Today we planned to spend looking around 1770 and Agnes Water…but of course there first had to be some cleaning at the Well’s establishment…Rosie was caught with her head out the top skylight cleaning it after Trev had mentioned that it was possible to access the roof from the skylight….an interesting look to passers by!!

Branch was on a mission to help out Kerry who had fallen victim to a razor-blade sore throat – he raided the medicine chest and delivered throat gargle and strepsils to the Hunter van in the hope of alleviating her suffering!!

It was a fairly windy day so we first drove up to the point at 1770 where the Captain Cook monument is situated and looked out over the inlet and ocean. The water was a beautiful blue-green with sand bars till visible as the tide was on the way in.

A small secluded beach was situated on the other side of the headland – Dave took the opportunity for another Rosie shot….Rosie again working the camera well!!

We went on to Agnes Water and stopped for a swim at the beach. Despite the stiff breeze the water was a fantastic temperature and not too choppy so we all bar Kerry jumped in for a swim – it was fantastic to get back into the salt water free of crocs…. Or at least croc warning signs!!! 1770/ Agnes Water is the last surf area before the Great Barrier Reef – highest surf beach in QLD.

After a look around the shops with a few bargain purchases we went back to the vans and spent a lazy afternoon relaxing….Gordie and Trev satisfied their itchy feet by doing a bike ride in to Agnes Water and back.. Trev and I then went for a swim at the small protected beach close by – absolutely stunning!!

Another day was ended watching the sun go down….Gordie seemed a bit confused as to the direction of the sunset when taking pics……

Everyone rose extra early this morning as we had over 700kms to drive today to the town of 1770 and as we were booked into the caravan park there we needed to arrive before 5PM if possible.

All the fishos at the camp were up before us as the conditions that day were perfect for a good fishing expedition so our early morning preparations did not wake anyone…

We drove out as the sun rose – the mist over the farmlands created an eerie but beautiful picture. At times visibility was quite poor so we were constantly on the lookout for wildlife on the road as it was still early so potentially a lot of nocturnal animals were still wandering…

The steam from the cane factory rose and added to the interesting vista…

We planned to stop for lunch at Rockhampton but parking in Rocky was horrendous for vans…Kerry and Gordie snagged a spot at the Botanic Gardens so ate there and we continued on the Mt Larcom and had lunch there… On to Agnes Water and 1770 through a lot of roadworks on the Bruce Highway…we all arrived at 1770 at about 4PM – plenty of time to set up and have a quick look around.

Sunset over the water is an unusual occurrence on the east coast but the aspect of 1770 facing west over the inlet made for a spectacular sunset…..

A relaxing day was planned today – breakfast whenever we woke up and then a coffee together before we drove out with Ross and Jan to look at the dam and lake.

The dam was only a couple of minutes’ drive from our campsite and when we arrived we were surprised at the size of it – the dam was huge and reminiscent of Lake Argyle dam in WA. The lake was not quite as large as Lake Argyle but pretty impressive nevertheless.

Mount Roma – an unusual whitish rocky peak – was clearly visible in the distance and the mountain range around the lake provided a beautiful backdrop to the calm blue water. Cattle could be seen grazing at the edge of the lake – the lake is suitable for swimming, waterskiing and fishing so provides lots of entertainment for locals and tourists alike.

The barramundi are released onto the lake from barramundi farms as they are unable to breed above the dam due to the fact they need to swim to the ocean to breed. The dam is well stocked with fish and catching one is apparently fairly easy – Gordie and Trev decided to have a go later on today so we will see what eventuates!!

We drove in to Proserpine to check out a “famous” shop called “Colour Me Crazy” – an eclectic mix of homewares, gifts, clothing, shoes and other trinkets….. all thoughtfully and colourfully arranged..

A lot of browsing was to be had and Dave chose the easiest option of a seat outside the shop giving Rosie free reign with the credit card!! Trev and Gordie ventured in for a while and then out, then in…Gordie stopping briefly to see what Dave was up to….

Gordie ended up looking a bit like Dave at Broome Markets…..

