tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61604883914608644692024-03-12T22:16:00.228-07:00Cooks QLD adventureDonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-17755628939523231112008-08-05T05:15:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:40.601-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz12BqPrt5NE3Z53ARr4kFzxn2t3-7A2tUzYyY0vajoYZa6CkOLONcU_haWzn0EJIBNERiT4p48tFEl6no3UDa4CdU1DNcsA1xZ6nx364J-BMmMAeZQGbx07KokYzf-HRnjuoEmQgP-M/s1600-h/QLD4+207.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231011078671930930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz12BqPrt5NE3Z53ARr4kFzxn2t3-7A2tUzYyY0vajoYZa6CkOLONcU_haWzn0EJIBNERiT4p48tFEl6no3UDa4CdU1DNcsA1xZ6nx364J-BMmMAeZQGbx07KokYzf-HRnjuoEmQgP-M/s320/QLD4+207.jpg" border="0" /></a> Day 27-30<br />At Paronella Park we met a couple who said to skip Mission Beach as it wasn’t very nice. Regardless of this, we thought we should at least drop in for lunch and were we glad we did. Within minutes of arriving in the “village green” we all fell in love with this piece of paradise. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYweXaEi4qb_LGarmDm8tUHLsiJzdUeXknw0-vnBxwzx3wKlRIi1MfaTV2PjynIse2fSFHyE-hNOqXNKcyV5B5QxhXc1rQ3MaCS1EDfBiFJBGyCU7Pltnzn5XxZpwM6xrDT-iIiqiu9w/s1600-h/QLD4+214.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231011087092634706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhYweXaEi4qb_LGarmDm8tUHLsiJzdUeXknw0-vnBxwzx3wKlRIi1MfaTV2PjynIse2fSFHyE-hNOqXNKcyV5B5QxhXc1rQ3MaCS1EDfBiFJBGyCU7Pltnzn5XxZpwM6xrDT-iIiqiu9w/s320/QLD4+214.jpg" border="0" /></a>We spent many hours on the beach in various activities ranging from playing in the waves, to building sandcastles, spotting whales and watching the skydivers land on the beach. In between this we enjoyed the great facilities of the park including swimming pool, table tennins, playground and pool table. This was punctuated with ice creams and lazy lunches. If it sounds too good to be true, then come and see for yourself. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUDDufea9CSrHOm88Zptd8EVRwcp5U5VDQW6IC1rjxgl-P85DdF1yhPJyeiHuHHqZY0GbxL4dYGJgf7ifChdxzhkHKumBWpNLO27ZAdyFozVsca51lz4d5bo0x_Z8cXpBbEB4Y0T23s8/s1600-h/QLD4+215.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231011095414791714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUDDufea9CSrHOm88Zptd8EVRwcp5U5VDQW6IC1rjxgl-P85DdF1yhPJyeiHuHHqZY0GbxL4dYGJgf7ifChdxzhkHKumBWpNLO27ZAdyFozVsca51lz4d5bo0x_Z8cXpBbEB4Y0T23s8/s320/QLD4+215.jpg" border="0" /></a>We even found a fantastic weekend market where we browsed and bought a few bits and pieces. So as you can tell, the planned stop for lunch turned into four great days of R & R ( Just ask Harry, Lucy and Bella and they will tell you they want to live at Mission)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDCdUD7hvwhlWgJ2WMcRkVbdGcHRdAY7j7f00QNloXXFWWpeUUJj-FllEC8SdSr8jUzJeNeD5c6OPdXFnOir5PcenZ1KOmDbu8aVyKYVY90nLdmalVxEujR8wbc-EM305pt6og8DUQL4/s1600-h/QLD4+240.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231011106449053650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDCdUD7hvwhlWgJ2WMcRkVbdGcHRdAY7j7f00QNloXXFWWpeUUJj-FllEC8SdSr8jUzJeNeD5c6OPdXFnOir5PcenZ1KOmDbu8aVyKYVY90nLdmalVxEujR8wbc-EM305pt6og8DUQL4/s320/QLD4+240.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyq0JqRr5Ygb8nlAobPiPB7o982N43mAla3afBFjZEjoEJrhEvWTUvokTxdOcZIVr1IpcoTNi_rTxdbLNgu3N1S41vOywfjiJqwIdYQ888IyTRMYRrYoRGhzYJJEE6ev4H74mQrj78qw/s1600-h/QLD4+257.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231011114196874050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyq0JqRr5Ygb8nlAobPiPB7o982N43mAla3afBFjZEjoEJrhEvWTUvokTxdOcZIVr1IpcoTNi_rTxdbLNgu3N1S41vOywfjiJqwIdYQ888IyTRMYRrYoRGhzYJJEE6ev4H74mQrj78qw/s320/QLD4+257.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-58833055980032208892008-08-04T14:10:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:41.139-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0njjAxSR-eGkQIYLpnpBv-2VNBs0V_apaoSODiOUDnhpGMMlgzI0KoM9WhEKhlzL26iDX36B0mJoz5OxogBhUzWHag8giRRFngJjtyMvjB1FosdVIzF2K8WSbUT0Jtj4VKWJTmkIuwU/s1600-h/QLD4+203.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230775759384510978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0njjAxSR-eGkQIYLpnpBv-2VNBs0V_apaoSODiOUDnhpGMMlgzI0KoM9WhEKhlzL26iDX36B0mJoz5OxogBhUzWHag8giRRFngJjtyMvjB1FosdVIzF2K8WSbUT0Jtj4VKWJTmkIuwU/s320/QLD4+203.jpg" border="0" /></a> Days 27-30 continued - One other important factor that added tremendously to our time at Mission Beach was meeting the Hollands. I mentioned earlier in the blog from Wanga beach that their was a large van in a photo that was destined to play a greater part in our trip and this was the Holland family van. On the second day of our stay, I wandered down to the tourist info centre to get some maps. While I was their, I heard a couple asking about the best van park. Well as we had been having such a great time, I couldn’t help myself and started to sing the praises of Hideaway (our park). They seemed like nice people and they were most grateful. Well by the time I walked back to the park, they were setting up in the site behind us. We all introduced ourselves and it was obvious we were going to get on well. Chris and Kelly were farmers and it was interesting to learn about the modern world of farming (very different from what I had seen as a child). They ran a not so small business and had all of the business planning and goals of a top flight company, but more importantly, they and their children were genuine people and great fun to spend time with. We spent many hours of an evening after the kids were in bed discussing everything from business, sport and the plight of the Grey Nomads ( by the way the impressive van turns out to be Chris fathers). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BtcrYm5_Q4IftbDSZbltyk5_-UZ7fIWFDxWsYyt31BHjYklrsJkz0fLI-2TgQKGSeb6gSBZovjgdvVAT0QPbg1-6pGdohfnVFc8XqvL3qq3hAOG_Yr7YXViWGpHV9fVbm98-Y3LZA0g/s1600-h/QLD4+218.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230775766315501378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BtcrYm5_Q4IftbDSZbltyk5_-UZ7fIWFDxWsYyt31BHjYklrsJkz0fLI-2TgQKGSeb6gSBZovjgdvVAT0QPbg1-6pGdohfnVFc8XqvL3qq3hAOG_Yr7YXViWGpHV9fVbm98-Y3LZA0g/s320/QLD4+218.jpg" border="0" /></a>Their delightful children Broden, Taylar and Maddie enjoyed joining in any activities and a quick game of “World Series Beach Cricket” was a great laugh. Broden who is 14 was very patient with Harry who enjoyed having an older boy to “hang” with and I’m sure Harry will always remember this time fondly. Most of all it was great to see this family who really enjoyed spending time together and I will never forget leaving the beach one day when one of the family member said “Hey lets build a sand sculpture” and to a resounding chorus of “Yeah” they all started building a Crocodile (creative talent seemed to come from Dad). It was great to spend time with another family who enjoyed spending time with each other and us. Our only regret is that we were having so much fun, we didn’t take any photos (but we do have some first rate video footage of the cricket match thanks to Kelly). I’m sure we will stay in touch with the Hollands and hope we can perhaps have a cricket rematch one day.<br /><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-90213745310455883072008-08-04T13:33:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:41.686-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwielB0f2dympMBpJCyIVEhXGX8T7TSZUiChSPkh3etwRu1laN-2BF85sFMMiPjzBDG2VINIulsZ-emzVjhYvS33AmKoJiLEJ4Jnf7VRQSkHxkStoJhYUZOihQRZyXIOKWJrLW7ru5HhQ/s1600-h/QLD4+262.jpg"> </a><br /><br />Days 27-30 continued - The Hideaway Fishing Fleet – When we first arrived in our site and saw a sign referring to the Hideaway Fishing fleet. We looked around and to our horror I could see boats and rods and all manner of device designed to increase ones chance of catching fish.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzXnf0HgTlXymahM1ZbfM-cJW44Ed5a8o299AA0G4ZpIVg1ay2mgRkrO385oQxCIUh8N1D1gYCo-dCVMccoYqurKJu_J6zbBw6otwZBV8vUwyGpPFXWfCLk7Axhr-Xgj3WBvljTjzzoE/s1600-h/QLD4+279.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230767983445829378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzXnf0HgTlXymahM1ZbfM-cJW44Ed5a8o299AA0G4ZpIVg1ay2mgRkrO385oQxCIUh8N1D1gYCo-dCVMccoYqurKJu_J6zbBw6otwZBV8vUwyGpPFXWfCLk7Axhr-Xgj3WBvljTjzzoE/s320/QLD4+279.jpg" border="0" /></a> I thought we would be in big trouble as my fishing prowess is minimal and despite three attempts by Harry and I to catch fish we had no luck. The first of this group we met was Judy (later we learnt she was the wife of the Commodore). She was immediately welcoming and friendly and it was obvious to all of us that we had found a good neighbour in this paradise. I then plucked u the courage to ask the men with the boat some advice about local fishing. Not only did we get advice but also bait and the loan of a very nice rod and reel already rigged for the local conditions. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230767954377180162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwielB0f2dympMBpJCyIVEhXGX8T7TSZUiChSPkh3etwRu1laN-2BF85sFMMiPjzBDG2VINIulsZ-emzVjhYvS33AmKoJiLEJ4Jnf7VRQSkHxkStoJhYUZOihQRZyXIOKWJrLW7ru5HhQ/s320/QLD4+262.jpg" border="0" /> Of course despite this good help Harry and I had no luck but not to be deterred the Hideaway Fishing fleet offered us some of their freshly caught mackerel for dinner. A very generous offer, but when Donna asked for a recommendation on how best to cook it, they insisted on cooking it for us. Well the fish arrived lightly seasoned and better than anything I have had a Doyles, Sails or Nic’s Seafood at Darling Harbour<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbpzAPlWk-AbaQYqpJoU16U4BkoRALhVRDkWAtTNBtlPfdm5OLZBNx2mSrj7wzNepaIfkqfhPyyJCCLLqGQcEpOH0th_xT22rK8jqxGAOPD3h6iYs0UI87odxVi_NYd7qUe6wkfLWSXM/s1600-h/QLD4+264.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230767976460469186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbpzAPlWk-AbaQYqpJoU16U4BkoRALhVRDkWAtTNBtlPfdm5OLZBNx2mSrj7wzNepaIfkqfhPyyJCCLLqGQcEpOH0th_xT22rK8jqxGAOPD3h6iYs0UI87odxVi_NYd7qUe6wkfLWSXM/s320/QLD4+264.jpg" border="0" /></a>. After dinner we went over with the girls to thank them for their generous culinary gift only to find these charming seniors having ice cream cones for dessert, and in their continued generosity insisted that they make one each for our three children. As our stayed continued we learnt more about this fun loving group who had established this tongue in cheek fishing fleet some five years earlier and have continued to enjoy the comradery of a like minded group that come together each year to enjoy their common love of fun fishing and frivolity. We learnt that each year they have a theme night dinner complete with fancy dress and awards for all manner of things. Their days are peppered with fishing, lunches, more fishing, shopping expeditions, more fishing, practical jokes and of course eating the fish. It was a privilege to be accepted into this glorious group of individuals. I was immediately reminded of the film Cocoon where a group of seniors discover the fountain of youth. I’m not sure wether it is the location of Mission beach, the mix of alcohol and omega three oils from the fish or the energy they receive from each other as they share this common interest but I can only hope that I too will find this fountain of youth in my senior years. So in conclusion to the Hideaway fishing Fleet (especially Ian, Judy, Boyd and Barbarra). Happy fishing, continued fun and thank you for your friendship and acceptance of our family in your paradise <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHU_k1g3Ylv4soWqsC8p3dII1apk77p5mZCpYwmsju4s_rPJdhWiM0U0ImvHWDJSS0yST4CHPmQ4hhP64Z86u1aV4HbSdJkxv7KWyE7uNNUeAADHQKsM6MuYG1fIYphKE83Dm_JEC_7JY/s1600-h/QLD4+259.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230767961856598386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHU_k1g3Ylv4soWqsC8p3dII1apk77p5mZCpYwmsju4s_rPJdhWiM0U0ImvHWDJSS0yST4CHPmQ4hhP64Z86u1aV4HbSdJkxv7KWyE7uNNUeAADHQKsM6MuYG1fIYphKE83Dm_JEC_7JY/s320/QLD4+259.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-12442526801149577572008-08-04T06:30:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:42.186-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6quZuB48CK5K6kDMsToBGdk9KNd_jECiIbhpU9RTl0T5gmllxjO2846BRBLXVsDFGb9g-VTKYCTiT5t77hF_ZvLv885hppWPXnXbaoYrPJ6nzue6G-mURuC-sVJBmVU_5aXcKUjHZERc/s1600-h/QLD4+122.