handelnomads

HIDEAWAY up date

2009-11-05T10:17:00.000+10:00

Sorry we've been non - bloggers for so long but since moving in to the Hideaway it's been hard work from dawn till dusk. It's also been a communication problem.

We are at last are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel after we removed four truckloads of scrap steel, one very large hire trailer and two box trailer loads of rubbish.

The place is overrun with Lantana so have been pulling that out (in our spare time) and have revealed a beautiful hill at the back. The front is a lot denser with the bloody stuff but luckily the owner has agreed to pay for a bobcat to rip it out.

Annie has been more than pulling her weight ( and more than her fair share of Lantana ) so consequently we have both lost weight , but both in top form after all the exercise.

I ripped out a wall in the shed and we have extended the floor space with the intention of enlarging the interior. We bought some brand new faux timber wall panelling at an auction place to line the inside, so hope it will be attractive, ( if that's at all possible using fake panels ).

Annie has been planting gardens and they are beginning to flower and look pretty good.

We are presently at Marcia's in Cairns. When we get home the man is coming to set up our satellite dish for our wireless Internet and also a Tele aerial.

Having a great time here at Marcia and Mark's having arrived on Tues morning. We will be here a week and then back home.

Marcia and Mark are busy on the weekend and it's also Corrine's birthday on Sun, the big three oh!.

On Monday we hope to go to Deeral for a barbie and a swim at my brother's place.

We will blog re our week in Cairns when we get home.

Chaos

2009-09-15T18:34:00.000+10:00

It does get better! Things are looking considerably tidier. Steve's daughter, Nicole has moved to number 2 house, which at the time these pics were taken was occupied. She and the two little ones, Jamaika and Indie, are now settled in their new home along the track. I will post some pics of the little girls when I can catch them.

The Big Move

2009-09-14T10:53:00.000+10:00

Almost three weeks ago we loaded up and headed south to our new home, the" Hideaway''.

Anyone having seen the movie, The Fringe Dwellers, will understand how I felt. Although we didn't have chooks on board, we had Harry the budgerigar who travelled well. He is not a very friendly bird and I was secretly hoping he might not last the distance. Travelling in convoy, I was following in Miss Magna and was able to keep the trailer in sight as the table legs were always in view, bouncing around on top of the load.

Before and After

2009-08-16T12:29:00.000+10:00

These are the "before" pictures. Watch for the "after" shots.

The dog doesn't come with the shack although she seems to think so.

Ma and Pa's Tree Change

2009-08-16T12:11:00.003+10:00

Hi All

Well if you don't know already Annie and I are departing the city and taking up country life. We intend to live ( if you could call it that ) in the shed in the picture that is called ''The Hideaway''.

We are looking forward to going there - can't wait actually - but are held up here at Chinderah until we are paid for our van, which should be around the 20th-23rd of this month. In any case we will definitely be gone on the 27th.

Life should be a challenge there setting up and so-on, but it will definitely give us something to do and also be a lot of fun.

The lady who owns the place has given us free rent in return for my labour one day a week so we'll have the other six days to improve our living quarters and set the place up as we like.

The property is set out with several paddocks and horse yards so horses will become a part of our lives.

Annie will be able to have a cat - and possibly a dog - which she was unable to have here.

The property is about 15mins from the beautiful south coast so will have the best of both worlds.

Annie is looking forward to hunting out stuff at garage sales to with which to decorate our shanty.

Until next time,

Yee Haa!

Ya all come back now, ya hear!

A lunch with Paul

2009-07-01T17:39:00.001+10:00

Hi All

Annie and I drove to Nerang for lunch with Paul today.

Paul shouted us lunch at the Grand, a golf style resort of which he is a member. If you look closely in the pictures you can see the golf course behind us.

Paul and I had A half dozen oysters as entree. Oysters Kilpatrick is about as good as it gets for me. Annie and Paul had Red Emperor for the main course and I had a Caesar salad. We had beer and wine too. And coffee. And Sticky Date Pudding - which we shared three ways.

Paul took us to the golf shop after lunch and let us pick some clothes. I picked a pair of red shorts, a blue sleeveless pullover and a magnificent green shirt with a fine black herringbone pattern. Annie got a couple of pretty tops, one white and one a coral colour.

Talk about a millionaires day out.

Getting back to the car park to find our car parked in amongst Mercs, Beamers and would you believe, earlier - a Roller, seemed to somehow deflate our mood. Ah well, I suppose we've got our health. The trouble is as someone said '' What's the point of being in hospital - dying of nothing''.

TOMMY

2009-06-09T09:43:00.000+10:00

As we often do, we paid a visit to the Pet Superstore at Tweed yesterday to see the kittens that the Friends of the Pound have for adoption. After talking to Trudi from the organisation we discovered that a foster carer was looking for a replacement to care for "Tommy" as she was going away for a couple of weeks. Of course, we jumped at the chance to take him. He is an oldie at 10 years of age and not likely to be adopted. The cats and dogs not likely to be rehomed are taken by the Friends and placed in foster homes to save them from the unmentionable fate. They are still available for adoption and are cared for by the fosterers. A great scheme! Check out the Friends of the Pound website (Tweed) www.friendsofthepound.com/adoptionpage.htm

Edna's Territory

2009-05-24T18:11:00.000+10:00

On Saturday we spent the morning strolling around the Victoria Market marvelling at the fresh fruit and vegetables.

Brother Paul picked us up from there around noon and took us back to Moonee Ponds where he and Helen now live in a lovely Penthouse apartment. We went for a stroll down Puckle Street and found a photo opportunity at Everage Steet named in honour of the Dame. We were discusssing a venue for lunch when I mentioned that I often dream of the fish and chips you only seem to find in Melbourne, so off we went to our host's favourite cafe and had a delicious meal. Steve ordered a dozen oysters and found them so good that he ordered more. It seems they were from Tassie. Paul kindly took us on the "Paul and Helen" tour down to Williamstown via the Westgate bridge and back around the Docklands area where we saw the Melbourne Eye ( giant wheel) which is out of order for a year due to cracks in the structure.

Sunday we walked down to Spencer Street station, now called Southern Cross Station, and amazingly changed. There is a huge DFO complex in which we spent a couple of hours shopping. Whilst having a coffee break, we marvelled at all the football fans making there way to the Telstra Dome Stadium. They seemed to be all St Kilda supporters judging by the scarves and beanies. The weather has been kind to us, quite mild.

The Big Walk

2009-05-22T17:48:00.002+10:00

Today (Friday) was a better day weatherwise after a maximum of 15c yesterday although still a foggy start. We walked to the Carlton gardens to visit the Exhibition Buildings and the Museum. The new Museum is very modern and a contrast to the Exhibition Building which it is adjacent to.

Seeing Phar Lap brought back childhood memories as we often visited him in the old building. He is still in fine form. I think he has had a bit of grooming recently. We spent a couple of hours walking around the various exhibits.

After leaving the Museum we walked along Gertrude Street to Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. We strolled along Brunswick St window shopping until it was time for a coffee break and after we crossed Johnston Street, it was a late lunch at a sidewalk cafe. Feeling refreshed, we next walked down Johnston Street to Smith St, Collingwood to see the old "hood" which is not much changed, still "spot the Aussie" or perhaps more so. The big walk was taking it's toll, so we bought a few things at Woolies before we hopped on a tram to return to the city. Talk about embarrassing moments, a bottle of milk in a plastic bag was leaking which we didn't notice while we were trying to work out the ticket machine. A young woman pointed it out to us. I was trying to mop up the puddle and get the tickets while Steve let the milk drip onto the tram step. The plastic bag still had milk in it and there was nothing we could do. All the passengers acted as if we were invisible. That was one tram we were glad to get off and have a good hysterical laugh.

Thursday in Melbourne

2009-05-22T17:14:00.001+10:00

A foggy morning saw us heading off to see the sights. Old Melbourne Gaol was our first stop, being an easy walk from our accommodation in Lt Bourke Street. The gaol has a forbidding cold atmosphere. We walked along the catwalks, in and out of cells which all have items of interest including death masks of hanged prisoners. A popular exhibit was the gallows where Ned Kelly breathed his last.

After leaving Old Melbourne Gaol we did a city walk along LaTrobe Street to Swanston Street calling in at the State Library. The photograph shows one of the reading galleries. This impressive building also previously housed the Melbourne Museum which is now in the Carlton Gardens beside the Exhibition Building.

Strolling along Swanston Street we reached Flinders Street and another "must see'' attraction, the Painting of Chloe at Young and Jacksons Pub. We enjoyed a drink in the pleasant surroundings.

