Monday, September 29, 2003
Day 21. Monday 29 September 2003.
Later we will bet telling more.
Later we will bet telling more.
Day 20. Sunday 28 September 2003.
Michael took us out for a drive on the country side around Bilambil. Really spectacular views over the mountains and hills. Also wonderful views over the coast and beaches. Went to see a winery (of course). This time we honoured Ilnam Estate, 750 Carool Rd, Carool, NSW, 2486, with our presence. As the wine was okay, we bought us a bottle of Foxbar Falls Shiraz. We had a stop on a Sunday market were people were selling all kind of fruit and veggies and also second hand goods. We bought some nice fruit and veggies.
On this trip we saw a wonderful specimen of a Queensland house.
Michael took us out for a drive on the country side around Bilambil. Really spectacular views over the mountains and hills. Also wonderful views over the coast and beaches. Went to see a winery (of course). This time we honoured Ilnam Estate, 750 Carool Rd, Carool, NSW, 2486, with our presence. As the wine was okay, we bought us a bottle of Foxbar Falls Shiraz. We had a stop on a Sunday market were people were selling all kind of fruit and veggies and also second hand goods. We bought some nice fruit and veggies.
On this trip we saw a wonderful specimen of a Queensland house.
Saturday, September 27, 2003
day 19. 27 September 2003.
Later we will bet telling more.
Later we will bet telling more.
Day 18. Friyday 26 September 2003.
Woke up at seven o’clock and we had a wonderful view of a cowboy taking care of his horse. It was the kind that looks like the Indian ponys one sees on the movies. I think they are called Papoose or something like that.
I guess the guy must be on his way to Winton for the rodeo/country show.
On our way at about 10:00 hours and see if we can get as far as Brisbane or better still Tweed Heads. So we drove and drove and drove all day through. On the way we stopped at a nice riverside park were Gilda made us a wonderful sandwich.
We arrived at Bilambil at about 19.30 hours and were sort of home again. We received a warm welcome fro Michael, Carol and the boys.
We sat down for a nice meal and talked and talked and talked.
Woke up at seven o’clock and we had a wonderful view of a cowboy taking care of his horse. It was the kind that looks like the Indian ponys one sees on the movies. I think they are called Papoose or something like that.
I guess the guy must be on his way to Winton for the rodeo/country show.
On our way at about 10:00 hours and see if we can get as far as Brisbane or better still Tweed Heads. So we drove and drove and drove all day through. On the way we stopped at a nice riverside park were Gilda made us a wonderful sandwich.
We arrived at Bilambil at about 19.30 hours and were sort of home again. We received a warm welcome fro Michael, Carol and the boys.
We sat down for a nice meal and talked and talked and talked.
Friday, September 26, 2003
Day 17. Thuersday 25 September 2003.
Today up at 07:00 as we want to see the show of Mad Mick. Wished the owners of the camping a save journey as they were on their way to Roma.
After taking in some diesel we wen to see Mad Micks, but as their was abid CLOSED sign we went to the Australian Workers Heritage Centre instead. For all visitors of Barcaldine (pronounce Bar-call- din) we advise you to take two hours to visit this wonderfull museum. It tells the story of the history of the working class in QLD and has a special wing for “The Unsung Heroes” the woman of Australia’s outback. The also show a wonderfull 20 min video with moving interviews with woman of 60 years (and older). (milestones)
Just as well Mad Mick was closed otherwise we would have missed this visit.
After that on our way to Brisbane and just se how far we can get.
We stoppes at Mitchell. And all travelers attention again. Camping near a river an first 2 nights are free. Bad luck for us. No more powerd sites , but we could park on the Show Grounds and also free of charge!
Today up at 07:00 as we want to see the show of Mad Mick. Wished the owners of the camping a save journey as they were on their way to Roma.
After taking in some diesel we wen to see Mad Micks, but as their was abid CLOSED sign we went to the Australian Workers Heritage Centre instead. For all visitors of Barcaldine (pronounce Bar-call- din) we advise you to take two hours to visit this wonderfull museum. It tells the story of the history of the working class in QLD and has a special wing for “The Unsung Heroes” the woman of Australia’s outback. The also show a wonderfull 20 min video with moving interviews with woman of 60 years (and older). (milestones)
Just as well Mad Mick was closed otherwise we would have missed this visit.
After that on our way to Brisbane and just se how far we can get.
We stoppes at Mitchell. And all travelers attention again. Camping near a river an first 2 nights are free. Bad luck for us. No more powerd sites , but we could park on the Show Grounds and also free of charge!
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Day 16. Wednesday 24 September 2003 Longreach Qantas museum.
Up at 07.30 hours. Phoned Michael and Caroll to let them know we were on our way to see them. It was nice to hear their voices again. Aftre that we were on our way to Barcandale. But first a visit to the Q.A.N.T.A.S. Ltd. founders museum. Had a good look arround and stayed there for almost 2 hours. After my visist I went to get Gilda to have dinner in the museum’s lunchroom. After lunch we left and had a stop in Ilfracomb and admired their park of old machinery. Took in some diesel and on our way agin. Arrived in Barcandal at 15.00 hours. To late to see Mad Mick so we just went to the Homestead camping ground and found us a nice place in the shade of an old figtree. Powered site @ A$16,40 including a campfire with some country songs. What an idea to have a campfire at 38 celcius!
