Missed a chunk but here is the next bit - Katherine, Australia
Katherine, Australia
This is getting in ahead of the past few weeks as my hours and hours and hours of precious typing is lost in the ether and I am devastated. I will have to rewrite it and that is not something I want to contemplate right now.
So we are in Cairns. We arrived last Tuesday and are staying here to next Wed (2 weeks). We are sick of driving everyday and are exhausted. Sounds unbelievable to say that on a holiday but we are. Cairns is for relaxing and getting doctor's appointments, car and caravan servicing, and computer fixing! Weather still quite overcast but the rain has subsided. If you are not a fan of markets, I'm thinking you may want to stop reading now, I have realised it seems we do little else but follow them around. These posts are also a little bit boring- my apologies
Friday 14th June
Urijah's cubby is on day 4- this is one serious cubby. He was in absolute tears when Scott put the night lights in the garden instead of upside down on his cubby roof. He occupies himself for hours and hours and hours outside and has delighted many travellers around us. He sings and talks and has a wonderful time. There are lizards everywhere here and Scott and I are not too sure about the legless lizard variety- no spottings but several suspicious workers in groups with long poles in the garden.....what does that sound like?!
Saturday 15th June
Markets markets markets, I had spent a bit of time internet shopping the markets but the first 2 we went to didn't exist anymore! Bad google! Went to the Pier complex in Cairns and got some xmas eve specials for 2 special boys and saw some good pressies. Walked along the promenade and looked at the other market. One lady had fantastic feathers for your hair and some were almost like vertical fascinators...I wanted them so badly for belly dancing but they were a bit pricey. Scott and I declined having our fortunes read and buying a ceramic frog on a stick so so far we are escaping these markets very cheaply. The rest of the day was just swimming, making fools out of ourselves going down the waterslides (me mostly doing the silly scream) and just hanging out.
Sunday 16th June
Weather average we headed off to a market. Lots of beautiful orchids and great prices but not good for the van travellers. Heaps of plants and lots of weird sewing creations- it's so bizarre how different everyone's tastes are. After this we headed up to Port Douglas and amazingly there was another market on. As the weather was average, I think that every tourist up there was 'in town.' The market was good. Amazing hand made clothes, lots of coconuts, raw chocolate and health bars, not a hot dog van or chip vendor in site. Very 'organic'!! Grabbed some lunch and went to Palm Cove for a look too, didn't stop as was quite windy and we had an angel sleeping. Urijah and I went to Cars 2 at the night cinema tonight- he loved it and I quite liked it too, especially giving my gorgeous boy cuddles, rubs and snuggles.
Monday 17th June- Scott's Birthday- grey but 25 degrees, not like Geelong's 13 degrees.
Scott has been trying to get to one of the NBA finals at a pub and keeps missing them, so for his birthday we were determined to get there and watch it. Unfortunately we were running late after we had been to pick up the bike, the doctors, MRI place and Centrelink and then, Ba Booomb- no kids in the gaming room so no birthday lunch and no game. We drove around for a while as the pod restricts parking and not having any cash also restricts being able to park on the street- so it is that we end up with KFC for poor Scottie's birthday lunch ;-( He said he was happy but it wasn't the lunch we had envisaged.
A slight re-occuring theme with our birthdays was that it was full of other things that really weren't what we wanted to be doing on a celebratory day but had to be done.
Urijah cooked up a 'cake' for Scott and we sang happy birthday a few times and Scott did get the most beautiful drawing from Urijah. Pizza and ice cream for tea and the boys went to the outdoor cinema to watch the end of the Bee movie. Afterwards Scott and I watched a movie Ruby Sparks. He had a good day he said. x
Urijah loved the movie, wants to go back every night.
Before I forget Ophelia has cut 2 to 3 new teeth up the top now. She is very proud. She can say 'look' and loves pointing at things. Boy she doesn't need to talk to tell you what she's saying.
Today Urijah said 'I've just got to get in here and give Ophelia a snuggle' and then he says to her 'I will love you for always Ophelia' and then he jumped across and said the same to me.
Randomly said Happy Birthday to Scott too, making his day.
Tuesday 18th June
Scott has doctor's appointments, fun needle injections and MRI's today. The car is also going in to get some love too. The rest of us and the rest of the day are just relaxing. The sun is out- mmm mmm. Urijah and I started the day off with a water bomb fight- lots of fun. Currently Scott and Urijah are off on the go karts. Urijah wanted to go in the 4 seater- lucky Scott for pedalling it- now he is too exhausted to ride his real bike. Oops, the car wasn't ready in time and then the taxi didn't arrive to ferry Scott to the MRI, so rescheduled for tomorrow- another day we won't be moving too far. Rest of day Urijah had his cars going camping and entertained the neighbourhood with nude cycling. Yes they are wondering if he is going to be a nudist too.
Wednesday 19th June
MRI finally for Scott. Swimming for us. Another sensational lunch provided by Scott- beef and coriander rolls- mmmm mmmmm. Yesterday I discovered my last blog was missing (days of work) and decided to write this instead. So today I have been editing photos, culling the 100's of sunset photos etc to try and get this blog up. Scott got a hard drive so I can back up the photos, as the computer seems to be playing up. Finally got some photos to load up for Scott's 1st Ebay selling on the road! (this took hours, not great value for money given one of the cards is up to $2.26!) Urijah's friend Alex arrived beside us and there started a 5 day best friend status. It was Alex this, Alex that, quick I’ve got to get dressed to play with Alex, I don’t want to go there as I want to play with Alex….you get the drift.