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230656585346305634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6quZuB48CK5K6kDMsToBGdk9KNd_jECiIbhpU9RTl0T5gmllxjO2846BRBLXVsDFGb9g-VTKYCTiT5t77hF_ZvLv885hppWPXnXbaoYrPJ6nzue6G-mURuC-sVJBmVU_5aXcKUjHZERc/s320/QLD4+122.jpg" border="0" /></a> Day 26<br />A family we had met earlier in the trip had told us about a castle built by a Spaniard in the Queensland canefields. This was told to us early in the morning and free of alcohol so their must have been something in it, despite the story sounding bazaar. So we left Cairns and headed south on an incredibly picturesque drive known as the cane cutter way. We rolled past rainforest, mountains ,sugar can fields and banana plantations (and stopped at a drive through for a bottle of wine - the guy was most amused to see the Jayco). It was truly beautiful countryside aided by the fact that the weather was now fine. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgcMaZb4LpII6FnWfoLSgveCpPYIP7GEbDSi37rGfZWRHGRcPjlmrbM1JryXmgHe3HLp2lK-SwWY3MkJJ9jnOTfsHEJo6_pCNVlI2E6ahDJpZ9dOb4EeoJ8H_tiiwmC324aG-KfggeJY/s1600-h/QLD4+202.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230656591006776338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgcMaZb4LpII6FnWfoLSgveCpPYIP7GEbDSi37rGfZWRHGRcPjlmrbM1JryXmgHe3HLp2lK-SwWY3MkJJ9jnOTfsHEJo6_pCNVlI2E6ahDJpZ9dOb4EeoJ8H_tiiwmC324aG-KfggeJY/s320/QLD4+202.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our destination was Paronella Park and when we rang we were told that the entry fee included our first nights accommodation and so we booked in. We arrived around lunch time and set up our van. It looked very interesting with the castle ruins looking like remnants of temple built by the Inca’s. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBBNo7dRhUSvfEkj8voJTuvC2HCEFfXHAXt95bzAAbvfOKjpJp6NqWV2cEGv6klv9FognQNcraw0_ojHnTk1MqDKWhkr68DuPdIsy1LfE92wPwiGpjR2A5mNiiREUFBI2E3cTPak8CZA/s1600-h/QLD4+138.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230656600060753474" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBBNo7dRhUSvfEkj8voJTuvC2HCEFfXHAXt95bzAAbvfOKjpJp6NqWV2cEGv6klv9FognQNcraw0_ojHnTk1MqDKWhkr68DuPdIsy1LfE92wPwiGpjR2A5mNiiREUFBI2E3cTPak8CZA/s320/QLD4+138.jpg" border="0" /></a>We decided to take our lunch down to the picnic area by the riverside that was built in the 1920’s. This was an amazing location. Built at the foot of the Moona Creek falls, the picnic area looked like something from a lost city. We assembled for our afternoon tour and met our guide Karen who had a great style.<br /><br /><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-58612426899268985912008-08-04T06:16:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:44.460-08:00Day 26 Continued - <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74XoSLPhodFWyfW8lW1Z1yWFiv5LCAKpEI3t8RYubIhSXP5w288VusH1OEwu5cFHP094X5q-vCzC5ER2zktGWwbD331PnKQZEI7QDDDZztxUZrpDqZV-sDBcwkJdNpolaIAF6bU4Djbk/s1600-h/QLD4+180.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230654180895780738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74XoSLPhodFWyfW8lW1Z1yWFiv5LCAKpEI3t8RYubIhSXP5w288VusH1OEwu5cFHP094X5q-vCzC5ER2zktGWwbD331PnKQZEI7QDDDZztxUZrpDqZV-sDBcwkJdNpolaIAF6bU4Djbk/s320/QLD4+180.jpg" border="0" /></a>Paronella was a great exerience and even included an aboriginal tour of rainforest food and aboriginal life. This included a demo of fire lighting but despite our best attempts we could only manage smoke. Paronella Park was the dream of a spaniard named Jose Paronella.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZSvfJNvxNXSNl4366SqGccE6a3tyfG0QnfTkHY0Fkjfcjk9HZAco4R_U_d3xNTlXKzOuD887HhQrAVEml-ulwcwN9Ky27Aqk18-9e6Xj5R1a1owAv8glKQkRk_iTjEwQ72oaYH7mcqc/s1600-h/QLD4+133.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230654159882392050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ZSvfJNvxNXSNl4366SqGccE6a3tyfG0QnfTkHY0Fkjfcjk9HZAco4R_U_d3xNTlXKzOuD887HhQrAVEml-ulwcwN9Ky27Aqk18-9e6Xj5R1a1owAv8glKQkRk_iTjEwQ72oaYH7mcqc/s320/QLD4+133.jpg" border="0" /></a> He came to Nth Queensland in the early 1900's and decided he would build a castle based on the images created in his mind from his Grandmothers bed time stories. Jose was a real do it yourselfer and I'm sure would have been an avid ebayer if available at the time. He created this amazing complex whivh included his castle like home, pinic area, team rooms, swimming pool and grand balroom complete with movie projector<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8JpExgRUdaJkGsvTK-1s3kqvWdcuf-pZQQjxz0_fI1f54WjFLoM1KTrAoOq0lAsKU9cG8oOVt8oxwHgKCe7UuE3YqgW8uoM3UV68wXoRLbz31iqWmwgcEVkLCQenlSAL3Dil976z8f4/s1600-h/QLD4+160.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230654168869404898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8JpExgRUdaJkGsvTK-1s3kqvWdcuf-pZQQjxz0_fI1f54WjFLoM1KTrAoOq0lAsKU9cG8oOVt8oxwHgKCe7UuE3YqgW8uoM3UV68wXoRLbz31iqWmwgcEVkLCQenlSAL3Dil976z8f4/s320/QLD4+160.jpg" border="0" /></a> (in order to get electricity he had to install a hydro electric station - the first in Aus). The story is amazing and his vison inspirational. If you are ever in this part of Queensland, make sure you take a look as my wprds and pictures do not do justice to the park.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Buvs5oHax5giL7dpE0rEZeEE4v97lPC5m9Gxq_RuqWoH0cTbhF_mc0BJaGHRd-QXHLuE38xMndTJOicnYyWjSWDLmfZAdEcS7SHpqAepIjsz0gkR6jHg1YRC1qwfLtkNgqAuzT-ZNPc/s1600-h/QLD4+174.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230654173113550850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Buvs5oHax5giL7dpE0rEZeEE4v97lPC5m9Gxq_RuqWoH0cTbhF_mc0BJaGHRd-QXHLuE38xMndTJOicnYyWjSWDLmfZAdEcS7SHpqAepIjsz0gkR6jHg1YRC1qwfLtkNgqAuzT-ZNPc/s320/QLD4+174.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzsmC7wrU7Brr3txdAtGXIGIgVwhLX4oa_267v9P-s79QYyGdLYckOmOuGnuaOEcORW5sItPWhuKcbTKNXjGfBf6OBGCBY_nAZC2mAgbr2x_K8-MBOnnFrsJzy3ssU6XOxOPO6CrYuws/s1600-h/QLD4+184.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230654186793324082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzsmC7wrU7Brr3txdAtGXIGIgVwhLX4oa_267v9P-s79QYyGdLYckOmOuGnuaOEcORW5sItPWhuKcbTKNXjGfBf6OBGCBY_nAZC2mAgbr2x_K8-MBOnnFrsJzy3ssU6XOxOPO6CrYuws/s320/QLD4+184.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-74208162543346691562008-08-04T05:53:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:44.993-08:00Day 25 - Last night it poured all night, no leaks or any problems just not much sleep as we try to plan our “coastal holiday” around the rain. The plan was to pack up the van early, get Greased Lightning (Prado’s ne name) serviced and then onto Mission Beach. After waking at 4.30 am and checking the weather, it was clear the rain was here for a few days and nowhere else looked any drier (what a difference having wireless internet connection makes being able to constantly check weather, complete banking and look for information). So we decided to stay another night in Cairns rather than pack up the camper in the rain, move 150km’s and set up again in the rain. After the car was serviced we went to Cairns central shopping centre for lunch (bit like Southland/Macquarie). Interesting people watching (I have never seen thongs dressed up and down so much??).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeOd_RzKrg_rC6NpiwGfCFW32h_yaVgPxQKB2sBZIRrzDP2ovZ4EnLiryDGVCBNRtQQBUc1fgnFJHZWDw3-VSKle_zKiB-DQAaDCOpxKDP4cQdifW78sqixpGAfqsLtMuz0KcMHWZJlE/s1600-h/QLD4+127.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230650634585561650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeOd_RzKrg_rC6NpiwGfCFW32h_yaVgPxQKB2sBZIRrzDP2ovZ4EnLiryDGVCBNRtQQBUc1fgnFJHZWDw3-VSKle_zKiB-DQAaDCOpxKDP4cQdifW78sqixpGAfqsLtMuz0KcMHWZJlE/s320/QLD4+127.jpg" border="0" /></a> Harry and I then went to se KungFu Panda at the movies while the girls were keen to swim in the pool on the esplanade despite the light rain. Harry and I enjoyed the movie and it was great to see a kids movie with a strong message (believe in yourself grasshopper and everything will work out). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEwxq1D7JQ_rbk69aGJVBXMHUjGcrsm8sv5FvxWhK5BMBt9uvp2x4WvDwfW1OZwVZelGXdl0sxEDdkMnSXvr7vCsY3PC6cBwTawFPNP-SnJdT0CNigV1qKtlhUuSaoDHyf5PvWG9JNoQ/s1600-h/QLD4+126.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230650640608784802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEwxq1D7JQ_rbk69aGJVBXMHUjGcrsm8sv5FvxWhK5BMBt9uvp2x4WvDwfW1OZwVZelGXdl0sxEDdkMnSXvr7vCsY3PC6cBwTawFPNP-SnJdT0CNigV1qKtlhUuSaoDHyf5PvWG9JNoQ/s320/QLD4+126.jpg" border="0" /></a>The girls enjoyed the chilly swim and we joined them after the movie. By this stage the rain had stopped and I must admit the Cairns esplanade is very nice despite being set on the harbour mud flats. We then went for a play at Muddies playground which is also on the esplanade and would have to be one of the best set ups for playground/cafe we have seen. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5WjHCdPRdpedebNFnOvKZLl01Jil8QkheKw1odIAz6N0mP70-1gA9n5dagiAfWNTCk2yv-mpZ7MWo_iATRT2uTt0N44-4QiFIMAMM4hk3RibLqUuLaMt8JYA51sMAyd728zpRHXKV6E/s1600-h/QLD4+129.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230650648387071986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5WjHCdPRdpedebNFnOvKZLl01Jil8QkheKw1odIAz6N0mP70-1gA9n5dagiAfWNTCk2yv-mpZ7MWo_iATRT2uTt0N44-4QiFIMAMM4hk3RibLqUuLaMt8JYA51sMAyd728zpRHXKV6E/s320/QLD4+129.jpg" border="0" /></a>It was then my turn to cook and I needed to compete with the previous evenings masterpiece of 2 minute noodles and cheese. Fortunately my culinary skills were up to the task and we dined and went to bed.<br /><br /><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-36103193888296591552008-08-04T05:50:00.000-07:002008-08-04T05:53:32.462-07:00Day 24- By now my opinion of the Grey Nomads (GN’s) is well known but alas today my view was well and truly disproved. We had four days sharing a beautiful part of Wanga Beach with Robyn and Ivan Wahronga (names changed to protect the innocent). During our stay, these two charming retirees became substitute grandparents as our children continually visted them in their brand new Winebago. They even gave the girls a tour and answered all their questions with concern and consideration. This has led me to now come up with a new segmentation system for the GNs<br /><strong>S&L’s (Sour and loaded)<br /></strong>These sad individuals have worked all their lives hoarding their money and now plan to spend it on a magnificent machine that may even handle re entry better than the Space Shuttle. You can tell these people as they spend a fortune on every perceivable piece of equipment and can be seen every day cleaning machine and accessories. Yes they have a toilet, shower etc but they have never been used “Nice to have them just in case”<br /><strong>BTDT’s<br /></strong>These are the <em>“been their done that”</em> brigade. Never try to recommend or suggest anything to these people cause they will always have a better suggestion. On closer examination, you realise they are really destination seekers whose aim is to tick off a list of venues but rarely see anything outside the van park. These individuals can be seen arriving at the park before lunch, spending the afternoon setting up camp (including the satellite dish to receive 1,452 channels). Heading off to the camp kitchen to practice some one upmanship and then in bed by nine. The next morning they will be up early packing up in time to head off to the next park to get the pick of the sites.<br /><strong>IDT’s<br /></strong>“Ive bloody worked hard and <em>I deserve this</em>” Oh I am so sick of hearing this. These sorry group of individuals don’t believe anyone under the age of 70 deserves to share any part of this planet with them. I think these people have been sent off by their children who are celebrating everytime the van goes away from their home state. One family told us a story about the an IDT. They had been out trying to catch crabs for days and everyday they would see this male GN return with a boat full “Just a few for the Misus and me”. So after push from the father of this family, the man agreed to let them tag along and he would show them. They met the next morning and followed him to a fork in the river at which point he said you go that way and I’ll try this way. So the family went off and tried for a few hours with no luck. They then decided to see how he had got on, so they went back to the fork in the river where they saw him motoring along. As usual he had a boat full of at least 10 large crabs. Hen the family said they had no luck, he replied “not surprising, I’ve never caught anything down their” Do you think he offered them one lousy crab for their kids..... no way. As most of you know I’m not the most religious person but I hope God has a special place for these individuals and I hope it is hot uncomfortable and no seafood is on the menu. Sorry not very Christian of me.