Dr Bob's update from Karumba

Sunday 22nd

Much to our surprise the sun came up again today and not a cloud in the sky.

Last night it was prawns on the barbie just like Crocodile Dundee--Robbie was very smart and didn't do them in the caravan or at least he was lucky he didn't.

This morning saw the remaing men on this trip arise at 6 am and onto the charter boat  by 7 am. As usual the fishing was good yesterday and as we were to learn even better tomorrow.

 We learnt a lot about Karumba  from Robert our skipper and watched a "barge" take a load of lead and zinc out through the channel to the big ship 18 kms away where it is loaded, 5000tons at a time. There is a smelter nearby which gets the ore via a slury through a 300 km pipe!! Unfortunately the mine is closing next year and 90 locals will be out of a job.

We went to a mud / sand bank and fished for Bream!!!!- long way to come to do what we do at home. Ian caught 3 in a few minutes whilst it took Barry and I a little while to get in the swing of things. Spent most of the time feeding the little critters but managed 10 keepers between 5 of us. Two more spots and not much else.

Home, clean fish, shower and little snooze before heading out on a sunset cruise --- prawns, wine and fruit platter.

Monday 23rd

Last night it was prawns, prawns, wine and Allison the hostess. The later was very informative as we toured along the Normaton River, seeing various birds, birds nests with heads popping out of the top and a number of shipwrecks. Then it was out into the Gulf to see the sunset ---same old same, need a bush fire to make it impressive. All in all a very pleasant evening and due to all the prawns it was a 

hot drink, Sandy's chocolate and bed.

Today was a lazy day with laundry duty, afternoon Vanilla milkshakes, pack up some gear and cook yesterdays fish-- "I'll do the potatoes, well I was going to do chips, well I'll do some salad and I have got carrots and some lettuce".

A trip to the supermarket this morning was an interesting experience as the truck laden with fresh produce had arrived and everyman and his dog was there -- 50 metre queque  at the check-out and no parking spaces in the street.

So this is Dr Bob signing off from Karumba.