Thursday 20th June
Thursdays are pancake day at Cairn’s Coconuts, so we ate up and then headed south.
Today we retraced our steps into Cairns to visit some places that we hadn’t stopped at.
First stop was The Boulders. Well it was beautiful. Crystal clear water in a river that you could swim in (well one section at least, the rest warned of serious injury or death). Walked along the river and apart from me being petrified a snake was going to fall down from the tree tops, it was beautiful. This is the start of my snake falling from trees phobia that has not left me yet. Met a gardener pulling down some of the vine that pointed out the poisonous trees, lucky they weren’t the ones Urijah was pulling out.
Next stop was Josephine Falls. Again just beautiful. As luck would have it, we were there with a bus load of tanned exotic back packers! It was like we were at a photo shoot for Sports Illustrated. Yes they decided to swim in their bikinis and shorts….and Scott and I did not. Again you were allowed to swim in one section, but this section still had a big sign up saying that it was very dangerous and serious injury or death can occur. Comforting.
After this we headed to Mungali Creek for lunch. In hindsight it was a rather long drive just for lunch. At the time though, in our defence we were trying to do a rainforest canopy walk but we were too late when we arrived to do that.
So lunch (at 2 of course) was Mungali Creek Dairy which is where we get our yoghurt back at home from. It was so nice to see where our cows get to hang out. Lunch was beautiful. We bought milk, cheese and yoghurt to take home. Then it was the long trek back home, arriving in the dark.
Friday 21st June
Today we went on the Kuranda skyrail. Ophelia absolutely loved it, tapping and squealing to her hearts content. The height gave fantastic views back over Cairns and its surrounds. It stops two times between the start and finish and on one of these stops we joined a great tour. Once again the guides have so much knowledge of the area and what they are dealing in that you embrace their passion. We learnt about what was involved in making the skyrail, the hydroelectric plant, interesting facts like orchids have shiny leaves which stay shut all day and only open at night time, and that the kaori pine sheds it bark regularly so that things don’t stay attached to it for very long.
The other stop was overlooking the waterfall which was enormous- photos just can’t take it in.
When we got to Kuranda we had a quick look around all the shops and had some lunch at an organic café. Ophelia pinched Scott’s whole coconut and devoured the juice straight out of it. Urijah and I went for some pineapple mango creation that was delicious too. Time running out we sped back to the train, but not without making time to see the Candy Shop. We had been told and weren’t disappointed that you can watch them make the hard boiled candy so we got to see them making Lemon Drops and the smell was intoxicating. There may have been a purchase here.
The Kuranda railway station is beautiful, full of pot plants and in a setting from yesteryear. The train ride was noisy courtesy not only from the train but miss and master were having a wonderful play session. The train ride is very scenic and informative- non of which I remember now!
Saturday 22nd June Yungaburra
The two older kids were excited this morning…market day! We headed off to market down the Gillies Hwy- a very curvaceous affair. We had been told not to take caravans through here and at first I was saying to Scott- 'well you could really.’ But after a little and poor Urijah vomiting, I realized that surprisingly I was not the road expert I thought I had become.
Got to Yungaburra quite early, that was our plan. Markets start early around here! Well Yungaburra had a more important thing happening today….Julia Gillard PM unknowingly had one of her last official outings opening a walk dedicated to our lost soldiers of war. We didn’t go to this- but there were several suits around ‘town’ mixing with the market thongs and shorts.
Well the Yungaburra markets did not disappoint. Someone had told Scott that they were good and they were. Of course, they had trashy stuff, but there was enough interesting and good stuff that you didn’t mind walking past the other. We got some great stuff, talked to some fascinating people and had a great time. Success.
We stopped in at the Curtain Fig tree in the National Park and it was amazing. These trees are enormous and their roots hang down 3 stories high, a sight to be seen.
We then headed off to the Peanut Place just a little further North on the promise of peanut ice cream. Scott thinks he makes better (he does). But had a good chat to the owner and learnt about Peanut farming. He recommended that we go to the Tolga woodworks for lunch; a fine suggestion. The woodwork was great too! They had a pair of RM Williams boots carved out of wood, a violin with a wonderful story about making the most with what you’ve been given, amongst other things. Well worth the stop.
We headed into Atherton to the Atherton Crystal Caves but I did the cheapskate look and kept the family in the car. Lots of geodes which are stone balls cut in half with hollow centres (very un technical description and possibly wrong). So I saved over $50 and still got to see the Amethyst room which was full of these geodes, which ranged in price from $1500 to thousands of dollars.
Onward we went to The Crater in ????? NP.
A hole in the ground from a gas explosion emitted by a volcano. It was nice. We also walked to some waterfalls here. Possibly met a family and had a chat about there travels.
On the way home we stopped at a few more waterfalls- we are in waterfall territory. Millaa Millaa Falls were beautiful. The other three were beautiful too, but not as stunning.
Tick tock tick tock, we got to the Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walk just after 4.30…I sent Scott running ahead to see if they would let us through (last tour 4.30). We had missed this yesterday on our travels, and the irony of missing it again was imminent. Seeing how lovely we are, they said yes just be back in an hour and then said just take your time. So we had the place to ourselves; running/walking in thongs over tree top canopy walks, out on cantilevered bridges, up the lookout (definitely not running here). I am no good at heights so the CCTV footage would have kept them amused. Ophelia was a trooper climbing the stairs too. The views were fantastic and although another 15 minutes would have yielded brilliant sunset photos for the album, we ran back to the reception so the very accommodating lady could go home! We drove home suitably exhausted from our day.
