head were closing, we packed up in the rain and headed out via Crescent toward Kempsey. The bridge out was flooded but after watching other  4wd's we followed and got through with ease.

 The traffic out of Kempsey was good and although wet, we were glad to be on the road again looking for sun,but, we couldn't find any.
 We decided to check out Scotts head but as we passed the Stuart Points turn off we remembered we had camped at Grassy Head once and liked it., so we turned off to check it out. It was under water! Off to Scotts and we checked in to the caravan park and were put into the camping area which was dubiously close to becoming flooded it's self! Once set up, in the pouring rain, Daniel and I went off to check out the amenities and the path was under a raging torrent of water, man, we almost needed the ses to get us to the loo! We found out that Scotts head was now completely cut off and so was Kemspsey we had only just made it in. Every thing was wet and dirty, so Daniel was to bunk in with us, but first off to the Bowlo for a drink and a feed. We walked through hard rain, got to the Bowlo even wetter to find out it was shut!! My face said it all, as I tried to keep up the happy camper persona! We trudged back to camp and it was an early night for all, after James cooked up a feel good meal.

 That night the rain, thunder and wind shook the Tvan constantly and it was a nervous sleep for me.
In the morning, it had eased but getting out of Ivan the ground around us was mostly flooded and very muddy, and we knew we had to stay because the highway was closed so we made the most of the situation and set about cleaning and drying everything out.( Those extra towels came in handy! ). The lady who ran the park was sorry for sending us to the flooded area so gave us a free cabin and a powered site for the night, and a hand full of coins to use the washing machines! We got clean and dry and all was good, so off to the Bowlo for dinner and watch the State Of Origin...the bistro was closed!! Tinned spag that night....a far cry to the lamb shank stew with garlic mash we had at Plomer!
 The next morning it was raining again, but the roads where opened so we headed off and spent the day driving to Broken Head, there was hardly any traffic on the road which gave us good time but it was quite strange, almost like we were in time warp of how the roads would have been 40 odd years before and the closer we got to Byron the better the weather became. THANK GOD!

 We were very lucky to get out of Kempsey, other wise we would still be there, we heard on the road that kempsey could be closed for up to 5 day. Now, we can relax and enjoy the sun for a few days at beautiful, sunny Broken head before we head off again!