After a couple of purchases, we all moved on to Airlie Beach for a look around and a swim at the Airlie Beach lagoon. It was a stunning day – sunshine and only a slight breeze so while Kerry, Rose and Dave did some more browsing, Trev, Gordie and I enjoyed a swim in the manmade lagoon.

We all met up for lunch at the sailing club….Gordie was distressed at Trev’s girlie choice of drinks—or was it jealousy as Trev had snagged a bargain???

Rose and Dave continued their browse of Airlie Beach while we headed back to camp – Gordie and Trev keen to get to the dam to try their luck Barra fishing…

After a couple of hours they arrived back – no barra but lovely sunset photos……

Sunday today so before starting our journey we got together over breakfast and listened to the next sermon on Hebrews- chapter 5 – how Christ is all sufficient and the one and only way of salvation – a great encouragement and challenge.

The next leg of the long drive towards home saw us leaving Cardwell and making our way along the Bruce Highway toward Proserpine. The highway wends its way along the coastal plain between the Great Dividing Range and the Pacific Ocean through farming land – mostly cane fields and mango plantations with some corn and tomatoes thrown in for good measure…. Cattle stations were intermingled between the agricultural farms and we drove through small and larger townships such as Ingham and Townsville.

Townsville is a larger city than Cairns and, although we drove via the bypass, the parts we did see looked clean and well designed. We drove past the sprawling Army base which was overshadowed by the large mountains behind.

We stopped at Ayr for a quick lunch and then continued on through Bowen…..home of the Big Mango….

At Proserpine we turned off the highway and drove out to Camp Kanga on the banks of the Proserpine River next to the Peter Faust Dam – a large body of water full of Barramundi that attracts fishos here regularly.

We were catching up with Gordon and Kerry’s friends Ross and Jan who camp here each year for the fishing.

Everyone settled in then went for a walk down to the river – cautioned by the campers to keep an eye out for snakes as there had been a few sightings of large Taipans in the campground and surrounds and a dog had been killed by a Taipan here a couple of days ago.

The river was flowing briskly over some small rapids and waterlilies were growing near the edge – very serene place!

Hard to imagine that further down the river is home to the largest population of salties on the east coast of Australia (or so we were told – Jan provided a photo of one they saw a few days ago while fishing!!).

Wildlife is abundant here with bush turkeys and small Proserpine wallabies that are unique to the area.

A communal campfire in an old bathtub was lit each night so we all ventured down for happy hour and an evening of many and varied “fish” stories!!

A slow start to the day was appreciated by all – a leisurely brekkie after a sleep in (for some anyway!). Rosie was caught in her pyjamas spraying her caravan wheels with cleaning product in order to remove the dirt and dust around the wheel nuts – no cleaning fetish here!!

After breakfast we all ventured out to do the Cardwell Forest Drive exploring key features of the area.

First stop was Cardwell Lookout – after a short walk through bushland that had been recently burnt, we arrived at the lookout with commanding views over Rockingham Bay, Cardwell and Hinchinbrook Island. Dunk and Bedarra Islands could be seen in the distance. The day was clear and calm and the vista was magnificent.

Next point of interest was Attie Creek and Falls where the was also swimming holes. Unfortunately due to the extremely dry conditions the falls were not working and the creek was a couple of small waterholes that did not look at all appealing for swimming….

We drove on keen to get to Cardwell Spa Pools (natural pools for swimming) which were further along the forest drive – they were reportedly absolutely stunning and great for swimming – as the day was hot we were all hoping to have a swim. The pictures we had seen on brochures and the internet were amazing…..however we arrived only to find a sign saying swimming was not recommended due to low water levels and high concentrations of natural bacteria!! We walked down and had a look – it was easy to imagine how beautiful they would be when full and flowing however they were almost dry and definitely not swimmable…much to our disappointment!