The evening was just wonderfull. Even as it was hot beside the capfire. We were offerd a home made damper with syrup and a original Billy tea.
After tea one of the guests took out his guitar and sang us a couple of Australian country songs.
Up at 07.30 hours. Phoned Michael and Caroll to let them know we were on our way to see them. It was nice to hear their voices again. Aftre that we were on our way to Barcandale. But first a visit to the Q.A.N.T.A.S. Ltd. founders museum. Had a good look arround and stayed there for almost 2 hours. After my visist I went to get Gilda to have dinner in the museum’s lunchroom. After lunch we left and had a stop in Ilfracomb and admired their park of old machinery. Took in some diesel and on our way agin. Arrived in Barcandal at 15.00 hours. To late to see Mad Mick so we just went to the Homestead camping ground and found us a nice place in the shade of an old figtree. Powered site @ A$16,40 including a campfire with some country songs. What an idea to have a campfire at 38 celcius!
The evening was just wonderfull. Even as it was hot beside the capfire. We were offerd a home made damper with syrup and a original Billy tea.
After tea one of the guests took out his guitar and sang us a couple of Australian country songs.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Day15. Tuesday 23 September 2003. Cloncurry to Longreach
Up at 07:00 hours and off to the Drs. John Flynn Museum. Drs. Flynn was the founder of The Flying Doctors service. This place gave a good view over how it all started and were it is now.
Never knew that the man on the A$20,00 was John Flynn, but now I’m the wiser man.
After getting some money we set of to Winton. First stop was xx to see Crocodile Dundee’s hotel. Not quite what I expected. We had a short stop and then on the Kynuna again to see the lady of the birds at Kynuna Road House. We showed her the pictures we made during our stop in 2000. As it turns out her name is Pat and she was ever so pleased with the pictures. The birds were our breeding somewhere and the chick has left to settle down some were.
After seeing her I went across the street to see the Mathilda Museum of Richard Magoffin. He is one of Australians real characters and his place is a place to see. Many relics of most about everything of Australians history. But most it is dedicated to the history of the real Australian song known all over the world: Waltzing Mathilda.
After that we went on to Winton, but after taking in diesel we decided to go on and we went as far as Longreach were we arrived at about 19:30. On the way we saw cows, sheep a fox and a cat no roos at all! Maybe more luck tomorrow!
We stayed at The Longreach Caravan Park @ A$16,00 for the night.
Up at 07:00 hours and off to the Drs. John Flynn Museum. Drs. Flynn was the founder of The Flying Doctors service. This place gave a good view over how it all started and were it is now.
Never knew that the man on the A$20,00 was John Flynn, but now I’m the wiser man.
After getting some money we set of to Winton. First stop was xx to see Crocodile Dundee’s hotel. Not quite what I expected. We had a short stop and then on the Kynuna again to see the lady of the birds at Kynuna Road House. We showed her the pictures we made during our stop in 2000. As it turns out her name is Pat and she was ever so pleased with the pictures. The birds were our breeding somewhere and the chick has left to settle down some were.
After seeing her I went across the street to see the Mathilda Museum of Richard Magoffin. He is one of Australians real characters and his place is a place to see. Many relics of most about everything of Australians history. But most it is dedicated to the history of the real Australian song known all over the world: Waltzing Mathilda.
After that we went on to Winton, but after taking in diesel we decided to go on and we went as far as Longreach were we arrived at about 19:30. On the way we saw cows, sheep a fox and a cat no roos at all! Maybe more luck tomorrow!
We stayed at The Longreach Caravan Park @ A$16,00 for the night.
Monday, September 22, 2003
day 14. Monday 22 September 2003. Normanton to Cloncurry
Up at about 07:00 hours prepare for a long trip of almost 400kms to Cloncurry.
Long and boring a lot of people would say. But we think it is quite the opposite. Every 10 minutes the landscape will have changed completely. We pass some Cattle stations and see the cattle rooming free over Highway 83 (Diamantina Developmental Road).
Often the road was just one lane wide and just as it narrowed we would encounter a road train, coming from the opposite direction.
We arrived at Cloncurry at 16:00 hours just to late to visit the museum, as it closes at 15:30 hours. So we will visit it tomorrow morning before we go on to Winston.
Up at about 07:00 hours prepare for a long trip of almost 400kms to Cloncurry.
Long and boring a lot of people would say. But we think it is quite the opposite. Every 10 minutes the landscape will have changed completely. We pass some Cattle stations and see the cattle rooming free over Highway 83 (Diamantina Developmental Road).
Often the road was just one lane wide and just as it narrowed we would encounter a road train, coming from the opposite direction.
