Day 27 – Woolgoolga Games

Heavy rain overnight, but after some early showers this morning, we had a fairly nice, mostly sunny day, with just an occasional shower. Everyone except Gaz took another walk along the beach into town. (Gaz said he took his own walk on the beach while we were away and then had to have a period of recovery). Leaving the boys to have a coffee, Vicky, Maz and I hit the shops that were thankfully open, even though it was Sunday. We spent a nice hour or so browsing, and I even made some purchases – a nice jacket and a few other bits and bobs. Besides the inevitable boutiques and gift stores, we found an amazing el cheapo shop … incredible for a small town.

We walked back along the beach and met up with other friends of Kev, Maz, Wayne & Vicky, Mario and Denise, who had joined us for our last day and night. We enjoyed some time in the sunshine having morning tea and then adjourned to our own places for lunch. A couple of hours later, we re-convened for darts. In a tight finish, I took out the singles. We then moved on to boys v girls which ended with Wayne achieving something called a Shanghai which gave his team an automatic win. Apparently, it is when you get a single, double, and triple of the same number. I have to admit I have never heard of this rule, and it is always possible that it is a total myth, and we were duped. Another game was underway when a heavy shower saw us all scattering, (did I mention we were outside?), and it was decided darts was over and the Euchre tournament began.

Euchre was a round robin between four teams – Maz & Pen, Gaz & Kev, Wayne & Mario, Denise & Vicky. The afternoon round found clear winners with Maz & Pen winning all three of their games. It was then time for a dinner adjournment – a mixture of fish and chips for those not caring about healthy food and salmon, salad, and chips for everyone else. After this degustation delight, we started the final round. After two games, Maz & Pen had moved to four wins, and Mario & Wayne also found themselves on four wins. It was decided that joint winners would be declared, and we would call it an early night so we could pack and be ready for a quick getaway in the morning.

All agreed it has been a great trip. Votes were taken on the best part of the trip (with the exclusion of the wedding which, was of course, a standout), and the clear winner was the Stockman Hall of Fame in Longreach with honourable mentions to Carnarvon Gorge (Maz), swimming at Blackall (Gaz), Bilbies at Charleville (Pen), Cobb & Co coach ride in Longreach (we missed that, but the others loved it). We all liked Kingscliff and Woolgoolga as well. The not so nice part of the trip was also overwhelming voted as the debacle of the windscreen wiper motor part and, a close second, the weather generally. The unseasonal rain followed us most of the time.

Importantly we enjoyed each other’s company, had a lot of laughs, and preliminary talks have taken place on other destinations for the future. Now, with ongoing rain forecast for tomorrow, let’s just hope we get home without incident!

Day 26 – Kingscliff – Woolgoolga

 

As the nation awoke ready to vote, we awoke listening to the rain, a little worried about how we would go heading down the highway this morning. None the less, we packed everything up just in time for the heavens to open even further and the rain smashed down. No worries, we just hung around for about another hour and, when it eased a little, threw everything in the car and hightailed it out of there at 9:30am.

Luckily the rain did ease further after another 20 minutes or so and we were able to successfully negotiate our way down the highway to Woolgoolga. While heavy at times, Gaz’s Rainex on the windscreen seemed to work well. We have found that the faster you go, the better you can see. Hence, we made the trip in record time!

We checked in, did a bit of shopping, grabbed a bite to eat at a café and then it was time to unpack and relax while we watched the rain continue to tumble down. By mid afternoon there was a break in the rain and Kev, Maz, Wayne, Vicky and I took a walk along the beach. With the clouds threatening again, we convened in Wayne and Vicky’s cabin for pre-dinner nibblies and drinks.

It was then off to a local Indian restaurant where we enjoyed some yummy food and, as always, good company. Back to the group cabin and we had another round of trivia, with the boys unfortunately gaining the ascendency on this occasion. Plans for tomorrow were discussed – our last full day.

Day 25 – Tropical Fruit World

Today was all about fruit, not just any fruit … tropical fruit! We, (Wayne & Vicky were back in the fold after spending a few days with Vicky’s brother on the Sunshine Coast), had already purchased our tickets and so gathered at around 11:00 am to make our way to Tropical Fruit World, a mere 10-minute drive away. Apparently, this bastion of tourist attractions was previously known as Avocado World, but I can see why they made the change … as the Wiggles would say, “Fruit salad, yummy, yummy” vs Yuppies breakfast food. No contest.

