Ozdyssey

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Week 3

Day 15 – Monday

Paradise Beach – Wilsons Promontory

I woke up in the morning and had to wade my way through a thick cloud of monstorous mozzies hovering outside the caravan door. I’ve never experienced anything like it. They were HUGE! And ruthless. And they just seem to KNOW you had to come out the door at some point and they could attack! Unbelievable. Time to move on!!

We found a spot just above Wilsons Promontory at Shallow Inlet. A nice spot – quite busy and there are a lot of permanent caravans set up.   The boys had a ball playing in the dirt – they were filthy! We had to clean them up before heading out for a drive to see the area.

Day 16 – Tuesday

Wilsons Promontory – Melbourne

A nice scenic drive towards Melbourne. We Chose a Big4 in Doncaster to stay a few nights and unwind. Really nice friendly park. Luca (& Scott and I) had a ball on the jumping pillow that we were parked right next to. Jaz didn’t like the bouncing much so he enjoyed the sand instead.

Day 17 – Wednesday

Melbourne

Pretty uneventful day. We just relaxed and did a bit of shopping, caught up on Laundry. All the boring stuff.

Day 18 – Thursday

Melbourne – Geelong

We left Doncaster and headed towards Geelong. It was quite a hike as we avoided the city and went around Melbourne. So many caravan parks to choose from in the area but the first one we drove to was awful. We settled on Portarlington Seaside Resort. A bit pricey but well worth it considering the amenities were nice and the location is great – you can see Melbourne across Port Phillip Bay. We set up camp and then hurried over to the Adventure Park as there was rain forecast for the next few days so we needed to do it today! I was really excited about it after the wonderful time we had at Magic Mountain. We paid the same as we did for Magic Mountain ($33 each and the kids were free) but it was such a waste of $66! The kids couldn’t get on anything apart from play around the toddler zone – the boys hated it as there was a torrent of water splashed down on you every minute or so. Luca was petrified. They couldn’t go on any of the rides so those were out for us too as whats the fun in going on them alone. We couldn’t even take them on the river ride due to either age or height. So we wandered over to the paddle boats hoping to have a paddle around the lake but no, children 3 and under were not allowed. The go karts were only on once a day for half an hour, which we missed – not that the boys were allowed on those either! We did manage to get them on a ride on the carossal – whoopee! We left bitterly disappointed.

Day 19 – Friday

Geelong

I tried to convinced Scott that it would be fun to take the boys to Fairy Park out at Anakie. He agree to go but wasn’t convinced. But it was great. Luca just loved pushing all the buttons and seeing the characters move. Any tale with a wolf in seemed to capture his attention the most.  The playground at the end of it had the potential to great but thousands of flies had made their home inside the structures. It was quite disgusting. The boys still had fun though.

We then drove into Geelong and had lunch at the waterfront and the kids had a play in the playground and a quick paddle in the pool.

Day 20 – Saturday

Geelong – Glenaire

We left Portarlington and headed to the Great Ocean Road. It was a miserable rainy and windy day but it was still a gorgeous scenic drive. We camped at Johanna Beach Campground for the night. Being a weekend, it was quite busy and there was a group of noisy young guys camped next to us and it was still raining and miserable so it didn’t make for an overly pleasant stop.

Day 21 – Sunday

Glenaire – Warrnambool

Another rainy day as we drove the rest of the Great Ocean road. We stopped at Warrnambool at a lovely little park called Fig Tree Holiday Village. It has an indoor heated pool and spa so even though it was miserable the boys got a swim and a play in the spa. The rain cleared later in the afternoon so we drove around Warrnambool for a while and enjoyed the adventure playground – there is a great flying fox for under 12s which the boys loved and one for the bigger kids which Scott and I had fun going on. Our fun was cut short when it started to rain again.

Week 2

Day 8 – Monday

Kosciuszko National Park – Buckenderra

It was a hard drive up and down through the mountains to get to Buckenderra. And then a hard time getting the van set up at the site – unlevel ground and when we finally got it level the back was way to high even with the steps so we moved. Again took ages to level it and then we realised the hose wasn’t long enough to reach the tap which was miles away. So another move. I think I completely cracked it then and told Scott I’d had a gutful and wanted to go back to Sydney.

