Dr Bob - signs off from his assignment

Thursday

Lakeland Caravan Park

As we settled into this park we received an email called 'camping Stray style'. The first noticeable issue being that they had not lit the pile of sticks they had in front of their nice shiny Mercedes van. 

(With limited sticks to light a fire we had to wait for the right moment to get maximum benefit. At 5.3C all minutes count. As it as we were still in bed at 7:00pm! The Stray camping people).

We had a quick and uneventful trip from Coen: it was amazing the difference in 'coming from' rather than 'going to' the tip, probably because of the 'anxiety' of not knowing what was around the next corner and waiting for all the terrible things we had been  told.

Barry's new tow-ball worked well much to Sandra's relief.

Tomorrow we are all heading to Cooktown for two nights then there will be the parting of ways for all of us so this is the final report to the Blog.

Final impressions of this trip:

Ian - great and worth doing. Thought there would be more warm water without crocs sharing it with me. Expected camping to be rough so was pleased with the occassional lawn.

Barry - expected roads to be worse. Disappointed in fishing as need own tinny and also the lack of free camping as we were led to believe there was more. On the whole thoroughly enjoyable.  It was great to get to the top. If there was a 'boy's' trip' doing the Telegraph track I would do it. 

Ruth - thought it would be more rugged with worse roads and more places to visit. Thinks of it is a 'blokes' place  but glad I went.

Maureen - I thought all roads would be bad. I loved it.

Lorraine - I have enjoyed it and it is something I have always wanted to do. It was an achievement and we survived (or at least the VW did). I thank God we are all at Lakeland safe and sound.

Sandra - roads better. Disappointed we couldn't take advantage of the beautiful beaches. Missed the campfires. That's it!!

Robin - It was a great trip, but for various reasons I think we missed out on doing a lot of things as far as exploring Cape York is concerned. I expected the roads to be far worse so that was a pleasant experience. It was great to have travelled from the bottom of Aus to the top without breaking anything and having a van that held together; discounting a wine glass and a mug everything else in the little bubble on wheels survived.

Jenny's final remarks: thank you to all the gang for your contributions to this blog, especially Dr and Mrs Bob and Sandra's photography. I only wish we could have been there to enjoy the moments and memories, but circumstances have prevailed against this happening - this time.

Until our next adventure - signing off from the Stray Tag A Long tales.

Dr Bob's penultimate blog

Wednesday

Tuesday disappeared quietly as we went about packing up and getting ready for the big trip home today. Last chance to do the washing, check all the bits and pieces on and under the cars and vans. The other issue was that we had a brochure informing us we had to give up all fruit and vegies at the quarrantine check just after Arthur River Roadhouse. Guess who spent an hour or two cooking fish (vegie) burgers to get rid of most the vegies. Ironically when we got to the check point it was closed!!!!

The same issue with alcohol, as we were expecting to be confronted by the police and 'searched', but nothing happened although the purchase of alcohol was restricted.

The crayfish man walked by while we were cooking tea but we resisted the temptation.

Remarkably the drive to Jardine River was a breeze and over very quickly. We got to Coen and camped behind the pub again, after a non stressfull drive - ie. except for Sandra who held on to the 'Jesus bar' with grim determination. 

When Barry drove onto the ferry going north his tow-ball stem became slightly bent, which became even more so today on the way south. I inadvisedly talked about it breaking and we should check all the old wrecks for a new one on the way south. Not a good idea - talking about it I mean, not the looking. Unfortunately there weren't any so it had to hang on all the way to Coen. Barry and I did a quick trip to the tip and removed a near brand-new one from a wreck, which hopefully the local mechanic will be able to angle grind the bent one off tomorrow.

The Dudley trio have given in as they can sense the caravan just around the corner and booked into one of the pub's dongas for  tonight. I have to admit for a group of  'old  grey nomads', they have done a remarkable job crawling in and out of tents.

However, while the remaining campers were having their tea, Lorraine turned up, having visited the toilet in the pub, with an Ansell gift for each of us - and she a good catholic girl!