We arrived at Cloncurry at 16:00 hours just to late to visit the museum, as it closes at 15:30 hours. So we will visit it tomorrow morning before we go on to Winston.
Day 13. Sunday 21 September 2003. From Innot Hot Springs to Normanton
We woke up at 06:00 hours. Gilda looked out of the window and thought there was a mist hanging over the river. But it was just the damp as the water was well over 70 celcius. We went to have a nice hot bath in the water of the natural hot spring. We staid in the pool for at least 45 minutes and draged ourselves out, as we had to get breakfast and back on the move again. Destination Normanton about 560 km! Wonder how far we will get.
So arrived at Normanton at about 18:30. It was a long trip with just a few stops twice for diesel and a bite an twice for coffee or stretching the legs.
During the trip Gilda made some pictures of the long road ahead and some truck passing us.
We saw a lot of Wallaby’s hopping along the street. Hundreds of birds and thousands of cattle.
Sorted out some of the pictures and now….. of to bed (22:00 hours)
We woke up at 06:00 hours. Gilda looked out of the window and thought there was a mist hanging over the river. But it was just the damp as the water was well over 70 celcius. We went to have a nice hot bath in the water of the natural hot spring. We staid in the pool for at least 45 minutes and draged ourselves out, as we had to get breakfast and back on the move again. Destination Normanton about 560 km! Wonder how far we will get.
So arrived at Normanton at about 18:30. It was a long trip with just a few stops twice for diesel and a bite an twice for coffee or stretching the legs.
During the trip Gilda made some pictures of the long road ahead and some truck passing us.
We saw a lot of Wallaby’s hopping along the street. Hundreds of birds and thousands of cattle.
Sorted out some of the pictures and now….. of to bed (22:00 hours)
Saturday, September 20, 2003
day 12. Saturday 20 September 2003. Trip in the Outback and Waterfalls
We said goodbye to Bob and his son and left Mareeba at about 09.00 hours.
Left for a trip towards Innot Hot Springs and on the way see the lakes and falls.
First stop brought as to Yungaburra, a nice quite heritage village, and just outside the village a huge Curtain Fig Tree. (see pictures!)
After that we went on to Lake Barrine were we first sat and had some coffee and a nice homemade chocolate cake. Then we decided to try and go as far as possible on the 5km walk around the lake. Not quarter way we turned back. No we did it all. Gilda surpassed herself again in walking the full 5 km. It took is just a little over three hours. After that we went to see the waterfalls.
First one was the Mallanda Fall and then the three other falls, Millaa Millaa falls, Zillie falls and Ellinja Falls (video).
On the way to Ravenshoe we past the Windmill park and had to stop for a passing Carpet snake. What a wonderful species this was. Once past Ravenshoe we left the rainforest behind us and we were back in the Outback again. We also run into a huge bushfire and arrived at Innot Hot Springs at about 18:00. Had dinner and a few brews in the local pub.
We said goodbye to Bob and his son and left Mareeba at about 09.00 hours.
Left for a trip towards Innot Hot Springs and on the way see the lakes and falls.
First stop brought as to Yungaburra, a nice quite heritage village, and just outside the village a huge Curtain Fig Tree. (see pictures!)
After that we went on to Lake Barrine were we first sat and had some coffee and a nice homemade chocolate cake. Then we decided to try and go as far as possible on the 5km walk around the lake. Not quarter way we turned back. No we did it all. Gilda surpassed herself again in walking the full 5 km. It took is just a little over three hours. After that we went to see the waterfalls.
First one was the Mallanda Fall and then the three other falls, Millaa Millaa falls, Zillie falls and Ellinja Falls (video).
On the way to Ravenshoe we past the Windmill park and had to stop for a passing Carpet snake. What a wonderful species this was. Once past Ravenshoe we left the rainforest behind us and we were back in the Outback again. We also run into a huge bushfire and arrived at Innot Hot Springs at about 18:00. Had dinner and a few brews in the local pub.
Day 11. Friday 19 September 2003. Getting to the Outback, Marabee
Visit to Golden Pride Winery. The wine they make there is made of mangoes. Seems strange, but the wine is beatifull. We bought us two bottles one dry and one sweet.
On the way back we stopped at Baron River and I made some pictures. Then we visited Mareeba town. Had dinner and bought some souvenirs to take home.
The evening we spent with Bob his son and some of the other people on the park.
Bob was a real nice host and he made us feel ever so welcome.
Visit to Golden Pride Winery. The wine they make there is made of mangoes. Seems strange, but the wine is beatifull. We bought us two bottles one dry and one sweet.
On the way back we stopped at Baron River and I made some pictures. Then we visited Mareeba town. Had dinner and bought some souvenirs to take home.
The evening we spent with Bob his son and some of the other people on the park.
Bob was a real nice host and he made us feel ever so welcome.
Friday, September 19, 2003
Day 10. Tuesday 18 September 2003. Getting to the Outback, Marabee
Slept in a bit and woke up at 10 o’clock. After the fresh night we’re in for a hot day. Predictions are 35 Celsius. That’s 10 degrees more then normal this time of year!