The tour started with a fruit information and tasting session. I was particularly impressed with the fruit called Rollinia that was purported to taste like lemon meringue … and it did! The avocado was talked up big time – best fruit in the world, most nutritious, bla, bla, bla. They couldn’t help themselves; avocados were obviously still trying to outdo the tropical fruit, but even though the avocado was very nice, I’d have to stick with the tropical fruit as the heroes. Let’s face it; an avocado may taste good, but it can never taste like lemon meringue!

After the tasting session, we all piled into a ‘tractor train’ that carried us around at least a portion of the 200 acre farm. There was a massive variety of fruit to be seen, though obviously not everything was in season. It was mentioned that 70% of the farm was cultivating avocados so while fruit varieties certainly outnumber the avocados, in sheer numbers I’d have to say the avocados have it.

Ben, our driver and guide, was very informative and managed to get us around without incident. At our first stop we were encouraged to pick our own bananas and crack open some macadamia nuts. After about 10 minutes there, a sudden cloudburst had us scurrying back into the tractor train which was, thankfully, covered and we were able to stay dry.

The rain was short lived, and we were soon stopping at an animal park where kids could feed the farm animals – chickens, sheep and miniature donkeys. We were then invited to board a boat that sailed down a spring fed creek on a lovely winding journey for about 10 minutes or so until we reached an island.

On the island Ben offered us a lemon myrtle drink that we all agreed tasted like disinfectant and there was also a display of bush tucker … and a bench for Gaz to rest on. After another 15 minutes or so we were back on the boat for a short time before finally being picked up by another tractor train and taken back to the main building. All up the tour went for about 2 hours and the consensus was that it was very good. There was then plenty of fruit and fruit-based creams etc for sale, but we managed to avoid the temptation and head straight to the café as we decided that it was definitely lunch time.

After returning from Tropical Fruit World, we had a short rest and then everyone except Gaz decided to walk the 2km into town – the girls wandered the shops (two days in a row for me!), while the boys decided it was important to check out the Surf Club … Gaz met them there in the car. It wasn’t too long, and the girls found themselves also at the club, enjoying the fabulous views on offer of the beach … and a wine or two.

Kev & Maz had arranged to meet with Jordan and Angus who are at the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast, so that left Wayne, Vicky, Gaz and I who decided we might as well stay until dinner … which we did. Why wouldn’t you with such a lovely view? A very pleasant afternoon ensued with the culmination of an equally pleasant dinner. Gaz offered to drive two of us home, but we said, ‘no, we’ll walk’, until we got outside and realised it was raining and we all decided that risking the wiper less car in the rain was preferable to a walk in the rain! Gaz’s taxi service sprang into action, and we were soon back at the cabin for an evening of Euchre where … drum roll … the girls prevailed in a close match. Looking for a reasonably early night as we’re on the road again tomorrow. Weather forecast not looking good.   

Day 24 – Kingscliff

A heavy shower this morning worried us not at all as we had no where to be, nothing in particular to do, and we were happy enough taking it easy. Gaz took it so easy he didn’t wake up until 9:30am but, as he said, he must have needed that sleep! I was a little uncomfortable last night as somehow yesterday I got attacked by sand-flies or some sort of biting creatures and my legs are covered in very, very itchy bites that don't seem to be responding to soothing ointments. Hence, today I was drowning in aeroguard!

The morning was spent reading, relaxing on the verandah listening to the dulcet tones of the waves crashing on the beach. The only bit of excitement occurred when the big garbage truck rounded our small little corner and threatened to take us out … happily this was avoided. Late in the afternoon Maz and I decided to walk to the shops (about 2km). We spent a nice hour or so browsing and then walked back for a late lunch. We ran into Kev who had walked up a little after us. Gaz drove and did the grocery shopping for dinner – well, someone has to take one for the team says Gaz. It was good to get in some exercise.

Mid afternoon saw the resumption of the Euchre tournament as we realised that the Knights were playing in the evening which would interfere with our regular schedule. In an exciting development, two rubbers, (the best of three games), took place with the girls being victorious in both, so that puts us in the lead at 3-1. Not a bad way to spend a cloudy, overcast afternoon.