Taking advantage of the City Circle tram we went to the Crown Casino for lunch and a small flutter.

Melbourne

2009-05-20T17:40:00.001+10:00

Our Melbourne sojourn began this morning. Waking up to storms and torrential rain we were reluctant to leave our warm bed. The taxi arrived in good time to take us to Coolangatta airport. Boarding was not much fun, running through the rain to the plane, but we boarded only to find that the seats we booked on line yesterday did not exist due to a change of plane (smaller aircraft). We usually go for the last row, often not too crowded. We stood with the flight attendant for quite some time as they were juggling passengers from seat to seat. Somehow everyone was seated and we were ushered to a seat beside an Asian lady with twin babies and a toddler. Her mum had two of her offspring in the seat behind us.

Surprise, surprise, it was sunny in Melbourne, not too cold. Taking the Skybus, we were duly delivered to Somerset Gordon Heights in Little Bourke Street. Gordon Heights is across the road from it's other property, Gordon Place which in the old days was a doss house for homeless men. It is a fabulous old building, now all self contained apartments for holiday letting. It is quite a convenient spot so tomorrow we will be off to do some sightseeing now that we have been shopping for essential supplies, food and drink.

This afternoon on our way to the supermarket we stopped at a Greek restaurant for a drink and enjoyed some Greek dips and bread with our wine. Passing the Greek cake shops was not easy. Perhaps we will return tomorrow.

Happy families

2009-05-18T15:07:00.001+10:00

New mum, Nicola with, Jamaika, Nicole, William and Richard

Cousins

2009-05-18T15:04:00.000+10:00

William's brother Connor, Jamaika, Richard and little Indie. (not happy!)

The newest Handel

2009-05-18T14:58:00.001+10:00

Last Wednesday we flew to the Whitsunday Coast, Proserpine, to celebrate the arrival of William Stephen Leo Handel on the 14th of May.

He is a bonny baby weighing a healthy 6lb 15oz.

Mothers Day

2009-05-18T14:47:00.001+10:00

Due to a surprise visit by number one son, Mothers Day was a very happy day for this mother. We enjoyed lunch at the excellent Thai restaurant, in Kingscliff.

I have heard a rumour that number one daughter may also visit the Tweed area in June, staying in delightful Coolangatta.

MORE NIMBIN PICS

2009-05-03T17:56:00.000+10:00

NIMBIN MARDI GRASS

2009-05-03T17:52:00.000+10:00

The Nimbin Mardi Grass was all that the advertising promised. A sunny Sunday saw us drive approx 55kms to Nimbin to see how the other half live.

We were entertained by the various attractions on offer as well as the alternative lifestyle folk. We rather stood out as straight oldies in the crowds.

The Bong Throwing event was hotly contested by both females and males. Likewise the Hemp Olympix. The "vegies" were well catered for.

We tried some Yemen wraps, quite tasty but rather rich, mostly boiled eggs sliced with a yoghurt cream and tomatoes.

Interestingly the Street Parade commenced outside the Police Station. The Law was in attendance with a mobile command post and mounted police.

The event is organised by the Law Reform Group in an attempt to change the laws and legalise Marijuana.

One would assume it has happened as there was no mistaking the scent of pot in the air.

Of course, we had to buy a hemp shirt for Steve, a lovely pale green, to add to his collection.

A job to be done

2009-04-21T17:05:00.001+10:00

The Northern rivers district has been drenched in recent weeks, constant downpours. Our driveway is a quagmire.

We were lucky enough to buy almost 600 pavers form someone who wanted rid of them for the princely sum of

$20. Unfortunately, we cannot lay the pavers until the ground dries out.

I spent time filling in the ruts with soil and mulch which looked fine until Steve swung into the driveway scattering

mud and grass. Ah well, back to the drawing board.

Chloe the cat

2009-04-21T16:56:00.000+10:00

Chloe spends her days gazing out through the security door at the passing parade. She would love to get out

into the big wide world.

Patrick the cat

2009-04-21T16:53:00.000+10:00

Patrick the cat started out in life as a feral stray kitten who decided to adopt a van owner in the caravan park.

As all pets must be on a lead patrick was tethered by a rope attached to a brick. As he grew, he was able to

drag the brick around. Sounds bizarre! I am happy to say that Patrick seems to be a well adjusted cat and is

now tethered to three bricks. He spends his evenings indoor and off the lead. He is one cute cat.

Tweed River Art Gallery

2009-02-14T18:51:00.000+10:00

After being housebound for two days of torrential rain, we decided to drive to one of our favourite spots, Murwillumbah. I noticed in the local rag, The Echo, that the Tweed River Art Gallery has a special event, "Great Collections".

What a surprise! The Gallery is amazing, set in a huge building on top of the hill at Stokers Siding. From anywhere in the gallery, through long narrow windows there are views of the lush valley, an interesting setting for the exhibits.

Great Collections featured documents and curiosities dating from before Capt. Cook chartered the coastline in 1770 to more modern times, such as prints by Picasso.

We saw a Dutch atlas from 1666 that charts three quarters of Australia, death masks of outlaws sentenced to hang in colonial times, execution certificates and some amazing letters written by Captain Moonlight (bushranger) to his family and friends just before his hanging.

The oldest item on display was the Nuremburg Chronicle from 1493.

The Gallery also has a great collection of paintings, old and new.

Murwillumbah continues to amaze. On each visit we make a new discovery.

Chinese New Year

2009-01-16T16:43:00.000+10:00

You have to hand it to the Supermarkets, never short of a gimmick!

Not content with having Easter Eggs on the shelves months before April and the "back to school" items prominently displayed they have discovered another marketing opportunity, Chinese New Year.

Woolworths had a large display of Tsingtao beer in their liquor department today. We were tempted to buy some but were put off by the price of $45 per case.

Aldi have Chinese New Year specials which include, wasabi coated peas, rice cookers, sauces and noodles etc.

The supermarkets haven't forgotten St Valentine's Day either.

Happy Shopping.

The things you see when you don't have a camera

2009-01-06T16:20:00.000+10:00

We were driving along the Tweed river on the way to Murwillumbah yesterday when we spotted a group of Kayakers. One of the group was rowing along with a Blue Heeler perched on top enjoying the trip.

We discovered an interesting old art deco Movie Theatre in Murwillumbah. The Regent is operating with a novel twist. Patrons relax and view movies on bean bags. Pizzas can be purchased and eaten during the show. The theatre also has a vegetarian restaurant buffet which is very affordable. All this and tickets to see the latest releases at half the price of other cinemas!!

Stephen Van Gogh

2009-01-06T16:08:00.000+10:00

The artist has been at work again

The picture is not quite finished but as I wanted a photo for the blog, here it is.

Hope I don't get into strife.

The subject was my suggestion, no prizes for guessing that.

Rest Stop

2008-11-23T18:37:00.000+10:00

We came across this little old school in a reserve with picnic tables, barbecues and toiet facilities. The Lynch Creek school is no longer in use but campers are welcome to stop there. A donation box is on the verandah.

Pinnacle Lookout

2008-11-23T18:31:00.000+10:00

Pinnacle Lookout. Mt Warning in the background. Mt Warning was named by Captain Cook , of course, along with Pt Danger, Cape Tribulation etc etc.

How Green is my Valley

2008-11-23T18:27:00.000+10:00

Driving back from The Border Ranges National Park near Kyogle we came across a herd of lovely Jersey cows on their way to a milking shed. Jerseys are such pretty cows, I couldn't resist stopping to snap a couple of pics.

We had a chat with farmer who had some interesting tales to tell, one of which was about the huge eels in the creek. Apparently one eel was as thick as a man's thighs and two metres long. It was dining on ducks and taking young goslings. A goose had hatched 28 goslings and as the mother was launching the little ones in the water they were being snatched by the eel. Glad to say, the eel met his waterloo. It was caught on a huge hook on a heavy line. Could be a tall tale but amusing .The farmer had 3 working dogs and was on a quad bike. One of the dogs kept having his way with a bitch, which was a distraction.

The Great Outdoors

2008-11-23T17:59:00.000+10:00

Feeling the urge to "go bush" we set out on Saturday to explore the Border Ranges National Park, which is in the Mt Warning Cadera area. We drove all around the rim checking out camping areas, lookouts and picnic spots. Our ideal camp site must have access to a creek or river. Although we came across some delightful places, not one was by the water.

Ah well, still many more National Parks in the area to suss out, so the search continues.

Kingscliff

2008-11-18T10:38:00.000+10:00

Sunday morning was a perfect day to explore the Kingscliff beaches. Kingscliff is a delightful village, with a holiday atmosphere, coffee bars, restaurants etc.