Day 9 – Tuesday

Buckenderra

Drove out to Jindabyne and had a look around. Unfortunately there’s not much to do with 2 littlies in tow so it was a pretty short visit. Took the ’scenic’ route back to Buckenderra and then had a drive around the property.

Day 10 – Wednesday

Buckenderra – Tathra

Another stressful mountainous drive down the mountains toward Tathra. We settled into the Big4 and then enjoyed a relaxing drive around the area. The boys enjoyed the great playground.

Day 11 – Thursday

Tathra

We had a fantastic time at Magic Mountain. As it wasn’t School Holidays there weren’t many people so no queues and no crowds. just how I like it! Had a great time going down the tobogan, carpet slide and driving the go carts with the boys. Even took the boys down the water slide but they weren’t to keen on that one. It was a really great day and we were all exhausted when we got back to the caravan. Both boys were fast asleep without any complaints at 6:30!

Day 12 – Friday

Tathra – Mallacoota

We crossed the border into Victoria and stopped at Wallagaraugh River Retreat. The name sounds a lot nicer than what it is and it was quite pricey for what you got really but it was ok. We drove down into Mallacoota which is a very cute little place which seems to be mostly caravan park. We enjoyed a coffee and the kids had a milkshake at a little cafe. We were warned not to swim in the lake because you get Pelican Itch – whatever that is!

Day 13 – Saturday

Mallacoota – Lakes Entrance

We had a pretty uneventful trip across to Lakes Entrance. We struggled to find a decent caravan park and the one we settled on was pretty average. The area was pretty busy with all the people from the Rally being held nearby.

Day 14 – Sunday

Lakes Entrance – Paradise Beach

As we weren’t happy with the park we stayed in we thought we’d try our luck on the other side by Paradise Beach in the free camps. We got a great spot but we were warned that the mozzies were pretty vicious. We took the boys for a play on the beach but it was too windy and chilly for a swim. We were all choking on the aerogaurd and the mozzies didn’t seem too bad.

I’ve had a few people ask me why I haven’t been updating the blog *** blush *** pure laziness unfortunately!

We’ve been on the road for 3 weeks now so I have had to think back and try remember what we did. I have trouble keeping up with what day we are in so this is tough!

Here is week 1

Day 1 – Monday

Sydney – Bangalow State Forest

We left Sydney and headed south west towards Gouldburn. It was great to finally get away again although we were both feeling a little uneasy. We set up camp at Bangalow State Forest camp ground. Most sensible people would have chosen a busier spot to ease back into the swing of things but not us. The campground was completely deserted. I lost count of the number of times the words ’shoud we go back to Sydney’ were muttered. But we’d agreed we’d give ourselves 3 weeks on the road before making a decision.

Not being clued up on the Australian Serial Killer facts I had no idea we’d picked Ivan Milat’s body dumping ground for a camp site. I have no idea what Scott’s excuse was but it hadn’t registered with him either. It was only once he spoke to his dad that it came out – cue decending fog for an extra creapy atmosphere! (I wish I was joking!!) We were so close to packing up and leaving – I think if the boys hadn’t been asleep in bed we probably would have! But we stayed.

Day 2 – Tuesday

Bangalow State Forest – Canberra

We didn’t even have to think about staying or going today! It was definitely GOING!! Headed off towards Canberra in the blustery winds. We checked out a few campsites/caravan parks near the center but settled for Cotter Reserve 20km west of Canberra. Its a great spot next to the river and there are even hot showers so we were pretty happy with it. Oh, and quite a few other campers so it was nice to not be alone.

Day3 – Wednesday

Canberra

We had a great time at the Questicon

Day 4 – Thurday

Canberra

We still had a few things to buy, like camp chairs etc. so we spent the morning shopping around for bits and pieces and then took the boys to a great adventure playground in the afternoon.

Day 5 – Friday

Canberra – Wee Jasper

Left Canberra and made our way to Wee Jasper. We just had to do the ‘touristy’ thing and take a photo with Jasper at the ‘Wee Jasper’ sign. According to the locals its done quite a lot! It just seemed apt seeing as Dave has been calling Jaz ‘Wee Jasper’ since he was born.