A communal effort for the evening meal saw a scrumptious pasta dish followed by another fresh fruit salad. We are certainly eating well. Maz then took her leave and the three of us suffered our way through the Knights v Broncos game on TV. After a reasonably promising first half, the last 15 minutes or so of the game was a real heart breaker. An unfortunate end to a very pleasant day.

Day 23 – Hervey Bay – Kingscliff

 

As we crossed the border into NSW this afternoon Gaz gave a little cheer. He reckons our luck is set to change now we’re back on ‘home’ soil. And this is hard to question as it certainly seemed that way today. It rained as we drove through Maryborough this morning, a disturbingly light rain that sort of just settled on the windscreen and refused to move on. Luckily, the shower lasted only 20 minutes or so. Kev and Maz left 10 minutes before us and said they didn’t experience any precipitation at all. Gaz has a theory that a raincloud is travelling above our car, ready to smite us at will, toying with our nerves as it teases and taunts us, while it leaves everyone else alone.

We are so excited to settle in here for three nights. It’s a great cabin – the best so far – two bedrooms, a really good size kitchen, dining, and lounge area, a fabulous verandah with outdoor setting, and all only metres from the beach. As you sit out the front, not only do you hear the waves, you can also see them through the vegetation that is home to heaps of native birds. Just beautiful.

After settling in and unpacking, Gaz went grocery & wine shopping while I took a walk on the beach and did the laundry. What a great demarcation of duties! Maz & Kev came over for dinner – a BBQ a la Gaz & Pen, followed by a Chef Kev inspired fruit salad. It was then time to clear it all away for the continuation of the big Euchre challenge. This time the tournament was taken out by the girls, so it’s now even stevens I believe. There was a disturbing moment when Gaz was accused of ‘table talk’ and commenced actually talking to the table. Bizarrely this was achieved in a pseudo-Russian accent, leaning down and whispering to the table. As strange as this all was, when he claimed that the table was talking back, we really did fear for his sanity. Maybe the stress is taking its toll…

No big plans for tomorrow – could be a rest day … we certainly need a stress-free day after the last week or so. Fingers crossed the weather allows us to enjoy this beautiful beach.

Day 22 – Rockhampton to Hervey Bay

 

To go or to stay? In the end, with no evidence of anything, and the odds leaning far to the ‘Buckley’s and none chance of seeing this motor vehicle part any time soon’, we headed south in search of at least a glance of Hervey Bay. This turned out to be a wise choice as we later did get a call stating that it appears the part may be in Perth and may or may not be coming to Rockhampton by plane or by road. We stopped by Nissan at Rockhampton and Gaz schmoozed Eric, our parts guru there, making him promise to send the part to our local Nissan dealer when it finally arrives. So, we made the call – we are running the gauntlet and driving the 1275 km home without wipers.

There we were, heading down the Bruce Highway, minding our own business, when BOOM, the car in front went slightly to the edge of the road, kicked up a stone and we got a big chip in the windscreen. I won’t pretend that Gaz reacted to this calmly – hands were raised, and cries of ‘Why? Why? Why?’, along with some choice words that don’t bare repeating here were heard.

We did enjoy a short stop at Miriam Vale, a quaint small town about halfway. They have the best kids’ playground I’ve ever seen at a smallish town and the residents were very friendly. Everyone gave us a seniors discount without us even asking and that included the grocery store! The café was great with lots of old kitchen type memorabilia and very tasty bacon and egg rolls.

Back on the road and we watched the horizon with some trepidation as dark clouds gathered, ominously teasing our wiper less situation. Inevitably it happened – it started teeming with rain. I won’t pretend that Gaz reacted to this calmly – hands were raised, and cries of ‘Why? Why? Why?’, along with some choice words that don’t bare repeating here were heard. We were travelling at about 100 km with a fair amount of traffic in evidence both ways, adding to the spray and general deluge that descended from the heavens. I didn’t time the deluge, but it seemed to last forever, though 15-20 minutes may have been the mark. It was not ideal, and though I could see OK (well, that’s my story), a greater level of concentration was certainly required.