The beaches are spectacular and can cater for everyone. Surf for the adventurous and little coves for the youngsters and those of us who just enjoy dipping toes.

Steve enjoyed his first swim for the season. By mid afternoon, the weather turned and produced a storm which has resulted in days of very wet cool weather.

Parts of Brisbane have been declared a disaster area as they felt the full force of the storm.

After years in the tropics, it's kind of hard to get used to the changeable weather again.

Nathan's Fish

2008-11-12T17:09:00.000+10:00

No, Nathan (a neighbour) didn't catch the big trevalley here in the Tweed. His brother caught it at Hervey Bay. The ever enterprising Nathan baked the fish in a webber which he picked up from a nature strip during the previously mentioned council clean-up collection.

Several residents enjoyed a share of the cooked fish and I, receiving a large portion, used the remainder to make fish cakes al la Maggie Bear's "The Cook and the Chef" or as A person I know calls it "Mag and Fag"

Being Wednesday, must away to watch the programme.

Daylight Saving

2008-11-09T17:09:00.001+10:00

After many years living quite comfortably without daylight savings we now are experiencing it as we reside in NSW. It is a bit of a dilemma living close to the border of NSW and QLD. At times, when in Tweed Heads in Wharf St., if you cross the road it is an hour earlier. One side of the road is NSW and the other Qld. It does cause some confusion as Queenslanders who work`in Tweed stay on their time and vice versa. One really needs two watches.

The nomads are taking a break from the business after the devastating experience of four Shows and few sales.

We will concentrate on advertising which was more successful.

Emailing: Corn 002

2008-11-09T16:58:00.001+10:00

There appears to be a glut of sweet corn in Chinderah at the moment. Twice today we have been visited by residents of the park bearing bags of lovely fresh sweet corn. Lunch consisted of sweet corn followed by prawn sandwiches. I must say the fresh corn was absolutely delicious.

It is also council junk pick up time and I fear the residents are also cruising around and returning to the park with boots propped up by various items displayed on nature strips. Must confess I was tempted being a self-confessed garage sale and op-shop queen.

World Animal Day

2008-10-04T18:33:00.000+10:00

Today, Oct 5th is World Animal Day, a day we remember pets past and present.

I was disturbed to read an article in "The Tweed Shire Echo" September 25, "A giant planet hoves into view" by Mungo MacCallum.

I quote from this article "It used to be said that the Great Wall of China was the only human artefact large enough to be seen from the the moon.

Satellite observations have cast doubt on this idea, but in any case, the great wall has been superseded by a new contender: Malcolm Turnbull's ego"

A paragraph further in this article is and, again I quote: "Then there is the story of the cat, noted by the disgraced Canadian publisher Conrad Black in his memoirs and resurrected by Alan Ramsey in the Sydney Morning Herald last weekend: it is said that when Turnbull was ditched by a girlfriend in his student days, he took revenge by strangling her cat and leaving it on her doorstep. This may well be libel, although Turnbull has never taken action over its publication. But the mere fact that many of his colleagues find it utterly convincing goes some way to explaining why they still have their doubts about entrusting him with their future"

A Night Out

2008-09-21T10:05:00.001+10:00

The nomads didn't roost early as usual on Saturday night. Annie noticed that a favourite singer, Graeme Connors, was appearing in concert at the Twin Towns Service Club, Tweed Heads.

The show was very enjoyable, a mix of old and new songs. Annie particularly loved "the road less travelled" and "further north". The backing musicians were great. All in all a fun night out and a break from our business planning.

Some may ask "who is Graeme Connors?" Check out www.graemeconnors.com

Our River Trip

2008-08-21T10:21:00.000+10:00

Tripping down the river is all in a days fun us. Annie hadn't been in the boat, so set off down stream to Tweed Heads. We made good time going down with the river running out, and pulled the boat up on the beach in front of the Twin Towns Services Club which fronts the lovely little bay you see in the pictures.

As we made our way down the river we found the water changing from muddy brown to clear blue and green.

I knocked a few oysters off the nearest sewer pipe I could find, with a hammer and screwdriver I had in the boat, while Annie stood around telling me not to cut myself - which I did anyway.

In heading out of the bay, and back up the river, we found the tide running out at a good rate of knots. We should have pulled back in the bay at that stage, till the tide eased I reckon, but decided to press on up river and home.

The little Mercury struggled hard to push us up river, against wind and tide.

About a kilometre from home, with both of us a little cold and jaded, and becoming short tempered, we came up to some people on the bank waving frantically to us. Thinking I had hooked up their fishing lines, I turned the motor off to ask what the problem was, to be told the river was closed for a speed boat ski race. Well, saying something like that to me is like waving a red rag at a bull, so I told them what I thought of speed boat racers - what I thought of people who watch speed boat races - and ''what did they want me to do carry the fuckin' boat home''.

Poor Annie sat there aghast at my outburst but didn't comment, except to say ( of the many people lining the river bank ) '' I thought they'd turned out to watch us'' - very witty!

Anyhow had a good day, but discovered the little motor not really adequate to push two people along at any speed.

DISCRAYSFUL

2008-08-16T15:09:00.002+10:00

Enlarge photo and see small print to comprehend the comments.
Annie and I where shoked to see this blatent spelling error staring us in the fase at the Brisbun Show.

Right on the heals of a large artycal in the Gold Coast Bulliton blasting the literacy and numacy skills of todays high skool studants.

Aparently year twelv studants sat for tests (set for fifth class children in the fifties) and the results were less than impresive with not one student being able to compleet the test.

Do u think forieners visiting the show mite sea us as cuntry pumkins?

The Brisbane Show

2008-08-16T13:49:00.002+10:00

The produce on display at the Ekka was excellent. We came away with three punnets of the biggest, tastiest strawberries we have ever had.

As usual, the food and drinks were overpriced and of a poor quality.

Krispy Kreme doughnuts were at the show so we sampled them and I have to admit they weren't too bad.

We may have lost Starbucks, but now have Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

On a recent visit to Australia Fair Shopping centre, we noticed a long queue and discovered that people were lining at Krispy Kreme.

A highlight of Agicultural shows is always the animals.

Some fine specimens were on display. The cats were Annie's favourite, especially a little Lynx pointed siamese.

A sign at the Shenzhen Exhibition

2008-08-16T13:31:00.002+10:00

I was intrigued by the many silicone baking ware and kitchen utensils on display. How do you overcome the "floppiness" of silicone baking pans?

The "Ekka"

2008-08-16T13:27:00.001+10:00

Yesterday we on a visit to Brisbane to see the Ekka (Brisbane Show). We were interested to see the Shezhen exhibit which was our first stop. The exhibitors must have been a bit shocked, no bustling crowds or touts.

We were shocked by the cost of parking for 3 or 4 hours, $27.00. Guess we are used to living in the sticks.

The Big Avocado

2008-08-16T13:18:00.001+10:00

Idyllic

2008-08-16T13:15:00.000+10:00

Idyllic is an over used word in Real Estate advertising but is appropriate when describing the little hamlet of Tumbulgum on the Tweed River, a few kms from Tweed Heads.

We drove down to visit the "historic Tumbulgum Tavern" and weren't disappointed. Picture a warm sunny day sitting overlooking the tranquil river enjoying a drink and a nice lunch.

A couple of enterprising locals, (oldtimers) have set up a stand in the pub with a display a fresh vegies, fruit and an honesty box. One of them was going from table to table selling fresh strawberries which were impossible to resist.

Amazing Border Marker and Kylie's Arse

2008-08-01T18:09:00.001+10:00

Erected recently on the Pacific Highway near Coolangatta is this BIG RED THING.

It marks the Queensland - New South Wales border.

Also opened recently was a new section of the expressway - upon which it sits - making travel to the Gold Coast a whole lot easier from Tweed Heads and all points south.

The local papers are saying that it will become an iconic landmark.

It always amuses me the term iconic - that the media throws around so carelessly.

In fact the truth is that an icon has always had religious meaning attached to it.

Actually an icon ( according to the dictionary )is a religious picture painted on a wood panel.

Accordingly anything well known - has now become an icon.

So along with Paul Hogan, the Opera House and Kylie's Arse - we now have another one.

Mt Warning

2008-07-30T18:19:00.000+10:00

I took this shot of Mt Warning from the banks of the Tweed river at Chinderah, N.S.W.

Mt Warning was named by Capt Cook as a warning to other mariners of Point Danger as he travelled up the east coast of Australia in 1770.