Tomorrow we head towards Laura where the bitumen starts and we may part company with  'those  that don't camp' as the lure of the van will be too strong for Lorraine. The remaining campers may  stop in a bush camp at Laura and explore some aboriginal art if the track in is ok.

Tomorrow is another day and may well be the last for the blog.

We will wait and see!

Meanwhile Jenny and Paul are camping at this moment in Maldon (free camp with fire and all), but it is only 5C and snow is not far away!

Dr Bob reporting with Mrs Dr Bob taking up the slack!

Monday

After the derogatory comments made by Paul about our exploits and culinary delights I am not sure that we should let you into our secret adventures in the far north of this country. However I will relent.

Barry and I went on a fishing charter today. We keep saying we shouldn't do these, as a result of past experience and after this one we are now definite. 

There was another person on the boat as well as the charter guide, who was a friend of the latter and getting a free ride. The end result was no fish trawling to the reef. I caught a large fish which turned out to be a 'mother-in-law' fish and as I didn't have one it had to go back - brought back memories of Kalumbaru - whilst Barry caught a blue nose, as did Pete, the captain's friend.  Barry was allowed to wind in a Couta, caught whilst trawling on the way home. Yes, very expensive fish, but we ended up with all the fish so had enough to feed everyone with fish and chips.

Meanwhile the others went on a tour of Thursday Is. and I will let Mrs Doc tell you about their exploits.

Mrs Doc:

Further to the above:  Duly at 8.15am, Duds and his harem of four boarded a 'small' boat and headed north for a visit to Thursday Is. This was a very pleasant 90 mins with a first stop at Horn Is. After a visit to the very interesting WW2 museum and a rather nice coffee stop we boarded our vessel and set off across the bay to Thursday Is. Here again we visited various historical 'spots' including a taxied adventure to view the three great canons that were placed on top of the highest point to protect the island from Japanese attack during WW2. Actually, only one canon had been fired prior to the advent of any Japanese war vessel appearing. Apparently a Russian vessel on approach refused to identify itself so the Island defence force set off a blast across their bows which caused the Russians to  immediately identify themselves. 

Sandy and Ruth both expressed some disappointment that there were not more Island craft-ware on sale on either the water front or in the shops on either side of the main drag. We later spoke with the tour boat  owner who said the Islanders weren't really interested in visitors, they just carried on their own lives at their own pace. Managed to spend 'some' money to boost their economy though. Maureen modelled her new outfit at the fish dinner that evening. 

Now to the trip home. We had been informed on setting out that morning that the weather was going to deteriorate and sure enough.......! Once we were clear of the Island wind slammed into us and we surely felt every Bump! Both Maureen and Ruth were eternally grateful for some Travacam pills Doc had supplied and I do believe some of the others took precautions also. All in all it was a great adventure and as viewing the tip-top of Australia was special, so was a visit to Thursday Is. There are some 167 islands to make up this particular island community and it was daunting to know that we 

were just 100k's shy of New Guinea, just 18 of them being inhabited in some way or other.  The Torres Strait peoples themselves appear to be an industrious lot, the biggest difference between TS islanders and our own mainland aboriginals is that the mainlanders are nomadic. The rest I gather stems from there. Our taxi driver made much of us all being one nation. Mmm!

Today is a rest day and get ready for the big trek south. There is the usual panic of what to do with all the veggies and fruit before we hit the quarantine stop at Coen. Lots of veggie and fish patties in the fridge. 

Some rain today, but not enough to cool us down, just to make it more muggy. This has been a good camping spot, we have checked out just about all there is to see  here at the top, and won't have to come again. 

The tent folk have survived well, the battery problem is under control, and we have made the primitive camp kitchen our own. Cheers from Umagico. 

PS: I suspect Sandra enjoyed the Torres Strait island trip because she got to cuddle a fellow 

passengers'  8 month old baby who took a reciprocal  shine to his 'boat' granny. 

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Dr Bob - Sunday a day of rest

Duds has found he doesn't have enough power for his fridge so was relieved when two couples who had been using the power points in the camp kitchen moved on today, allowing him to move in, as per photos.