We camped at Billy Grace Reserve which is also on a river. Beaut spot but the flies were unbelievable! We took the boys down to paddle in the river but the water was pretty icy for my liking so we skipped stones instead. We then took a drive out to the caves but as it was just us the guy convinced us to come back in the morning for the tour.

We went to the pub for dinner seeing as the flies got into the lamb chops and had a nice time chatting to the locals and enjoying a few drinks.

Day 6 – Saturday

Wee Jasper – Kosciuszko National Park

Unfortunately we gave the cave tour a miss as the flies were driving me batty and I couldn’t stand another day with them. So we headed off towards Tumut. Great friendly little town. We had a wander through the town and then went off to find a camping spot in the Kosciuszko National Park. Its gorgeous and there are so many free camps to choose from. We settled on Jounama Creek Campground and found a great spot.

Day 7 – Sunday

Kosciuszko National Park

We drove out to caves nearby and did the self guided tour. Luca enjoyed walking through the cave even though he was a bit scared to begin with. Once he realised there were no monsters in the cave he was alright. We then did the steep walk down to the natural spring pool and had a swim. Not quite sure it was worth the long hike back up carrying the boys but it was nice enough.

It’s been a month since the accident and Scott and I have healed well. We’ve both been discharged from the burns unit and now only have the scars to show for it all.

We’ve had many a discussion about where to go from here. And as the weeks have passed its been easier to see us back on the road – that was something I wasn’t too sure about in the early days. But we both agreed that we can’t let the freak accident from keep us from finishing off the trip.  One thing is for sure though, there will be no jerry cans on our next rig. I’d rather boil in the heat or freeze in the cold – no gennie needed for us.

Once we heard that the insurance was paying out we headed straight out and looked at vans.  We stayed clear of the expandas and rapids. I don’t think either of us would be able to sleep in one again – knowing how fast it went up in flames…

And the great news is we’ve found a van.  It’s a Paramount Intrepid and it has pretty much everything we need already.

Now all we have to do is get the car all set up – we’re taking Scott’s trusty old Land Rover Discovery.  She’s not the Beast but the Disco should do the job.

Fingers crossed we should be back on the road in a few weeks…

It is with great sadnesss that I have to announce that our trip has come to a very premature and firey end.

The whole incident is still a bit too raw for me to write up the full story but in brief, we lost EVERYTHING – car, caravan and all contents – in a freak accident at Banka Banka Station on Saturday 12 September.

I’ve noticed the incident has been discussed and debated on a few forums already – some with incorrect information – so here is the short story:

We wanted to start the generator but it had no fuel in it. It was a hot day and when Scott opened the jerry can the fumes travelled and unfortunately reached the gas fridge we had sitting nearby. The pilot light on the fridge ignighted the fumes and the rest is history. Scott and I were burnt – Scott much worse than I – from the initial explosion. We attempted to put it out but the bed was on fire and it spread very quickly – not to mention all the fuel there so it was pretty much an impossible task. Scott got us away to safety and the gas bottle went soon after.

We would like to thank Fiona and Alex at Banka Banka Station for everything they did for us. Everyone was so amazing. Many thanks also to the medical staff from Bootu Creek and the couple that were camped next to us (I’m so sorry I can’t recall your names), The RFDS, the doctors and nurses at Tennant Creek and Alice Springs Hospitals. An extra special thank you to Dave who drove me and the boys to Alice Springs to be with Scott!

We have many photos which I will upload shortly, unfortunately all trip photos have been destroyed.

Day 35 – Saturday

On the road again, this time we stopped at Julia Creek. We arrived pretty early but by the time we’d set up camp and walked into the town the shops had shut for the weekend. The information centre wasn’t open either. So we took the boys to the playground and then just relaxed. We’d read that we could catch yabbies in the creek behind the caravan park but when we went and had a look there was no water… very very dry out there.