Shortly after sighting this mountain his ship ran aground between an island ( now named Cook Island ) and the mainland at the mouth of the Tweed River.

He named the area Point Danger and it is still known by that name.

Mt Warning is the plug of an ancient valcano, it's lava flow covering an area of 400 sqr klms.

The lava flow weathered away over millions of years, but the plug - being harder - has remained.

The town of Murwillumbah sits near the base of Mt Warning in the Tweed Valley.

The beautiful soil rich Tweed Valley is the result of the weathering lava and sits in what is called a caldera - a sunken fertile valley - that used to once be the lava of the volcano that is Mt Warning.

The Week That Was

2008-07-19T12:45:00.001+10:00

The past week has not been worth writing about!

Having both now been struck down by the dreaded influenza (which I won't bore anyone about), there's not been a lot to report. We are taking turns at taking care of each other

I've taken some shots of the interior of the expandavan to display some of our furniture acquisitions. We are quite pleased to have done it on a budget and are almost set-up.

Steve has laid some pavers upon which we will put a shed. No home is complete without a shed for the male of the family.

My Birthday was a nonevent and has been postponed until a date to be set.

It was heartening to hear from the nearest and dearest and receive the good wishes.

The 1st Mate

2008-07-06T08:41:00.002+10:00

Capt Salty's Latest.

2008-07-06T08:35:00.001+10:00

As you can see me ol' salts, I've just bought a new boat - well an old one in fact. Annie and I flogged off the old one on eBay after I discovered it sailed like a dunny with the door open. Since the photo was taken I've made up some cheap rollers for the trailer - again after making the amazing discovery that to buy anything that includes the words boat or marine necessitates a bank loan.

Oh! - good news. Annie and I sold the caravan - and very lucky to do so - as we only had one looker. Quite lucky really as I misquoted the length as being 14ft ( including draw-bar ) when actually it is 17ft. I'm sure the people wouldn't have come to see it if I wasn't an idiot and had told them the true length. They must have been keen on the van as they've had to renovate their garage to fit it in.

Anyway, back to the boat. I haven't taken it out yet as the weather has been bad. Paul and I had a great day fishing in the previous boat by the way, and I'm looking forward to him visiting again.

Our Latest Friend

2008-07-03T13:01:00.002+10:00

Annie and I had come back from shopping at Kingscliff and were unloading the shopping when Annie turned around and said ''Look at this.''

A cheeky little Butcher bird had hopped in behind us as bold as brass without so much as a '' by your leave''

So of course we rushed around for some tid-bits for him or her.

Hope he or she sticks around. No doubt Annie will we will be buying mince at the supermarket for our little guest.

Miracle Plunge?

2008-06-27T09:43:00.002+10:00

The Gold coast Bulletin Wed June 25th.
An abseiling window cleaner survived a seven storey plunge from a surfers Paradise high rise.
Apparently Walter Torres was cleaning windows on the Solaire apartments when he fell, hitting a beam on the way down and being pulled up short 10ft from the ground by his harness.
The headlines read ''Man's miracle plunge''.
Was his plunge a miracle or the fact that he survived the fall?
These kind of stupid blunders make me feel very disheartened with local journalism and the local ''rag'' which might prompt you to ask ''why do I read it?''- I wonder myself!

Our Home Cont.....

2008-06-25T10:32:00.003+10:00

It's here!

It's amazing!

It's stupendous!_______ and it's OURS!

Yes the mighty Expando-Riffic-Van has arrived and we're inside.

Sorry we haven't blogged for a while but we've been encountering technical difficulties with our emailing-blogging system.

Anyhow we are settling in quite nicely. .

We've been hanging some blinds and stuff - the usual things when you move into a place. Annie ordered a wardrobe and it's been fitted, minus the doors, which should be here tomorrow.

The thing is nice to live in, a sort of cross between a house and a caravan.

Our Home

2008-06-25T10:00:00.002+10:00

Who is this man?

2008-06-16T16:49:00.002+10:00

Annie's Club

2008-06-11T18:22:00.001+10:00

Discovering the Tweed

2008-06-11T18:10:00.000+10:00

Annie and I had a great day out with Paul.

In the morning we drove up to Fingal Head, a long spit of land that runs from where we are at Chinderah to the mouth of the Tweed.

Annie is pictured at the mouth on the Tweed Heads / NSW side. Across the inlet is the Coolangatta / QLD side.

The two lower buildings behind her are the Twin Towns Services Club where Annie plays the pokies. This should work out well for us as we can boat down the river to the club. I can drop Annie on the beach in front of the club so she can give the pokies a bashing and I can go fishing.

We then drove back down the coast to Kingscliff where Paul shouted us lunch at a Thai place he'd found earlier. Pretty good too!

Ahoy there!

2008-06-05T11:38:00.000+10:00

This is my boat.

From now on I would like to be addressed as ''Capt Steve''

Asked the young bloke next door ( who owned the boat ) If he wanted to sell it. He said I could have it for $300 so I said I would ask my wife. He popped his head in about 30mins later and said I could have it for $150 if it took it straight away so I did'nt bother to ask my wife and took it. Called in to a boat place to enquire about bits for the trailer and ended up buying a 2nd hand motor, 1/2 price, with one years warranty for $700. After I buy a bit of the required safety gear, a bit of paint for the trailer etc should have a nice little boat with near new motor for about a grand.

I sort of want to be like Huckleberry Finn and spend time with adventures on the river. It's such a grand river. The sort where one just has to have a boat.

Will keep you posted.

Over and out

Capt Steve.

Latest from Chinderah

2008-06-04T08:06:00.000+10:00

All things come to he who waits - and we're still waiting.

Our Dial - Hut is still in production so we're going up the coast today to check out what stage it's at.

Annie and I are still bidding on fridges via E Bay but keep getting knocked out at the last minute - I guess we are duds at the bidding thing.

I think we will have to resort to the ways of old and buy one out of the paper. Fridges seem hot property on the Gold coast.

The guy next door has a little fibreglass ( ex sailing ) boat and trailer for sale for $300. A bit old fashioned and heavy, but cheap enough. It will need a motor and some paint on the trailer, but is basically all there and will make a good project.I hope someone will visit us and come boating up the river.

The pictures show the river in flood, though not threatening. It goes right through Murwillumbah which is a good way up from us - and wide too. A very big river. Makes me feel like doing the Huck Finn bit.

Not so welcome Winter

2008-06-01T17:09:00.001+10:00

We have done it again, having incurred the wrath of the weather gods, we have spent the last three days watching the rain pelt down and high winds ablowing. The Gold Coast Bulletin advised readers to prepare for a "weather bomb" similar to a category one cyclone. Cabin fever is setting in again.

All is not lost though! We have discovered a lovely area of fruit and vegetable farms very close by. It is such a delight to see acres of vegie plots and to be able to buy the fresh produce from stands. After eating the sad stuff from the Supermarkets we are over the moon.

One of the farms has a sign saying "pea pickers wanted" It would suit Steve but he would probably eat more than he produced. Every time we buy a bag he eats them before we arrive home.

Kingscliff, also nearby, is a beaut seaside town with all the amenities including a very good Library which we have joined.

Murwillumbah is 15mins away and an interesting town to visit.

The Expandavan is nearing completion. We inspected it during the week and can't wait to take delivery in a few days. It's not much fun walking to the Shower these cold mornings.

Ebay watching has been a fun exercise. We were bidding on a fridge and got outbid at the very last minute. Needless to say, we are bidding on another and are the highest bidders at this stage with three hours to go. We were successful bidding on a sofa and now have the Ebay bug.

Chinderah

2008-05-24T17:29:00.001+10:00

We moved to Royal Pacific Tourist Retreat on Friday, rather a grand name for a fairly modest park. Nothing flash about it but the area is great and we will soon have our expandava and a home for ar least 6 months as we have signed a lease to occupy the corner site (pictured) where our little van is parked.

Exploring the area, we have discovered that the river is a short walk from here. Steve is chuffed that oysters are on the rocks. He plans to get an oyster shucker. We visited the Birds Bay Oyster farm last Saturday and bought some Sydney Rock oysters ($16.00 a dozen). Today we noticed lovely fresh oysters ($13.00) at a beaut fish shop opposite the river. The shop also has a huge range of fresh prawns, crabs and various locally caught fish. Yes, I know, why not catch some ourselves! Steve plans to and is keeping an eye out for a little boat.

The local pub is situated opposite the river and a good spot to sit have a drink or meal and enjoy the view.

We are still doing the garage sale thing. Didn't pick up much today, just a plant and a boogie board in mint condition for the princley sum of $3.00.