Sunday 23rd June Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, Daintree
Got up and headed to Mossman Gorge. By Nash timetable, we were there quite early. We jumped on their buses and got a little bit of factual info in on the way up. There are boardwalks and treetop paths for some of the walks and it was mainly these that we did. Stopped at a spot you were allowed to swim in even though it still had danger signs for death and serious injury (?). It was beautiful there.
Next stop was to cross the river by ferry to get to Cape Trib. Very efficient operation and soon we were in a white Toyota convoy driving through the oldest rainforest in the world. We climbed quite high and the views glimpsed through the forest were amazing. Got to Cape Tribulation and had a walk (Scott) and sand castle build (guess who). I’m sure on a beautiful day this area would be magic, but the fact you can’t walk in the water detracts to the usefulness of the beach for miss Skyesy. We had to finally drag Urijah away from his calling or we would still be on that beach. He is not afraid of the croc’s etc- not a good thing at all.
I jumped out at a few other places but we decided as most things were boardwalks we could return when we are old and grey- unfortunately these are the concessions you must make travelling with the kids and might I say the ever increasing dark clouds with rain was also a pretty good reason to for not stopping for a good beach day.
Found a biodynamic ice cream place which of course meant you could buy more because it was healthy. Scott has a deep love of limes at the moment. And yes, Ophelia has had ice cream too.
Back across the ferry and a short drive to the Daintree Village. Big fish, yummy lunch (3pm of course)- happy family. Homeward bound.
Monday 24th June Scottie’s release day!
Yes Scott sure had a massive grin when he left this morning. Who wouldn’t…not only a day to himself without 3 whingers but a day snorkeling (I wouldn’t let him dive without some practice) at 3 reefs. Yiiii Hahhhhh! Reading Mushashi (in it’s 3rd year we think) on the deck of the boat while it was going wasn’t his brightest idea, but smuggling home carrot cake for me was one of his better ideas. Scott had a fantastic time and came home sun kissed and very very happy. Plenty of photos of his experience. Finally our camera got to get what it was made for and it lapped it up.
The kids and I attempted cleaning the car and of course Urijah played with his friends and we went for a swim and scoot. I have been finding it very hard watching Urijah playing with his new friends that are older than him; not wanting him to lose his innocence. This is just one of those things I am going to have to get good at. Thankfully even though some of the kids deemed rocket ships and chasy boring, they still played them. And Urijah still loves Angelina Ballerina and Olivia!
Tuesday 25th June Green Island
Today was the family day trip to Green Island. I have once again reminded myself that I like boat rides just like small plane rides. Thank goodness the kids were okay. A great bunch of tour operators with that fantastic Aussie humour helped make things better. One of the guys told us that if you feel sea sick do not go into the toilets- you will never return! Oh boy all I wanted to do was go to the toilet, but I did Calm birth instead!!!!
We got to Green Island and this is what I’ve been waiting to see….aquamarine water, white sand and on a ‘green island’ (hehehhehe) If it wasn’t so windy it would have been bliss. I said to Scott I could stay here for a very long time!
First things first we did a semi submersible boat trip and Ophelia was in heaven (unlike now while I’m writing this poor thing). She was squealing away, massive grins on her face and tapping the glass constantly. The semi submersible was brilliant for seeing the fish- definitely worth doing, but for this poor little chickadee it was like the plane ride over Kakadu- focusing on containment! And might I add, I was successful- phew, thank goodness. The troops then went onto a glass bottom boat while I had a snorkel.
I probably should have tried the goggles on first and had that all worked out before I hit the choppy water, but of course I hadn’t. So apart from removing water every minute or less out of the goggles, I had a great time. I saw a turtle straight away and just followed it for a bit and then I saw another one on my way out. Lots of fish too.
The kids and I had a play on the beach for a short while (sand castle building for Spunk and swim for Fizz) while Scott went for some lunch. We got back to the boat and surprise surprise I wasn’t sea sick on the way home- we ate (!) and sat out the back. Ophelia and Urijah both slept and they are oh so cute when they are asleep.
When we got home the weather was grey and cloudy and if we didn’t need to take photos of the pools and waterparks we certainly wouldn’t have hopped into them; but we did. So in essence we tried to do a photo shoot but we had unco-operative models whose day had already been long enough.
Scott and Urijah had a quick trip to the doctors and Urijah spent hours playing with his friends. Apparently around our caravan is camp headquarters. The other day we returned home and the toys had been moved, chalk drawn on our slab and the most tell tale sign some little people had played was bread crusts under the table!
POST CAIRNS
Wednesday 26th June Cairns to Undara
Finally we left Cairns. What was going to be an early leave ended up being almost 11am…not crash hot given we had a big days driving planned. On the upside though, Urijah had spent the morning with his friends having water fights. Down the Highway we have been on 4 times already through the beautiful Tablelands that surround Cairns- rolling green hills, cows, waterfalls….it really is picture perfect.