Day 36 – Sunday

We arrived in Mt Isa today and stopped in at the information centre to see if they could tell us if there were any camp sites instead of the caravan parks. Alas the only ones were 50km either side of Mt Isa! So we settled on Sunset Top caravan park as it had a pool and a playground. We were parked next to the same couple we were parked next to at Richmond. We took the boys to the Fun Park which they thoroughly enjoyed. Its a huge playground and water park – and its FREE!! Why don’t they have places like that in Sydney??

Day 36 – Monday

We took a drive out to Lake Moondarra to have a look and then went to the Underground Hospital. I really enjoyed looking at the museum which is pack full of old medical equipment. The Underground Hospital itself was interesting to see too.

We would have liked to have gone down the mine but unfortunately kids under 7 aren’t allowed.

Day 37 – Tuesday

Beast was booked in for a mini service today so we were without a car. Luca had a ball playing with a girl he befriended. I did the boring things like cleaning the caravan and catching up on the mountain of laundry that was accumulating outside the caravan. Just after lunch time Scott went to pick up Beast – it was only 100m down the road – and returned in an awful mood. $1000 just to change the oil, change the brake pads and replace some O rings in the ACSD. Scott then fixed a hose on the turbo and we were getting ready to take the boys to the Fun Park again. Scott suddenly had a horrified look on his face – 3 nuts were missing from the rear right wheel and the 3 that were still there were so loose he could unscrew them with his hand. The mechanic came round and he tried to blame the rattle gun when really he just didnt know what he was doing. Scott took it back around to them and sat over their shoulder as they replaced nuts and studs.  He was not a happy boy. He has vowed to fix/replace/change/tune anything else himself from now on – labour doesn’t cost $90 an hour and at least he knows its done right!

Day 38 – Wednesday

We are finishing off the last of Queensland today with one final stop at Camooweal Billabong. After this we’ll be heading into the northern territory. We have met so many wonderful people already –  and the odd occaisional nutcase – its great how everyone is so friendly.

Day 31 – Tuesday

We headed towards Townsville today. Setup camp at Alligator Creek Campgound and then drove into Townsville to sort out the alternator. Luckily the auto electircian agreed to have a look at it in between his other jobs so we wouldn’t have to come back another day. We walked around some shops and took the boys to Lollipop Playland to kill time. Bad news is the alternator was installed incorrectly so thats why it all went wrong. But the good news is we now have another new alternator. Fingers crossed this one doesn’t do the same.

Day 32 – Wednesday

Left Townsville and headed west. We considered continuing north but thought if we head west now we might have time to go down to Alice Springs… we’ll decide on that once we get to Tennant Creek.

We spent a couple hours in Charters Towers which is a lovely little town. Weather has been great albeit hot. We can just tell we’re going to roast in Darwin when we get there.

Continued west a bit more and stopped at a rest stop for the night. The boys had had enough of the car by then. Pretty happy to have a mosquito free night! Hopefully it will stay that way – Give my arms and legs a chance to recover from the hundreds of bites I have already.

Day 33 – Thursday

Continued west today to Hughenden. We had planned to stay at the caravan park there but we arrived outside the park and we just didn’t like the look of it. We had a look at the information centre where they had a dinosaur and fossil exhibition. Took some photos with Mutt and then enjoyed a coffee in the local cafe. Next stop was Richmond. The caravan park is right next to the lake and there is a great water park that the boys thoroughly enjoyed. Scott chucked the yabbi pot into the lake in the hope for tomorrows dinner…

Day 34 – Friday

Nice relaxing day – we started off by popping into the Kronosauras but at $10 each we decided it was too similar to Hughendens exhibition to be spending another $20+ on. So we headed off to the free fossicking sites just out of town and tried our luck at finding some fossils. We thought Luca would love digging around in the rocks but he was more interested it beeping the car alarm and waking up Jaz.  I had a dig around for a while but it started getting too hot and all I was finding was broken shells. Scott on the other hand got really into it and managed to find a fossilised squid. I cant remember the proper name for it now though. He got the whole thing but unfortunately its broken in 2 places.  Still impressive though.

Scott checked the yabbi pot and hoorah!!! Our first catch!! And what a boy he was!