<br /><strong>JNP’s<br /></strong>But at last I can report there is one group to save the whole Grey Nomad group and these are simply <em>“just nice people”.</em> These people will lend a helping hand, laugh when your children throw a ball onto their awning and simply be there with a smile when things don’t go well. So thanks Robyn and Ivan for making this clearer to me.<br />Oh as for the day not much to report after farewelling Robyn and Ivan we travelled to Cairns with lousy weather, set the van up and made sure all was OK to have the mighty Prado servicedDonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-14853700408850237502008-08-04T05:27:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:45.755-08:00Day 23 - We awoke to light but steady rain an decided that we would have an easy day. So after a leisurely breakfast we headed off to Port Douglas for a look see and lunch. The drive took us once again through sugar cane country with huge fields of 2.5 metre cane, ready to be harvested<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe56eN4U5oLMz2bWGmg4M3zgkNeE0p8dEYs9cwrzjunEbrltfIfVjk-sG2sghQOSVKh2d-iiH99k5VP8SwY2PaW-JC5wJlzplC20CklCEjkObn2tDvdFKYK1KXxr1m9Jy6Dw6QId_c1nc/s1600-h/QLD4+087.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230640971275105186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe56eN4U5oLMz2bWGmg4M3zgkNeE0p8dEYs9cwrzjunEbrltfIfVjk-sG2sghQOSVKh2d-iiH99k5VP8SwY2PaW-JC5wJlzplC20CklCEjkObn2tDvdFKYK1KXxr1m9Jy6Dw6QId_c1nc/s320/QLD4+087.jpg" border="0" /></a>Donna had not been to Port Douglas for many years and was surprised how it had really developed. The new block of apartments and shops on Macrossen Street when you turn onto it really looks like Noosa. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCURjmEXCIWyrbRX2GWdDNEHke_2n2FB6scxR5ZwGHDz819hTDtk7BKAq6QCYkn0G2AMNv-jR1mlHADBfYHYbhOghLF0G7PHoKHKAlqnD8tnDADcxbwPQG9Rx62NenZp4vxy42DgUu_Gk/s1600-h/QLD4+085.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230640962356646290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCURjmEXCIWyrbRX2GWdDNEHke_2n2FB6scxR5ZwGHDz819hTDtk7BKAq6QCYkn0G2AMNv-jR1mlHADBfYHYbhOghLF0G7PHoKHKAlqnD8tnDADcxbwPQG9Rx62NenZp4vxy42DgUu_Gk/s320/QLD4+085.jpg" border="0" /></a>We still had a very nice stroll through the shops and the quote of the days goes to Lucy who after a shopping expedition with Donna for a short while said “ Dad I really saw a pretty handbag, shoes and a very nice top I would like to get!” at age six thank you. How does that happen???? We had lunch at the recently renovated Central Hotel which was great and then had another stroll, coffee and ice creams. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQSVIg8RS0xjCrB1vNlL-OfeqPFzHLWAFL0oxIxIwOsOPJPIbhv3X4wHZOzBfgfrx3kFJJLjHxGzJ0GaGyJWxk5vMKuDGrGEAfP5XsfmpuGkjcxI3MKBd9M5ydzJepEVKuOBBLBY4lLg/s1600-h/QLD4+086.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230640967966652930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQSVIg8RS0xjCrB1vNlL-OfeqPFzHLWAFL0oxIxIwOsOPJPIbhv3X4wHZOzBfgfrx3kFJJLjHxGzJ0GaGyJWxk5vMKuDGrGEAfP5XsfmpuGkjcxI3MKBd9M5ydzJepEVKuOBBLBY4lLg/s320/QLD4+086.jpg" border="0" /></a>After a quick drive to the look out, marina, Mirage and new Sea Temple complex, we headed back to the van. At last Harry could complete his long held desire to crack open a coconut and inspect the contents while the girls enjoyed some local bannans (beutiful and sweet).<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jt93pPG-5fFlWarZPI6lCVtRDsqNALvIIsfI1mZ2G03WJeaA-1YQtyQMVlpvUAGa7cH8WoJJNtL9bjraFa5hzVRkuNdztHNLNsfHKeYJ9L17YIs7TQE8x5cTJGGxS4-dE9-RRJhvwrg/s1600-h/QLD4+091.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230640982811451266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Jt93pPG-5fFlWarZPI6lCVtRDsqNALvIIsfI1mZ2G03WJeaA-1YQtyQMVlpvUAGa7cH8WoJJNtL9bjraFa5hzVRkuNdztHNLNsfHKeYJ9L17YIs7TQE8x5cTJGGxS4-dE9-RRJhvwrg/s320/QLD4+091.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO3VHIbNNUR0ZIScNgmn7-v0ss_rXFA2XuzChu_eN3EaTlQ8z_jR8KsgNPO5ZPRCvX6nNJ_BoI9xNL5JT5pmHtKJ4q3gYezvMmuHE4SbojTbaiAYGAGEaSDETKxf0p-fFI0PFwrIswOk/s1600-h/QLD4+093.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230640988071126162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO3VHIbNNUR0ZIScNgmn7-v0ss_rXFA2XuzChu_eN3EaTlQ8z_jR8KsgNPO5ZPRCvX6nNJ_BoI9xNL5JT5pmHtKJ4q3gYezvMmuHE4SbojTbaiAYGAGEaSDETKxf0p-fFI0PFwrIswOk/s320/QLD4+093.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-15642149582636818702008-08-04T05:15:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:47.053-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdBGolcD4raRPokuYiAa68s3frhXN_-p7N3Gl_Hg-DvOy8XfLIKRnH-mhvAlkPELsraF5On0lHN6gDjfC4KJHIK2Ne9TnwZxmf7ANmH5pIPfiM9_Fzbz3vfQvVEo4g7UbxuPS-HC-aug/s1600-h/QLD4+103.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230638116175905250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdBGolcD4raRPokuYiAa68s3frhXN_-p7N3Gl_Hg-DvOy8XfLIKRnH-mhvAlkPELsraF5On0lHN6gDjfC4KJHIK2Ne9TnwZxmf7ANmH5pIPfiM9_Fzbz3vfQvVEo4g7UbxuPS-HC-aug/s320/QLD4+103.jpg" border="0" /></a> Day 23 continued - We then went for a walk on the beautiful Wanga beach and despite the over cast conditions, had a great time admiring the coconut lined beach, watching some fisherman net some live bait and building sand castles. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UnGWOsvqr8o0uY6kjhcSaEwBunP-wkwAkDHf8Adl8N9tyBGp7oX_AitCAXnuKwjSWOs51wMJ-yUoKDOBfyOriX7lCflcVDQ29kZts7GUKnNJAEFznIx0n10jaiKGWVcLGWCKfF3_lXM/s1600-h/QLD4+105.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230638121360531522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UnGWOsvqr8o0uY6kjhcSaEwBunP-wkwAkDHf8Adl8N9tyBGp7oX_AitCAXnuKwjSWOs51wMJ-yUoKDOBfyOriX7lCflcVDQ29kZts7GUKnNJAEFznIx0n10jaiKGWVcLGWCKfF3_lXM/s320/QLD4+105.jpg" border="0" /></a>We then got caught in a rain shower so all had early showers, dinner and then watched the DVD “RV” with popcorn. The kids had seen it before but we hadn’t. It was the perfect way to watch it, tucked up in our van having popcorn and relating to many of the funny parts of this movie (if you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favour and take a look).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMIdTjZIZBfmflgAsRZXBdGCsDtaq093C4ZYjUQ9XC4F2uuxqxNIAZDpur4YHwKG5RpS4tnYDXDGRIexohFjDLukDDTrR0VadOf71JAbNYwX6kR2umRz-z5m1CP_0hqA5VP3n5BK2yE8/s1600-h/QLD4+108.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230638131360849458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMIdTjZIZBfmflgAsRZXBdGCsDtaq093C4ZYjUQ9XC4F2uuxqxNIAZDpur4YHwKG5RpS4tnYDXDGRIexohFjDLukDDTrR0VadOf71JAbNYwX6kR2umRz-z5m1CP_0hqA5VP3n5BK2yE8/s320/QLD4+108.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mVqQEqrlIbEGN3vfCtOpM1pA5Nwna6QObXFbAD9kPYQouNmypZKIBOWKDZvDV7XlcK-w2T9JfFwXoZPv0SXCXu5_Y9wPyUQSCkiWrEQv6K5KhYqm8R2G8awm_5Et3hExbA8AwJ7GoKI/s1600-h/QLD4+109.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230638134735182866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mVqQEqrlIbEGN3vfCtOpM1pA5Nwna6QObXFbAD9kPYQouNmypZKIBOWKDZvDV7XlcK-w2T9JfFwXoZPv0SXCXu5_Y9wPyUQSCkiWrEQv6K5KhYqm8R2G8awm_5Et3hExbA8AwJ7GoKI/s320/QLD4+109.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Varg42n8CQ_QORfnm_nMR_xSzBFJ6NS3FnnqQauFEnEEKUt_L9y6OFZjAVPG_cimRSdcp06wyV5OZJpHLZhvjqtC0XZYDuRCVk09wr5cTmt3zZykW4tO53E5uxQvgnaBaeyu-DzSq0M/s1600-h/QLD4+115.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230638137634970946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Varg42n8CQ_QORfnm_nMR_xSzBFJ6NS3FnnqQauFEnEEKUt_L9y6OFZjAVPG_cimRSdcp06wyV5OZJpHLZhvjqtC0XZYDuRCVk09wr5cTmt3zZykW4tO53E5uxQvgnaBaeyu-DzSq0M/s320/QLD4+115.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-38298197989738775592008-08-04T04:55:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:48.094-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIqH4hU7jm0kFgVDrlghsDc0q7jDmYI8t8DfJYp9xMeUCvzinw5NYoi2IPz0oi2dDps1RZ4NUca2KdYDTBUEMxluvJETo0sr8qX2zBxysy8s0_c244L9HBkj7A0uA1bQsgKTPSp2EiHs/s1600-h/QLD4+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230633761605466930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIqH4hU7jm0kFgVDrlghsDc0q7jDmYI8t8DfJYp9xMeUCvzinw5NYoi2IPz0oi2dDps1RZ4NUca2KdYDTBUEMxluvJETo0sr8qX2zBxysy8s0_c244L9HBkj7A0uA1bQsgKTPSp2EiHs/s320/QLD4+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> Day 22 - Today we were up early as we were keen to make the most of another day at Cape Tribulation. We headed off to yet another rendition of High School Musical Two and I must admit by now we knew all of the words and enjoyed singing along with the kids. Once over the river on the ferry, we went straight to the rainforest discovery centre which includes boardwalks and a tower to view all levels of the rainforest including the top canopy about 23 metres above the ground. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-lm89hREUPrLS3Czld9352JW-z8PybQ9xe-cJI3984USYLxxYGPD4KsRfmytcrugQmSSt4AjeBKa8748-zdhA4sUub_1L2piLvX5kh4NyOkpEnTV_y6ZUDD6HpFpgAErXnP8ycvPAow/s1600-h/QLD4+025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230633767575610322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-lm89hREUPrLS3Czld9352JW-z8PybQ9xe-cJI3984USYLxxYGPD4KsRfmytcrugQmSSt4AjeBKa8748-zdhA4sUub_1L2piLvX5kh4NyOkpEnTV_y6ZUDD6HpFpgAErXnP8ycvPAow/s320/QLD4+025.jpg" border="0" /></a>Once again the kids learnt a great deal as they supplied us with audio guides that explained everything. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PyrRro9zYxQahT5DoyzxgmZ637A6QmyKu7w60B56n_xXcNab7uW5sNi1PL-WtDElFtaxmZX-lju0qLXEI07p3f5lQzyoV3lS3mT3hrb-RLIK1ohkpK1KgyLwnN-2yiGv2IB12SlC1t8/s1600-h/QLD4+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230633773615219170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PyrRro9zYxQahT5DoyzxgmZ637A6QmyKu7w60B56n_xXcNab7uW5sNi1PL-WtDElFtaxmZX-lju0qLXEI07p3f5lQzyoV3lS3mT3hrb-RLIK1ohkpK1KgyLwnN-2yiGv2IB12SlC1t8/s320/QLD4+026.jpg" border="0" /></a>After this we went to the Cape Trib look out and headed down the 4wd bloomfield track and even though it was now fairly dry, we could see how slushy it could get.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3dRkKQe9M37eS0o0YZrhWfsVESDHAIcu3lKmkD62zRvP0h60f4QdbZVXjIELpqIt8EiTaAzd46ztvdpFn5OVOQTvySxhctzD9r1AlNhRe0e1lV_Wy9ZeVCK_Ff_ZeKZHnoo2leWmEc8/s1600-h/QLD4+041.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230633781452713170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3dRkKQe9M37eS0o0YZrhWfsVESDHAIcu3lKmkD62zRvP0h60f4QdbZVXjIELpqIt8EiTaAzd46ztvdpFn5OVOQTvySxhctzD9r1AlNhRe0e1lV_Wy9ZeVCK_Ff_ZeKZHnoo2leWmEc8/s320/QLD4+041.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-34627613661685501512008-08-04T04:18:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:48.754-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gVZHomkBohuw6SCYXvn3xvmxN9wTxtDcayunzFvcEwNeGCyUTl3VcqclEaQxaFiLNMGzaQ9O-6h3m9OjjeQJgIMKt0oTpuY6_IiCHmw3c3j6szDPlaqrxpjYAgl4zYpzjtIwA7dQpg8/s1600-h/QLD4+056.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230622702222016674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gVZHomkBohuw6SCYXvn3xvmxN9wTxtDcayunzFvcEwNeGCyUTl3VcqclEaQxaFiLNMGzaQ9O-6h3m9OjjeQJgIMKt0oTpuY6_IiCHmw3c3j6szDPlaqrxpjYAgl4zYpzjtIwA7dQpg8/s320/QLD4+056.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Day 22 continued - After a quick lunch, we stopped at the Daintree Ice cream company and shared a four scoop bowl (very interesting .... 1 bowl, 5 spoons and great determination by all) after sharing a second bowl we headed off to Mosman Gorge and despite the water being freezing, the kids stripped off and went for a paddle. I think the pictures tell the full story and show the absolute joy children still have without a nintendo in sight.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGVxNCZ_a13QPq3aEo11BeOkAqV6yDWPzIqsdhR9yAM6Wo6KslrlTfrh29wftju6DMT7Kh_eKCQFjLO5ScPl5lZCYGNHbd210MAZNLLVEbM7zqK3oAxKpQ7kgx3Riotbsvl9NCRQ4elE/s1600-h/QLD4+075.