We bid on a sofa on Ebay and were successful. Got a kick out of that, our first Ebay win.

The days are getting shorter here as winter approaches. After all those years in the tropics it's takes a bit of getting used to.

Discovering the Tweed

2008-05-17T19:27:00.000+10:00

We had a great day discovering the Tweed.

Annie and I checked out a few garage sales, made easy with the Tom Tom, and bought a few bits and pieces.

The Tweed area is really great. Similar to the Gold Coast in that it gives off an air of prosperity and has a nice feel about it.

The river is big with lovely backwaters, can't wait to get a small boat and go discovering.

Annie and I had lunch at Twin Towns Club Benora - at Benora Point - in the backwater.

As a rule clubs don't do much for me, but this one is pretty good, not the usual drab club but more in the style of an up market resort.

We had lunch there an then a puff on the balcony where I took the photos of their beautiful golf course. We can't wait for someone to visit us so we can have a game of golf.

Chinderah would be just over the hill behind the golf course so we're pretty close to the action.

On the way home we bought a dozen Sydney Rock Oysters grown in the Tweed, at a farm we discovered on the way down.

On the whole we think the Tweed will be a good place to hang out. Good shopping, good locale, GOOD LIFE.

Whacky Wax

2008-05-15T17:36:00.001+10:00

Check out Australia's - or probably the world's worst wax museum - located at Surfers Paradise - or better still don't.

Annie went shopping while I went to check out this dud.

Fronted up to the counter where I was relieved of $26.00 - which would have been $27.00 had I not flashed my coupon cut from a tourist brochure giving me an incredible $1.00 discount.

The reception area was dirty and in need of painting.

The guy behind the desk built me up to expect the greatest show on earth.

Going in through the leather padded door - probably bought at auction from the Pink Pussycat Club after it closed down in Sydney, felt like going into a grotty strip show, not that I'd know.

I don't think I've ever felt so ripped off.

The wax models were obviously superseded models from Madame Tussauds, some famous figures like Ghandi and Neil Armstrong and then other famous people like

Frank Whacker the inventor of the Whipper Snipper and Bill Cornstalk the inventor of the first electronic nose hair remover, and other people no one knows or have forgotten.

Picture taking is allowed in the celebrity section but not in the Chamber of Horrors as this is a guided tour - aw gee!

The guided tour turned out to be a real scream ( pun ) and certainly the highlight of the show.

I was part of a party? made up of me and a couple with three kids.

The guide was some sort of Dago with some weird accent, maybe from Latvia or somewhere. Anyway he did'nt have any sort of sense of humour.

The most amusing thing was I kept making what I thought were witty remarks regarding the displays and he just completely ignored me and talked right over me - God Bless I'm.

Anyhow had fun and got my money's worth. Exactly how I felt after visiting Windows of the World in Shenzen.

Carrara Markets

2008-05-10T18:22:00.001+10:00

Being Saturday morning we decided to do the garage sales circuit. Finding nothing of interest, we went to check out an auction house to view items to be auctioned on Sunday and Monday. A huge display of furniture and everything from boats to sinks on display. Rather daunting!

We did buy a washing machine (pre-loved) on Friday via the classifieds in the Gold Coast Bulletin, a compact 4.5 kg NEC fuzzy logic, which will fit in the expanda van comfortably.

Adjacent to the Auction house were the Carrara Markets, covering a vast area also. Our trip was not in vain! We came away with lots of locally grown produce including peas ( which Steve shelled and ate raw), spinach, butter beans, tomatoes, fruit etc. It is such a treat to have access to fresh produce!

Short Cuts and Simple Food

2008-05-08T18:50:00.001+10:00

I thought I might share a few cooking tips. Having been on the road and cooking in a small van with limited equipment, I have developed a few shortcuts to provide simple but tasty meals.

Whilst I don't believe in processed or convenience food, some products are quite a boon.

You may like to try a quick sweetcorn and chicken soup!

Chop a small amount of chicken breast or thigh and place in pot with a packet of chicken noodle soup and a can of creamed corn. Season to taste and add chopped spring onions to serve.

Another quick meal is fish patties.

Boil a couple of potatoes, preferably desiree, mash in the pot and add a can of salmon or tuna, an egg, parsley and some grated lemon or lime zest. Mix all together, shape into patties, dip in flour or breadcrumbs and place in fridge to cool. Fry in oil. As fresh parsley may not be available, I have been using the Gourmet Garden herbs which come in a tube. ( a reasonable subsitute).

Another convenience product I have found quite good is Praise spray on salad dressing.

You only need to spray on the salad on a plate. No more leftover soggy salad!

One pot meals are great!

Try browning steak or lamb chops with chopped onion and garlic. Add a dash of tomato sauce, worcestshire sauce, chilli sauce ( or whatever is on hand) and water and seasonings. Add chopped celery, parsley, basil, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, peas or whatever is in the fridge. Simmer until meat is tender.

How about fried rice!

Take a packet of Continental Oriental Fried rice and cook in microwave. Set aside. Cook a cup of plain rice also. Place in fridge to cool and dry out.

Fry some chopped bacon, spring onions and a couple of eggs.

Chop eggs. Microwave some frozen peas.

Fry the rice and fried rice mix in a small amount of hot oil until hot. Add eggs, bacon, peas and onion. Stir through some cooked prawns just before serving and top with chopped green spring onion tops. Very tasty!

Another great convenience food item is the vacuum packed noodles which just need heating with hot water.

Enough of food for now. If all all fails, go out for dinner.

Our Latest Non- Doings

2008-05-08T09:26:00.000+10:00

Not much news on the home front.

We've cultivated some birdie friends though. This little topknot pidgeon has become quit bold.

we bought a packet of '' Just Right'' which seemed just right for the birds and ''Just Crap'' for us.

When we return to the van during the day we always have a gathering of assorted birds waiting.

Annie is vigilant at the op shops, checking them out each day for furniture and nick-nack bargains.

It's amazing what you see when you don't want it - and when you do nothing's there.

We have decided to go all 2nd hand as there is so much really good 2nd hand stuff up for grabs.

We also enjoy garage sales and the fun that comes with sticking our nose in other peoples back yards.

We will hold on to the van and still use it for a couple of weeks while we furnish our new home

I am edgy to be back at work, and looking forward to it. I will try for a career change, or maybe I will fish.

Op Shops

2008-05-04T08:25:00.001+10:00

A favourite pastime, or time waster, is exploring op shops. Within a short walk from the Burleigh Beach Tourist park there are three of them. Surprising really, considering that Burleigh appears to be an affluent area.

Saturday afternoon found us strolling around the shopping area to check out the bargains. First stop, Vinnies. Closed for good due to Lease expiry. Second stop, Lifeline. Closed due to fire at shop next door, an Indonesian takeaway. Fire brigade in attendance creating some interest. Third stop, the Salvos. Open for business. We checked out the books and picked up a couple and also a great wall clock for $2.50. We have been looking for a similar clock for quite awhile.

Lifeline will be open for business today (Sunday) another excuse for a walk. A great thing about the Gold Coast area is trading hours. Many of the places we have visited close down early on weekends including supermarkets.

The Bay

2008-04-28T18:25:00.002+10:00

Cape Byron being the most easterly point of Australia, is the first place to see the sun in the morning. Byron Bay township is still a hippie haven full of alternative lifestylers but an interesting spot to visit if you are into soul food, crystals, windchimes and possibly, dope.

Byron Bay

2008-04-28T17:59:00.003+10:00

A pleasant round trip from the Gold Coast is to Byron Bay via the scenic coastal road taking in towns such as Kingscliffe and Pottsville and returning via Mulumbimby and Murwillumbah (love those place names). The drive through the Tweed Valley is breathtaking travelling around the steep roads of the Mt Warning Shield Volcano. It's no wonder the valley is so fertile, lots of fruit and vegetable stalls along the way.
Our trip was to check out possible places to settle for a while as well as sightsee. So far, Coombabah, a few kms north of the Gold Coast, seems to be the spot but we will continue to "suss" out the area. The weather is as good as it gets now, sunny days and cool evenings.

Dreamworld

2008-04-23T17:17:00.001+10:00

Annie and I had a good day at Dreamworld.

I guess maybe I'm hard to please but Dreamworld didn't do it for me.

Annie was ecstatic upon seeing the tigers and that made for a happy trip and made it worthwhile.

Annie's tiger show rating 9/10

As far as the rest of the place goes? Here's my opinion:

For little kids 7/10

For teenagers 2/10

For tiger lovers 9/10

For older people who are not tiger lovers 1/10

The park is very commercialised, with lots of retail shops inside,a bit like buying a ticket into K Mart.