We had our first rain on the trip the night before and its been really overcast today and every now and then it would spit a bit so we spent the rest of the day relaxing. Its still warm though so I did take the boys back to the water park and then afterwards we walked to the shops and took the boys to the park.

We got given another smaller yabbi by some other folks in the park so we enjoyed a small taster tonight – 2 yabbies don’t go far but they were YUMMO!!

have the prettiest feet on the planet We saw so many crabs and Luca loved watching them. He was covered head to toe in mud

mechanic and he pretends to be a computer expert

Day 27 – Friday

What a beautiful spot! We spent the morning enjoying the low tide.  It goes out more than a kilometer so the boys had heaps of space to run (crawl) around and enjoy the mud. It’s the weirdest beach I have ever seen. You’ll be walking on the sand quite happily and then you’ll step into soft clay and sink. Luca thought it was great. I kept telling Scott we were going to have the prettiest feet on the planet We saw so many crabs and Luca loved watching them. He was covered head to toe in mud and had a ball helping dad find pipis.

I’m having a lot of trouble keeping the sand out of the van. The boys’ bed is covered in it – I’ve just given up sweeping it out.

Day 28 – Saturday

We decided to head to Mackay today. The engine has been making a strange ticking noise which Scott has traced to the alternator – yes the brand new one we had put in in Brisbane!! We hoped to get to a place to have it looked at but we got to Mackay at almost 12pm and they were all closing. Turns out the screws holding the bearing retainer plate had stripped (all but one) and it was the screws ticking away inside.

We got out to Smalleys Beach and set up camp. Scott didn’t waste any time removing the alternator and attempting to take it apart.

Day 29 – Sunday

The morning was taken up by Scott stripping the alternator and finding screws to replace the stripped ones.

A few spares from the caravan and a lot of loctite and sweat later we had an operational alternator. My man is a jack of all trades – firie, mechanic and he pretends to be a computer expert

I was reaching the end of my tether with the sand/dirt so I convinced Scott we should head off in the morning. It’s a beautiful spot but I was aching for a little less dirt.

Day 30 – Monday

So we pack up again and hit the road in the direction of Bowen. The Camps5 had no camp sites around Bowen so we settled on a caravan park. This is only the second caravan park since we left so we’re pretty pleased with that.  It’s really not our scene though. They sure to do pack us in like sardines. Having the water on tap is wonderful though and the boys enjoyed the pool and the beach – Oh and giving the clothes a GOOD wash in the washing machine is a good too.

Even though it’s beautiful here, I don’t think we could put up with the caravan park scene for another night so Townsville tomorrow me thinks.

Until next time

Scott he should be a firie. He did well

Day 20 – Friday

Cathryn, Wayne & the kids turned up today. They brought the wind along with them – it was blowing a gale!

Day 21 – Saturday

Scott and Wayne tried some fishing but unfortunately nothing substantial was caught. The Bardwells headed into Rainbow Beach and we just lazed about. Another very windy night.

Day 22 – Sunday

The guys tried fishing again but once again nothing successful was caught. We decided to drive round to Inskip Point to see where the ferry leaves for Fraser Island. On the way back Scott decided to take the 4wd track back rather than along the beach – This turned into somewhat of an adventure as the tracks turned out to be a challenge for the 80 series, let alone Wayne’s Kia.

By the end of some serious work, the Kia proved to be an exceptionally capable vehicle.

Day 23 – Monday

Up bright and early to pack up and get off the beach before high tide at 10:30am. We sadly said our goodbyes to the Bardwells and hit the… sand. It wasn’t too bad getting off as we still had an hour and a half before high tide but there were a few idiots coming the other way that just refused to move over a bit and twice we ended up being hit broad side by waves - car getting splashed so much we couldn’t see out of the windscreen. That was interesting.  We made it off the beach though so all is good.

It was a pretty big day driving. The boys had really had enough of the car by the time we got to Bundaberg so I picked a caravan park out of the Camps5 and figured we could relax for a couple days.  It wasn’t quite what I expected. The park is really old and run down. I guess the only luxury we had was water on tap and the use of 240v. The owner has only had the place 3 months and is updating it though so I guess we just went at the wrong time. .