We stopped at Ravenshoe for lunch and had a scoot and mooch up the street. Delicious lunch in the belly we looked at the steam train that they are refurbishing and hope to have up and running by early July. You could camp here very cheaply too, but we had a date with Undara for tea. Urijah said the most beautiful thing to Ophelia when we hopped back into the car, ‘you are so special to me Ophelia, I love you so much.’ I can’t believe I have already forgotten but somewhere over the past couple of days, Ophelia took 4 steps in a row. She doesn’t try too much to walk so this was in isolation like the one step at Townsville. I’m pretty confident she will walk at some stage in life!
We arrived at Undara just before sunset and the luscious green paddocks have been replaced by red dirt and scrubland- beautiful! Quiet night and straight to bed for all 4 of us (we didn’t see the prime minister take over or match 2 of the state of origin where QLD evened the score).
Thursday 27th June Undara to Croydon
We got on our tour of the arches with our guide Ivor Davies at a sprightly 8am. Ivor was gifted with a dry sense of humour and kept us on our toes throughout the tour. As per usual, the amount Scott and I heard was limited by our very vocal little girl! She was having a wonderful time squealing and calling out in the caves. We just hope that everyone else got to hear all they wanted. The knowledge that all these tour leaders have is fantastic and there is definitely a part of my father in me, in that I become possessed with an infinite need to know these facts of the area.
I should explain first that we were at the Undara Lava Tubes at Undara Volcanic National Park. Here a farmer found these interesting ‘caves’ that were then identified as lava tubes. The tube that we went walking in was from 200,000 years ago and stretched 160 km’s. The lava was estimated to have moved through this tunnel for 25 years! Like the dinosaurs and aboriginal art work, you just can’t fathom how this can be possible. The area has lots of volcanos like much of the east coast of Australia. So inside imagine a massive long cave, some tree roots coming through and a home to tiny little bats (name I have forgotten but they are 2.5 gm – and they need to eat their weight in insects each day) Ivor spoke about the gold prospectors, flora and fauna- all fascinating but I won’t write about that here J suffice to say he was great and we were glad we did the tour.
Beside us were a grandmother and grandfather taking their grand daughter for a holiday- wow how nice for all concerned. They were also travelling in the Taj Mahal too!
Next detour before moving on was Kalkani Crater. The aerial picture looked great, and although it wasn’t quite like that when we got there, we were still very happy with the views and ourselves for deciding not to chicken out on the bigger walk in the heat. Urijah is a fantastic nature tracker and he found a lizard so well camouflaged that if I’d had a nature tracker badge I would have awarded him on the spot.
Of course I ended up talking to some oldies that had been on our morning tour. They wanted to congratulate us on taking the kids on walks and I wanted to congratulate them too! Had a good old yarn but had to excuse myself with two hot boys waiting at the chariot. I left these people with the realization (one I did know already but just to remind me) that I LOVE PEOPLE. People are fantastic. Whilst I absolutely love being on my own and having my space, interacting with and hearing about people’s lives and journeys fascinates me. We have met so many great people on this holiday, and of course we meet them every day at home too. Unfortunately when you’re at home you can become so caught up in your own life that you don’t take the time to hear about other people’s lives and their stories. One day I would love to do the good old family history and am mindful I can’t let it go too long or otherwise the people you really want to talk to will be gone. But, I love hearing about everyone else’s history too.
Ahhh so then we were off on the next travel leg. When Mia got our co-ordinates she informed us we had 8 plus hours to drive and given that was at 1pm I highly doubt that we’ll get that far today! But wherever we go, it MUST have reception, as while Scott can miss the State of Origin, he cannot miss Essendon try and exact revenge on West Coast tonight.
Change in author….
We pulled in to Croydon caravan park where we were met with a relaxed, jovial attitude that is now custom in the outback. First question; Do you have good reception. The answer came from a pointing finger over my shoulder, pointing at a monster communications tower. Little did we know but digital TV wasn’t due til 14th December. When asked what was on TV that was so urgent, we were nearly escorted from the premise. Turns out these Queenslanders get pretty passionate about their game come origin time. Our arrival coincided with the 5pm Beer and ******** hour. A well stoked campfire and BYO everything- inc. ********! We love the outback. The colours from ground to sky. The sounds. Relaxed, no worries attitude and not forgetting clean air and amazing sunshine.
Urijah hit the fire pit with a bag of marshmallows and a stick he had prepared earlier. Dad was cooking on the BBQ and keeping an eye on things when Urijah let out the quiet call. "DAD….Dad look!" Only metres from him was a small grey kangaroo. I told him to relax. His instincts kicked in as the roo was about 2 meters away. As the gap between life and death narrowed Urijah did what he knew best… EAT AS MANY MARSHMALLOWS AS HE COULD! The Roo wouldn’t stand a chance.
With ear plugs in and screams of both despair and joy muffled by a pillow, Scott watched every bounce of the ball on a scratchy TV but the Bombers won in a fight back. Well worth the extra Km’s we had driven in the hope of tv reception!
Friday 28th June Croydon to Normanton- Karumba
Next stop- Normanton
Woke up and had a bit more of a yarn with Max and Toby his Australian Terrier- very cute dog. Max fossicks for gemstones and he showed us and Urijah his pirate collection.
Met a grandfather travelling with his two French grand daughters- not too sure if we trust his story or not, but he is one lucky guy whichever way you look at it.
Had a brief look at Lake Belmore just out of Croydon before heading to Normanton.
