Day 3 on Fraser Island

This post starts with a personal indulgence to say how proud and delighted we are that Nicola has got a Graduate position for next year are Royal Children's Hospital.  When she rang this morning, she couldn't stop crying with tears of joy.  That set me off and I think even Russ had a tear of joy too.  

Congratulations to Alysia Calleri (Jess's sister) who got a Grad position at GoulburnValley Health.

On to our day here.  We headed off about 8.30 this morning.  RR and Glenda had a run again at 7 whilst Helen and I had the walk. We start at the same time and finish at the same time, Glenda doing half the walk back with us.  Mad rush after the walk/run to shower, have breakfast, get lunch organised to leave by 8.30.  Times are fairly important to adhere to because of tides and traffic on the inland tracks.  With regard to tides, the higher the tide, the more dry sand you have to travel through.  Tougher to drive in as well as less economy.  Inland travelling is pretty rugged at the best of times, as many of the tracks are two way, but not much room to pass.  Therefore it is important to try not to clash with traffic coming from the mainland, particularly the tourist buses.

Our destinations today were Central Station and Lake Mackenzie.

Central Station was the original saw milling centre.  A small village used to exist for the workers. The trees are so straight and tall, all trying to outgrow each other for the sunlight. Perfect for timber.  

The  saw milling ended in 1992.  Central Station is located on a creek. It is a most spectacular creek.  The water is so clear and fresh, the water is almost invisible.

The track (well it is the main road and only road) to Central Station, is as rough as guts!  No chiropractic adjustment needed as we have had so much manipulation already!  RM reckons he has never seen such rough tracks. Plenty of "Holy s...." Moments again today.  Not sure why the tracks are so rough, maybe because of so much traffic, inexperienced drivers getting bogged and creating deep ruts or because it is so dry.  Either way, it has been hard work for the drivers. Colin thought he was in trouble on numerous, but he has done very well in pretty torrid conditions.

After Central Station, we travelled on more rough inland roads (oops, I meant tracks) to Lake Mackenzie.  This is a closed lake.  It only fills from rainfall.  There are no aquafires or inflowing rivers to fill it.  As Fraser Island is all sand, it is amazing to swim in this lake.  As you wade in with sand under foot, you expect the first mouthful of water to be salty.  But it is fresh water.  The lake is not quite as pretty as normal because of storm weather that filled it.  A lot of tannin runoff has given it a less blue color.  

Still a great place to swim and have lunch. 

Lunch has to be in the gated enclosure.

 Dingos are a problem on the Island, so lots of areas are fenced.  Our village (and others) actually have electrified cattle grids to keep out the dingos.  There is always a safe path to walk on, but warnings everywhere, not to feed wildlife or leave rubbish about. Plenty of goannas about too.  Despite the problem with dingos, we are yet to see one.  RR has just suggested we should buy a baby doll as bait!

When travelling back to Eurong (which is the hub where inland tracks meet the beach), we came across one of the tourist buses that was bogged.  It had a companion bus traveling with it.  Fortunately for us, we were at a crossroad and we could go straight through, unlike the many others who were banked up behind the buses. With the tours, they must have disclaimers stating some attractions/ferries may be missed due to road conditions etc.  RR suggested some attractions may be missed due to lack of traction!

Back at Eurong, Colin and Glenda said they may stop and take some photos, so not to wait for them.

As it was getting closer to high tide, higher ground was needed along the beach.  Some detours were required to avoid the tide. Colin and Glenda were not so familiar with the beach and didn't know (or see the signage) to take the high road.  They took on the oncoming tide on both occasions.  Freaked a little but did manage to get past the rocks without too much trouble.  Probably a good hosing required under the car!

It was a great day, but we are "all shook up" from the rough roads.  The roast lamb is cooking, red wine is breathing and a good night's sleep is beckoning.

On that note, as the sun rises that damn early, we are all exhausted by 9.00. Last night, Colin was going to watch a DVD but couldn't get it going upstairs.  Had poured a drink, then went downstairs to try the tv there.  No luck, so came back upstairs to find lights out and everybody in bed.  I think it was 9.15!  When we rose this morning, his drink was still sitting there!

There are plenty of young international tourists enjoying this fabulous island, plenty of dedicated fisherman, and plenty of people just like us, just enjoying the environment.

Cheers.

Day 2 on Fraser Island

Our day began with the sun rising at about 5.10am.  Some fool (who shall remain nameless) was up at 4.30 to head off fishing just before the sun rose.  A couple of hours later RM returned with a good sized flathead (50cm at least) and a tailor.  He had another dabble during the day, caught 4 dart that he threw back, (although he thinks it was the same one biting each time).  He and RR had another go late in the day on the high tide.  A few more tailor caught by RM and another dart which was thrown back (probably the same one as earlier in the day who was after a good feed).  A feed of fish for tea tonight.