We are of to see the North Queensland Gold coffee farm of Bruno and Maria. It is about 7 kms out of town and taking the road to Dimbulah. When we arrived a big sign said to honk for enquiries, so I did just that. Than this elderly man came out and introduced himself as Bruno. He was ever so kind and took us for a to tour on the premises. First he sowed us way the coffee grows and after five years it will produce coffee. He also explained how the trees are cut down every 10 years and will starting to produce again 3 years later. His trees (and so his beans and coffee) are free of pesticides and any other products of that kind.
He explained how the harvesting machine works. Then he took us inside to show us how the raw coffee beans are processed into the coffee beans we all know.
He uses jus Arabica beans and does not blend his coffee with other coffee at all. He explained us how he burns his coffee and show the three types off burnt coffee he makes. And talking about coffee can only end in …. Drinking coffee.
Whilst drinking his wonderful brew outside Bruno joined us and we had a nice long talk about this that and the other. And with his 77 years of age Bruno has his view of what the problems of the world today are and how they should be solved.
The best part of his philosophy is, that, if you look at the animal world, apart of the cuckoo, all animals take care of their young ones until they re able to take care of themselves. How different some people are to most animals. They just leave their kids wondering around the streets at night and not giving them the parental guidance they need. No wonder so many people grow up without respecting others and unable to take care of themselves.
At his shop you can buy all the coffee he produces in various packages. He even sends them over by mail all over the world if you so wish.
Of course we bought some of his coffee but also some of his tried tomatoes and dried mangoes. Also he had some wonderful chocolate covered coffee beans and we could not resist buying some bags of those.
Meanwhile his daughter had came in and we shook hands and signed the guest book and off we went to see some more of Queensland rural places.
We drove around for about one hour and then headed back to Bob’s place for dinner. (tea as they call it here).
Bob, his son Collin, Stuart Walker, Ian, the painter, and some of the guests were seated in the communal kitchen. We joined them and with a beer and a whine we talked and talked and talked until it was time to go to bed.
Slept in a bit and woke up at 10 o’clock. After the fresh night we’re in for a hot day. Predictions are 35 Celsius. That’s 10 degrees more then normal this time of year!
We are of to see the North Queensland Gold coffee farm of Bruno and Maria. It is about 7 kms out of town and taking the road to Dimbulah. When we arrived a big sign said to honk for enquiries, so I did just that. Than this elderly man came out and introduced himself as Bruno. He was ever so kind and took us for a to tour on the premises. First he sowed us way the coffee grows and after five years it will produce coffee. He also explained how the trees are cut down every 10 years and will starting to produce again 3 years later. His trees (and so his beans and coffee) are free of pesticides and any other products of that kind.
He explained how the harvesting machine works. Then he took us inside to show us how the raw coffee beans are processed into the coffee beans we all know.
He uses jus Arabica beans and does not blend his coffee with other coffee at all. He explained us how he burns his coffee and show the three types off burnt coffee he makes. And talking about coffee can only end in …. Drinking coffee.
Whilst drinking his wonderful brew outside Bruno joined us and we had a nice long talk about this that and the other. And with his 77 years of age Bruno has his view of what the problems of the world today are and how they should be solved.
The best part of his philosophy is, that, if you look at the animal world, apart of the cuckoo, all animals take care of their young ones until they re able to take care of themselves. How different some people are to most animals. They just leave their kids wondering around the streets at night and not giving them the parental guidance they need. No wonder so many people grow up without respecting others and unable to take care of themselves.
At his shop you can buy all the coffee he produces in various packages. He even sends them over by mail all over the world if you so wish.
Of course we bought some of his coffee but also some of his tried tomatoes and dried mangoes. Also he had some wonderful chocolate covered coffee beans and we could not resist buying some bags of those.
Meanwhile his daughter had came in and we shook hands and signed the guest book and off we went to see some more of Queensland rural places.
We drove around for about one hour and then headed back to Bob’s place for dinner. (tea as they call it here).
Bob, his son Collin, Stuart Walker, Ian, the painter, and some of the guests were seated in the communal kitchen. We joined them and with a beer and a whine we talked and talked and talked until it was time to go to bed.
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Day 9. Wednesday 17 September 2003. Out on the Reef with Ocean Spirit.
And again up early but this time real early as we had to be at Novotel at 07.05 hours.. I woke up at 04.45 hours and had we had our breakfast down to just a cup of tea and a muffin. There was a wonderfull sunrise and I just had to make this picture. A few hours later it looked like this.
Showers and of to Novotel Hotel. We were there quite early as the hotel was less far away as I thought. Why up so early? Well today we are off to see The Reef! We’ll be out for a day with Ocean Spirit Cruises The flyer promises a beautiful catamaran sailing boat, and that is just what we got. Also we where told the staff would be real nice. And they were! After we set for sea, it took us about two hours to get to Michaelmas Cay. That’s were they dropped anchor. One had the choice between going for a snorkel lesson or take a trip in a semi sub. At eleven or at one ‘clock. We decided to first go in the sub.
