Talked out of Magnetic Island (way too commercial), we took the visitors north to Ingham and Lucinda. We sought out the beautiful memories of amazing water lilly vision I remember amongst the sugarcane but were unable to reproduce.
We did however visit the beautiful Wallaman Falls (stunning), Lucinda and Jourama pools.
The Tropical North Queensland Aquarium (Reef HQ). Did you know a lot of these North Queensland fish are Transgender - they are born with male anatomy and then turn female or visa versa. And of course, we found Nemo.
Day one (or maybe two) of Dad and Faye's visit from Melbourne and we are off for a stroll along the local Bushland Beach with the oldies. Ken, Faye and Dad....thongs in hand (well sandals for Dad, he doesn't do thongs). Dad, Faye and Lola stroll along, a blue winged Kookaburra and me looking pretty damn relaxed.
Pop and Faye flew in from chilly Melbourne tonight. Straight from the airport to The Strand - Souvlaki Hut for a late dinner and then straight to the best ice cream ever and across the road to hug a Banyan tree.
Day one and back to The Strand for a few bottles of wine and fish and chips overlooking the Rockpool and the bay.....hard life it is. Eeeeewww (Look at Lola's face)....the oldies kissing at Kissing Point.
Our current home is Bushland Beach Queensland.....as Jan's good friend calls it, Bailey's Bali. We have the back of the block to ourselves and full access to pool and mum looking after us with lots of dinners (which for son and granddaughter include meat, unlike what he gets from his wife ). And I have some wine buddies in Jan and Ken.
Catching up with family....speaking of bad wives, Grandma scorned me yesterday with a tut tut looking at Brad's un-ironed shirt! "I'm not his slave, and anyway, the iron is in his toolbox used for ironing edges on melamine cupboards" was not an acceptable response for grandma.
A day out in town began with a visit to Grandma and Grandad, a drive to the top of Castle Hill and walk up to the various lookout points. Townsville looks a lot bigger from up here. Followed by an ice cream on The Strand, a stroll along the Marina, a play on the beautiful Banyan trees, then a walk along the wharf break water.
There was a loaded cattle ship (yuk, I wanted to let them all go) and Brad insisted we stay and watch it depart the dock......waiting, waiting, waiting....forever. Though the scenery was beautiful as night fell, unfortunately my phone pics don't paint the picture quite so stunningly. Finished off with a cake Lola made for us with love :)
We are still here at Bailey's Bali (Jan and Ken's). We've set ourselves up in the back of their yard in our own private little caravan park. A beautiful setting of a lagoon style pool nestled amongst towering palms with forest floor of flowers and ferns. There's heaps of wildlife too, frogs, gechos, lizards, snakes, possums, colorful honey eaters and something yellow bellied (sun bird I think) and the most amazingly beautiful butterflies you've ever seen (and huge).
We've been visiting and visited by heaps of family, picking up a bit of work here and there and spending a lot of time just lounging around doing a lot of nothing.
Brad's been doing renovation repairs on the lady next door's coaster bus motorhome. We've also picked up a job filling in the bottom of a raised old Queenslander house in town (to do in a couple of weeks). Also just day trips out and about exploring Townsville. This week it's a love job, renovating Jan and Kens ensuite (no rest for the wicked).
It's still hot and muggy but has been unusually overcast and threatening rain most days this week. Rain is so much less annoying when it's warm.
These pics are from an afternoon stroll at the local Bushland Beach, just a couple of minutes walk out the back.
A beautiful afternoon spent with Nanna and Pa (Jan and Ken) at Bluewater beach. Today Brad and Lola both caught their first "somewhere on the bus" fish! Very exciting for them (well don't get too excited until you see the pics...shameful really). Not so exciting for the poor tortured little yabbies and fish. Could we be more relaxed on this lovely Townsville day....28 everyday and 20 every night....how coming into winter should be! First a lesson for Lola in catching yabbies and then three generations dropping a line in....mother, son and grandaughter. These furry kids love the beach too
After catching up with Jan & Ken (Brad's mum and dad), Sandra and Chris (sister and brother inlaw), John & Julie (brother and partner) and of course the beautiful Grandma and Grandad (we made it in time for Grandad's 97th birthday), we hit The Strand. The Strand is the main esplanade in Townsville, has a seawater rock pool for swimming, heaps of playgrounds and the wet playground the kids love. We also did The Strand night market, bought some lovely pineapple wine and strolled through the markets enjoying the scenery of the ocean in the background.....
A couple of French girls painting their van (think our bus was inspiration), a sneaky wine in a plastic cup for the winos. Back at home to enjoy the Pineapple Wine by the pool. Brad gets a haircut from his mum.
I keep forgetting to mention... the weather is absolutely perfect, every single day in Queensland. We stumbled across another free campsite by the water in Carmila. Another iffy entrance through sandy tracks and overhanging branches but we made it and spent 3 glorious days camped by the beach in a great relaxing spot.