Day 24 – Tuesday

Had a look around Bundaberg. We wanted to take Jaz to have his arm x-rayed but we seemed to have lost the referral and so they wont do it. He seems to be crawling a bit better on it now but it obviously still hurts. Had a pretty lazy day while Scott changed the brake and indicator lights on the van – a necessity created by a cane road train nearly taking our rear end out!  He came over the CB none to impressed.

Day 25 – Wednesday

Left Bundaberg and headed north once again. We stopped at the Mystery Craters for a look- but it was a quick stop. Made our way to Calliope River Rest area where we stayed the night camped right next to the water. It was very hot when we arrived so Scott took the boys to the water for a splash. It was only the next morning before he saw a sign warning to stay out of the water and not camp too close as crocs inhabit the water. It makes me feel sick to think what could of happened. We’re in croc territory from now on so I wont be taking any chances.

Day 26 – Thursday

On the road again, this time a big stretch to Carmila Beach. About half an hour into the trip we noticed a small patch of burning grass on the side of the road. We quickly stopped (as quick as you can with a caravan on the back) to put it out. A car had stopped up ahead too and the man approached and said his rear tyre had come off. Scott grabbed our 25litre water container and headed off in the direction of the fire with the man. The fire was spreading quickly and by the time they got to it the flames were quite high already. Another passer by stopped and helped put it out. The bush is so dry around here if we hadn’t of stopped I dread to think of how it would have spread. It was only a week ago I was telling Scott he should be a firie. He did well

We stopped off in Rockhampton for lunch and to give the boys a play. Jaz slept well in the car after lunch so we were able to make it all the way to Carmila Beach.

We’re now camped next to the beach. Another gorgeous spot and to make it even better… IT’S FREE!! YAY!!

This morning I realised that not all was well with Jaz though. He has quite clearly hurt his right arm as he is ‘limping’ when he crawls and if he puts too much pressure on it he cries.  Just like when he was 7 months old and fractured his wrist. So we think he has done it again. Off to the doctors at Rainbow Beach although we really shouldn’t of bothered. He poked, prodded and bent this way and that and told us that he doesn’t think there is anything wrong – just like the last time… and back then the x-ray showed a very obvious fracture – but he gave us a referal for an x-ray, the catch is the nearest one is about 75km away. Anyway, there isn’t much they can do if it fractured anyway so I guess we’ll just see how he goes. This might encourage the lazy boy to start walking

Once back at our campspot Scott decided to try a bit of fishing. He was almost about to give up when he caught a little fish. Very cute but I didn’t think it was right to keep it so I got him to chuck him back in. Catching little fishy gave him hope to he kept trying for another hour or so without any luck. Little fishy must have warned the others

Day 9 – Monday

Another day near Canungra. We drove up to Mt Tamborine to see what the big deal is. Amazing views and scenery. We took the opportunity to see the largest glow worm cave in the southern hemisphere. When I say cave, I mean a man made concrete bunker but the glow worms were at least real.

Day 10 – Tuesday

Movie World was the first port of call today before heading into Brisbane to stay with Scott’s dad. Luca went on a few ’scary’ rides – not impressed at all – he takes after Scott that way cos I love the scary rides! He had a complete meltdown in the Shrek 4D show and we had to leave – ended up leaving his shoes in there too!

Then on to Brisbane which was all very interesting taking the caravan into the city! Dave was staying in Fortitude Valley so parking was not easy. Scott’s father came to the rescue in his own special way as usual.

Day 11 – Wednesday

We spent a few hours at the Ekka and Luca got to ride a pony and pet baby animals.

Day 12 – Thursday

We arrived at the Bardwell’s house in North Lakes.  Had a wonderful night catching up with old friends. Too many wines were felt the next day.

Day 13 – Friday

The plan was to head off today after Cathryn took me to stock up on some Pampers nappies but whilst I did that Scott took Beast to get the batteries checked out as he had made some changes to how everything was connected – This was his latest attempt to resolve the ever troublesome battery problem in the caravan and Beast was struggling to start. Bad news was the alternator was dead! Oh dear! That will explain why the volts have been dropping!! So the Bardwells offered to put us up another night which was ever so kind of them. Our thanks go to Andrew at Betta Motor Electrics for his help at short notice and for sourcing an 80 series alternator in less than an hour.