We managed to have the front seats so we could see front and side ways! Boy, were we in for a surprise! As soon as we sat down fish came swimming towards the windows of the sub and making themselves seen. We made a trip that took us over and in the and into the Reef seeing all that there was to see, fishes of colours hard to name and shapes hard to describe. And than the massive king size clamps. Some well over 1 meter across. For pictures click here! After almost an hour we went back to the Ocean Spirit. Now we were being treated to a wonderful dinner. For the non-vegetarians there was a wide variety of seafood served with rice, potatoes or pasta. After lunch we were taken to the island in a dingy. Once a shore we put on our flippers and diving goggles and life jacket. I tried to give Gilda some instructions, but she did not felt to save and wanted to stop. But I persuaded her to take the snorkel lesson. The lesson was given by Marty. Marty succeeded in making Gilda feel at ease and took her way out into the reef. For the first time I saw Gilda swimming in deep water and not being afraid! Thank you Marty, you made an already wonderful day even better for both of us. And again we were able to observe the marvels of The Reef from nearby.
At 14.00 hours we had to get back on the boat and head back to Cairns. On the way back the crew entertained us, and one of the crewmembers had a sing along with songs of the 60’s and some real Aussie songs. Marty came over to sit and talk to us for a short while and he emphasized how proud he was about Gilda’s effort to learn to snorkel. Gilda told him that after our wedding day this was the most wonderful day of her life, to which I can agree. Arriving in Cairns the whole crew was on the shore side to see us off, except Marty. When we walked along the pier to go to the bus much to our surprise we run into Marty. He took Gilda by the hand and the three of us walked to the bus, where Marty gave Gilda a big farewell hug.
And so a wonderful day that should have gone on forever came to a stop. In the bus to the camper we just sat holding hands like a pair of orphaned children.
We had already decided to leave Cairns and go towards Mareeba to se if we could find the wineries. Driving in the dark on winding roads we arrived at 19.15 hours at Mareeba Country Caravan Park.
We had a place for A$ 14,00 for a powered site. That’s, without a wonderfull beachfront, half the price of Ellis.
Bob (the owner) was ever so kind and took al his time to explain to us what we could do and see in the surroundings of Mareeba. After a long an tiring day, we turned in at 22.00 hours and went of to dream about the beauty of The Reef, the fishes, the tutrles and all the people we met……
And again up early but this time real early as we had to be at Novotel at 07.05 hours.. I woke up at 04.45 hours and had we had our breakfast down to just a cup of tea and a muffin. There was a wonderfull sunrise and I just had to make this picture. A few hours later it looked like this.
Showers and of to Novotel Hotel. We were there quite early as the hotel was less far away as I thought. Why up so early? Well today we are off to see The Reef! We’ll be out for a day with Ocean Spirit Cruises The flyer promises a beautiful catamaran sailing boat, and that is just what we got. Also we where told the staff would be real nice. And they were! After we set for sea, it took us about two hours to get to Michaelmas Cay. That’s were they dropped anchor. One had the choice between going for a snorkel lesson or take a trip in a semi sub. At eleven or at one ‘clock. We decided to first go in the sub.
We managed to have the front seats so we could see front and side ways! Boy, were we in for a surprise! As soon as we sat down fish came swimming towards the windows of the sub and making themselves seen. We made a trip that took us over and in the and into the Reef seeing all that there was to see, fishes of colours hard to name and shapes hard to describe. And than the massive king size clamps. Some well over 1 meter across. For pictures click here! After almost an hour we went back to the Ocean Spirit. Now we were being treated to a wonderful dinner. For the non-vegetarians there was a wide variety of seafood served with rice, potatoes or pasta. After lunch we were taken to the island in a dingy. Once a shore we put on our flippers and diving goggles and life jacket. I tried to give Gilda some instructions, but she did not felt to save and wanted to stop. But I persuaded her to take the snorkel lesson. The lesson was given by Marty. Marty succeeded in making Gilda feel at ease and took her way out into the reef. For the first time I saw Gilda swimming in deep water and not being afraid! Thank you Marty, you made an already wonderful day even better for both of us. And again we were able to observe the marvels of The Reef from nearby.
At 14.00 hours we had to get back on the boat and head back to Cairns. On the way back the crew entertained us, and one of the crewmembers had a sing along with songs of the 60’s and some real Aussie songs. Marty came over to sit and talk to us for a short while and he emphasized how proud he was about Gilda’s effort to learn to snorkel. Gilda told him that after our wedding day this was the most wonderful day of her life, to which I can agree. Arriving in Cairns the whole crew was on the shore side to see us off, except Marty. When we walked along the pier to go to the bus much to our surprise we run into Marty. He took Gilda by the hand and the three of us walked to the bus, where Marty gave Gilda a big farewell hug.
And so a wonderful day that should have gone on forever came to a stop. In the bus to the camper we just sat holding hands like a pair of orphaned children.