We drove on back to Cardwell and went out to the marina we had seen from the lookout. “Hinchinbrook Harbour” was obviously a new estate with beautiful homes built right on the water – impressive. As we drove further around to the Marina we noticed that the restaurant/ hotel was closed down and the area around the marina was unkempt. The marina itself was empty – no boats and the place looked somewhat ghost-town like. A few of the houses were up for sale and we got the feeling that something had happened to the development – the landscaping and design was awesome but for some reason things had gone sour. We later asked a local what had happened – apparently the private developer had been unable to dredge the Marina when it needed it due to Greenie interference and the council was unwilling to take it over – again another example of “greenie” interference which was unnecessary and has caused the local township some hardship. Cardwell is a beautiful place and could have a bit more of an economy if the small marina was operational….

After coffee at the local bakery we went back for a swim at the only place available – the caravan park which had a beautiful saltwater pool. We enjoyed swimming and lounging around the pool and then had lunch back at the vans.

In the afternoon Gordie, Kerry, Trev and I went for a bike ride along the Cardwell foreshore all the way to the pier and then on to the Hinchinbrook Harbour Estate right at the end of the town. The tide was out and we rode out along the pier and met some locals who had just come in from fishing. The water was quite murky as the mangroves and mudflats nearby are stirred up by the ebbing tide and swell and so you can understand why swimming is not allowed due to the saltwater crocodiles present – apparently there are 2 large resident males – one at each end if the beach – again we did not see either…

We rode to the opposite end of the beach and down a dirt road to the boat ramp – a deserted area with a muddy ramp surrounded by mangroves real croc territory!! Although we did not see a croc Trev clapped his hands and we heard a loud movement and big splash into the water just on our left – pretty sure it was a large reptilian entering the water!

We rode back to camp and enjoyed happy hour together….. and planned the next day’s journey to Proserpine.

It was time to hit the road again – and there were a few tight manoeuvres required to get the Titan and Pearl out of the caravan park – but all went well with no bumps or scratches!!

Gordie and Kerry went straight to Cairns to sort out Gordie’s phone while the rest of us continued on to GORDONvale for coffee…

The landscape consisted of flat farmland – mostly cane and bananas – with mountainous peaks like “the Pyramid” in the background.

Travelling on after the break we passed Mt Bartle Frere – the highest peak in QLD – and turned off for Josephine Falls at the base of the mountain.

A short 700m walk to the falls through lush rainforest with small creeks runnin through it and gorgeous bright blue butterflies got us to the falls. Josephine Falls were beautiful but parts are treacherous – over 14 people have lost their lives here and so parts are cordoned off with no swimming allowed.

The rocks were smooth and at times slippery – worn by the tumbling waters which originate high on Mt Bartle Frere and thus are quite cool in comparison to other waterfalls we have swum at.

Trev jumped in for a quick swim at the base of the falls which is the designated swimming hole which also has a “natural waterslide” entering it. Trev slid down the natural waterslide – sustaining a bump on the ischial tuberosity which was slightly painful!

We walked back to have lunch at the vans – Kerry and Gordon arrived so after lunch Trev and I walked back with them to the falls and we all had a swim in the clear refreshing waterhole at the base of the falls – Trev was not up for a second waterslide and Gordie with his track record of injury was forbidden to do the slide!!

Rose and Dave had chosen to continue on to Cardwell so we planned to meet them there. We left Josephine Falls and drove back to the highway toward Cardwell through more lush rainforest, farmland, canefields with the spectacular backdrop of the Great Dividing Range.

We arrived at Cardwell and checked in – the caravan park is right on the beach with a great view across to Hinchinbrook Island. There are resident salties (again!) so we were warned not to swim at the beach – sunset on the beach with the colours over Hinchinbrook and a full moon rising was a beautiful end to the day!

Trev’s bruised backside was increasingly uncomfortable so Branch had to inspect and provide some sympathy – it is not easy having to sit on only 1 cheek!!

The day began with bacon and eggs and a footsoak/ pedicure for Macgyver whose cracked feet got the better of Rosie – not being able to stand the sight of such neglect anymore Rosie got to work on Trev’s feet with gusto. Branch dropped in for a look but soon disappeared as he was not keen on footcare at all!!