Moving camp.

A couple with a Jayco van found on arrival that their microwave had fallen out and something else had come loose so they were waiting an extra week to put the van on the ship back to Cairns at $550.

Loads of washing were done then after lunch a trip to Loyalty Beach and a visit to a few plane wreck sites from WW2.
The bush in this area was literally covered in 44 gallon drum fuel dumps. The DC3 crashed killing everyone on board, so this site is a memorial to them and is a bit emotional whilst the Beaufighter appears to have crashed without any loss of life. The bush here is virtually impenetrable, so I can only just imagine what it would be like trying to find anyone who parachuted out of the plane. Following this trek is was back to camp as it was time to put the roast on for tonight's dinner. I really hate this roughing it!!!! 
At $2.30 for local fuel I found a good reason to empty the jerry-can but still spent a fortune filling the rest of the tanks all the same.
Later in the day I went for a walk along the beach and met a lovely lady and her daughter. If you think we are wimps for not doing the Old Telegraph Track read carefully.
This family got almost to the end of the track but when crossing a river one of the front tires came off the rim, making it a bit uncontrollable, resulting in them falling into a very deep hole which flooded the whole car. After many attempts to pull them out, they eventually made it to dry land, but of course the engine was kaput!!!! and the whole car a write-off.
A Hilux decided not to do the crossing, as you would if you had just seen the previous mishap occur, so they turned around, only to roll-over in another river crossing on the way back and float down the river.

Dr Bob reporting from - the "Tip" of Australia

Saturday

Today we headed to the "tip". Yes, it was another glorious day without a cloud in the sky it was so very hard to get out of bed and get going.
After a slight 'wrong road' we found the right route to the tip. The initial part was horrible (bit like Gibb River) then it turned into a single lane tunnel of rain forest. I expected the Queensland equivalent of Robin Hood to leap out at any time! We also now know why VW Toureg cars run in the Dakar Rally!!!! it passed through a deep river crossing without drawing a breath (or water to our relief).
Just to interrupt this missive, we are sitting down this evening eating 7 cray fish - total cost $40 !!!! - yummy, mummy.

They made it! Congratulations to all especially the WV Tourag! But where is Ruth?

Back to the story of the 'Tip'. Having arrived at the car park,  it was a 500m walk across rocks and up and down hills to a spot called the 'Tip', where there was a large group of persons hanging around the famous sign,  all vying to have their photo taken. (At this stage Duds went 'arse over tit' and nearly slid into the water and floated off to New Guinea. Sandra had to remove her left breast from my right ear so I could actually be seen in THE photo), otherwise it was just a 6000km trip to get your photo taken event.
Sorry, more cray fish!! - 8

Then it was back over the rocks and another drive to Sommerset Beach for lunch. What a lovely spot, but pity swimming was fraught with being eaten by a crocodile. Then it was a nerve shattering drive back to the bitumen and home. 

Seisia was a disappointment, in that there wasn't much to see other than a caravan park, service station, big jetty and a large parking area at the boat ramp,  plus a bit more. Most indigenous people  here are of a Torres Strait Is origin, exceptionally friendly and all smiles. The kids frolicking along  the beach and water edges were gorgeous and looked so happy.
The only issue with this place is that between Bamaga and Seisia, the road-sides are littered with rubbish, which gets mowed every time the road-sides are cleared: very disappointing and a  blight on the community.
The only thing wrong with the cray fish is that the girls think we have had tea!!!!  This was made worse by Sandra who didn't like, or eat much of the cray fish, saying she doesn't want any tea. Jen, why aren't you here, as even chicken schnitzel would be ok. (Believe me I would be if I was allowed!)
A few people we met on the way up told us there were plenty of free camping spots to be found along the way up here. In reality you can't free camp in the National Parks as you can only camp in designated sites and these need to be booked before you get there, via the internet. This means new comers who have no idea how long it takes to get anywhere or what is at the sites are not going to use them as much. 