We had already decided to leave Cairns and go towards Mareeba to se if we could find the wineries. Driving in the dark on winding roads we arrived at 19.15 hours at Mareeba Country Caravan Park.
We had a place for A$ 14,00 for a powered site. That’s, without a wonderfull beachfront, half the price of Ellis.
Bob (the owner) was ever so kind and took al his time to explain to us what we could do and see in the surroundings of Mareeba. After a long an tiring day, we turned in at 22.00 hours and went of to dream about the beauty of The Reef, the fishes, the tutrles and all the people we met……
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Day 8.Thuesday 16 September 2003. Train ride to Kuranda
Up early because today we have to catch the train to Kuranda at Fresh Water Station at 8.45 hours. Train station is one of the beautiful things to see already. Train pulls-up at time and we have some time to board the all-wooden train. Seems like stepping into the past. Unfortunately we did not have window seats, but we were able to see most of all the beautiful things that were there to see. The train slowly moved up the mountain and climbed 1 meter per 50 meter of track. Had a nice view over the sugar cane plantations and as we climbed up we had more then breathtaking view over the valleys and water falls. We arrived at Kurabee station at 10.30 and had a walk in the village. We went down towards the river to have a boat trip at 11.30 hours @ A$ 12,00 each.
Our host and guide was very kind and took us all the way up to see a fresh water crocodile sleeping on a branch in the water. He then took us around a round trip and explained us many things about the old Northern forests. Small birds and ducks were following us. As if they were giving us an escort. One given moment he stopped the boat and then we understood the reason of the ducks following us. He handed us out a couple of slices bread each to feed the water turtles, but ducks like bread to! So they were eager to try and snatch some bread. He really took his time to show us all there was to show and 10 minutes longer then planned we arrived back at our departing point. After our visit to Kuranda we went to Britz in Cairns to have the doorknob of the toilet door fixed. The mechanic was ever so kind. We had a chat about this that and the other and also about whine. He pointed out that it would be a good idea for us to go up to Mareeba and taste the wine of the Mango wineries.
Have to sleep early, as we have to be up at 05.00 hours as we are………
Up early because today we have to catch the train to Kuranda at Fresh Water Station at 8.45 hours. Train station is one of the beautiful things to see already. Train pulls-up at time and we have some time to board the all-wooden train. Seems like stepping into the past. Unfortunately we did not have window seats, but we were able to see most of all the beautiful things that were there to see. The train slowly moved up the mountain and climbed 1 meter per 50 meter of track. Had a nice view over the sugar cane plantations and as we climbed up we had more then breathtaking view over the valleys and water falls. We arrived at Kurabee station at 10.30 and had a walk in the village. We went down towards the river to have a boat trip at 11.30 hours @ A$ 12,00 each.
Our host and guide was very kind and took us all the way up to see a fresh water crocodile sleeping on a branch in the water. He then took us around a round trip and explained us many things about the old Northern forests. Small birds and ducks were following us. As if they were giving us an escort. One given moment he stopped the boat and then we understood the reason of the ducks following us. He handed us out a couple of slices bread each to feed the water turtles, but ducks like bread to! So they were eager to try and snatch some bread. He really took his time to show us all there was to show and 10 minutes longer then planned we arrived back at our departing point. After our visit to Kuranda we went to Britz in Cairns to have the doorknob of the toilet door fixed. The mechanic was ever so kind. We had a chat about this that and the other and also about whine. He pointed out that it would be a good idea for us to go up to Mareeba and taste the wine of the Mango wineries.
Have to sleep early, as we have to be up at 05.00 hours as we are………
Day 7. Monday 15 September 2003. 1st day Cairns
After our first night in the camper we woke up at about 09.30 hours and started to further install ourselves in the camper. After that we have decided to take it easy today on the beach (see Ellis Beachfront and more beach) and book for another day at Ellis’ and also see if we could go down town to book the trip to Kuranda. Gilda decided to sit at the poolside and relax and I went to go about the booking business. As it so happens we could book from Ellis’ so that’s what I did. The lady at the desk (Gwynn, who has wonderful grey/bleu eyes!)) was ever so helpful. To surprise Gilda I also booked a trip with Ocean Spirit, which will take us to go out snorkling on the reef (A$319.00). After that I went for a relaxing swim in the sea. I even got Gilda so far to come out to join me. We stayed on the beach until about 17.00 hours and went back to our camper to prepare our evening meal and have a shower. Gilda prepared us a nice meal and for the first time used our Microwave oven.
After our first night in the camper we woke up at about 09.30 hours and started to further install ourselves in the camper. After that we have decided to take it easy today on the beach (see Ellis Beachfront and more beach) and book for another day at Ellis’ and also see if we could go down town to book the trip to Kuranda. Gilda decided to sit at the poolside and relax and I went to go about the booking business. As it so happens we could book from Ellis’ so that’s what I did. The lady at the desk (Gwynn, who has wonderful grey/bleu eyes!)) was ever so helpful. To surprise Gilda I also booked a trip with Ocean Spirit, which will take us to go out snorkling on the reef (A$319.00). After that I went for a relaxing swim in the sea. I even got Gilda so far to come out to join me. We stayed on the beach until about 17.00 hours and went back to our camper to prepare our evening meal and have a shower. Gilda prepared us a nice meal and for the first time used our Microwave oven.