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230622709899785346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGVxNCZ_a13QPq3aEo11BeOkAqV6yDWPzIqsdhR9yAM6Wo6KslrlTfrh29wftju6DMT7Kh_eKCQFjLO5ScPl5lZCYGNHbd210MAZNLLVEbM7zqK3oAxKpQ7kgx3Riotbsvl9NCRQ4elE/s320/QLD4+075.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL0XR0LBj_UyWVp8os7YQmF6e39m8iGG8UkwM7OeXd9RKWGChf3ugvCIv0R20geEk22Dk1Q3jllJ33lVaSJk0EHY1iLEsIoe8i79Wt7gfph8qCImKrjJwctHGbfQes6_HUETMhNK8XbE/s1600-h/QLD4+073.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230622713715319730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL0XR0LBj_UyWVp8os7YQmF6e39m8iGG8UkwM7OeXd9RKWGChf3ugvCIv0R20geEk22Dk1Q3jllJ33lVaSJk0EHY1iLEsIoe8i79Wt7gfph8qCImKrjJwctHGbfQes6_HUETMhNK8XbE/s320/QLD4+073.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz2bH3vCtYj2_jn35Qb2nxG0_yuULZJX8uVuPU0kRIr1fxLHcE0hbwHF0xXG65bOZthg1b8eY3WSA-tJKjSDeWCwR9WT3Rg24od4pKjAo7SMIxByD6ox-dZcgeaBnuW8fwc6l3qhAyNE/s1600-h/QLD4+058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230622718356336290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMz2bH3vCtYj2_jn35Qb2nxG0_yuULZJX8uVuPU0kRIr1fxLHcE0hbwHF0xXG65bOZthg1b8eY3WSA-tJKjSDeWCwR9WT3Rg24od4pKjAo7SMIxByD6ox-dZcgeaBnuW8fwc6l3qhAyNE/s320/QLD4+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-60454630004089657812008-08-04T03:41:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:49.356-08:00Day 21 – At last we had some time to catch up on the kids school work and journals. Although the journals are a great idea and I’m sure they will enjoy looking back on them, they are a pain for the whole family. I can only relate it to completing my expenses at work. You know you should do it and you know you need to do it but you keep putting it off. After that was done the kids had another swim and then we went to the Daintree river for a Crocodile spotting cruise. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230614685564357426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOvc7YT9y7wkcB3N_lmgmeOf3ZYhB_9b84oWaykftV-aWvdGfTTkwdLZOchQD3FZxaM4wEa7_1GC_ambUzV9kbV-PfZzSxf9XFL3BsLy3df1fnxTz6iabcOdrZXVA97yg9lo3RXmXNOE/s320/QLD4+009.jpg" border="0" />The guy we went with was great as he had an electric boat that was super quiet, a camera and TV screen on board to help the kids see the wildlife and he was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HD32Q8oycuFn-IH8UjofGvf7FeY0xtoQKsqI2oyb3SXbE6ilLpiUezrOXaDmWKnqFJ3NCg42h7hTwX2tZFWTun77LKvfe688p8xIxUqdeebYTAIF5KE2OwVTNh61WxkvcT4Y7UApNsw/s1600-h/QLD4+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230614690535309362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HD32Q8oycuFn-IH8UjofGvf7FeY0xtoQKsqI2oyb3SXbE6ilLpiUezrOXaDmWKnqFJ3NCg42h7hTwX2tZFWTun77LKvfe688p8xIxUqdeebYTAIF5KE2OwVTNh61WxkvcT4Y7UApNsw/s320/QLD4+011.jpg" border="0" /></a>It is always great dealing with people who have such passion about what they do as it is certainly infectious. On our trip so far it had been fairly quiet and the cruise was no exception as it was less than half full (about 15 people). We set out on the boat and immediately we began learning a great deal about the river ecosystem. The kids were enthralled as he told us about frogs, birds and insects and then zoomed in on them on his screen to help us locate them. He told us about the dominant male crocodile who was affectionately known as scarface. He was a 4 metre long and about 70 years old. It sounded like we would see him for sure as it was low tide and he was sunning himself on the bank. When we arrived at the spot he had gone and left a 2 metre female named Lizzy alone on the bank.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9u-hAyJ9RuZAbGsEvZ4oiL2lMiEg_PasxpJJHOAzXSxHCgC5SjtByVDLDXh2metfEI_KC-bV8w4wMFZBkmCizW7QzWA9vLOAXR_pLSZabrTxnT1fduPs9oCLyrhVCcbGdGCZUYwC6sWM/s1600-h/QLD4+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230614688618084722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9u-hAyJ9RuZAbGsEvZ4oiL2lMiEg_PasxpJJHOAzXSxHCgC5SjtByVDLDXh2metfEI_KC-bV8w4wMFZBkmCizW7QzWA9vLOAXR_pLSZabrTxnT1fduPs9oCLyrhVCcbGdGCZUYwC6sWM/s320/QLD4+007.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was great to see a wild Crocodile so close but I must admit to being disappointed to not see scarface. Suddenly the guide shouted “their he is!”. Well I couldn’t see him but when he zoomed in we could all see a small snout and two nostrils protruding from the water. This looked like any stone or protruding log and most of us would have walked past without noticing. As if Scarface sensed he had a captive audience he began to drag his huge prehistoric body onto the bank. It was both awesome and frightening to think one moment their was what appeared to be a small rock and now we were watching this huge body emerge from the water. It was a truly amazing sight and something we will never forget. We returned to shore and all felt we had experienced something very special however on the return trip, the guide played us some footage of scarface tearing a dead pig apart that he had taken. The power was amazing as he smashed the large pig from side to side as he tore it apart. Needless to say we certainly stayed well clear of all the waterways in the area from that moment on.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLfH_vemhLXZsOoa9YkqlW4F1-PyEHUj8vPShdODdIUIeTTmCKYG2rDmQV2eVVsXxxBv0y9UTlgevqgnnhA21LYwAEVv-gPDCJZqlPtnEwT2pV3C4bh2BpwkKU6DTfsq2Zw0E0f3VS2I/s1600-h/QLD4+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230614702203212690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLfH_vemhLXZsOoa9YkqlW4F1-PyEHUj8vPShdODdIUIeTTmCKYG2rDmQV2eVVsXxxBv0y9UTlgevqgnnhA21LYwAEVv-gPDCJZqlPtnEwT2pV3C4bh2BpwkKU6DTfsq2Zw0E0f3VS2I/s320/QLD4+019.jpg" border="0" /></a>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-79424824662978399482008-08-04T03:06:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:50.191-08:00Day 20 - People kept asking us “what was the best part of the trip?” For me, being so caught up in a busy corporate life, the answer was very simple. It was spending so much time with my wonderful family. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-09M2xDJL_jzVJ783vy3PSbWc0ZD1uZ-dPqNwYICHx6kJ3jEAk5pDKcCPspFrd4WVGaWP2W04lZFR0KgwyBhpzxkMyPHqEcAbrTKUceq8KA2MFLb9OV1ZnxFYjX4zRRE0HjB8kJ4-Ho/s1600-h/QLD5+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230606077731358722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-09M2xDJL_jzVJ783vy3PSbWc0ZD1uZ-dPqNwYICHx6kJ3jEAk5pDKcCPspFrd4WVGaWP2W04lZFR0KgwyBhpzxkMyPHqEcAbrTKUceq8KA2MFLb9OV1ZnxFYjX4zRRE0HjB8kJ4-Ho/s320/QLD5+002.jpg" border="0" /></a>One of the great joys of this adventure was watching our children wake up at eye level every morning. As I was the first one up each day, I would usually turn on the lap top (old habit) and try to capture the essence of our trip in this blog so the kids could have this record for ever. As I did this every morning, I saw the following wonderful procession daily. Firstly Harry would wake up ( just like me), open his eyes and greet the day with a comment such “mmm not so cool this morning” or “good morning for crumpets”. After which he would bounce out of bed with purpose and enthusiasm to greet the challenge of a new day. Next was Lucy. She would always take her time to wake up and slowly adjust to the temperature, sunlight and humidity of each day. I have learnt it is best to leave her to her own time and watch what happens. After a while she will slowly move and then suddenly like the sun exploding over the landscape, she will burst into the biggest smile and give you a cuddle just like she has not seen you for ten years. It would be worth staying up all night to wait for one of these. Bella like her Mum, loves her bed and would happily sleep all day. She takes an effort to rouse and usually pretends to be asleep and then you peel back the covers to see this beaming face. This ritual is something I never see at home but now have had the joy of watching it for weeks on end. It is something i will never tire of although, like many special things with our children, it will be gone before we know it.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZilhwWUu6XvCZdE-BaDX0WlmFCxGj4Fklzd13Eww42O72lodSGw8nCIDZFpGT2GQuRZGnCy56ILbPjpS_-zkNAGtE1H2UXDnt2BuvstN5Hd_fJzeoIaxpj8287P2I9CXUhsO1pGZMFag/s1600-h/QLD3+341.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230606057878140706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZilhwWUu6XvCZdE-BaDX0WlmFCxGj4Fklzd13Eww42O72lodSGw8nCIDZFpGT2GQuRZGnCy56ILbPjpS_-zkNAGtE1H2UXDnt2BuvstN5Hd_fJzeoIaxpj8287P2I9CXUhsO1pGZMFag/s320/QLD3+341.jpg" border="0" /></a>This particular day the waking up cycle was much later than normal for the girls due to our very late night at the jungle bar. Harry and I together with the other children and dads took advantage of the late sleep in and went fishing for elusive Barra. Again no sight of fish but plenty of concern from me as we were fishing at the mouth of a creek, the place most likely to see a saltwater croc. Rest assured the reccomended 3 metre clearance from the waters edge was at least double for the Cook family. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwUj75hqLxHR2tNKH4-dhMkiFLDsXGqrYReNAMEJkzq6cy7EcH3O5QjeZd36gJWMlHj5tDwSncr8MaE4ZhFMSWl85uNgKCCXD3QqhJgDMgdh0xsSeFFWdIKHTLRpIaZhYhR7c2kNgoDM/s1600-h/QLD3+338.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230606066923863378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwUj75hqLxHR2tNKH4-dhMkiFLDsXGqrYReNAMEJkzq6cy7EcH3O5QjeZd36gJWMlHj5tDwSncr8MaE4ZhFMSWl85uNgKCCXD3QqhJgDMgdh0xsSeFFWdIKHTLRpIaZhYhR7c2kNgoDM/s320/QLD3+338.jpg" border="0" /></a>When we finally packed up we headed off to Wonga beach for a few days. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGrsJPmtmh5Ip0yOK31uBmwNyb_N3d3_N6N-0vWjWs9HEBPmiREFZNy2J9_avfFVGr35hoQzjFun5hhQek5qFAz3e_M_iUNXY0KwsJSW_kw9X_vStw_VZ53e_qI_pZD8weVMnHx-o1qo/s1600-h/QLD4+097.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230606039239671506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGrsJPmtmh5Ip0yOK31uBmwNyb_N3d3_N6N-0vWjWs9HEBPmiREFZNy2J9_avfFVGr35hoQzjFun5hhQek5qFAz3e_M_iUNXY0KwsJSW_kw9X_vStw_VZ53e_qI_pZD8weVMnHx-o1qo/s320/QLD4+097.jpg" border="0" /></a>When we arrived at the park we had been allocated the most amazing site under a huge curtain fig tree and the home to a multitude of peacocks. The kids immediately headed to the pool with Donna and then onto the beach while I was put in charge of the shopping. The kids and I unanimously agree that this was the best shopping ever done (as you would expect very little health food). The shopping bags were dominated by a combination of holiday treats and good value specials (great pasta sauce on special for only $1.69 vs the $3.89 we usually buy and it tasted better). That night we had a BBQ under the curtain fig tree complete with peacocks at our feet, very special.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzS2BKTqFh97j6FLxo5OTnjz-0SD39GfJSeg7XtWEQ6H-l773q-bfMxbC5bTS2MuKTkgzvLEWMiemtmy1jSJLt9cV9A25ICYFuWDcZKFxaiPmcbIhanj34ZJCWtSiH5wX8M8RvQHeUXA8/s1600-h/QLD4+096.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230606043681446338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzS2BKTqFh97j6FLxo5OTnjz-0SD39GfJSeg7XtWEQ6H-l773q-bfMxbC5bTS2MuKTkgzvLEWMiemtmy1jSJLt9cV9A25ICYFuWDcZKFxaiPmcbIhanj34ZJCWtSiH5wX8M8RvQHeUXA8/s320/QLD4+096.jpg" border="0" /></a> The photo below shows a very nice Grand Cruiser van parked on the opposite side of the fig tree, which un be known to us at the time, was destined to play a much greater part in our adventure further down the track<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-65093035322075345642008-07-31T15:03:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:50.797-08:00Day 19 After further rain and taking the advice of the locals, we decided not to go the shorter coastal track to Cape Tribulation that was about 110km’s on mostly dirt,so we went the longer inland route which took about 3 hours vs about 2 hrs on the dirt track. We arrived at the Daintree river and prepared to get onto the car ferry (no free ride like the Putney Punt, $25 return for car and van). As soon as we got off the ferry, the road before us looked like something from a lost world. The lush troical rainforest formed a tunnel around the road way as we winded our way to the Cape Tribulation National Park. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirj7J6BJt3hojChUkkwEuHC-fo36RF5CIUr5gt66K8XHSgiRsGRycCLdRP2nSsXRmETLSds6A8qK_gYcWQU2PcAybX0QdNa5MwI0IXmNnlqLmgwUP98dCjT-x8lfZ59LjbeTPSSI6wWM/s1600-h/QLD3+319.