Along the road (gravel and extremely dusty) are many gravel pits etc, that could be used but you would be covered in red dust in no time. Another interesting story is that of a group of 7 couples camped in a gravel pit, off the road near Archer River Roadhouse, who were accosted by a car full of drunk aboriginals and told they couldn't camp there as it was their land. Got a bit nasty for a while.
Before tea, Barry and I did 'what you do' when you come here - we went and fished off the famous Seisia wharf but not knowing what we were doing, it proved to be unproductive. We do have a charter booked for Monday, whilst the girls and Ian do a tour of Thursday Is., so hope to do a little better then.

Dr Bob reporting from 'Near the Pointy End' - Jardine River Ferry Camping Area

Thursday

Last night Cowen was peaceful until Queensland scored the first try, at which stage the pub erupted.
The it was an early start towards the Jardine River, stopping at Archer River Roadhouse for morning tea, then the Morton Telegraph Roadhouse for lunch, arriving at the Jardine about 4.00pm.

Jardine River crossing

We were warned that the road was very rough but for us it was a very pleasant experience, with some rough corrugations on the outside corners (nothing like the Gibb River Road) but in general very "smooth" and only the occassional small areas of bull dust. HOWEVER the DUST was another issue! An oncoming car caused the road to disappear, so you can imagine what  it was like when a road train passed you. Much to our surprise many land cruiser 'tray things', with most towing camper trailers, coming towards us were driving close behind each other, hidden in the dust--what their air filters were like I would hate to think. (Yes Paul, both Barry and I have just cleaned our filters and yes half a shovel each).
The camp ground here 'sucks' according to some of our members, especially when they  found the showers were cold only and the ice-cream cabinet was empty !!!
At 6.30pm we are sitting in front of a fire, sipping wine, and reminiscing about the day's drive whilst waiting for tea to cook and enjoying the balmy weather.
The night was interrupted by a loud siren which resulted in a little black boy 'flying' down to the ferry on his quad-bike, starting up the ferry so he could bring the ambulance over to the south side. The ambulance was on its way to a bingle down the road; then a while later the same sequence but sort of in reverse as he had to take the ambulance back to the north side.

Life is a beach really! Umagico Beach actually in the Cape York area. Such a shame to see the weather is so bleak!!!! The campers sure are doing it tough.

Dr Bob reporting from on the road to the Cape

Not sure what happened to yesterday but we ended up at Lakeland caravan park which was being looked  after by Kath and Trevor, the parents of Danny who was at Townsville for the V8s..Eat your heart out Paul! 

We did meet a few people who were on their way back from Cape York, so got lots of info even if it was confusing with regards the taking of alcohol up there.

Tonight we are at Cowen, in the camping park behind the pub-$5 per person with showers and toilets.

The road today was half bitumen (to Laura) then was a mixture of very good gravel road, road works, and some stretches of corrugations- really an easy day.

However, I left the green plastic cutting board in the camp kitchen at Lakeland, so consequently Ruth is fed up and ready to go home !! ---a bit difficult from here.

Tonight was also the inaugrual' tent raising event', which went with out a hitch, despite a few tense words.

Tomorrow we will head for the Jardine River Caravan Park on the south side of the Jardine River.

Dr Bob' last day in Kuranda

This was a really lost day with not much of any significance happening. 

Well that is not quite true, as Maureen was successfully picked up from the airport and also we had a wonderful spit roast dinner followed by plum pudding and custard.

Apart from this it was a matter of going shopping and packing up.

Tomorrow is another day as we will be heading north at last.

Dr Bob - Sunday: second last day in Kuranda

Check the oil, water etc.  Look underneath for anything loose - both car and van. Change fuel filter. Car wouldn't start. Prime fuel filter. Car would start. Fill water tanks. Make shopping list for tomorrow. Do the washing. Drive to Wilsons Lookout. Light the fire. Have tea . Go to bed.

Well actually there was a little more to the day.

Firstly, Duds and Lorraine were up early, had everything out of the car and repacked ready for the Cape before we could get our table set up. Not a swear word was heard, although Ian did say later that didn't mean there weren't any. Things  unravelled slightly when Lorraine tried to get the shower and toilet from the ensuite on to the roof rack. Apparently the whole episode was a breeze, and room was even found for Maureen.