Did a little 4WDing in the Suzuki, attempted more fishing and admired the water while dying to have a swim but unfortunately as with most of Queensland as we head north, it's croc country. Had it just been Lola and I we'd probably have been ignorant enough to swim anyway, but Brad being a born and bred North Queenslander would not have it with his ongoing crocodile warnings.
We left Bundaberg pretty quickly, not impressed. That's just one of the great things about bus life. If you like where you are, stop and stay a while. If you don't, then keep on rolling. We arrived in Rockhampton and camped right on the river. Nice scenery but millions of mozzies. Stopped off at Gladstone for a look before moving on north.
Brad went to sleep while I was driving, so guess what I did.....took the first beach exit off the highway and we found ourselves in Agnes Water and the town of 1770.
We stumbled upon a great camp ground, fantastic, relaxed vibe and so we stayed after very hesitantly getting the bus through some narrow, sandy, winding track to the amazement of onlookers.
Loved this spot and enjoyed exploring both towns. Apparently 1770 is named after Captain Cook being his first Queensland landing in 1770. We did visit the local museum in an attempt for some education, but found ourselves making fun of the dolls and Brad amusing us through his boredom of historical culture.
Had a great day at Australia Zoo on Easter Sunday. Lola had been dying to go there since she was little(er) watching Bindi the Jungle Girl tv shows. So she got a ticket for her birthday together with a promised detour on the bus. It was a great day, lovely zoo and she even got to see Bindi, Bob and Terri.
After magnificent trip inland NSW we made it to Brisbane outskirts to catch up with some old and dear friends I grew up with, neighbours in my teens. We had trouble finding somewhere along the coast to stay, none of the caravan parks in this Shire vicinity allow dogs, and those that do outside the shire, don't accommodate big rigs.
So we ended up at the Pine River (or could have been Pine Ridge) showgrounds in Lawnton, QLD. We intended only staying a night or two but stayed for several as it was great catching up with my beautiful friends I haven't seen for years, but also because we were camped alongside some great new friends....fellow bus travellers, Chris and Wayne are travelling with their two kids, Jemma and Zak, both about Lola's age.
We met an incredibly stressful defeat at Glass House Mountain, not noticing the "no caravans" sign at the base, we headed up, Brad picked the wrong gear and we could go up no further. Fortunately there was a fire track off to the side and Brad used his skills to reverse the trailer and bus into the fire track in order to turn around and retreat back down. Not before stopping for a well earned coffee at the cafe we just made it past. Ah well, you live, you learn :)
A huge sigh of relief. On top of the world and on the road to somewhere. It doesn’t take too many km’s to pass before that feeling starts to slowly creep back in….f r e e d o m!
A brief stopover back in Robinvale IGA for some essentials and make a quick roll. It wasn’t long before Robinvale was upon us, the vivid enormity of our home amazes onlookers once again. Chatted to a school teacher....lovely lady who confirmed any doubts about Lola growing up on the bus - her husband just laid off and told he is "too creative to be a Maths teacher" - just follow the curriculum, how dare you try and engage, excite, interest and educate all of your students.
Back on the road again, finding our way to Balranad, one of those inviting little towns that just begs you to take a break and stretch your legs. We parked just alongside an impressive mesh bridge joining the near and far banks of the Murrumbidgee to one.
Brad was tinkering around the motor (oil I think), Daisy decided there was no way she was getting on that bridge, so Lola and I ventured bravely across, both agreeing we didn’t like the feeling, but seeing it through none the less.
It was one of my proudest moments as her mother to hear her say “it’s ok to feel a little fear sometimes, just push through it”.
My turn to drive us out of town and onward toward Hay. I love to drive the bus, it's quite a beast, 2.5m wide, 11m (38ft) of bus followed by another 6m (16ft) of trailer carrying our little Suzuki Vitara and heap of Brad's junk, I was tentative about driving with the trailer at first. But now, it's just an extension of the bus. The steering wheel is huge between your hands, requiring constant correction to balance the beast and keep on the straight especially when those massive road trains come flying past with an explosion of air between us.
And so it isn’t long before we arrive in Hay. The vibe of even a small roadhouse is such a vast comparison to that of arriving in a caravan park ready to set up for the night. Some fuel, a 6 pack of coke (seems we’ve renewed our once banned taste of the good old coke) and a packet of mentos for Lola, we’re off in search of lodgings for the night.
Just immediately over the bridge, a recreation area by the river (Murrumbidgee) calls, me at the wheel, I take on the challenge of the winding dirt track and manoeuvre into a picnic spot off the road enough just to let passers through. Ah perfect, not a “no camping” sign to be seen, I’m taking that as free to camp and so we did. Dinner cooked (well toasted sandwiches), a last lap up of the solace of our lodging and Brad, Daisy and I join Lolly on our bed to watch Babe 2.
It was only minutes before I could hear my own snoring, poor Lola loving our company to enjoy a movie until she found herself surrounded by snores (including Daisy)….she lasted the movie and woke us up as she hopped off to her own bed, she’s awesome.