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229306194743836386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirj7J6BJt3hojChUkkwEuHC-fo36RF5CIUr5gt66K8XHSgiRsGRycCLdRP2nSsXRmETLSds6A8qK_gYcWQU2PcAybX0QdNa5MwI0IXmNnlqLmgwUP98dCjT-x8lfZ59LjbeTPSSI6wWM/s320/QLD3+319.jpg" border="0" /></a>The rain had even flowed over one of the low spillway bridges and so we had a river crossing (very mild but fun). We arrived at the National Park and set up in a an amazing site that was set in thick rainforest yet only 50 metres from the beach ( no wonder the marketing tag line is “Where the Rainforest meets the reef”). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcZ2KXCJXQCCIPGaU1FUnKbJqNL2v4pRIlrlP_xKfCt_Y6v0Im7s4vbbFoz6veDF4UM4UCcnGKtj3L50OrEFT2DQBZFPxPUaV59D446x_NuNFekdaKYOt-p-xkd2ajr6hrd39dXfYv48/s1600-h/QLD3+310.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229306207054242450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcZ2KXCJXQCCIPGaU1FUnKbJqNL2v4pRIlrlP_xKfCt_Y6v0Im7s4vbbFoz6veDF4UM4UCcnGKtj3L50OrEFT2DQBZFPxPUaV59D446x_NuNFekdaKYOt-p-xkd2ajr6hrd39dXfYv48/s320/QLD3+310.jpg" border="0" /></a>The kids had a great time playing on the beach and we soon met another family. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghddjR2z3raMYlkBcmqvyMYnt7LTJVy69G_9r6Abd9dJPL8eWOrjU9x_R5wbRDzJRgd30aBWWUWTtvDJacTP4wneYeXZjw0kFG4OjzyQ_6qFwEgI5YQggxnXEvQVufEmXstK-OjSZB5sc/s1600-h/QLD3+305.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229306219002189090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghddjR2z3raMYlkBcmqvyMYnt7LTJVy69G_9r6Abd9dJPL8eWOrjU9x_R5wbRDzJRgd30aBWWUWTtvDJacTP4wneYeXZjw0kFG4OjzyQ_6qFwEgI5YQggxnXEvQVufEmXstK-OjSZB5sc/s320/QLD3+305.jpg" border="0" /></a>Victoria & Craig had two children Josh and Chloe and were also travelling with a French family.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNnSEPZ7PcEXB5zKoIx9bYEKWU_Lxw6sKLkeReU6EwiyVKCnFGpWYX2kd0_UaWfwBb1Z3bziNTSxVBfRk_g8eC9y4YA3wPXv_eLj5jpQD20BwFMS-QDKYMpU_7jMTHEtnUF17A9jMFWE/s1600-h/QLD3+311.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229306221829048402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNnSEPZ7PcEXB5zKoIx9bYEKWU_Lxw6sKLkeReU6EwiyVKCnFGpWYX2kd0_UaWfwBb1Z3bziNTSxVBfRk_g8eC9y4YA3wPXv_eLj5jpQD20BwFMS-QDKYMpU_7jMTHEtnUF17A9jMFWE/s320/QLD3+311.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-35659375143875161602008-07-31T06:30:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:52.539-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzJIR_LUtqMyJEM3iXQBXQWlLWFCyqcvbd0smy_qG9jGm50omwTOmXR6tDf38DKCZoO-5sw0uql5QYTbGL3hLiNkrO00Kj_bCp4oXc1jjdJiJ9LykzsZadRyIMboNr21R26BFG7LFizg/s1600-h/QLD3+322.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229173163057328274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzJIR_LUtqMyJEM3iXQBXQWlLWFCyqcvbd0smy_qG9jGm50omwTOmXR6tDf38DKCZoO-5sw0uql5QYTbGL3hLiNkrO00Kj_bCp4oXc1jjdJiJ9LykzsZadRyIMboNr21R26BFG7LFizg/s320/QLD3+322.jpg" border="0" /></a> Day 19 continued - As the National Park has no power and no showers (only eco friendly hand pump toilets), we welcomed the invitation to join the other families for dinner at the Cape Tribulation Jungle Bar. Cape Trib is an interesting mix of wild tropical rainforest and rapidly growing tourism especially for backpackers. The Jungle bar was great and it reminded us of Bali. We all had a great night exchanging stories and the nine children found a great young girl called Ashleigh who loved children and was happy to look after the kids playing pool for over an hour. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3iTP_r3IOd9AcxE7m47ewiVEcAfEAnYvvZTdkB4KFGUhCaWlSCmlPvl1a9tuhl2VR5qIVTrfHZhgGFgfSezd4EhByXP81lsCzl6zQ53rabvdSuIziEgY3WWs6Lg8zQx_i71OKXaLxBk/s1600-h/QLD3+326.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229173173423365522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3iTP_r3IOd9AcxE7m47ewiVEcAfEAnYvvZTdkB4KFGUhCaWlSCmlPvl1a9tuhl2VR5qIVTrfHZhgGFgfSezd4EhByXP81lsCzl6zQ53rabvdSuIziEgY3WWs6Lg8zQx_i71OKXaLxBk/s320/QLD3+326.jpg" border="0" /></a>I’m not sure if this was the night that Tim, her boyfriend had planned, but he joined in and they all seemed to have a great night. Finally we returned to our campsite that was extremely spooky in the pitch black of the dense rain forest and surrounded but the rustling of foraging animals and many strange noises. It continued to lightly rain but interestingly, most of the moisture seemed to be caught by the plants and did not hit the ground.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTDHe6L3C7O8bKW_e9LqlY7v2pThV8vocbEkuAgaJ4NGJ8QmiLCwk9dRYSjDnU0CEmiCy1RvJmnVF_Tz6gq_o_0K-DC664fekFB6gTyC1tdqvPh-mwyZ1_GfTle6YwfdrHeC9yfODouA/s1600-h/QLD3+334.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229173181864121746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTDHe6L3C7O8bKW_e9LqlY7v2pThV8vocbEkuAgaJ4NGJ8QmiLCwk9dRYSjDnU0CEmiCy1RvJmnVF_Tz6gq_o_0K-DC664fekFB6gTyC1tdqvPh-mwyZ1_GfTle6YwfdrHeC9yfODouA/s320/QLD3+334.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-69228367507268029922008-07-31T04:58:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:53.777-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMLdNbrFVOpfh7LcC3CuxRp-qbJ3_AjANnxE7yYTfZaLAFQaFeLCcq3GnwXQ-h1BgmdV9nNmE7AXroHY8ZRxjZHUhoygXjrMFal46-NLsu_c4Ad-wQ7CP7OuhpRV4tKMmSsrLclnEyb0/s1600-h/QLD3+241.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229151383312578706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMLdNbrFVOpfh7LcC3CuxRp-qbJ3_AjANnxE7yYTfZaLAFQaFeLCcq3GnwXQ-h1BgmdV9nNmE7AXroHY8ZRxjZHUhoygXjrMFal46-NLsu_c4Ad-wQ7CP7OuhpRV4tKMmSsrLclnEyb0/s320/QLD3+241.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Day 18 This day started very early as it had rained all night and I was up early in the morning to check the van. The Jayco performed perfectly with no leaks at all. We decided that this would be a good day for the famous Cooktown museum and it proved to be good timing as the rain continued in the morning. The museum was very interesting and I was most impressed by Captain Cooks quote “ I had ambition not only to go farther than anyone had been before but as far as it was possible to go” now that’s inspirational! By late morning the rain had cleared and we decided to head out to see the coloured sands on the beach past Hopevale where we had been the pervious day. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBeRZBqKrUXQi9mh_2PSs7PWIvf2pfaCl3lsixbTo2isiNmVmPXRZOl3AIlPb3mGVpuYYEQ2Fi7urTEH9IDESUCVxGxst7P7HFNWkeMGIacvYeCVpMoUNjBt-dGAcRKJilBe_NQk3Tm8/s1600-h/QLD3+235.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229151387472860098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBeRZBqKrUXQi9mh_2PSs7PWIvf2pfaCl3lsixbTo2isiNmVmPXRZOl3AIlPb3mGVpuYYEQ2Fi7urTEH9IDESUCVxGxst7P7HFNWkeMGIacvYeCVpMoUNjBt-dGAcRKJilBe_NQk3Tm8/s320/QLD3+235.jpg" border="0" /></a>What we did not allow for was the combination of 35mm of rain together with roadworkers having dumped loose soil on the road and not compacted it. The first 60 km’s was fine but then we got into the road works and they had reduced the speed limit from 80kmh yesterday to 40kmh today. As our 4wd experience was limited we sat well under the new speed limit. All was good until we reached the bottom of a slight hill at which point we totally lost all steering and all braking ability. The road had turned to jelly and we were sliding out of control (all be it very slowly) towards a white road post. At this stage we must have looked like a graceful elephant on the ice and despite all efforts to regain control, we kept going. The Prado was up to its axles in mud and we watched helplessly as we hit the post at slow walking pace. I guess this is not an uncommon event as the posts were made of light tin or plastic and simply placed loosely in the soil and so it gently bent over as we slid into it. We finally stopped with no damage to man or machine and I decided to reverse slowly to the nearest high ground and turn around. This manoeuvre worked perfectly and we were soon returning to Cooktown. I assumed it was my in experience that had caused the problem but I could see a serious Land Cruiser in my mirrors that appeared to be having the same problem. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSPuUqSy89795_ZPnM2P2XCCjnI8S1kjMBoHdlWuWehBq6LGukllNTLuflS_pnIxaHyj-V1YgGGc4Gxw9T_a08h4-Sp-Ilt3hzaw3XQfX1BWgQo1oYNgE1UvZ6nLDLU8l84UHxdBEBaI/s1600-h/QLD3+257.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229151396550026450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSPuUqSy89795_ZPnM2P2XCCjnI8S1kjMBoHdlWuWehBq6LGukllNTLuflS_pnIxaHyj-V1YgGGc4Gxw9T_a08h4-Sp-Ilt3hzaw3XQfX1BWgQo1oYNgE1UvZ6nLDLU8l84UHxdBEBaI/s320/QLD3+257.jpg" border="0" /></a>We later bumped into a fellow traveller who had been returning from Cape York that same day and said the worst road he faced was that section we had our troubles in. I must admit it was very frightening to be in such a large car, with no control (we didn’t even get a picture as we were both too concerned at the time). We both decided it was time for a drink so we returned to Cooktown and travelled out to the famous Lions Den Hotel. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXhJwRDj5GZ-mCWVQJCEM91Q4hXm7GrDHILAhyhINmgY4fOihjnmW_SoLugmbEge6ZiQ-zXmz1jepfOuqYETogwSs-Sz_rXnrNfQlBDoTrrwKySmbQIa4rFiBah6Snd9o0vRyrItFVWw/s1600-h/QLD3+273.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229151403857440834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXhJwRDj5GZ-mCWVQJCEM91Q4hXm7GrDHILAhyhINmgY4fOihjnmW_SoLugmbEge6ZiQ-zXmz1jepfOuqYETogwSs-Sz_rXnrNfQlBDoTrrwKySmbQIa4rFiBah6Snd9o0vRyrItFVWw/s320/QLD3+273.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is a famous frontier drinking hole and to call it a pub would be an overstatement. It was rough and ready but the people were delightful and we enjoyed our much needed drink (the young barman from the UK got talking to Harry and the topic of Footy cards came up, suddenly he had given Harry about 60 cards that he had collected during his bar work). We completed our day with a beautiful dinner at 1770, a well known local restaurant on the waterfront and enjoyed the wine, food views and being safe.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktyoHGaTK5zwUfyVxqXFp_kXgttqyKKL_BI7Sj4Ll1deGeHRcisKs8fItI0fdQs1UGRg0IJz8l76z9XUSrLNHUBIYOgQi91okbyONAImVVYNaeDyugOqhOxrin3ey5hyphenhyphenxUira_Z-nqms/s1600-h/QLD3+277.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229151414973677570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktyoHGaTK5zwUfyVxqXFp_kXgttqyKKL_BI7Sj4Ll1deGeHRcisKs8fItI0fdQs1UGRg0IJz8l76z9XUSrLNHUBIYOgQi91okbyONAImVVYNaeDyugOqhOxrin3ey5hyphenhyphenxUira_Z-nqms/s320/QLD3+277.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-11956484104820278452008-07-31T04:41:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:56.626-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUObPyVQT1oWoHllsw_BdOarL9oJ-mjv0HeW1q2qwUR6Hi2UhyLkbil_0vTeweaFZAIQADeiASlIEdhcG4lvdz-04XmP1VpN79tFVw3XNQpdIVaYtZXzNFTdyi3iNzCkl5WwLY4u_Z5E/s1600-h/QLD3+179.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229143722039303026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUObPyVQT1oWoHllsw_BdOarL9oJ-mjv0HeW1q2qwUR6Hi2UhyLkbil_0vTeweaFZAIQADeiASlIEdhcG4lvdz-04XmP1VpN79tFVw3XNQpdIVaYtZXzNFTdyi3iNzCkl5WwLY4u_Z5E/s320/QLD3+179.jpg" border="0" /></a> Day 17 - Today we went for a tour of the town and was even more impressed with the general feel of Cooktown. We looked at the site where Captain Cook beached the Endeavour for repairs and other interesting historical sites.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_SZGTBXPbNzXsIZh5LmDBuLrLNd0Y-M_ks3YiX4aRQu_1h5rXJhEH7rzf1UudrT4kXTW-lfpxwF9EaldVK_LrdzwzKCb3H7AGFrVOKOwonSB-jJD4Bk4RkL8f6rfVmVmlwKP1Hcbba8/s1600-h/QLD3+158.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229143729052056802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_SZGTBXPbNzXsIZh5LmDBuLrLNd0Y-M_ks3YiX4aRQu_1h5rXJhEH7rzf1UudrT4kXTW-lfpxwF9EaldVK_LrdzwzKCb3H7AGFrVOKOwonSB-jJD4Bk4RkL8f6rfVmVmlwKP1Hcbba8/s320/QLD3+158.jpg" border="0" /></a> We also went for a walk through the botanical gardens and arranged a guided tour of some local aboriginal rock art with an aboriginal elder, Willie Gordon. To meet him for the start of the tour, we drove out through the Hopevale aboriginal settlement and watched some of the Cowboys rugby league team having a clinic with the local aboriginal kids.