Another little incident occurred whilst we were sitting outside a coffee shop, having coffee of course, when a tribe of Japanese students went past, ushered on by a very serious overseer or teacher,  into Foodworks a few shops down the road. A few minutes later a lost looking female Japanese student was passing the same way, and I thought I would be a good Aussie, so pointed to Foodworks and said "they have all gone in there". She gave me a big smile, along with a bewildered look, nodded her head and said something in Japanese, walked a few steps down the road which she then crossed and walked back the way she had come. Poor girl must have thought I was a bit weird!

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Dr Bob from Kuranda -again

Short note today: We all went to Port Douglas for the day. On the way we stopped at Thala Resort and the Osprey Restaurant for coffee -WOW what a place !!!!
They also had a large  number  of coconuts lying on the lawns for all the tourists to pick up and take home (it probably saves the staff the job). Quite a sight seeing all these grey nomads flitting around the coconut groves pinching coconuts, then it was on to the foreshore and the deck of the Tin Shed, overlooking the bay and mangrove lined shore line. 
We had salt and pepper squid with chips, prawn salad and mussels in a herb and tomato broth - some had a Strawberry blonde cocktail, another a white wine and others beer. We have circumstantial evidence that some of our close friends, whilst traversing the roads of Victoria, had McDonalds and coke, for their lunch -- (poor buggers). 
The women then had a little stroll along the shops, stopping at the "nothing more than $22" shop and trying on everything in the shop--half a dozen blokes standing around outside trying not to look bored.
After a couple of little stops on the way home it was back to camp to light the fire and open the coconuts.
Tomorrow is a special day as the Bills and Widdowson's are going to set up a table with wine and nibbles and the video camera and watch closely whilst the Dudley's try and get enough camping gear, food, water, clothes, bedding and alcohol to last them 3-4weeks, plus three people into their car,  as a practice run for next Tuesday!

A couple of old grey nomads sucking on coconuts!

Barron Falls

Camping spot at Kuranda

Dr Bob reporting yet again from rainy North Queensland

Yes it poured all night and there was a slight and intermittent drizzle up here in the mountain during the day, however we all went to Cairns - our separate ways.

Rob and Ruth: found our way to the CBA and picked up my debit card which we had organised from Mt Isa to be sent over-- the other one was rejected whilst paying for the diesel at Mt Isa (out of date).

Then it was down to the Esplanade and find the Information  Centre to get some info on Cape York but didn't get any more than we already had. However they pointed us in the right direction to find the Regional Art Centre, which was a little disappointing and the items in their shop very expensive.

Then across to the Pier Centre, what a big shock it turned out to be. When we were here about 12 years ago it was a new vibrant centre full of people and upmarket shops but now was dark with an absence of people and only a few uninteresting shops, although there were restaurants along the board walk.

Sushi for lunch then back to the car where the navigator fell asleep (had a very sleepless last night) so it was back up the mountain.

 I thought I would follow the signs to Barron River Falls lookout as we came into Kurandra, and whilst the navigator slept, I took the board walk to the lookout only to find out it was the same lookout we stopped at yesterday on the train!!!!

Barry and Sandra: straight to the Telstra shop were the errant iPad was resurrected by reloading Gmail and the last 15 emails suddenly appeared. Then a visit to Cairns Central shopping centre, a visit to Rays Outdoors for a gas fitting, fish and chips at the pub, then a drive down to Yorkies Knob to see if it had changed since they were last there as part of an ocean cruise. Baz and Sandy went to the same lookout as I did but managed to get a photo of a train coming into the siding.

Ian and Lorraine: at the time of writing no sign of them. Police will be called if they haven't returned after the pubs close. Whoops !!!!!! they have just driven in.