No more caravan parks - the beautiful Hay on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. An early morning start (we’ll get this travelling thing yet) and straight into town only to find the absolute icing on this lovely town of Hay’s cake – freshly cleaned toilets ready for our relief.
Have I said it yet, perfect!
After my little taste of the driver seat yesterday, I declare my morning of driving and off we head along the B64 and then the A39 toward Dubbo, Parkes and on to Queensland.
So the first few days did not go exactly as planned. First stop Robinvale, Victoria. Lovely spot by the river, if we still had the boat and were off on an Easter jaunt with the Cooks and Rouda's it would probably have been fun.
Problem:
1. It is school holidays! Did we not consider this at any stage....no.
2. A CMCA gathering had just taken over Robinvale during the previous week - apparently up to 1000 motorhomes on show with a significant number still left behind.
3. We had just got to set up chairs, sit down to a wine and relax and it started to rain. It didn't stop for the next 3 days.
4. Next morning set to run out fast, bus wouldn't start (never done this before). Dirty solenoid apparently.
5. Where we are parked we appear to be on full show to the whole park - we have been getting to used to people admiring Jaws fabulous art but it felt a bit full on here....not sure I'm ready for this.
Never mind, we'll hit Mildura and it will be wonderful. Booked ahead to a highly recommended caravan park (CMCA member) specifically for Lola - 2 pools and a jumping mat.
So off we go, arrive in Mildura at a Caravan Park looks lovely, shame for the rain.
And so it rained, rained, rained, rained and rained some more.
I know, tell me to stop whining, I'm sure the locals loved it and I know all my loved ones back home were also experiencing it.....but you're weren't spending your FIRST 3 DAYS EVER LIVING ON A BUS!
I think I carried myself exceptionally well, not forgetting the little book of calm I'd swallowed just a few days prior, I ignored so many factors and quietly went about keeping occupied. Cannot say the same for my usually placid husband....grumble ass he is.
So by end of our stay, we have broken several rules of good caravan park citizenship:
1. I hogged the laundry! It was vacant when I started (and I had lots of laundry to do), I was actually marvelling at my own thoughts of finding this laundry thing quite relaxing, new book in hand. So I thoughtfully filled only 3 washing machines, leaving 2 free.....and then they swarmed! What was I to do, but bury my nose in my book and offer an occasional smile (was not in the mood for chitter chatter). And of course my washing had to be dried, so again I created a rapidly extending queue of long termer caravan park women, waiting, patiently I should add, a little toe tapping. Not a word said, but vibe felt! I did donate left over time on the machines saving them a gold coin or two as appeasement. Awkward. Sorry ladies!
2. It is 11.20am on departure day and we are long past the departure time (usually 10am I'm told with a tut tut from another diligent CMCA member).
3. I got absolutely sick of answering the question "are you the artist". I know, again, Julie stop whining, but seriously, was not in the mood. So I didn't pop out to greet them all, caravan park faux pas number 3.
4. I did stop and chat to Ronnie and her Sassie Lady. Ronnie believes passionately in her cause, a solo traveller in her late 50’s, she is determined to share her views, the writings of historians and insistence that we revert to the ways of the Ancient Egyptions. All the while Ronnie adamant she is not preaching, not religious, just deeply spiritual and passionate (and refers to God, the creator a lot) – determined to share with like minded people such as ourselves (Brad and I).
haring the photo she took of a star from exactly our location – not just a star but the "all seeing eye" of the ancient Egyptions.
Yes I see the resemblance. I was sure to call Brad and include him in this revelation.
Thanks for your gift Ronnie, I sincerely do appreciate it. If we meet again I will share with you my philosophy of life and future - however it may differ somewhat from assumptions. No matter, good luck with your writing, and safe travels, until we meet again.
So after all that, our plans to head to Broken Hill and Bourke were abandoned, simply not in the mindset for this adventure today....so back in the direction from whence we came.....the rain has finally stopped.
The day arrived. On 6 April 2014 (mine and Lola's birthday) we finally hit the road!
Our truly amazing family and friends waited through the 6 hour delayed departure time and sent us off with love and happiness. Much more on that to be told later.
Check out the video Jay took of our moment:
First stop Barham NSW to spend a night with Aunty Pat. Today we head off for real....to somewhere else! We're thinking Mildura but who knows whether I'll see a turn off and change direction, cause I can! I love this life already.
I have yet to be able to translate in mere words the overwhelming sense of freedom I am feeling. I don't remember ever feeling the pure whole of body and mind contentment I have.
It is amazing....
Today marks the day of my beautiful mum's birthday, and the day we leave life living in a conventional house.
Life before the bus was a pretty normal one. We had/have a very close family, had the mortgage, the christmas gatherings and all their excesses. It was not a bad life in the scheme of life's expectations of us. It was pretty suburban really.
These are some family snapshots representing just a few of those years.