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnrQGgZZG07ltePr2y43ygCRb_jNRe6JKsqde0X0ZgM2H3pfgt_bqg3dCzONRrryBFFlVx4u1Bdk8l78ggf7sdjMfI95r0PMwo6ZSS32-s6fy97QgSUHrCiquKDd_1eWG881uVzl9NGo/s1600-h/QLD3+182.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229143738347792338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnrQGgZZG07ltePr2y43ygCRb_jNRe6JKsqde0X0ZgM2H3pfgt_bqg3dCzONRrryBFFlVx4u1Bdk8l78ggf7sdjMfI95r0PMwo6ZSS32-s6fy97QgSUHrCiquKDd_1eWG881uVzl9NGo/s320/QLD3+182.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-90264971581059130032008-07-31T04:26:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:57.713-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuLYHbULESSfvmQc364_kra3NR24oBLuwDnfbjvHwnLRJUf0jx_pbkWnh2vaEg2iCY9vOj6xmtdHnepG18e-VqvwMYXbyyWxWMUqcO8fN8X5oO9T6q6GiWhdeXHyu75TLwfE0ZuPRMb4/s1600-h/QLD3+187.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229141135533603042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuLYHbULESSfvmQc364_kra3NR24oBLuwDnfbjvHwnLRJUf0jx_pbkWnh2vaEg2iCY9vOj6xmtdHnepG18e-VqvwMYXbyyWxWMUqcO8fN8X5oO9T6q6GiWhdeXHyu75TLwfE0ZuPRMb4/s320/QLD3+187.jpg" border="0" /></a> Day 17 Continued - We met Willie and followed him through the forest in our 4wd’s (about 3 other cars). It was obvious that here was a very friendly and warm person who was keen to share his culture with anyone who is interested. It was equally clear that he wanted to focus on the kids and so most of his discussion and question was directed at the children. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrHENb0ANllmZp2IZfVCZkBrHYlUn72OV2yTbV9X812sXfx2pwtiLz7uoPRUCLrRdO7OEYcTjTCl4N02JIld_RzkOzq1T2rFPdTX3GSVzKQXF1RTGVoPpWIm0_WkId-NhReLTuPEQHpw/s1600-h/QLD3+194.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229141152448514274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrHENb0ANllmZp2IZfVCZkBrHYlUn72OV2yTbV9X812sXfx2pwtiLz7uoPRUCLrRdO7OEYcTjTCl4N02JIld_RzkOzq1T2rFPdTX3GSVzKQXF1RTGVoPpWIm0_WkId-NhReLTuPEQHpw/s320/QLD3+194.jpg" border="0" /></a>His explanation of the art was fascinating as he tried to explain the aboriginal philosophy/belief system rather than simply showing pictures. His message was simple but strong and certainly resonated with all of us. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8jtpThfIDSt9p1uhPqRnanOvo_mhF62ISxp5bof1YDwP0a1VM_b5FCCvTDnjv0Jt6YC1L1vWRto0MOibsmBVZlwUqzDPAqE5JBUNVpBiWBw9m4gx723tOdtXARZcQ6dMMGBG9ioo-QI/s1600-h/QLD3+198.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229141143516581810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8jtpThfIDSt9p1uhPqRnanOvo_mhF62ISxp5bof1YDwP0a1VM_b5FCCvTDnjv0Jt6YC1L1vWRto0MOibsmBVZlwUqzDPAqE5JBUNVpBiWBw9m4gx723tOdtXARZcQ6dMMGBG9ioo-QI/s320/QLD3+198.jpg" border="0" /></a>The role of the family unit is crucial, man should live in harmony with nature and you need to aim for a calm life with less focus on material things. He believes many of the problems for both “black and white is the breakdown of family”(Willie said he can refer to black and white with no concern for political correctness). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4I0xO__WjOIsOkBQSP-7eq_HSRjfFyklc4LLuIyiU4uJWWe1b3IVoKMDhlitUD0J8bJqYIcjFqnDD-pIKcw2Ej2L4fSE4j-EiTt8Rj_oQzbnrKpVzLyG3TI2Y2Q-zf7z0Tm1EE-v5nJU/s1600-h/QLD3+222.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229141159104738482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4I0xO__WjOIsOkBQSP-7eq_HSRjfFyklc4LLuIyiU4uJWWe1b3IVoKMDhlitUD0J8bJqYIcjFqnDD-pIKcw2Ej2L4fSE4j-EiTt8Rj_oQzbnrKpVzLyG3TI2Y2Q-zf7z0Tm1EE-v5nJU/s320/QLD3+222.jpg" border="0" /></a>The time we spent with Willie was very precious and we appreciated the way he related to our children in a way that should have a lasting effect. The still speak fondly of Wille weeks later.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFdOvLhFey1KnK4XdjDdNtZKxoYekH-TYTwucPNBSlKdNku3tqvXDiRDs1fqsFXB-rulieytZ9KZIcYo_ll09uhYrtrDsY77WkD1t1FDES3wBjeGKWvJNljm_vmuMr6gYIhIRNKaZt0k/s1600-h/QLD3+234.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229141166602099634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFdOvLhFey1KnK4XdjDdNtZKxoYekH-TYTwucPNBSlKdNku3tqvXDiRDs1fqsFXB-rulieytZ9KZIcYo_ll09uhYrtrDsY77WkD1t1FDES3wBjeGKWvJNljm_vmuMr6gYIhIRNKaZt0k/s320/QLD3+234.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-70660607259594154992008-07-30T15:28:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:58.466-08:00Day 16 - This day started as most other days with Harry and I heading to the shower and it was now that I realised how so many things had changed since leaving work a few weeks ago. In my new non corporate life, my major concern each morning was..........keeping my undies dry in the shower cubicles. I can hear you laughing but I would like to tyr an relate how serious this issue is and how a failure to meet this performance objective can spoil your day. I have spent a great deal of time sharing with Harry the important skill of keeping this important item dry and off the floor. These instructions include the sub topics of correct undie placement before you begin the shower (including making sure you don’t mix up the new and the old), the stork stand and careful aim required to get a wet foot through the dry undie leg hole. If you need further details please email for full explanation.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhootjNJP8zC3rFdgFEO6TME5ILsjVP_CSC5FPQXZUKBeoVJgfmzT32WabGf4zMglVPRanWvuNCygSl2V-zF16N9jXa202rfN1bOkjqsW9DkCbs40UgSvb1l6xy51wskQvOLTo9_0XxKh4/s1600-h/QLD3+126.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228941176408578514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhootjNJP8zC3rFdgFEO6TME5ILsjVP_CSC5FPQXZUKBeoVJgfmzT32WabGf4zMglVPRanWvuNCygSl2V-zF16N9jXa202rfN1bOkjqsW9DkCbs40UgSvb1l6xy51wskQvOLTo9_0XxKh4/s320/QLD3+126.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After having breakfast and packing up the van we headed for Cooktown about 215 km’s away. Along the way we stopped at the Lakeland coffee house which we were told is the best coffee north of Brisbane ( and we think they may be right). We arrived in Cooktown with a rousing rendition of “Celebration” that I’m sure would have even pleased Kool and his gang.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY14GpzAdqt5uYtQpSPgIvXskc4JtUXcDtorAi615RCCKFhJYKSN6at9NQzDbkjKHGzhjjgD3ekYmg2fFMYGLFDdAMzj-Ra9yJBrrHfKNobzqzXa11cwL7AXey6JhFf4JqaCuccrPGf5Y/s1600-h/QLD3+263.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228941185707266722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY14GpzAdqt5uYtQpSPgIvXskc4JtUXcDtorAi615RCCKFhJYKSN6at9NQzDbkjKHGzhjjgD3ekYmg2fFMYGLFDdAMzj-Ra9yJBrrHfKNobzqzXa11cwL7AXey6JhFf4JqaCuccrPGf5Y/s320/QLD3+263.jpg" border="0" /></a> It was a beautiful sunny day and we instantly fell in love with this frontier town (the kids insisted that it was named after us and told everyone they met). We went for a walk along a beautiful beach called Finches Bay however we were still not very sure about the Crocodiles at this stage and so stayed clear of the water. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qQBdRxFlkDcWCegE87v0dOA1ITDezBLwKXPDm9Piej2jXGI_b-YBK7E4qWxVPKJWu-8JxmgF18bpuuYWrz5pZhskOtsCo1alOBgInxA1AeKvRrnbRFBLDKYz35I0WQ9okPSBZgCUJUI/s1600-h/QLD3+149.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228941194656070754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qQBdRxFlkDcWCegE87v0dOA1ITDezBLwKXPDm9Piej2jXGI_b-YBK7E4qWxVPKJWu-8JxmgF18bpuuYWrz5pZhskOtsCo1alOBgInxA1AeKvRrnbRFBLDKYz35I0WQ9okPSBZgCUJUI/s320/QLD3+149.jpg" border="0" /></a>It seemed like everyone in the town was either on the way to Cape York or had just returned (this included an army squad we met on the road that were going all the way to the top for some reconnaissance). The only thing we didn’t love about Cooktown was the wind but a local told us that there were only two windy times, January to June and July to December. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXZUloZXtcMj07UcrUgFZXqPLwHZBlw_8i4sFVEb74PjBWRt0gIWUSYeWZyfyMJ3lEHmh_lltbR2FeRFu-lAb6JtKbE9jogzdyb7bW-ipckEhQvs7CBzWAN5MupjbsHqCt_8y8elXAms/s1600-h/QLD3+159.jpg"></a>We checked into an excellent park that was recommended and it was perfect. We settled into a fantastic site, went for swim and enjoyed a BBQ that night.l<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdUg0ao2sf-GZyo3fEQaZCiLPRnsA4NTFrz68FZzIXqIUu_P8X5bd7a11FG2qlwMdUnewvc8TRwzwgMxjHkVqCOiryxyrGfZNKv2kVglkA3kQwfy4kXSvphV_i_sUPT6Z7Ld9znUEle4/s1600-h/QLD3+170.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228941208218149490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdUg0ao2sf-GZyo3fEQaZCiLPRnsA4NTFrz68FZzIXqIUu_P8X5bd7a11FG2qlwMdUnewvc8TRwzwgMxjHkVqCOiryxyrGfZNKv2kVglkA3kQwfy4kXSvphV_i_sUPT6Z7Ld9znUEle4/s320/QLD3+170.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-85966487118072454142008-07-30T05:03:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:57:59.286-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTpPp_8wlr2K6t1c9SBjse94m7WAdxwEfRVFxQzaNkg3rQqYO_Gp07fwE3VxXFdT9CJUMVoHFBBw-xuAsxy3Jw4AhOMn8F4caT8VRUkkeU-zD73JaU0Wr6xrwM6VPyczup9wge8fSP0w/s1600-h/QLD3+067.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228779539065722530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTpPp_8wlr2K6t1c9SBjse94m7WAdxwEfRVFxQzaNkg3rQqYO_Gp07fwE3VxXFdT9CJUMVoHFBBw-xuAsxy3Jw4AhOMn8F4caT8VRUkkeU-zD73JaU0Wr6xrwM6VPyczup9wge8fSP0w/s320/QLD3+067.jpg" border="0" /></a> Day 15 - As Jenifer was leaving our van the previous night, she mentioned that the Mareeba Rodeo was on this weekend. So we got up early and spoke to Jenifer who kindly rang and confirmed the rodeo was on today and you simply bought a ticket when you showed up. So off we headed to the Rodeo. As we approached we saw a huge number of motor homes set up in a field together with amusement rides and a number of grandstands set up around the arena. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RJ15nfDhklQeDasNTBOD-4oX7LJ70IzoGzvz8jiAQt9qIKMK1422kWXlD7DK9r1tw-dX43DzNIjxY-3iyzsGHR8tl9IZZIZv72NW_IJjE8194OcKxyroAol7-sSSTP62JRraxSwgeTU/s1600-h/QLD3+112.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228779549086288418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RJ15nfDhklQeDasNTBOD-4oX7LJ70IzoGzvz8jiAQt9qIKMK1422kWXlD7DK9r1tw-dX43DzNIjxY-3iyzsGHR8tl9IZZIZv72NW_IJjE8194OcKxyroAol7-sSSTP62JRraxSwgeTU/s320/QLD3+112.jpg" border="0" /></a> It turns out that the Mareeba Rodeo is the second largesr in Queensland and competitors travel from all over the world to compete. The atmosphere is hard to explain as it is a cross between the air of fun and excitement associated with events such as Mardi Gras together with the testosterone laden feel of more gladiatorial sports such as Rugby. One thing is for certain these guys are tough as we experienced first hand. Within minutes of arriving at the Rodeo we were seated some 50 cms from the fence (yes ½ a metre from man and animal). You are probably asking why Wes the safety cat had his family so close to the action and I can only assume that the sheer magnetism of the event draws you in. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSGaRaK8A597veZH-ohKrXnpd_iyvtIUZfCL7H5qGU3lypZUlcs5wCVsM-jb33x3o-BTTb9OcWv7Z7oVPKYCfo_RaJcVj323zlIRwKp1hCYEKUIbmRvhIwuqkeTZ8Ws_4vARUAuxpuFM/s1600-h/QLD3+120.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228779550399521138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSGaRaK8A597veZH-ohKrXnpd_iyvtIUZfCL7H5qGU3lypZUlcs5wCVsM-jb33x3o-BTTb9OcWv7Z7oVPKYCfo_RaJcVj323zlIRwKp1hCYEKUIbmRvhIwuqkeTZ8Ws_4vARUAuxpuFM/s320/QLD3+120.jpg" border="0" /></a>The second event on the card was the final of the bull riding. We saw the first few thrown and lan awkwardly, the cowboys quickly getting back to their feet to save some pride but we were close enough to see the absolute pain on their faces. The next rider managed to stay the full time on the bull but the bull was not happy with this and so ran straight at the fence only metres from our seats and managed to squash the cowboy against the face like we swat a fly. It was truly disturbing to see another human being hurt so close to us and yet we could do nothing. Fortunately the safety crew arrived, another cowboy on horseback managed to reach down and extract him from his the vice like grip the bull had set with the fenceing rail and place him on his horse. The bull was ushered back into his pen to a round of applause and yes, the cowboy crushed cowboy leapt from the horse (or was he pushed), waved his hat in the air and wobbled to the waiting ambulance.