Everyone was taking it  easy today – we had thought of going to Mossman Gorge but once there we were put off by the fact that you now can no longer just freely access the gorge – $12 pp for the short ride in a minibus up the hill – no car or pedestrian access allowed from below…. So in protest we chose not to go up…..

Rose and Dave headed in to Port Douglas while Trev and I drove out to check out Daintree Village. There was not much there – we looked at the small museum with a curious collection of old junk and other unusual items and went down croc spotting at the Daintree River wharf to no avail.

Driving back to the caravan park we were stopped by a cane train crossing the road fully laden.

A quick look at the Mossman River wharf also came up negative for crocs….but the weather today was not the best – blowing a gale and a bit overcast so we figured the crocs were all sheltering somewhere out of the wind.

There are some really spectacular flowers in bloom at the moment – so colourful….

Back at camp that night it seemed that “true confessions” were on the agenda…Branch’s investigation into the poonami was accurate – the Wells ‘fessed up that they had had a leak in their toilet cassette….Dave had been in the shower and smelt something not so good. Upon investigation via the outside access he removed the cassette only to find the inside compartment full of effluent that had leaked out of the not-so-correctly inserted cassette…and Branch was not accepting any responsibility for assisting in this area!! Dave had to flush out the compartment and in doing so flooded the van. Rosie had raced to the shops the next day for disinfectant (hospital grade of course), air freshener, bleach etc etc to nuke the contaminated surfaces….and Dave who apparently has never changed a dirty nappy has still not recovered from his noxious experience!!

On the topic of all things cleaning, Gordie then confessed that he did not shower for 3 days at a time in order to save up his allocation of water to wash the Titan….Kerry has blamed this change in behaviour on the new beard – since Gordie grew it he has gone from showering twice a day to only intermittently for undisclosed periods of time….

Rosie did a repeat pedi for Trev whose feet were starting to become smoother than a baby’s bottom – much to Gordie’s envy!!

Our last night in Newell before heading down the coast on the long journey home – hard to believe we have been gone for 10 weeks!!

The day began with a nightshift report from the Hunter’s van – Gordie had been in “agony” with the stick hole in the arch of his foot and had had to take painkillers to sleep….. Branch came to inspect and found the foot completely bandaged – must be one mighty big wound (??NOT??). Lady Macgyver had run out of Duoderm which was the answer to the issue and so a trip to the chemist was in order today. As we had planned to go to the Port Douglas Marina markets today (much to the guys delight!!) the purchase of appropriate dressing material would be easy!

Trev had gone out early and put the drone up on Newell Beach capturing some great early morning shots of the area…

Before we left, Frank came over and let us know further good news re his son – a continued answer to prayer and we spent some time talking to Frank about how God works through prayer – he is so keen to keep in contact with Gordie and Trev he gave us his phone number and has offered us a place to stay at his acreage if we are ever down that way in Victoria. He introduced us to his wife Jude who was also lovely and we agreed to come back to happy hour that afternoon to spend some time with them.

We drove in to Port Douglas and spent the morning browsing the shops and markets while Gordie and Trev went for a bike ride.

Lunch at one of the pubs and an easy afternoon was then followed by happy hour at the caravan park with the residents as we had promised Frank ….

First thing this morning Trev and Gordie were greeted by an excited Frank who thanked them profusely for their prayers for his son – overnight he had a phone call from him and things had markedly improved – a real answer to prayer and testimony to God’s greatness… We sat and spoke to Frank for a while before preparing to leave for the day.

Dave, Rosie, Trev and I had booked to do the Jungle Surfing – ziplines through the Daintree Rainforest – at Cape Tribulation, while Kerry and Gordie planned to do a boardwalk then meet us after for coffee at Cape Trib.

We drove north and caught the ferry across the Daintree ($30 for a return trip!)…

The jungle surfing was great fun – at Cape Trib we boarded a minibus which took us up into the rainforest where we were all harnessed and helmeted up (and named!!) for the zipline experience high in the rainforest canopy. Princess Leia and Superman made a pair…and Rose and Dave were Rambo and Ironman (unusual combo!!)