Monday, September 15, 2003
Day 6. Sunday 14 September 2003. Up North/ camper pick-up
Up early, as we had to catch the plane at 09.40. Both Gilda and me were awake at 05.00 hours and so we just started to get ready. At about 08.30 Rick and Lynne drove us to the airport and after checking in and a short wait we could board our QANTAS 767. We left at time and arrived without delay in Cairns. Took a cab to Britz (A$ 8.60) to pick up our campervan. (Britz Cairns) We had reserved an Explorer and were surprised how big it was and how well equiped! It is a "small" 3 ltr diesel Mercedes truck with a nice driver cabinn. THe camper is more then good! After filling in all formalities we took of and went up north. We checked in in Ellis Beach camper park, Captain Cook Highway, Ellis Beach QLD 4879 (A$25,00 + tax). After checking in we went back to the north shopping centre to get our first supplies of food and drinks. We have decided to stay one extra day just to get the camper fixed up and would continue next day to explore the north.
Up early, as we had to catch the plane at 09.40. Both Gilda and me were awake at 05.00 hours and so we just started to get ready. At about 08.30 Rick and Lynne drove us to the airport and after checking in and a short wait we could board our QANTAS 767. We left at time and arrived without delay in Cairns. Took a cab to Britz (A$ 8.60) to pick up our campervan. (Britz Cairns) We had reserved an Explorer and were surprised how big it was and how well equiped! It is a "small" 3 ltr diesel Mercedes truck with a nice driver cabinn. THe camper is more then good! After filling in all formalities we took of and went up north. We checked in in Ellis Beach camper park, Captain Cook Highway, Ellis Beach QLD 4879 (A$25,00 + tax). After checking in we went back to the north shopping centre to get our first supplies of food and drinks. We have decided to stay one extra day just to get the camper fixed up and would continue next day to explore the north.
Sunday, September 14, 2003
Day 5. Saturday 13 September 2003. Sydney sightseeing
Rick arrived back home from USA at about 08.00 hours. After a nice cup of coffee Rick helped me sort out my Internet connection again. At about midday we went off to go to Paddington Market. We have heard so much about it and now I must see it for myself. We went by train from Chatswood to Wynyard station and from there we took the 380 bus to Paddington market. It was all I thought it would be, but of course, it must have has changed in the years. It now has a new age/Hippie sort of feeling.
On the market we had a nice Himalayan dinner and Lynne bought herself a new hat to wear when they would go to see the Melbourne Cup. Gilda was tempted to buy a painting from one of the many artists selling their work. Had a walk down Paddington and took a 380 bus back to Circular Quay.
Had nice a coffee on a terrace that had a view on the Harbour bridge and took the train back to Artarmon again.
Later that day Michelle and Rob arrived and in the evening we all had dinner in an Indian restaurant called Piar. Rick had invited us to celebrate Gilda’s birthday. Good food I must say.
Back home at about midnight and we almost went straight to bed, as we had to get up early to catch the plane for Cairns.
Rick arrived back home from USA at about 08.00 hours. After a nice cup of coffee Rick helped me sort out my Internet connection again. At about midday we went off to go to Paddington Market. We have heard so much about it and now I must see it for myself. We went by train from Chatswood to Wynyard station and from there we took the 380 bus to Paddington market. It was all I thought it would be, but of course, it must have has changed in the years. It now has a new age/Hippie sort of feeling.
On the market we had a nice Himalayan dinner and Lynne bought herself a new hat to wear when they would go to see the Melbourne Cup. Gilda was tempted to buy a painting from one of the many artists selling their work. Had a walk down Paddington and took a 380 bus back to Circular Quay.
Had nice a coffee on a terrace that had a view on the Harbour bridge and took the train back to Artarmon again.
Later that day Michelle and Rob arrived and in the evening we all had dinner in an Indian restaurant called Piar. Rick had invited us to celebrate Gilda’s birthday. Good food I must say.
Back home at about midnight and we almost went straight to bed, as we had to get up early to catch the plane for Cairns.
Saturday, September 13, 2003
Day 4. Friday 12 September 2003 Sydney
Slow day where Gilda and me had a resting day (again). I had prepared an Internet page on the free Optus page space I got (http://members.optusnet.com.au/~bodenstaff) early that morning. When I tried to get back on the net it seemed that my modem had broken down. No way I could get back on the net again or get the modem to work. When Rick came i we checked my laptop again and then Rick saw that I had entered a wrong phonenumber in my settings! After changing that everything worked again as it should.
At about 20.00 hours Leah came home to see her mum and us, later that evening the four of us had a wonderful meal.