With the rainstorm easing, and the turnoff to Hervey Bay appearing, I relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief. Almost there, heart rate falling back to normal. Not for long. Police up ahead. Shite! The windscreen is still covered in water! As I followed instructions and pulled over for what was clearly a random breath test, I searched for the TV cameras – the only thing that could make this situation worse is for the whole nation to witness it on prime-time television. I won’t pretend that Gaz reacted to this calmly – hands were raised, and cries of ‘Why? Why? Why?’, along with some choice words that don’t bare repeating here were heard.

Hissing at him to keep it down, I rolled to a stop to be greeted by a lovely Queensland police officer who seemed oblivious to the reduced visibility situation occurring in the stopped vehicle. I blew into the test apparatus, clearly passed with flying colours, and was told to move on and have a nice day. You have no idea how relieved I was, and I tried not to peer too strangely through the windscreen as I pulled away. Another 20 minutes and we were booking into our cabin at Hervey Bay, a very nice one … pity we will only have one night here.

Kev & Maz were on hand, ready to give us a quick tour of the sights, and that’s what they did. They showed us the beaches, the pier, the marina and harbour, and then we drove out onto a break wall at the marina and encountered a very friendly guy who told us heaps of stuff about the area and Fraser Island that we were looking across to.

It was dark by this time, and we came back to the cabin where we finished unpacking while Kev & Maz prepared a scrumptious dinner of prawns and salad. We followed this with a game of Euchre that the boys narrowly won. Early day again tomorrow as we are heading further south to Kingscliff. We are trying to ignore weather forecasts – you can’t change the weather.

Gaz came across this today - he says he begs to differ...

Day 21 – Rockhampton

 Look, I’m not going to dwell on this. Twelve days ago we asked Nissan Rockhampton to order a new windscreen wiper motor for our Qashqai … and we paid for said item. While disappointed to hear it would take up to a week to arrive, we soldiered on through unprecedented rainfall, storms and flooding only to find that the day the part was due to arrive in Rockhampton, Queensland, it was discovered that Nissan had inadvertently sent said item to Bunbury, Western Australia. Understandable, we thought – such similar names and so close together geographically. Although once again disappointed, we were assured that express air freight would ensure it would arrive within one or two days. It didn’t turn up, but, sure, while there was some disappointment, it was explained it had definitely left Bunbury on Thursday so it is sure to be available Monday at the latest. OK, that will mean an extra day at Yeppoon, but, hey we got here a day late because of aforementioned rain bomb, so that’s all good. It will mean one less day at Harvey Bay but, heh, a lifelong ambition to visit Fraser Island can be cast aside. So, when you arrive at Rockhampton Nissan on Monday morning to find the part not there and you personally take it upon yourself to investigate and it takes ‘til mid-afternoon to find that, in fact, said item has still not yet left Bunbury, it’s easy to imagine the disappointment.

Were we downhearted when the TNT, (yes, I’m outing the courier company), rang to say they had finally tracked the item to Bunbury? Well, maybe a little disappointed but, hey, another day or so is manageable, we thought. I’m here to tell you all hope was only lost when we were told that the said item had been dispatched … via road … and will arrive in a week or so. Gaz offered TNT anything he has – credit card, first born, wife – anything, to get them to put it on a plane instead. We still don’t know the outcome of that plea … stay tuned. Did I mention this is the only part of its kind in existence in Australia at present … until August?

So, I’m sitting in a dodgy motel room attached to a dodgy hotel where we had an OK dinner tonight. Gaz also spent a little while at the pokies and managed to win a bit – he said something good had to happen today.

Earlier in the day, we did manage to look around Rockhampton for a while – we certainly know the way to the TNT depot and Nissan! There is a lovely precinct on the river where the original port was – lots of old buildings, a lovely restaurant right on the river’s edge called the Boathouse where we had lunch, and a very cool Art Museum that I spent some time in while Gaz spoke to the insurance company on the phone, only to discover we do not have the type of insurance where a hire car is available in emergencies. I learnt that Rod Laver is from Rocky, the Fitzroy River flows very fast after rains and has lots of debris floating down it, and the town is on the Tropic of Capricorn. I also saw a lot of kooky artworks and an Arthur Boyd painting. Rocky also has a Botanical Gardens and Zoo that we did not get to today. A nice place to visit ... but I don't necessarily want to stay here for a week!

We have spent the evening brainstorming different options, depending on the outcome of the said item’s location and current mode of transport. All will be revealed tomorrow (I hope!).