For an evening Scott caught up with an old friend – the lovely Mister Fish, Master Mish

Day 14 – Saturday

First stop today was back at Betta Electrical to check the batteries and make sure they were ok. Bad news unfortunately – we ended up replacing one of them but at least now we know we shouldn’t have a problem.

We drove to Somerset Dam Campground. Not too busy and we got a good spot although it filled up later in the evening with all the people from the fishing tournament they had going on. Scott tried to catch some yabbies but with no luck.

Day 15 – Sunday

Rudely awoken by the noisy fishermen heading off pre-sparrows fart! Luckily the boys didn’t stir so I got to go back to sleep. Scott continued his fault find mission to fix the ever depleting battery power. He then spent hours trying to figure out why he couldn’t fill the water tanks! Pretty lazy day all in all.

Day 16 – Monday

Next stop Coochin Creek – the coordinates out of Camps 5 are still not right – or should  say I am doing something wrong!?? Either way we’re still getting relatively close to where we want to go.

Day 17 – Tuesday

We took the boys to Australia Zoo today. I got to feed an elephant a piece of fruit which was an experience. We spent the morning there and then drove to Mooloolaba and drve around whislt the boys slept in the back.

Day 18 – Wednesday

We left Coochin Creek camp ground and headed towards Noosa stopping at the Ginger Factory on the way. Noosa is beautiful and I would have loved to have spent more time there but as we had the caravan with us parking was a real problem. We then went and got our permits to camp on Teewah beach and caught the barge across. We luckily got there at the right time as it was still low tide and beach access was relitively easy. There is something quite amazing about driving along a gorgeous stretch of beach with your home bumping along behind you – Until we got bogged that is – Scott grumbled and tried a few times managing to dig us ever deeper.  He finally resigned himself to letting the tyres down some more and happily drove out.

We found a great little spot and set up camp – reception is a bit of a problem but Scott picked up an aerial for his phone in noosa which gives us just enough to connect to the internet and make the odd crackly phonecall.

Both boys were exeptionally grizzly and to add to it Jaz fell off the lounge onto the caravan floor with a massive bang. The poor boy screamed so much but there were no obvious bumps or bruises.

Scott made a fire and we made dinner in our camp oven and then we spent the rest of the evening around the fire. The sky was just gorgeous. Its wonderful how many stars you can see when you are away from the city lights.

Day 19

The boys woke us up early as usual but not early enough to catch the sun rise. It was stunning none the less.

This morning I realised that not all was well with Jaz though. He has quite clearly hurt his right arm as he is ‘limping’ when he crawls and if he puts too much pressure on it he cries.  Just like when he was 7 months old and fractured his wrist. So we think he has done it again. Off to the doctors at Rainbow Beach although we really shouldn’t of bothered. He poked, prodded and bent this way and that and told us that he doesn’t think there is anything wrong – just like the last time… and back then the x-ray showed a very obvious fracture – but he gave us a referal for an x-ray, the catch is the nearest one is about 75km away. Anyway, there isn’t much they can do if it fractured anyway so I guess we’ll just see how he goes. This might encourage the lazy boy to start walking

Once back at our campspot Scott decided to try a bit of fishing. He was almost about to give up when he caught a little fish. Very cute but I didn’t think it was right to keep it so I got him to chuck him back in. Catching little fishy gave him hope to he kept trying for another hour or so without any luck. Little fishy must have warned the others

Jasper enjoyed his first proper play on the beach. He had so much fun – I didn’t enjoy trying to get all the sand off him afterwards though. Luca on the otherhand is going through a ’scared of everything’ phase. He refused to even get his feet wet and ran away if the water came any closer than 3m. If its not waves its dragons… whilst driving through the forest to get to Rainbow beach on the 4wd track he kept asking where the dragons were and would we be safe where we were going. The poor boy gets himself so worked up.

Another nice quiet one for us tonight and we’re looking forward to having the Bardwells join us tomorrow for the weekend.