Slow day where Gilda and me had a resting day (again). I had prepared an Internet page on the free Optus page space I got (http://members.optusnet.com.au/~bodenstaff) early that morning. When I tried to get back on the net it seemed that my modem had broken down. No way I could get back on the net again or get the modem to work. When Rick came i we checked my laptop again and then Rick saw that I had entered a wrong phonenumber in my settings! After changing that everything worked again as it should.
At about 20.00 hours Leah came home to see her mum and us, later that evening the four of us had a wonderful meal.
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Day 3. 11 September 2003 Gilda 52 years
On our first day in Australia it is Gilda’s birthday. When we wake up the house is empty. Now Rick being in America for work, Lynne off to work and en Leah en Michelle both married and having left home we sort of find ourselves in an “empty nest“. Outside we hear the whistling of the native bird and other sounds that we have been missing so much. We hear the call of, to us, exotic birds like the magpie. Also we hear the laughter of a Kookaburra. We smell the familiars odours of the Australian trees and flowers. We feel that we are back home again.
We have a lot to do toady, send e-mails telling that we arrived safe and sound, buy a phone card and Internet access for my lap-top and also have to make some phone-calls.
But most of all we have to get some rest after this long and tiring trip.
Later in teh afternoon we went to Victoria Av. to do some shopping and we bought a Optus pre-paid phonecard and also a Optusnet pre paid dial-up internet account 'Yes" starter kit for a pre-paid Internet acces.
On our first day in Australia it is Gilda’s birthday. When we wake up the house is empty. Now Rick being in America for work, Lynne off to work and en Leah en Michelle both married and having left home we sort of find ourselves in an “empty nest“. Outside we hear the whistling of the native bird and other sounds that we have been missing so much. We hear the call of, to us, exotic birds like the magpie. Also we hear the laughter of a Kookaburra. We smell the familiars odours of the Australian trees and flowers. We feel that we are back home again.
We have a lot to do toady, send e-mails telling that we arrived safe and sound, buy a phone card and Internet access for my lap-top and also have to make some phone-calls.
But most of all we have to get some rest after this long and tiring trip.
Later in teh afternoon we went to Victoria Av. to do some shopping and we bought a Optus pre-paid phonecard and also a Optusnet pre paid dial-up internet account 'Yes" starter kit for a pre-paid Internet acces.
day 2. 10 September. Arrival in Sydney
Without any real delay , at last we arrive in Sydney. We pass through costoms and luggage check very smoothly, and without any further delay we, after passing the main doors to Sydney we finally see the friendly face of van Lynne.
Without any real delay , at last we arrive in Sydney. We pass through costoms and luggage check very smoothly, and without any further delay we, after passing the main doors to Sydney we finally see the friendly face of van Lynne.
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
Day 1. Departure 9 September 2003
9 September 2003.
At last, the day has come. Finally we will be going back to Australia again. We have been looking forward to this day for 3 years, and now at last the day that we will be on our way has arrived.
Marcel, our up stairs neighbor, has offered to take us to Schiphol in his car.
At 04.30 hours Gilda and me are wide awake and, after a night where we hardly slept, are unable to fall in sleep again. We decide to get up all together, even as it is quite early. We have to be at the airport Schiphol at 08.00 hours. We have just a small breakfast as we have our tummies filled with butterflies. Last check, papers, tickets, credit cards ..... we have got everything.
Now we just wait for Marcel to get ready. We meet him on the staircase at 07.30 hours. He gets his car we, load our suitcases and the journey sort of has started.
Once arrived at Schiphol the de check is almost spotless.
First we fly to London on QF3368. Actualy it was with British Air flight BA 0427 . We flew in an Airbus 310. A wonderful plane and all seats are of a dark-bleu leather upholstery, even as we fly Economy-class it seems like flying business class.
In Heathrow we changed to Qantas QF031. Of course it was a Boeing 747-400 and we had a wonderfull flight with a wonderfull crew. Service was just perfect. Well-done QANTAS!
9 September 2003.
At last, the day has come. Finally we will be going back to Australia again. We have been looking forward to this day for 3 years, and now at last the day that we will be on our way has arrived.
Marcel, our up stairs neighbor, has offered to take us to Schiphol in his car.
At 04.30 hours Gilda and me are wide awake and, after a night where we hardly slept, are unable to fall in sleep again. We decide to get up all together, even as it is quite early. We have to be at the airport Schiphol at 08.00 hours. We have just a small breakfast as we have our tummies filled with butterflies. Last check, papers, tickets, credit cards ..... we have got everything.
Now we just wait for Marcel to get ready. We meet him on the staircase at 07.30 hours. He gets his car we, load our suitcases and the journey sort of has started.
Once arrived at Schiphol the de check is almost spotless.
First we fly to London on QF3368. Actualy it was with British Air flight BA 0427 . We flew in an Airbus 310. A wonderful plane and all seats are of a dark-bleu leather upholstery, even as we fly Economy-class it seems like flying business class.
In Heathrow we changed to Qantas QF031. Of course it was a Boeing 747-400 and we had a wonderfull flight with a wonderfull crew. Service was just perfect. Well-done QANTAS!