Dusty, hot and historic. We took a pic of the largest caught croc in the world which of course was taken from these parts. I’m calling ******** on this one. The thing is so BIG that Hollywood would have thought it too unbelievable to use in a movie! Obviously the marine life here is plentiful to keep a monster that size happy at tea time.
After a cold pool swim and a quick bite to eat we headed off to Karumba. This place was jam packed with caravans. Three caravan parks overflowing for a town the size of Inverleigh. Crystal blue water was only tainted by the ACHTUNG signs. A local aboriginal man was net fishing on the shore line. In the few minutes we were there he had pulled at least 4 fish. The fishing was the reason for the caravan population explosion. No boat= bugger off! Oversized monster croc 1 me 0
Caught Urijah washing his cars in Dr Mercola Bug Spray to keep the mozzies away….marginally better than Fizz sucking on the lid (it is her favourite thing at present). The past few days has had Urijah create a robber catcher machine with some magnets of robot parts he was given from the lovely Fenian’s before we left. Well the stories are so funny I wish I could remember all of them but suffice to say, ‘all the robbers in Australia have been caught.’
I had to go and have another swim when we returned- too beautiful not to. Very refreshing in a 25m pool almost the size of Splashdown. Mmmm Mmmm. Bird life is phenomenal here, it reminds me of being in Africa. Spotted amazing Eagles (no photo documentation I keep failing trying to capture them), brolgas, the very technical term of green head and neck brolga looking birds, pelicans and obviously a whole lot of other ones too. Back to a fair few wild pig road kills.
One thing I have learnt is that contrary to what I had always thought, snakes like to move around at night! I had sort of thought snakes just liked the heat of the day- oops. Lucky we have the toilet in the van because there is no way I’m going outside now. I scared myself silly last night reading about the NT and the crocodiles, snakes and pythons that abound. Readers spotting them in the river we are about to go to to swim, falling from trees (the snakes not the crocs)…..ewww Kardinia Pool has a lot going for it. So when I went to bed last night I wanted to be an expert 4WDer with Bear Grilles no fear approach.
One thing I want to comment on just quickly is the amount of different travelling styles. It is fantastic to see so many different ways people can travel…tiny swags on the ground, tents on top of the roof of cars, tents, camper trailers, pop tops, caravans, 5th wheelers, motor homes- there is something for everyone. The people we are staying beside here have the motor home that tows the boat and the wife drives the car- I thought our petrol bill was crazy but imagine that.
Saturday 29th June Normanton to Adel’s Grove (Lawn Hill National Park)
Big big day of driving set for us. Not much in between where we are and where we want to go, so we’ll see how far we can travel.
Fantastic news for all concerned; the kids had a good day of travelling. We stopped at the Burke and Will’s Roadhouse which has it’s own dot on the map of Australia. Thought we would make the most of the food opportunity and kept driving while we ate.
Have seen some enormous eagles yesterday and today. Not sure of their names but they are awesome…makes me quite proud to be one of the family. I have not been able to take a photo but today a ute was overtaking us and clipped one so we stopped and were able to take a photo.
Past few days including today we have passed through a lot of termite mounds.
The term ‘highway’ is used fairly lightly around here. The road we travelled on was one car wide with nice red dust on either side that was for cars and road trains 3 trailers long to share both ways. When we got to Gregory Downs we then headed into Lawn Hill National Park, with corrugated gravel and dust roads. We were going 40km/hr. This road is shared with the mining trucks but they didn’t pose a problem as the road was wide enough. After what seemed an eternity (and was) we arrived at Adel’s Grove which is a camping ground just outside of the national park. It was great to be finally there.
Did a quick unpack and went for a swim in the river/creek which is absolutely crystal clear…oh and cold! The kids grab a tyre and float down the river. Urijah was a bit hesitant so Scott and he did a tandem- well let’s just say the tyre suffered a bit but lasted for a few goes.
Urijah and Ophelia are in their element; shuffling around in the red dirt creating my washing pile. Urijah soon had a cubby going on and Scott and I just relaxed and read.
Sunday 30th June YiaYia’s B’day and end of financial year- ho hum!
We started our day of nice and early as a big day of walking was planned. We got to the National Park and had a little bit of trouble locating where the walks started so when we found one, we thought ‘why not let’s do this instead.’ Don’t worry it was good! We started in rocky scrubland and then went over the rise and were met by picture postcard perfect (3P’s scattegories yeah!) views of the gorge and river. Mmmmm mmmmm. If you just shut out of your mind the list that the camping ground had given you of the lovely animals that inhabit the area, you would roll around the ground with delirium thinking you had discovered paradise. Actually, Scott has decided that this is where we will come if the world breaks out into war and we need to hide. Underground spring fed river so water never runs out, animals, shelter- we would be set.
We then headed along the river and up the hill to a lookout (yes sidetracked talking to people up the top) and back through the scrubland. We rock climbed up to another lookout and made YiaYia’s b’day call- wow what a view and how funny to be the only spot we could get range. Feeling like uni students, we had to get mum to ring us back on her b’day as we were down to $2 credit and I hadn’t been able to successfully recharge.
When we walk, Urijah is like a repetition machine asking us ‘how long until we get back to the camp site?’ ‘I just want to be back at the campsite.’ You get the drift. This walk was no different but when we got to the last lookout he declared that he wants to come back here everyday! Classic.