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9iivFsr4ZXWtpHses9a6lVeI5NfQ5Cl_8lcvvZobiGOfxloDB-CVTue-84KZDxutO9YLmgOP5fd0xoHe_tDDixPRbskR-kDL_zKepl0OQhYw1zU7BuzBpZN1d_6fMiWpkeCOWClDUHI/s1600-h/QLD3+122.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228779558526918050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9iivFsr4ZXWtpHses9a6lVeI5NfQ5Cl_8lcvvZobiGOfxloDB-CVTue-84KZDxutO9YLmgOP5fd0xoHe_tDDixPRbskR-kDL_zKepl0OQhYw1zU7BuzBpZN1d_6fMiWpkeCOWClDUHI/s320/QLD3+122.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The other aspect of the day that was both surprising and leasing was how welcoming the locals were. We had managed to find a seat next to the arena however after an hour in the direct sun, it was starting to get unpleasant. Next to us a family had come ready for the whole weekend and had set u a huge tarp on roles to provide shade and had brung several lounge suites (yes that’s right… lounge suites) and set them u so they could see the event in comfort. One of the guys who also had a few young children asked us if we would like to join them under his tarp (this was very kind as it was obvious we were not locals as we were the only ones not in cowboy hats). So we sat watching the rodeo out of the sun sitting on a very nice brown and orange 3 piece lounge next to the main arena ( a very good choice of colour as it did not show the dust kicked onto in by the bulls in the arena. The guy explained that these sites were booked and pai for a year in advance and pointed to a series of sites on which, utes, trailers, and even a crane had been used to ingeniously construct various sheltered viewing platforms. The Rodeo was a marvellous event and something I can strongly recommend. I have no doubt that in years to come occupational health and safety will stop such open access for spectators but for the moment try and get along and experience it first hand. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85yDOXl_O7q3r6JhqIoU4tWEzMtE8v35t8E8k3kx36PLOLAyu3gIBEvjJjcjhchMtkN7_Trpcq-C1ITHVd-UvExnpqQuoF7i2mFBB_UosdLanV6Q4rlVCWlIBnVMyjm4qS7PGZ_w4cEU/s1600-h/QLD3+144.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228779567916934722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85yDOXl_O7q3r6JhqIoU4tWEzMtE8v35t8E8k3kx36PLOLAyu3gIBEvjJjcjhchMtkN7_Trpcq-C1ITHVd-UvExnpqQuoF7i2mFBB_UosdLanV6Q4rlVCWlIBnVMyjm4qS7PGZ_w4cEU/s320/QLD3+144.jpg" border="0" /></a>We left the rodeo and returned to Mt Carbine as Jenifer’s husband Robert, gives a complimentary mineral, wildlife and history tour every night at 6pm. It was very interesting and all of this for $16 a night (great showers, very clean). On to of this they offer free van storage in a dedicated area if you would like to leave your van while travelling onto Cape York. Jenifer was telling us about the many lovely people they meet (mainly Grey Nomads) but shared as story about one not so nice one. GN’s are renowned for their stinginess as can be heard in any shop, petrol station or restaurant as they complain how expensive things are out here (of course they expect supplies to be shipped thousands of kilometres in refrigerated containers and to be the same price as the local Woolworths store…. We thought most items were reasonable). Anyway, they had one GN arrive stay a night ($16 thank you) and then insist that the free van storage must be under cover. I know what I would have done with his undercover (be nice) but Jennifer and Robert being the generous couple they are, put is van in one of their powered undercover sites and charged him nothing for three months. Anyway, we loved our time at Mt Carbine and it is the only time we ever left a tip, however Jenifer insisted on giving the kids a polished gemstone. Thanks Jenifer and Robert for a great stay.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-29342570105625055282008-07-28T04:07:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:58:00.021-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dXqgJJ5JAnx0GfpwjtR46ng5pLIZv_pvQmwkVolyC-ABsl7aEtbClFawaJKDucJUh5RQo0Ly4vGkHvuPyP1HGBDIJMGPBzyHp2IBdU8KRtItjxu_Hvwh0tUaA7yg_oBW1v6aUKKLP6s/s1600-h/QLD3+071.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228024667419803154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="196" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dXqgJJ5JAnx0GfpwjtR46ng5pLIZv_pvQmwkVolyC-ABsl7aEtbClFawaJKDucJUh5RQo0Ly4vGkHvuPyP1HGBDIJMGPBzyHp2IBdU8KRtItjxu_Hvwh0tUaA7yg_oBW1v6aUKKLP6s/s320/QLD3+071.jpg" width="266" border="0" /></a> Day 14 We left Undarra and headed towards Cooktown. Along the way we experienced an amazing transformation of the landscape as it changed from the dust and termite mounds of the outback to the incredible lush green fields of the Atherton tablelands. We also had dry creek beds replaced by flowing rivers one of which contained the Milstream Falls which is the widest water falls in Australia. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr4Cu0_QeN1qk_DEt1MF7MGWZXAuaD1xH1OMEGPruAKfdy_dMwm8H49ozCZAzh6MVO7NOlzPJHLI0j0RFvf2tLM0YQ1MgDOddvgP3D4wLK8olYE6tTGuY6pMwoa2KoxkR-lVQorhTZyE/s1600-h/QLD3+077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228024671826882946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr4Cu0_QeN1qk_DEt1MF7MGWZXAuaD1xH1OMEGPruAKfdy_dMwm8H49ozCZAzh6MVO7NOlzPJHLI0j0RFvf2tLM0YQ1MgDOddvgP3D4wLK8olYE6tTGuY6pMwoa2KoxkR-lVQorhTZyE/s320/QLD3+077.jpg" border="0" /></a>This area was also home to over 100,000 army troops during world war two as they were stationed here for training, recuperation from the pacific campaign and to make sure troops were close at hand should Japan invade Australia from the north. We also learnt that Mareeba, a nearby town that we were destined to spend more time at, also played an important role as a base for Australian and US bombers also pivotal in the pacific campaign. We then bought some rolls for lunch and decided to take a scenic detour to have lunch at Millaa Millaa falls. As we started along the track we were confronted by a sign stating that caravans were not to be taken on the road. According to Wes this was clearly not meant for us as we had a camper trailer/van. The road was spectacular as it took us past an impressive field of wind turbines, beautiful rainforest, dairy country and over small streams. The road was very narrow and the friendly greetings from oncoming traffic in the outback was replaced with rude gestures suggesting perhaps that our van was not welcome on the road. Undeterred we reached Millaa Millaa falls and had the most amazing picnic spot you could wish for. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh8dYBUvyPqGLdYfG2pLig-9TZ1OCQQNWnSL2wtMpugx6Tkv0aFQdVWS0ElDfCquJhp4qSysjGoi7YehmKl8cyfjs7aLZLfsm1Y-NFo76E2hvqnIhfsQc4vMPbgxlT47Dp1ep5T9QvMI/s1600-h/QLD3+089.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228024679316437122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh8dYBUvyPqGLdYfG2pLig-9TZ1OCQQNWnSL2wtMpugx6Tkv0aFQdVWS0ElDfCquJhp4qSysjGoi7YehmKl8cyfjs7aLZLfsm1Y-NFo76E2hvqnIhfsQc4vMPbgxlT47Dp1ep5T9QvMI/s320/QLD3+089.jpg" border="0" /></a>While the day was not freezing it certainly was not warm and the water was freezing. Our peaceful picnic was interrupted by a group of 16 year old American students who were on a 30 day camp in Australia. We spoke to the tour organiser and it was interesting to hear that he needed to provide a very quick moving agenda with many quick visits with short explanations. The reason he gave was “this is the ipod generation and you measure their interest level in minutes not hours”. It started me wondering how is this group ever going to be able to work in a job where you are required to stay engaged in your job for a full day. Perhaps we could redesign each role for this ipod generation so they work no longer than 15 minutes at any one task…… No wonder the Chinese economy is booming…………no Ipods ! We then travelled to see a huge strangler fig called the Curtain Bay Fig tree, it truly looked like an ornate curtain. Finally we continued on through Atherton and ended up in a small town called Mt Carbine. This was a mining town that had closed down in the early ninties and had been turned into a caravan park. The area was frequented by over 400 species of birds (most of them managing to leave a message on the Prado). It is run by a Victorian couple, Jenifer and Robert. We finished our day sharing a bottle of Red with Jenifer and our ears pricked u when she mentioned the Rodeo was in town.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Pl2y-qT0TFmlEX_KMfJC59hPIXfoiEAw8nOazkzSsWBdJ0G92zkGe8zWsJqJVT0XKUpSZ5G2lbUqHfcVX5Odq3ejboQA0VOcLJ4L16uakYbwe9wsnG3no8sQCjxbsF7zAwguCVHOtZY/s1600-h/QLD3+104.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228024689113663362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Pl2y-qT0TFmlEX_KMfJC59hPIXfoiEAw8nOazkzSsWBdJ0G92zkGe8zWsJqJVT0XKUpSZ5G2lbUqHfcVX5Odq3ejboQA0VOcLJ4L16uakYbwe9wsnG3no8sQCjxbsF7zAwguCVHOtZY/s320/QLD3+104.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-9725406868463257922008-07-28T00:47:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:58:00.756-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YkkUf7EjQW5C59OGpU0Ew6Ca2lmxD-5lYWnrfXzPyngC1Ldp6G9XG5kWovDRsDqlibUAE966yLR1XBH9R5lSRFgW4vOgO9ssIvA2fKqKOM5cARSg3BsoSx7l0IoODhqqsunkrdrn9jo/s1600-h/QLD3+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227972622514469074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YkkUf7EjQW5C59OGpU0Ew6Ca2lmxD-5lYWnrfXzPyngC1Ldp6G9XG5kWovDRsDqlibUAE966yLR1XBH9R5lSRFgW4vOgO9ssIvA2fKqKOM5cARSg3BsoSx7l0IoODhqqsunkrdrn9jo/s320/QLD3+006.jpg" border="0" /></a> Day 13 We woke at Undarra and had a full day planned at the park which included our own campfire that evening. In order to have a fire, you obviously needed wood and without an axe or chainsaw, we needed another plan. It soon dawned on Wes that the easiest way to get wood was to take it from others, but how could this be done legally? Simple, if you wait for people who are packing up, just ask them if they need the spare wood in their campsite. The answer was always “help yourself” except from the GN’s who said “No we cut it and we are taking it with us”. Have you ever seen sad grumpy old people loading rough chunks of cut timber into a $250,000 motor home. I’m sure the cost of the scratches inside the motor home are not worth the timber, but who am I to argue with the knowledgeable senior members of our community. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPixZwHPtOgqlfhazeYSnf5BAhnaX85z5m3DfNM1e-8BytHqQTmkVMT3eS8GVeG1qVeRNh16B4Z_hhTbinft4GnztgG9393qX4vwbPRIhDiSBc6x2xEoL3RBq4cEsnyycL1zOOmFgr5H8/s1600-h/QLD3+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227972636410591346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPixZwHPtOgqlfhazeYSnf5BAhnaX85z5m3DfNM1e-8BytHqQTmkVMT3eS8GVeG1qVeRNh16B4Z_hhTbinft4GnztgG9393qX4vwbPRIhDiSBc6x2xEoL3RBq4cEsnyycL1zOOmFgr5H8/s320/QLD3+015.jpg" border="0" /></a>After gathering wood, we started with a walk to the bluff look out followed by lunch at a swam with the wallabies.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsUFAKQ4sjiQUyUgb82E7HPjB7X0858vQa6MlJr7yempK-IIh3iLajv1t4fxhgMMWqAHz5wPf-QJ2X3ml7yxaqJ7ZylK5JCs2a3Au92k9Z-3fFcBLsBlej2VJ3n2kuk3ceipw9Bo0DRU/s1600-h/QLD3+025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227972643835051298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsUFAKQ4sjiQUyUgb82E7HPjB7X0858vQa6MlJr7yempK-IIh3iLajv1t4fxhgMMWqAHz5wPf-QJ2X3ml7yxaqJ7ZylK5JCs2a3Au92k9Z-3fFcBLsBlej2VJ3n2kuk3ceipw9Bo0DRU/s320/QLD3+025.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxfaKd6rtlyLHiZIUZYpXLP2Nbt1Dd-XI-LUrXW166pO_glyt0dqtwNbYKRASlD34rvFeU0DS4f5TuALvAdv2jvIrLfowm4rJBALksN9DwfjHTpCWs5RV8zScKp7ASRwPKUMxwwZpXGU/s1600-h/QLD3+069.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227972650184774738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxfaKd6rtlyLHiZIUZYpXLP2Nbt1Dd-XI-LUrXW166pO_glyt0dqtwNbYKRASlD34rvFeU0DS4f5TuALvAdv2jvIrLfowm4rJBALksN9DwfjHTpCWs5RV8zScKp7ASRwPKUMxwwZpXGU/s320/QLD3+069.