They went to the casino for lunch: 3 - lamb chops for $14.50 and a rib eye steak for $14.00 and no it wasn't 'seniors day'. More interesting Lorraine went to move the car, thus avoiding a parking ticket, whilst Duds kept on playing  the  pokies, but there was a communication issue because they both 

waited where they were, hoping the other would turn up, which of course didn't happen. Lorraine 

eventually found Duds wandering along the Esplanade looking some what non-plussed. 

Then it was off to Autobarn for those elusive fittings for the roof rack and a stop at Spotlight for a button for Lorraine's knickers which kept coming undone.

On the way home Lorraine devised a plan to do away with the rather windy mountain road --a bulldozer and many billions of dollars I think she was hoping for. (Every tree and bush here has 'heritage listing' so don't like her chances).

All in all, we had a fruitful day and by the time we got home the sun was shinning.

Until next time.

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Dr Bob reporting from Kuranda - Part 2

Thursday 

Today was a 'tourist' day -- yes it is a tourist town so it wasn't a surprise move.

Into town and down to Sky Rail to book our return trip - down on the 2:00pm train and back up on the Sky Rail. So in a tourist town what do you for 4 hrs whilst waiting for the train? You wander and look and browse and shop and drink coffee and have lunch and then catch the train. We only bought a kangaroo skin pouch for Lulu and a gorgeous print  for Ruth.

The shops are full of what  look like chinese made souvenirs and I have no idea how any of them make a living. We did see some lovely photos in a gallery: the photographer died at 49 years old and all photos were  done on film, so no photoshop and were amazing (amazingly expensive as well).

The train trip down was the same as last time except then we didn't have a man behind us who entertained HIS fellow passengers by talking for an hour and a half in a loud voice--most annoying, but at the end I did  congratulate him and shook his hand for his effort (but I don't believe he picked up the sarcasm).

Then a quick trip on the shuttle bus to Sky Rail and a fascinating ride across the tops of the rain forrest in a gondola, but only saw one bird for the whole trip and no crocs in the Barron River, which we crossed at a great height.

And believe or not it has rained today!!!!!!!

We also got back to a reassuring email from Jen, after her visit to a very expensive doctor. 

Bye from rainy Queensland.

Dr Bob reporting from Kuranda

Wednesday

We are now in Kuranda where we have booked in for 6 days. The Savannah Way was not what we thought it would be, so we have ended up here a bit earlier than planned.

It was only a few kms to the mango winery (Golden  Drop) where you can sample six drinks, including dry, medium or sweet wine, mango port and liqueur plus various other fruit liqueurs or/and sparkling mango wine.!!!!!!! -all for $5 if you didn't buy anything. Needless to say we didn't pay for the samples. We are planning to leave all our alcohol in the Dudley's van whilst up the Cape, but Ian is telling us not much more will fit.

Having set up camp in the caravan park, five of us went for a walk down to the river, but ended up in town, arriving there about 3.30pm just as everything was shutting up. By 4:00pm the place was empty. Apparently once the last train and sky-rail has gone the place becomes some what dead.

Barry waited for me whilst I did a few sciatic nerve stretches and the others walked down to the station to get a timetable. They walked back up the other side of the road, so we missed them,  and waited for half an hour or so whilst they were back in camp - can't trust anyone  any more!

Lorraine would like everyone to know that she managed to get 32 channels on her TV with out any help!!!!!!!

Let's see what tomorrow brings

Dr Bob reporting from far North Queensland

Tuesday

Actually we are in the same place as yesterday--Granite "Gorge".

Yesterday we all did the short walk, heaving and pulling the girls over the rocks, so today Barry and I decided to be macho and do the long walk which was much more difficult. As we finished we felt very self righteous; that is until we looked behind us to find a young Austrian couple and their two daughters, who were about 3 and 4 years old, trotting along behind us.

The afternoon was spent being tourists visiting the highlights of Mareeba - like Rivers for a pair of sandals and the Reject Shop for odds and ends. We did get to the information centre which had an interesting historical museum attached to it and of course had a cup of coffee at Coffee Works (too late for the tour).

Then it was home, light the fire, have nibbles, drink wine, cook tea, have a shower and go to bed!!!-- a bit like yesterday and in fact every day for the last month.