The park map showing ride locations? No, retail locations!

The park has a run down look about it ( how long has it been there 100 yrs? ) with some defunct attractions.

The park has only two really good rides which means lining up - like I nearly did, for 40 minutes ( off peak ).

Got little kids - give it a go.

If you like tigers - Annie say's '' Yes"

A teenager looking for thrills - No Way Man!

Older people - Stay home and do the gardening.

My advice really? - unless you like tigers - DON'T BOTHER!

Taj

2008-04-23T17:16:00.001+10:00

Fw: Tiger Island, Dreamworld

2008-04-23T17:13:00.000+10:00

-----

Subject: Tiger Island, Dreamworld

Tuesday morning dawned bright and sunny, a good day for the long awaited visit to Dreamworld to see the tigers at Tiger Island. Twice a day the handlers put on a show, no tricks, just a display of natural behaviour such as tree climbing and jumping over logs and into the pool. Revenue from Tiger Island supports tiger conservation around the globe. In just a decade, numbers in the wild have fallen 96% to just around 4000.

The two female cubs born a year ago will go to other zoos for breeding, one to New Zealand, the other to Canberra.

The Rainmakers

2008-04-19T17:01:00.002+10:00

We have done it again! Nothing but steady to heavy rain for the last few days. Too wet to take photos. Even the Gold Coast looks dreary when saturated with rain. Yesterday we drove down to Tweed Heads to cross the border into NSW. We popped into the Twin Towns huge club for a drink and discovered that on Mondays they have trivia afternoons. If all else fails, we will go and check it out. Tiger Island at Dreamworld has been out of the question until fairer weather.

Burleigh Beach

2008-04-15T18:36:00.000+10:00

Burleigh Beach

2008-04-15T18:29:00.001+10:00

No deserted beaches here on the Gold Coast. Burleigh is a delightful place and we are staying in a very pleasant park just a few metres from the glorious beach. Steve is away for a few days so I am spending my days out and about exploring the area using the excellent bus system and my feet. The park is within walking distance to shops, restaurants and clubs. I have found three Op shops which I did the rounds of today. It's a great way to waste time and whilst I didn't find any treasures, I replenished the book stocks.( must have plenty of reading matter) I called into thr Bowls club for a drink and found the place buzzing. An old chap asked me what was going on. I didn't know but found out later that a wake was being held, some old bowler had gone to the great rinks in the sky.

Sunny Bloody Queensland

2008-04-10T18:52:00.001+10:00

Sunny bloody Queensland. Blowing one day raining the next.

Annie and I arrived mid morning amid heavy rain after spending the night at the Sleezyville van park in Nerang.

We actually arrived yesterday but decided on Nerang, ( bad move ) after checking out the Garbagetip van park here on the strip.

No sand castle builders welcome here ( see previous blog ) just the young at heart ( or the fat of wallet ).

We do have a couple of attractions picked out to look forward to. Annie wants to see the tigers at Dream World, ( yawn ) and I want to see the Haunted House. According to all reports guaranteed to scare the pants off you. I will try to get in line behind some Swedish backpackers.

At the time of writing we are still stuck in the van and it is still raining. Maybe we have hooked up a rain cloud on the van and are towing it around.

Stay tuned.

Caloundra

2008-04-08T07:38:00.001+10:00

Not much happening in the good ol' Caloundra. We didn't expect too much and weren't disappointed. Another over-commercialised money pit.

Annie and I ventured to the seaside and found it beautiful, but unfortunately it was pretty windy and we had to retreat to the car.

A lot of these coastal towns offer a feast of activities to those with money.

It goes something like this;

Beautiful Caloundra, experience skydiving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, boat cruises, joy flights, water slides and animal parks. You can even build a sand castle!

Sand castle building must be an option reserved for the money challenged.

Frustrated again at the '' info'' centre. As Annie and I are not into skydiving we enquired about the Regiona Art Gallery, but the guy didn't know where it was, and had to ask it's whereabouts from a more experienced member of the staff. Annie and I arrived to find it closed Monday and Tuesday. The guy then brought out a map and began pointing out routes and attractions on our way north, until we mentionrd we happened to be travelling south.

Our last experience with the ''Info'' centre was just as bad, probably worse.

At Rainbow Beach we inquired about 4 wheel driving Fraser Island and were told it can only be traversed between tides.( for a day trip tides are critical ) When we asked the tide times they didn't know.

I'm glad the country's not run by ''Info'' centres. Maybe we'd be better off if they left a stand full of brochures out the front and stayed home.

Caloundra via "The Scenic Route"

2008-04-06T17:52:00.001+10:00

Surprise Surprise! We are in Caloundra not the Mary Valley as forecast.

Didn't feel like being stuck in the Mary Valley like a couple of lost jews, as beautiful as it is, so decided to push on.

Annie as navigator, juggling maps and listening to Tim our electronic guide, decided as guide, we should push on to Mapleton.

Nothing wrong with that except a sign at the turnoff to Mapleton exclaiming TRUCKS AND CARAVANS PROHIBITED TURN BACK NOW.

'' I didn't see it '' I said to Annie which was quite true. Probably blinded by old age or more likely watching the van follow me around the corner as you get used to doing when you've spent years pulling trailers.

Anyway, reassured Annie like a true Aussie truckie with a '' she'll be right '' and '' I don't think that means us'' and '' what could stop us, look at the road''.

So in my wisdom decided to push on. After all, what could stop us, mud, floods, low bridge?

Well after about sixteen kilometres we found out.The road narrowed and began to twist and rise steeply all at once.

Another sign warning us to turn back!

I said to Annie we've come too far to turn back so up we went. The road became steeper ( 10 in 100 ) and narrower with no chance of turning around and the car struggling to pull us up.

I could feel it running out of puff so pulled it right back to low gear on a little flat stretch and reving it flat out and with our hearts in our mouths pulled us over the top.

Had the car had more power we would have not really been taking a chance, but as it was we came close to not getting it over, and on top of that it started to rain.

After all that we found Mapleton to be a one horse town, rainy and misty, so pushed on to Nambour and not being able to find a suitable park there, picked up the freeway and continued on to Caloundra.

All was not lost though as we got to photograph the BIG PINEAPPLE '' Yeah right on''

Woooooo Wooooo

2008-04-05T17:05:00.000+10:00

All aboard!

The Mary River Rattler runs day and half day trips through the Mary Valley from Gympie.

Annie and I took the half day trip down as far as Amamoor.

We originally bought cattle class tickets on the net, but changed our minds at the station when we realised we'd be travelling with about one hundred screaming brats.

After all, this was the object of coming away from the coast to get away from the little buggers!

Anyway we upsized to the club car. Not exactly the orient express but at least it was quiet and we were served tea and bickies.

The engine was one of over 900 built by Walker and Company in Maryborough in 1950. The last one ran in 1963. It stood for some time in a park in Caloundra before being resurrected.

The line was built in 1911. In the lare 1920s there was a banana boom and the railway was a godsend for the farmers of the Mary Valley. The industry collapsed one or two years later when disease spread and imported Fijian bananas cornered the market.

The Mary Valley is very picturesque with it's rolling hills and lush valleys. It is the site for the controversial Traveston Dam, the subject of much heated debate.

One only has to travel through the Valley to see why people are distressed.

Gympie

2008-04-04T07:46:00.001+10:00

It's goodbye to the coast for awhile. We are now in Gympie. We decided to retreat inland for the school holidays.

Our plans at this stage are to hold out here for two or three days and then head back to the coast through the Mary valley.

The caravan park we are in at present is a bit rough but we have positioned ourselves in a quiet corner.

The small size of our van has it's advantages especially finding sites in parks.

It's good to be hooked up to phone and net and be able to communicate once again but may be incommunicado while going through the valley.

Looking forward to hitting the southeast coast and civilization. Our travels so far have led us to the conclusion that we are not intrepid adventurers.

Carlo's Sandblow

2008-04-03T18:42:00.000+10:00

Carlo's sandblow, named by Capt Cook after one of his crew.

A gap in the cliffs together with strong south east winds have resulted in a march of sand inland.

This sandblow is enormous, literally millions of tons of sand blown back over the cliff.

Note

If you enlarge one of the photos you can make out a red speck, slightly left of centre. This is a person standing at the cliff face and will give you an idea of the size of this natural wonder.