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-17737886522471376892008-07-27T21:32:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:58:01.644-08:00Day 13 continued -<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4Gpfk3V8ehhg_C8oabZnl7kvKCJW0BmlWDRKmLURpI9mUxzNolspNYhRCd_fEOz0172koahyphenhyphenq3P_NjS4FstbEbN6kdWhAGYWriGPRkEDV7FyqSRLVWfo6c3EvSVCqgpQ3uqgzwPX84Q/s1600-h/QLD3+027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227920859275788322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4Gpfk3V8ehhg_C8oabZnl7kvKCJW0BmlWDRKmLURpI9mUxzNolspNYhRCd_fEOz0172koahyphenhyphenq3P_NjS4FstbEbN6kdWhAGYWriGPRkEDV7FyqSRLVWfo6c3EvSVCqgpQ3uqgzwPX84Q/s320/QLD3+027.jpg" border="0" /></a> After lunch we went for a swim in the pool followed by the much anticipated tour of the lava tubes (this is the only way to see them and at a cost of nearly $100 for the family, we hoped they would be good. It was looking good until we arrived and to our horror not only did we have all GN’s on the tour, the tour leader was also a GN. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tnu4pSMq8M8Gwc2_nXuYuNVTcJs54_1sCeTOU1GCGAvBY7O8oSYgBZ1eq-h70JXiNdrz4QU-EPbBl38DlhSteHPsHF5lwrroB_HORHCRPPJ-2QixYZ9S0utgO43sIkPS6mXbMtj4K0o/s1600-h/QLD3+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227920867642143954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tnu4pSMq8M8Gwc2_nXuYuNVTcJs54_1sCeTOU1GCGAvBY7O8oSYgBZ1eq-h70JXiNdrz4QU-EPbBl38DlhSteHPsHF5lwrroB_HORHCRPPJ-2QixYZ9S0utgO43sIkPS6mXbMtj4K0o/s320/QLD3+037.jpg" border="0" /></a>But we thought we were saved when another family arrived with a 6 and 4 year old. Unfortunately the other family had children who were very loud and boisterous and so I did have some sympathy for those who were trying to hear the tour leader. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCPDao1Ie6AtNW36tnTIgGsTP-RDZWnU5gIMNmSIdwHuJsxfI1lin3xYTo5BBRS1wqA-sElpkjr5ZCRHgjNoJ9eoMRWiyRvty62SUB5gyOAXl22zEOM_BMtOxT37j-DnHAeJrIzNO9b4/s1600-h/QLD3+038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227920869852069650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCPDao1Ie6AtNW36tnTIgGsTP-RDZWnU5gIMNmSIdwHuJsxfI1lin3xYTo5BBRS1wqA-sElpkjr5ZCRHgjNoJ9eoMRWiyRvty62SUB5gyOAXl22zEOM_BMtOxT37j-DnHAeJrIzNO9b4/s320/QLD3+038.jpg" border="0" /></a>The lava tubes were very interesting but I’m not sure they are a must see. That night we had a great campfire with the kids and gazed into the crystal clear skies. This was a great family night<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0itBo-LkQA1n4WsrJ1Wd6DCuJoxrbesc-7aR3o5wPO9bM1DiDqe9wkZeZfZkCsvtDI2GzuPNGQJItUEl-PBk_4WnMP6fLiCHvbTEeZhtqlT7spnywsOh8DOMJmpIuhLR9b2HRAEJB3Q/s1600-h/QLD3+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227920879238707938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0itBo-LkQA1n4WsrJ1Wd6DCuJoxrbesc-7aR3o5wPO9bM1DiDqe9wkZeZfZkCsvtDI2GzuPNGQJItUEl-PBk_4WnMP6fLiCHvbTEeZhtqlT7spnywsOh8DOMJmpIuhLR9b2HRAEJB3Q/s320/QLD3+040.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-4045009513134879212008-07-27T21:05:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:58:02.543-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5FC6RqNSGhzM__twnpi9zN2OF94FSBoSAGMe6dGIQPdaV7YCgrouF7Wfk_7koVG_LmS350SJOzbRxZi42yFF67Lrn1SnY9d2M57ENu2DP3MoZYLeRfLIAJ66dAdQGrQGGEmqpdPDRyY/s1600-h/QLD2+185.jpg">Day 12.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227913889620278610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5FC6RqNSGhzM__twnpi9zN2OF94FSBoSAGMe6dGIQPdaV7YCgrouF7Wfk_7koVG_LmS350SJOzbRxZi42yFF67Lrn1SnY9d2M57ENu2DP3MoZYLeRfLIAJ66dAdQGrQGGEmqpdPDRyY/s320/QLD2+185.jpg" border="0" /></a> – Today we left Normanton unsure how far we would go but knew we needed to go west heading towards the coast. We stopped briefly at Croydon and decided to push onto the Undarra National Park and home to the most impressive set of lava tubes in Australia. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaGkQoK_LWwN9olupqTD7s5rvU_jCRrzye53FYplot0_CaIdb2T2T-XN13Si564kFlctpVNSmHMRdj0Ec2YOOWtRNLR33_r6Y-YpvAqXNjrkKq4Rh0FPKYFF17pHEDYx5YFxgqdJlrEw/s1600-h/QLD2+228.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227913891238300946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="184" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaGkQoK_LWwN9olupqTD7s5rvU_jCRrzye53FYplot0_CaIdb2T2T-XN13Si564kFlctpVNSmHMRdj0Ec2YOOWtRNLR33_r6Y-YpvAqXNjrkKq4Rh0FPKYFF17pHEDYx5YFxgqdJlrEw/s320/QLD2+228.jpg" width="275" border="0" /></a>Just before we completed our 450km drive, we came across a sign explaining the concerns about transferring weeds across Australia and inviting us to clean the underneath of our vehicle. At first I was not sure how they expected us to complete this seemingly mammoth task. I then realised that not far away was a device something like an upside down car wash. So we proceeded across the wash area and suddenly like an explosion from the earth, hundreds of high pressure outlets sprayed the bottom and sides of the car and van. The car rocked and jolted and Donna who was in front of the car ready to video this event jumped back in shock. After the dust of Lawn Hill it was a welcome clean.<br />At last we drove into the National Park van park. Many of you may not know that there is a strict etiquette when you check into a park and that is that you line up in the order you arrive and wait your turn. At this park, the office was not clearly marked so people were driving around including one set of Grey Nomads who had driven 40kmh on a perfectly good bitumen road for 20 kms and of course they were in front of us. Wes was of course patient and relaxed as he wasted 20 minutes of his precious life in the dust of yet another pair of self centred grey nomads! So when we finally go their and they appeared to head in the wrong direction, we thought we may get the last laugh (famous chinese proverb – he who laughs last, laughs and laughs and laughs etc). So we slid to a stop and the sprint was on. A reluctant Donna needed to cover about 75 metres to win the ultimate prize (yes the glory of checking in first). But the female GN appeared and at first did not look like particularly tough competition (her profile from the rear was almost as wide as the Winebago they drove). That was until I saw the steely determination on her face that had resulted in them being able to hide all of their assets (including lump sum super) from the tax department to enable them to receive their God given right of a full pension. But it goes to show, it sometimes more about the will to win rather than your physical ability. She wanted it and Donna was less inclined to compete. Before I left Sydney on this trip, I think this would have frustrated me but I simply laughed at the stupidity of my thinking and wished the GN couple well and thought about that famous quote from one of our greatest modern philosopher’s (“I’ll be back”). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKSK4U_k7ugAej-ulR6q8j0aNMOqH_O4gZD2SJxgjnhSENsq_k7kaZsaabcJ7bU5mjGJm_RwKFdaJwBAp_xcIuf8JyurROUPwsb4J-Ww7TvEQB4oXz9Kkwqd2rmt1X4t1PAiIbJLstHc/s1600-h/Lunch+Undarra.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227913899460574706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKSK4U_k7ugAej-ulR6q8j0aNMOqH_O4gZD2SJxgjnhSENsq_k7kaZsaabcJ7bU5mjGJm_RwKFdaJwBAp_xcIuf8JyurROUPwsb4J-Ww7TvEQB4oXz9Kkwqd2rmt1X4t1PAiIbJLstHc/s320/Lunch+Undarra.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We then settled into our camp spot. After dinner, we heard they had rangers talking around the communal campfire. We were not aware that topic of the talk was “Australia – the most deadly continent on earth” but it sounded interesting. Clearly this young ranger did not have children as he explained around the eerie light of a campfire, just how many Australian plants and animals can kill or mame you. His core message was once in the bush, never move as if you step on any of these animals then they will bite you and you will die a slow and agonizing death in less than 3.3 milliseconds. Perhaps he expects us all to parachute into the bush and then stand in the one spot waiting to be extracted by a helicopter. Even Harry our captain of thrill and adventure was squirming in his seat until we decided we should leave. The short walk back to the camp site was a mix of comedy and horror as we imagined every spider and snake was in our path. I’m glad the trusty Outback Jayco is well off the ground as he said nothing about these animals having advanced mountaineering skills.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_m7qaHatyEc5w8UVN-ge7Lb4QniIoFDFwqy1NXnNE-_m7YwW4tonFl8w6mkVuxN1v9UNp_OYYE8cMUdaZAJwfb9HwBOudFoBn2iLAAqRtzsD0LvuTqKteh9Df91Mscecq-oUNsWI-zdU/s1600-h/QLD3+056.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227913908371400514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_m7qaHatyEc5w8UVN-ge7Lb4QniIoFDFwqy1NXnNE-_m7YwW4tonFl8w6mkVuxN1v9UNp_OYYE8cMUdaZAJwfb9HwBOudFoBn2iLAAqRtzsD0LvuTqKteh9Df91Mscecq-oUNsWI-zdU/s320/QLD3+056.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6160488391460864469.post-86165581690085065692008-07-23T06:14:00.000-07:002008-12-12T19:58:03.386-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1pkTqrhij2bi-kd1nWgitrmRzvWQAFaPdED4HRthVvLKK0BHsGHpirRcY7CpN-7W6yfbnyB0mAzvd6icxsYnzenerzg4Xytm_9jdJeKE3ybwEsdd8QdWOOVWSFrFLO0xbo2eJC9g7xU/s1600-h/Normanton+Harry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226199069509607266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1pkTqrhij2bi-kd1nWgitrmRzvWQAFaPdED4HRthVvLKK0BHsGHpirRcY7CpN-7W6yfbnyB0mAzvd6icxsYnzenerzg4Xytm_9jdJeKE3ybwEsdd8QdWOOVWSFrFLO0xbo2eJC9g7xU/s320/Normanton+Harry.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E1SjE4u8VXTgcNisesLdXVR3kM90PVMfk8BlN3plPWN-E4jDTtxTHIxCqU_lVL3ek9YPA3GCQk-lXo0E7aE4UquSzHI-rZ4zJxGn7jWdQ_92mKzHcj4wsq-Hjv8iyzBz0Fffa0DQMW4/s1600-h/Normanton+Lucy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226199078080351362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="204" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E1SjE4u8VXTgcNisesLdXVR3kM90PVMfk8BlN3plPWN-E4jDTtxTHIxCqU_lVL3ek9YPA3GCQk-lXo0E7aE4UquSzHI-rZ4zJxGn7jWdQ_92mKzHcj4wsq-Hjv8iyzBz0Fffa0DQMW4/s320/Normanton+Lucy.jpg" width="279" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Day Eleven<br />The best tip we were given in Normanton was to go and speak to Helen in the visitors info centre. What a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the whole district. We spent the morning in Normanton looking at many fascinating things including a life size statue of the larget Croc ever caught, beautiful old buildings such as banks, stores and even a jail. We then travelled out to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria. It was very pleasing to make it that last 30 km’s that Burke and Wills could not achieve (mind you they did not have the mighty Prado - now known as Greased Lightning). Many people had raved about Karumba but frankly we don’t know why. Apart from a few pubs, shops and caravan parks jam packed with older Australians (politically correct), we could not see what the fuss was about. It does appear to have great fishing and the sunsets are legendary. We went to the Baramundi Discovery centre and had a great tour that ended with us feeding the larger 20+kg Barra’s. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkJ4SevXv1sEJcjqKF2AOcslj-NfLl8WThMMxrbX4dPFEcJvbHI_3nbUxCLt7er5R4xQ9ZfxhBJd_gGBL2qvfHoKbpm1wO6HlqfUNAqq6yqyEjPWKJxSwCMQM-hH5RlockYMfWwKFcew/s1600-h/Normanton+Bella.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226199086751663282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkJ4SevXv1sEJcjqKF2AOcslj-NfLl8WThMMxrbX4dPFEcJvbHI_3nbUxCLt7er5R4xQ9ZfxhBJd_gGBL2qvfHoKbpm1wO6HlqfUNAqq6yqyEjPWKJxSwCMQM-hH5RlockYMfWwKFcew/s320/Normanton+Bella.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWaEcgy7nj1qPL_mr4EMKO_JwJ09UmPg9j0wqGYGQND3LqW258v1dzCGZNbLKQpfZHaFk76ChGCMBCSgSBiCftqiGHCzZGZpv1rnUl9hOj75CeTc3fk-mMq1OtRd5GwYSkOxwJ0ikcFE/s1600-h/Karumba.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226199091913039842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWaEcgy7nj1qPL_mr4EMKO_JwJ09UmPg9j0wqGYGQND3LqW258v1dzCGZNbLKQpfZHaFk76ChGCMBCSgSBiCftqiGHCzZGZpv1rnUl9hOj75CeTc3fk-mMq1OtRd5GwYSkOxwJ0ikcFE/s320/Karumba.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFL-KwPKtbuBGTZZnBibOyWDFXfh5zIHFefEF0JCtV1M359zopiqmHMp4va4DU8nwBgDXGDYKhnxg8eHEn_fS5e3_Banu9r6T9W2w4EcxqPaweZuWLto8YDyz-7qCPFsYvt8xxd-uGuY/s1600-h/QLD2+182.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226199097196675650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFL-KwPKtbuBGTZZnBibOyWDFXfh5zIHFefEF0JCtV1M359zopiqmHMp4va4DU8nwBgDXGDYKhnxg8eHEn_fS5e3_Banu9r6T9W2w4EcxqPaweZuWLto8YDyz-7qCPFsYvt8xxd-uGuY/s320/QLD2+182.jpg" border="0" /></a>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10317470684853376046noreply@blogger.com1