We were going to walk more today but conveniently we ran out of water so we ‘reluctantly’ headed back to the campsite. Urijah made a great fire with Scott and we toasted some marshmallows. Another boy came riding past so Urijah quickly went inside and put some clothes on and pretty soon the two were riding around, playing chasey, being entertained in our car and caravan. Great to be alive.
Monday 1st July- Lawn Hill
Got up early again this morning and headed back for more. This time we embarked on the eastern walks which included climbing up a stack and walking the rim; looking at cascades and an aboriginal art work site. It is amazing to see the landscape and imagine being an explorer thinking boy no water here, and then,,,ahhh well what have we here. Palms, pandanas, red rock and blue green water. Of course we met more people on this walk too. It has been great to get the solar panels out and use the generator for the first time; both so easy to use.
Tuesday 2nd July Adel’s Grove to Roadside stop near Three Way
Our biggest drive to date. Scott declared how awesome he felt and minutes later after a pie, he was almost falling asleep; but he rallied around and we drove for around 9 hours- mammoth effort all round. There was karaoke, some very bad dance moves and fun and games; the kids were fantastic today. On the road today we saw several oversize vehicles, all army. 4 tanks and what looked like petrol or gas tanks. They were enormous.
First up we had to get out of Adel’s Grove. After talking to several people, we headed out South via Riversleigh Fossil Site (World Heritage listed fossil site). The road had 4 river crossings that were pretty cool (no photos so our imagination can run free) and on the whole was ‘better’ than the road in from Gregory Downs. Unfortunately for us, the gravel and dirt road didn’t stop there. 160 km’s later we finally hit the bitumen- ahhh there was no better sound than the hum of the tyres.
Funnily enough we had been looking at water leaking out on the road from a caravan in front of us….mmmm yes, the same misfortune had hit us- we had snapped off one water tank tap and another bit of plumbing so we too had been doing the same. That and an inch of dust inside and outside the van on every surface were our ‘injuries’ from Lawn Hill.
Pulled into Camoweal and got petrol of a local born and bred man with interesting heritage. Gave the billabong or mud pile in this season a miss and continued on. We eventually pulled into a rest stop close to Three Ways.
All day Scott and I had been seeing signs listing SH and how far it was away. Well there was no SH town on my maps, no feature, no lake. I had no clue what SH was. The only thing SH conjured up in our brains was toilet humour, and with the passing of the km’s the sillier our humour got. Well eventually I worked out that it actually stood for Stuart Highway, oh well we now know but I think SH will forever be ingrained for Scott and I as meaning something entirely different.
NT roads so far have had less road kill than QLD. We got to see more fantastic eagles today. More road works. More cattle on the road.
Wednesday 3rd July Rest Stop to …..
Yes another drive day. Today we were joined on the road by an old man having his car towed by 2 camels, our first camel sighting.
Brief stop at Tennant Creek for fuel, Devil’s Marbles for a nappy change and a chat to another Opal van owner. They told us that the Alice Springs show is about to start and then the Camel Race is on, well maybe our plans to go to Alice may change. We will work it out when we know more.
We got into Alice and luck was on our side; not only did we get the last van spot but we got the van booked in for a service tomorrow. We had a school group from Bendigo beside us but that was no issue as finally Scott and I got to watch our first stage of the 100th Tour de France. And boy, it was fantastic, sprint stage with my non sexual man crush Mark Cavendish winning his 24th stage win- brilliant. As much as I thought I would do an all nighter with the blog, the inch thick dust in all the cupboards and on the walls called for my attention more strongly.
Thursday 4th July Penni’s B’day
Got the van to Joe and knew we were in good hands. Immediately they started showing us things and teaching us more things- like anything you can never know enough. Then we left it in their capable hands and went and washed the car- wow that was $8 well spent as Scott and I buzzed around removing layer upon layer of red dirt. After this we had promised Urijah he could have McDonald’s (we haven’t seen one in a long time) so we took that up to Anzac Hill and checked out the view and made ourselves feel sick. We had one very happy boy though, he only wished he could share it with Maia’s red car and Maia (his McDonald’s buddy). Mind you he does remember Nana buying McDonalds on our last day too!
After this we just fluffed around with a little boring shopping and waiting for Joe to ring us. Got the green light mid afternoon and after phoning the caravan parks and finding out that they were booked minus overflow sites, we decided to make the plunge to Uluru. So off we trot just as far as we feel comfortable and we will free camp beside the road tonight.
Pulled in after 100km’s roughly and Urijah was out that door in a shot- playing soccer and just having fun playing in the dirt. Quick taco dinner and bed down for the night. It was absolutely freezing and nothing you could do about it; we can’t run any heaters without putting the generator on and not sure the 10 or so others camping with us would appreciate that!
Ophelia had a pretty rough night and in the end I had both kids up and reading very very early.
Friday 5th July Uluru
After being impressed by Mt Connor through the window, finally Uluru came into view and Scott was in awe. Both of us couldn’t stop looking at it, okay for me but the driver could prove a little dangerous! Pulled into camp and got the only site for us in an unpowered site and the van is sticking out metres beyond the Sweedish back packer’s little tent beside us!
Early evening we headed to the rock to secure our spot for sunset. It was beautiful of course and you don’t want to move from being there. Scott kept saying to me, ‘are you done yet?’ We are a bit km weary today. I’ve got a cold sore and I think Scott is sick of hearing me complaining about it, but after all if you can’t complain to your husband who else have you got? I tried to explain how painful they are but the cold sore virgin wasn’t too sympathetic.