One of Those Days ( April Fools Day)

2008-04-01T18:22:00.000+10:00

Tuesday April 1 dawned bright and sunny. We pulled up stakes and headed for Rainbow Beach. We decided to stay at Rainbow Waters Van Park, a large park of 23 acres. Our site is near the water where there may be a fish or two lurking. Here's hoping!

When booking in Steve, asked the manager about the merits of obtaining a permit and going to Fraser Island by Barge. He thought that it was a bit chancy driving on the roads (sand) due to the tides and recent collapses of dunes. He referred us to Parks and Wildlife who issue permits and have an information centre. The young lass at Parks and Wildlife was no help. She said don't drive 2 hours before high tide and don't return until 2 hours after high tide. She could not tell us when high tide occurred. One thing we have learnt is that it is rare to gain any information from Information Centres. Steve asked some campers in the park who said "forget about it"

Next stop was the Supermarket. After recovering from the shock of inflated prices we selected our groceries and proceeded to the checkout. No eftpos facilities so we had to go to an ATM to withdraw cash to pay.

We also needed to replenish the beer supplies so Steve went to Bottle shop, asked for a carton of Tooheys New and was told to get it himself. When he couldn't find it and asked it's location, the woman serving pushed past him, shoved a few cartons aside and dumped it on the counter. Again, no eftpos so the beer was left on the counter. Steve was told by a passerby that he could get beer at the Bowling Club so he went there but alas, not a member, no sales. Forget the beer!

In one of those "cheap" shops we noticed a pack of Uno cards which we bought as there is no TV or Mobile Phone reception. When we opened the pack to have a game, we noticed that the box did not have any instructions. We could not remember how to play, so no game.

Tomorrow is another day! Plenty of sights to see if we don't make it to Fraser

Mystique

2008-03-31T12:50:00.000+10:00

We took an early morning stroll to the Tin Can Bay boat ramp as we had heard that dolphins are fed there. Imagine the excitement at 6.30am to be greeted by the sight of Mystique waiting to be fed. He is the leader of the pod around 17 years of age. As with all wildlife, Queensland Parks and Wildlife manage the dolphin feeding. No fancy tricks here! just a chance to see dolphins in their natural surroundings. No touching either, unless while you are in the water, they touch you.

Tin Can Bay

2008-03-31T12:36:00.000+10:00

Arrived Sunday morning and set up camp after a short run from Maryborough.

We grabbed a spot closest to the road and closest to the view AND closest to the take away shop. What more could we want!

Tin Can Bay is pretty good. It's small and friendly with only a small supermarket and a couple of shops but it does have a couple of pretty big marinas which seems to make the whole thing a contradiction.

I went to the dentist this morning and guess what? He comes from Shenzen! After we compered notes on the state of China and especially Shenzen, we were nearly on a first name basis but that didn't stop him extracting $180.00 from me for a filling! More than double what I've been used to paying in the Towers. Just hope it's not a made in China filling!

Old store Maryborough

2008-03-27T18:18:00.000+10:00

Brennen & Geraghty's store in Maryborough tells it like it was.

Opened in 1871 and shut up in 1972 when the owner walked out, entering the store is like stepping back in time.

The store remains much as he left it, with lots of old bottles and jars dating back to the 1800's remaining, with their contents still in them.

Look above Annie's head and see the old gas lines disguised with coloured ribbons and note the gas lights.

Notice in one photo the little rail tracks and trolley ( in the back room ) for moving bulk goods through the shop.

Look in the right of the picture and you can partly see where the bookkeeper or manager sat tallying up the money and keeping an eye on the staff.

There are two rooms out the back, one is stacked floor to ceiling with old timber cases that once contained tea, butter, sugar etc.

Totally amazing is the fact that all of the contents in the shop are original, nothing has been added.

The shop is now owned by National Trust.

Mary Poppins

2008-03-27T17:35:00.000+10:00

It seems every city in Queensland has it's famous son or daughter and Maryborough is no exception.

Writing under the pseudonym of PL Travers, Helen Lyndon Goff wrote a series of 6 books about a prim British Nannie, Mary Poppins.

Local Historians in Maryborough discovered that Helen Goff born 1899, was the first daughter of the bank manager. She was born in the old bank building pictured.

The bronze statue of Mary Poppins is as the author portrayed her and not the Disney version which upset her greatly, although she became a millionaire from the royalties.

Strangely enough she was very reticent in regards to her link to Maryborough.

A morning in Maryborough

2008-03-24T18:35:00.000+10:00

Great morning in Maryborough! Annie and I did a short tour with a guide.

Took these photos to show the height of the 1893 floods.

You can see the red and white pole beside the bond store. ( Photo from front with Annie and our guide )

Iv'e taken it from side so you can see the river in the background.

What a flood!

I guide Carmel came in from out of town just to show Annie and I around. Being a public holiday they decided not to do any tours. When she heard from the tourist information centre Annie I were disappointed she made a special trip in.

Thanks Carmel.

Maryborough

2008-03-23T22:14:00.000+10:00

What a great place!

Lots of heritage buildings that seem to have miraculously escaped the wreckers ball.

The well preserved area by the river is refered to as '' Portside''.

Annie and I were both impressed with Rockhampton's riverside heritage area but Maryborough outshines it by far with a cluster of buildings covering a couple waterfront streets.

Maryborough was at one time the second largest immigration port in Australia.

It's also is famous for it's shipyards, Walker & Co that built a lot of warships for the R.A.N during the World War 2.

They also built the first steam loco in Queensland, the "Mary Ann'' in 1873. The one in the picture is a replica.

The council here, assisted by what must be a very dedicated bunch of volunteers have done a tremendous job of preserving the town's history.

Annie and I are going on a guided tour of the town's heritage buildings tomorrow and self drive tour of the town the following day.

Lots of photo opportunities in this town!

Budding Artist

2008-03-21T16:01:00.000+10:00

Steve completed his painting of Bargara Beach today. Your comments are invited!

Morning view

2008-03-20T17:56:00.000+10:00

Our days at Bargara Beach draw to a close. We will miss the pristine beauty of Kelly's Beach which we see each morning from our side balcony.

Back in the van on Saturday and on the move again.

Maryborough will be our next stop and from research it seems there will be many places to go and things to see.

Burnett Heads

2008-03-17T06:45:00.000+10:00

About ten minutes north of Bargara we came across Burnett Heads.

This little town boasts one of the loveliest harbours iv'e seen. Really large and well sheltered.

It must be a ''must do'' for yachties

The lighthouse was transported be sea from Moreton island in1873 and has since been replaced by a new one.

It now stands in a park in town.

Strange effect

2008-03-17T06:17:00.000+10:00

Walking out for a smoke about 5.30 in the morning I took this photo.

I came around the corner of the building and got quite a fright.

At first glance it looked to me as though the sea was about to flood the resort.

Scary!

Mainly the camera angle.

Seems they are having unusual high tides here at the moment as well.

Best if you enlarge it to get the effect.

Shame on you Bundyites!

2008-03-16T08:28:00.000+10:00

Bundaberg has some beautiful heritage buildings.

Not as many as the once had I'm sure.

The black and white photo that you see is of the Commonwealth Bank Building as it used to be, pre 1960.

The colour photo is after it refurbishment and as it is today.

Where are the people responsible ( or irresponsible ) for this?

Are they still in jail? They should be!

I thought nothing of the building ( who would? ) until I walked inside and commented on the photo to the lady behind the desk.

She told Annie and I it was once the most majestic building in Bundaberg!

It is now the towns art gallery.

A fine monument to the art of vandalism!

Elliot heads

2008-03-13T15:20:00.000+10:00

Elliot Heads, to the south Bargara, what a magnificent place! When youv'e been overseas you start to realise what a beautiful country Australia is.

Annie and I took a casual drive to the Heads to check it out and were absolutely amazed.

Blue water and white sand, what a magic combination anywhere.

The Heads is another rather untouched ( or so we thought ) piece of paradise. A few old holiday cottages mixed amongst some stylish new homes.

We were rather dismayed though on our return along the coast, as we didn't come in that way, that housing developments stretch back from the Heads all the way to Bargara.

The foreshore is lined of course with big pretentious houses and behind them on the flats the rest.

The locals must have formed a citizens action group. Every second house has a sign attached to their front fence proclaiming STOP REZONING FARMLAND and SAVE OUR FORESHORES.

A good idea especially if you already own a house there. Oh well!

Me as an artist?

2008-03-13T11:16:00.000+10:00

After a trip with Annie to the Bundaberg Art Gallery I was inspired to do a painting.

It's not finished yet. If it turns out OK maybe I will do another one.

When I asked Annie what was lacking she told me '' Talent'' Never mind I'll still persevere. ( I think )

You could give me some feedback ( or maybe that's not a good idea ) Maybe it will save me some time.