We headed off in the vehicles again with a packed lunch, north bound up the beach passed the Pinnacles, to Indian Head, then to Champagne Pools.  Some very pretty spots.  

The tide was low as we headed off, a pretty easy ride up the beach on the firm sand.

 A couple of tricky parts, crossing Eli Creek again and up a very sandy path to Indian Heads.  

There was some serious sand to contend with.  It was important to get a good run up and to keep going.  Before Indian Head, we learned how to collect pippis.  On the low tide, there are small mounds in the sand.  You dig down with your hand or scoop and dig out the pippi.  Some people cook them.  Here, they make cheap bait!

A group of young tourists in the "Tag Along" troupe (4 vehicles) had some trouble getting through the Indian Head Pass and managed to get stuck. In each vehicle they had at least 8 people.  Everybody out to push.  They pushed the vehicle backwards to start again, then all piled in to try again.  They got going, but got stuck again.  As we were watching, we suggested pushing but the passengers not getting back in.  7 people creates a lot less weight. So all the girls pushed and the male driver managed to get through!

We had a walk to the top of Indian Head.

It was a steep climb on some rugged terrain, but it is quite spectacular as you get a view north and south. From there, we spotted turtles and manta rays in the water. 

There was a large group of keen fisher people waiting at Indian Head for the fish to start biting.  They were having a quiet drink whilst waiting for the high tide.  It was going to be a long day as that was due about 4.30 and it was only 10.30

Champagne pools was a little disappointing.  The tide was a little low and the pools were filled with a lot of sand, but still very pretty.  At a higher tide, the waves crash over the pools and it looks like frothy champagne.  On our way back to the car, we spotted one brave (or stupid) soul surfing. Was that a shark near him? Not sure.  The surf/ beach looks great but can be treacherous and there is plenty of marine life. 

We couldn't stay for a higher tide as that made it more difficult to get back along the beach.  Driving in the soft sand is more challenging and harsher on the fuel economy!

We headed back to the Maheno wreck where we had a lovely lunch on the beach.  What had started as a very overcast day, turned out to be very bright and sunny.  Maybe a few ladies got slightly colored on the shoulders.  

After lunch, there was more fishing to be had, ball games on the beach, planes to land on the beach, rays to spot in the shallow surf, dolphins and whales to see, not to mention more swimming at Eli Creek.  

Contender for laziest person of the day was spotted at Eli Creek.  He had his chair in the creek, soaking up the sun, with his wife/partner bringing him his drinks.  She might wake up to the real world one day!

On our return, Col handed the keys to Glenda to give her a go at driving.  From all accounts, she did a fine job! You go girl!

Not far from Happy Valley, we spotted a couple of whales frolicking about a few hundred metres offshore.  Marine life is amazing.

Another feast was had for dinner, including fish as fresh as you can get. Another day ending in a special place in the world.  

Some photos to enjoy.

Fresh water to contend with above and uneven terrain below.

This one reminds us of the TV "unbreakable " ad.

A short boat ride to Fraser Island

Hi everybody.  Good news.  We have arrived at our destination in one piece.  Even the eggs remained intact, amazingly.  (When we crack them, they may already be scrambled though!)

In some fairly windy and choppy conditions, the ferry managed to drop the draw bridge (after a couple of attempts as the current was strong), it was a quick drive on (usually reversed on for a quick get away on the other side).

 The crossing was good, very pretty. Not rough at all.  At our destination, it was reverse off, then it was on.  RM, leading the way, was keen to go as we were second off the ferry, with Col and Glenda behind.  When  leading off the ferry, you don't want to hold up the traffic.  

RM put the foot down and Col tried hard to keep up, but these sand tracks were a new experience for Col.  Even RM had to admit that the tracks were a little rougher than he had previously driven on over here. There were a couple of "Holy Sh....t" moments. I think the other car had a few more moments and some slightly more colourful language.  To quote Glenda "I wish RM would f#+£ slow down!"  There were some serious depressions on the track and things did get tossed about.  Even the Landcruiser seemed to bottom out at times.  RM did a great job driving, one handed most of the time, having driven those tracks numerous time in his younger days.  

Cam and Di, the Santa Fe would not have cut the mustard, so just as well you couldn't make it.  The tracks are in rough condition as it has been very dry here.

Colin was pretty relived to make it to Eurong when we then started along the beach.  Much smoother going, but more traffic to contend with.  Speed limit along the beach is 80km, but some areas are 40km.  Important to drive to the conditions.