Scott and I got to watch the tour de France tonight; unbelievably only our 2nd night of watching. And we are freezing!!!!
Saturday 6th July
We got up early and I did a solo relay of hot toast back to the van as we were in an unpowered site. Hot choc, raisin toast and honey on crumpets in the belly, we headed off to see sunrise at Uluru. Well we certainly weren’t on our own- swarms of people were up as well. We entertained a fair few people that had come out in their snow gear and ugg boots because in stark comparison our children had no shoes and I was in thongs. One lady told us that Ophelia had made her morning (squealing and pointing at everyone).
After that we went back to camp and got organized to walk the Olgas (now called Kuta Tjuta). Once again there were lots of people on the start of the walk; it felt like Bourke Street.
We did the big loop and it was fantastic. Our 4year old nature tracker did do some walking/running and was going extremely well until I kicked him going down hill and he went for a rather large tumble. Of course it wasn’t deliberate! The last half of this walk was hot hot hot. Whilst the pamphlets do warn you it isn’t what you are expecting from a 15 degree day. By the time we got back to the car, poor Scott was stuffed. We met some people when we returned to the car and they wanted to know if you could climb the mountains and I must have had to tell them 5 times no (there are signs everywhere saying the same). But by far the best question was that they wondered how the rocks came to be here, ‘did they fall from outer space?’ Scott and I think that that was a pretty good quote to remember.
The next walk to Walpa Gorge I did on my own while the troops rallied around ‘Raggs the Dog’- the best $5 entertainment we have bought and munched up the front end on Darrel Lea Orange Balls with the back sold on celery and peanut butter. . Walpa Gorge was a great end to the day. Much quieter and half the walk was in the shade of the Gorge. I had a lovely time.
We did a quick look at some of the lookouts as we had decided that we wouldn’t stay to sunset. I have been surprised at all the flowers that are out. I went up to the sunset viewing area boardwalk on my own and was just enjoying the silence and view and all of a sudden I spotted 2 camels in the bush. I was very excited, whilst I know they are not good for the outback, it was the one animal we still hadn’t seen in the wild. Tick that one off the list. I watched them with another family and came back to the car with a little bit of a big head.
I had a shower tonight and we have been bumping into a Melbourne school group and while waiting for an available shower and then showering in the left over ‘warm’ water it was so funny to listen to the girls chat. They were checking each other’s phones, sending messages to each other’s boyfriends, getting their friends to write the break up messages to their boyfriends- oh those poor boys with no idea they weren’t even talking to their girlfriends. Maybe you had to be there, but it was good for a bit of entertainment.
Footy, spaghetti bol and crusty buttered bread (so deserve those carbs) and Tour de France- what a fantastic day (except for poor Cadel)
Sunday 7th July Yulara to Kings Canyon
Packing up today we thought we had another flat tyre on the van, but it seems to be holding up okay at this stage. We are heading to King’s Canyon today (Watarrka) but not sure where we will actually stay as bookings are at a bit of a premium at the moment (school holidays)
I have to say that for the past few days our car has been transferred into Urijah’s cubby house. We have cords everywhere and it keeps him busy for hours. Just now he has taken off his top because Bobcat told him that that was how he should warm up (t-shirt on lap). He was killing himself laughing and he was so cute about it. This has been replaced by moody Urijah who kicks and grunts because part of the cubby has fallen down and he’ll ‘never be able to fix it’ and ‘you’ll never be able to do it either mum, it’s no use.’ This is also quite funny, but laughing must be done without one seeing.
We met a couple from Tassie riding from Alice Springs at our lunch rest stop today and finally Scott could fire some questions at these ‘crazy’ cyclists. After we said goodbye and hopped in the car Scott asked me if that was something that might interest me….mmmmmm NO! Well maybe if he caught me on a great day and gave me flowers!
Stopped at the 2nd camping ground and found my friends from the night before (Emily and CJ from Sydney). Was good to have a chat about the walks we are about to do.
Quickly unpacked and went back down the road to Kings Canyon to do a short walk up the creek. Urijah and I were racing cars and he ran with me chasing almost the whole way there and back. On the way back, he was a car made of bullets and I got to join him, until it broke out into a eucalyptus stick gun war. I’m not too sure how I get into these things. The walk was really nice too. Home and tea, showers, and washing from the past few days- lots and lots of red dusty shorts and pants from Spunk and grease covered girls t-shirts….Fizz has discovered the tow bar…and loves it.
Oh and how can I forget, I got to watch a very scratchy tv for The Block- my day was complete. Sent Scott over to fall asleep with the washing while the dryer finished. The three of us were well and truly asleep when he returned.
Monday 8th July Kings Canyon to roadside stop
Not as early start as we had planned, but these things happen. Saw a big flock of black cockatoos when we arrived which was great to see. It was so windy and cold when we got up to the start of the Kings Canyon Rim walk, maybe even blowing a gale and this didn’t stop the whole time! Anyway this was our day so up we trotted. Beautiful scenery and the walk was beautiful too, we just had one cold complaining boy for most of it, until all of a sudden he started laughing and giggling telling us all about his super powers moving doonas and cars. Ophelia got a complimentary blow wave and both kids had everyone giving us compliments the whole walk. We actually did the walk in good time so when we got back to the campsite Scott grabbed a shower and we had some lunch before we packed up and headed back down the road to Alice Springs.