Back to the easel.

Back to despair?

Mon Repos Turtle Rookery

2008-03-13T09:59:00.000+10:00

Our visit to the Mon Repos Conservation Park to see nature at work was an incredible experience.

The action takes place after dark. Rangers take groups of visitors along the beach after activity has been observed. We were able to witness tiny turtles scrambling up from their nests which are about 50cm below the surface. It was amazing to see tiny heads popping up through the sand. The Ranger gathers all the clutchlings in a little enclosure until all have emerged from the nest. When the barrier is removed, the little turtles scurry down the beach to enter the water. Only one in a thousand will survive.

Each nest has around 130 eggs. This year 300 turtles have nested. All are tagged and their movements can be traced to far away places such as Peru and the Pacific.

The turtles come up to the beach to lay eggs Nov to Feb. The hatchlings emerge 60 days later. They will return to Mon Repos many years later. Females lay eggs when they reach 30 years or so.

Signs

2008-03-11T08:29:00.000+10:00

No Macca's at Bargara, but not to be outdone the sign 15mins away in Bundy you will find the Golden Arches.

The Don Pancho Resort is a non-smoking resort. However they do cater for the nicotine addicted by permiting them to go down to the stump at the the back of the Resort. At least there the lepers have an ocean view.

Fw: Notes from a Windy Coast

2008-03-10T08:44:00.000+10:00

----- Original Message -----

From: Steve & Anne Handel

To: handenomads.online@blogger.com

Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 8:32 AM

Subject: Notes from a Windy Coast

Above is a photo of the Don Pancho Resort where Annie and I are staying at Bargara Beach.

Very windy here at the moment, although Annie says she was talking to someone ( not a man I hope ) and they said it was windy here all the time. Can you believe that?

Bargara is much like Trinity Beach, ( for those who know it ) probably better. It is 17kms from Bundaberg and is separated from the city by vast cane fields. The village has only a few streets, a lovely beach front with covered picnic benches. A few coffee shops. Cafes etc, face the beach.

Unlike Tannum Sands ( the site of bitter disappointment for me ) it is has not yet fallen victim to the developer's bulldozers. Why? I don't know.

Tannum Sands is 20kms from Gladstone, and being within easy reach of the city is overun by development, in contrast, Bargara is 17kms from the city and virtually untouched.

Maybe Bundaberg council is not into rape and pillage, although a Woolworths supermarket has just opened. Maybe that's the green light the Philistines have been waiting for.

Anyhow, back to the Don Pancho. The beach out front of the resort is really great, lovely sand, and I believe, turtles come in at night to lay their eggs, although we havn't been lucky enough to see any yet.

The Don Pancho itself is a little dated compered to the couple of newer resorts that have sprung up around it, but it does have absolute beach frontage as the photo shows which makes it so much more attractive.

So as Kevin Rudd does ----- asks a question, then answers it himself.

Are Annie and I happy here? ---- Yes we are!.

Bargara Sunrise

2008-03-09T16:39:00.000+10:00

This photo taken early Sunday morning. (after sunrise) The sun coming up over the ocean is a sight to behold.

Yes, we have settled into Don Pancho and have spent a couple of days relaxing. Still getting used to all the extra space. Steve is enjoying the cable TV which seems to be replacing the scrabble games we have been playing.

From our unit in "Matador Block'', it's only a few steps on to the beach.(haven't worked out the Spanish connection yet)

At the moment, it is a little blustery for beach walking but we have dipped our toes in the briny.

A has been doing some research on the Turtle watching at Mon Repos. Queensland Parks and Wildlife manage the Conservation Park. They have implemented limited ticketed access. Mon Repos supports the largest concentration of nesting marineland turtles in the South Pacific region. Successful breeding here is critical for the survival of these endangered species. Ranger guided tours are after dark. Between Nov and March the turtles come up to the beach to lay the eggs. We are hoping to see the hatchlings making there way back to the sea. It means digging out some warm clothing as it can be cold at night and there could be a wait of up to 5 hours to see the turtles. Not sure about photos. The brochure advises limited photo opportunities.

Bargara or bust.

2008-03-07T14:47:00.000+10:00

The two roving reporters have arrived a Bargara Beach and already have pics to go.

We are writing to you from the Bargara Golf Club ( previously the Bargara golf House circa 1950 ). We are here because we can't check in till 3pm.

We arrived at the Don Pancho Resort at about 10 am, unhitched the van out the front and checked in, not with out a drama of course as Mrs Hitler was behind the desk.

Steve '' What's our room number''

Mrs Hitler '' Sorry can't tell you until you book in''

Steve '' Is it classified information?

Mrs Hitler '' No it's just that I can't tell you in case we have to change your room and you will be disapointed''

Steve '' How can we be disapointed when we haven't seen the room?

Then she starts to question Annie's identity as the booking is in Paul's name.

Then we both start to be visibly upset. ( but only to each other ) she's to busy looking for spys, infiltraters and phony guests trying to check in under assumed names.

Annie doesn't have the correct paper work and has to email Paul.

We can't check in untill 3pm because we didn't ring ahead. If we had rung ahead we might have been able to check in.

Annie and I go outside for two or three cigarettes and a few deep breaths, if that's possible.

Both outside and undercover car parks are completely vacant, NO CARS ! and she's having trouble juggling check ins and so on and so on.

So here we are doing it tough at the golf club,

More later from the Stalag Don Pancho, if we ever get inside!

Lucky Ducks

2008-03-06T18:27:00.000+10:00

Museums, gardens and grand homes

2008-03-06T18:22:00.000+10:00

As well as visiting the various Hinkler sites, we enjoyed strolling around the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens.

The grand home is Fairymead House relocated from a cane property to the Gardens.

The ducks and tortoises were treated to our leftover buns and bread.

No, we didn't genuflect before the Bundy rum shrine. Instead we opted for a tour of the Bundaberg Ginger Beer display which is set in a barrel shaped building. Very informative and interesting. We sampled some of their many brews including lemon, lime and bitters, a lovely peach drink and of course ginger beer.

We came away with a mixed 6 pack.

Bundaberg

2008-03-05T14:38:00.000+10:00

Annie and Iare in Bundaberg now, or Hinklerville, and what a lovely town. Not the most attractive town, but still very pleasant.

Of course Bundaberg's favourite son is Bert Hinkler. Throughout the town there is constant reminders of the great aviator, Hinkler Park, Hinkler Oval, Hinkler Motel and so on.

Above are a couple pictures of Hinklers house, removed from Southampton in England in 1983 and rebuilt in Bundaberg at is present site within the Botanical Gardens.

The house is now the Hinkler Museum. The building being constructed to the side of the house will house replicas of five of the aeroplanes he flew, some of which he built.

Here is a brief history of him.

1892 Born Bundaberg.

1912 Flew two self built gliders and flew them at Mon Repos ( near Bundaberg ).

1914 Arrived in England.

1914 Enlisted in the Royal Naval Air Service.

1917 Awarded the DSM for flying performances in France during 1st World war.

1929 Flew solo from England to Australia.

1931 Flew solo across the south Atlantic.

1933 Dies in his plane on Mt Pratomagno near Florence in Italy, while attempting another record attempt to Australia.

And this is just a brief history of him. The trophys and awards he won for flying exploits are quite amazing and too many to list here.

He was also cheif test pilot for A.V.Roe in England for five years.

Also in the Botanical Gardens is the Bundaberg Historical Museum, one of the best Iv'e seen, housing a huge array of interesting artifacts. Well worth a visit if you ever pass through.

Sunday at 1770

2008-03-02T17:35:00.000+10:00

Hi All

Not a lot happening here Sunday afternoon at 1770. Annie and I taking it easy at the moment.

I attempted a swim yesterday. After wading out for about 50 yds and still not up to my knees I gave up the idea.

We visited the local museum this afternoon. A lot of Capt Cook of course and a wealth of local history.

1770 is it is now called ( Cook named it Round Hill ) was Cook's first landing place in what is now Queensland.

Annie and I are off to Bundaberg in the morning. Up early, close up shop and hit the road.

We intend to stay at a park in Bundy until the 7th when we move into the Don Pancho Resort, courtesy of Paul. Our stay there should be great.

Annie is looking forward to the Gold Coast and I am looking forward to the surf and being able to swim in water above my knees.

I find the tropics very inhospitable, what with the humidity, a lovely tepid sea you can't swim in and nasty things that bite.

Being able to roll up the awnings now has made it so much easier. Trying to set them up before was harder than being at work.