We got to our accommodation about 12.30.  Very impressed.  We shall be very comfortable for the week.  The house is in a small village called Happy Valley.  It is actually a fenced community. There is a need to keep out the dingos.  This village is about 150 metres from the beach.  It has a bar/bistro and a general store, which sells lots of supplies.  Will have dinner at the bistro one night.

After unpacking and a late lunch, a walk ensued along the beach.  Glenda was keen to feel the sand between her toes!  A little later in the afternoon, we got the cars going again for a quick trip to Eli Creek (about 6 km from here) and the shipwrecked "Maheno". This boat was wrecked in 1935. It has detoriated significantly over the years.  Helen and Russell had climbed over it and fished off it on previous trips.  Now, you can't get closer than 3 metres.  

Eli Creek is one of the many creeks that flow out of the land into the sea.  It is a beautiful creek and clear, fresh water. You can drink it, it is that pure.

Today's funny story has to be about our trip to Eli Creek.  This is a reasonable size creek  that you need to cross to get further down the beach.  RM slowed down and crossed safely as did Colin. I imagine Glenda may have had her feet in the air at this stage!

 Water up to the running boards (or higher). We pulled up on the other side to have a wade along the creek.  It was then noticed that RM's front number plate was hanging by one screw.  Colin's had been bent forward.  The force of going through the water had done it.  But they weren't alone, as near by were 2 other number plates that had been found.

RM threw the fishing line in for a while while we retired back to the house. No fish to report. 

Whilst walking along the beach, we did see a stingray in the shallow surf, very hard to see in the photo though.  The crab is a little easier to see.

Not sure yet on our plans for tomorrow.  But no doubt it will include some more beach driving.

 Find out from the next post.  We do have good mobile reception so the blog should be a regular feature. Stay tuned.

Starting grid at Bathurst

For all those watching Bathurst today, here is our version of the starting grid.

Not quite as spectacular but the view in the background is good.  We are really just waiting for the ferry.  It is a bit windy, but the crossing is fairly protected.

Bye for now.

Rest day in Hervey Bay

The crew arrived about 5 last night, a tad weary after 25 hours since they left the day before.

They had a good run up, no wildlife or any other incidents to report.  Just as well as poor Colin and Glenda had enough trouble with their car in the lead up to departure.

So today has been some rest and recovery (although RM and Col didn't think that the hour walk this morning resembled resting!). Then important duties like washing and creating the shopping list- a week's shopping for 6 adults is no easy or cheap task. Many bags of shopping later, we think we have enough to get us through. If not, we shall be able to buy some staples over there, but at a cost.  Below is what our food supply looks like stacked up on the luggage trolleys. There is other stuff as well.  Not sure where it is all going to fit!  All will be revealed tomorrow.

Other photos include the wedding party that was leaving our building in the classic cars, Glenda and RR on the pier, Hervey Bay beach and RR and I on our balcony.

Our departure tomorrow is on the 10.15 ferry/barge.  We shouldn't have too much trouble making that one.  The sun is up at a bit after 5 am so not easy to sleep in.  I'm sure we will be ready bright and early.

Not sure when the next post will be, but keep looking.  

Cheers

6 Wandering Epsomites on the move again October 2013

This time, we welcome Glenda and Colin to our little team of  Wandering Epsomites. Russell and Helen are back, but Shelley and Richie are not. Thailand earlier in the year was a better offer for them. 

Our destination this time is a little closer to home than last year (Vietnam). Fraser Isand beckons.

Russell and I have been lucky enough to get away last Saturday to have some relax time at Mooloolaba. Two overnight stops for us (Dubbo and Toowoomba) to get to the Sunshine Coast.  

Very pleasant weather and the water temp was great.  

Boogie boards got a good work out in the surf.

Mooloolaba prawns were very tasty as was the highly recommended "Spice Bar".

Today is Friday and Russ and I have made our way leisurely to Hervey Bay. Russell has made himself very comfy already.(Above) Here for 2 nights.  The others left Epsom yesterday afternoon around 4pm. They were driving through the night. Last time we spoke to them about 1 this afternoon, they were near Nanango (near Kingaroy) where they were stopping at Helen's sister's place.  A hot shower was beckoning and probably lunch. The weary souls will arrive sometime around 5.  

The weather here today is nice, but very windy. In fact, we have not seen the bay here so rough! (Above and below) Could even use the boogie boards.  Glad we are not ferry crossing til Sunday morning. It might be calmer then.

We are spending 7 nights on Fraser Island, not sure what the internet reception will be like, but will post photos and blog when I can.

We are travelling with Helen and Russell in their land cruiser.  It will be loaded up.  In fact, Russ and I believe that we will be in the rocking chairs on the roof rack (just like the Beverly Hilbillies)!

Stay tuned for more of our travels.