And we have ticked off Wild Brumbies!!!!!
It sounds so magical and powerful - wild brumbies, and I’ve always imagined them as buff stallions but really the group of horses we saw were shaggy and dirty! Now the only other thing I haven’t seen is the wild boar. Oh and a dingo, and a koala….
We are pretty sure that Fizz is saying Nana, YiaYia, Dad, Mum, Urijah/Arrah- we are working on Reggie Boy and Pa now. Her favourite word is ‘look.’ Always pointing and she has this way of craning her head over (normally looking for Urijah) with the ‘ooh ooh.’ She is very humourous our Ophelia. She will crack up laughing and just roll around laughing, lifting herself up and then throwing herself down in fits of giggles. If she is sitting, she will lean forward and hang her head with a smirk and put her hands up to her head and just laugh- so funny. She is walking more and more now- still quite hesitant but getting more confident. She can follow a line for several metres now.
Now the conversations that Urijah has are brilliant (as anyone who has had one can appreciate). The robber catching machine is still going strong (thanks Steph for the robot magnets). At the moment, talk is firmly anchored on Xmas. Urijah wants to invite all his friends over to watch him unwrap his presents. This has all taken a lot of explaining to try and make sense of why Zari and Maia might not want to come over or be allowed to come over on xmas day (and all his other friends). He has been drawing maps of Australia, is ‘down’ with the caravan lingo, asks us if where we are stopping has ‘reception?’ Today I mistook that for meaning a counter when he was actually referring to whether or not he could watch his favourite shows!
Headed off and drove a few hours, eventually pulling into a rest stop to sleep. It rained half of today, all night and all the next day.
Tuesday 9th July Rest stop to Alice Springs
Got up and avoided going through too much soggy wet red dust and headed into Alice. We are parked on a road in a caravan park as there are no free spaces. Not to be deterred by the rain we headed off to the East McDonnell Ranges to check out aboriginal artwork at Jessie and Emily’s Gaps. Scott and the kids stayed in the car while I decided to become a drowned rat but it was worth it- both beautiful spots. When we got to Corroboree Rock (never used for Corroboree’s so unsure of how it got it’s name) we both took it in turns to walk around. We gave the next two spots a miss- both needing 4WD’s and given all these sites are known for flash floods we didn’t think driving in on raining days was a great idea. We were already crossing and avoiding enough water in our travels.
Found out my gorgeous cousin had her first baby on Sunday, miss Scout. Very very exciting.
Tour de France tonight.
Wednesday 10th July Alice Springs
Today was the day to explore the West McDonnell Ranges and it took the whole day and we didn’t see all of the spots and certainly didn’t do all of the walks, but we loved what we saw.
We went to Simpson’s Gap to spot rare black footed rock wallabies (unsuccessful but got to see later), Serpentine Gorge (Urijah and I racing until untimely accident from junior, Scott went up to a lookout, man caught a fish with his bare hands for Urijah), Ellery Creek Big Hole (would be awesome to swim in in hot weather but not today, left kids in car with Scott), Ochre Pits (amazing mine for aboriginal ochre- Scott and Skye tag team approach), Ormiston Gorge (got to see a rock wallaby- Ophelia and I in love- Urijah wanted to build sand castles, amazing rocks, Scott did another lookout walk while Ophelia got hypothermia ‘swimming’), Glen Helen Gorge (ice creams for us, walk for Scott)…
BUT by far the most exciting thing for us occurred on the way home whilst I was reading Musashi to Scott (Scott has been trying to read this book for 2 ½ years so just recently I am now reading it to him while he drives- and I am hooked. Hopefully he can finish it sooner and move onto one of the other 20 books we have packed for our journey!) Let’s get back to the ‘event.’ Driving along and all of a sudden the road is blocked by 5 police cars, police truck and 10 policeman walking all over the road with massive guns and army packs on. Wow what do we have here? Scott asked the policeman who finally came up to our window but he didn’t really answer us, just said ‘a typical day in Alice.’ So after he did a brief check we weren’t harbouring a fugitive we were allowed to drive on. Scott’s saying to me ‘take photos but don’t let them see!’
We headed for another spot but given it was 5.30 and they said their gates close at 5 we decided we would play it safe and return tomorrow. We were all exhausted by this stage and came home and went to bed. I watched some Tour de France and fell asleep right before the end. We have extended our Alice Springs stay by a day as the kids are well and truly over being in the car all day and need some cubby building, crawling, walking time. Good chance for me to hopefully get this blog up too and do some of the boring housey stuff.
Thursday 11th July
We went out and explored Standley Chasm today and Urijah had his legs with him today. We were racing cars on the way there and hide and seek buddies on the way home. It was pretty and we are glad we went.
Rest of the day I have tried to edit photos and do this blog but as usual it seems the universe does not want me to get it online as even though I have internet connection it will not let me connect. I have Skype and everything is green, but I just can’t get online! Very very frustrating. This has happened several times and of course, come tomorrow (like other times) I will then not be in range. Oh well I can’t do much about it. Read this over and over and over and that has been the past month in a nut shell.
We have done a few more bits of NT but due to news today we are cutting short our NT part of the trip and heading West straight away- we cannot not do Western Australia- the main reason for the trip and the end of 18 years of Scott and I wanting to go. So across we go and NT we will be back for you later. We do love you very much.
Big hi's to all back home. Hope you are all well. xxx