A short walk up to the human hamster wheel – a device which used footpower to get surfers up to the first platform high in the rainforest – 2 of us ran hard inside the wheel to power the lines to pull 2 participants up – ingenious invention and needed as there is no mains electricity in Cape Trib.

We surfed through 5 different platforms though the rainforest canopy learning fun and interesting facts about the Daintree as we went.

The most unique fact we learnt was about licking green ants’ backsides – and everyone had a go – they tasted like sour lollies – delicious. Aboriginals would eat 3 per day – a great source of Vitamin C apparently! Trev was pretty unsure but gave it a go anyway.

We hung around….

And Rose beat Dave hands down on the final leg race home!!

It was a different and fun way to experience the beauty of the oldest rainforest in the world – a glorious conglomerate of unique species of plant and animal life living in symbiosis…

Gordon and Kerry arrived as we returned to the bottom and we all had coffee and home made sausage rolls at the Turtle Rock Café – delicious!! The Toyota precision driving team were in fine form again….. expert park next to a large tree!!

A walk through the mangrove boardwalk to Myall Beach was picturesque and we then hit the road for Wujal Wujal Falls up along the Bloomfield Track – 4WD only!! Not more dust and dirt – the Pearl was not impressed.

The drive was very beautiful through rainforest and across creeks – some dry and some running. The track was in great condition but some very steep inclines had to be negotiated with a narrow winding track so it was not hard to imagine how it could become a difficult road if the surface deteriorated. We arrived at Wujal Wujal and aboriginal settlement which was very well kept – and asked directions to the falls.

At Wujal Wujak the Titan had its bonnet up – unsure what is going on there…does Branch need to do an investigation??

We were warned by the locals to stay well away from the waters edge as there were some big salties that lived up there – Rosie was excited that she may finally see a saltie close up in the wild. Wujal Wujal Falls did not disappoint – they were running and quite spectacular – they would be really impressive during the wet! The crocodiles however did disappoint – there were none to be seen….

Kerry and Gordie continued on for an afternoon at Cooktown while we returned on the dirt to the Daintree Icecream Company for some locally made exotic fruit gelato – the days flavours were passionfruit, wattleseed, coconut and dark sapote – absolutely delicious!

Back at the caravan park we had the local Spanish mackerel and chips for dinner as recommended by all the caravan park regulars!

We were all up early and drove in to Port Douglas to do the outer reef snorkelling tour with a company called Calypso. The day dawned bright and still which was ideal for snorkelling!

Everyone boarded “Bubbles”, our vessel for the day, and we commenced the 1.5hr journey out to the outer Great Barrier Reef. There are over 2000 reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef – the 2 reefs we were snorkelling today were Opal and Tongue Reefs – 1 site at Tongue and 2 sites at Opal – an hour at each site with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea between each!

The trip out was a bit choppy as the wind had already picked up – Trev sat with Rosie as she was feeling a little queasy and helped to take her mind off it while she ate copious amounts of Arrowroot bikkies!

We arrived at Tongue Reef and jumped in – the reef was amazing – corals of all different shapes, sizes and colours…. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the snorkel despite the choppiness of the water.

Morning tea with homemade slices and tropical fruit was great then on to Opal Reef – this time it was a bit more protected from the swell and again both sites were beautiful representations of healthy coral reefs – myriads of fish of all sizes and colours, giant clams and beautiful shells – the pictures do not do justice to the diverse and spectacular sight of the underwater garden.

As always someone had to have a slight mishap – no surprise when Gordie took a chunk out of his arm on the handrail of the boat…. And then added a coral abrasion to his ankle while trying to keep Kerrie safe (that was his excuse anyway!!)….the abrasion so happened to be on the same foot that 2 days ago sustained a puncture wound from a stick as we walked down Morehead River bed where we had been free camping – unmentioned on the blog until now but sorely in need of Branch’s attention….

Lunch of salads, cold meats and fruit and afternoon tea with homemade brownies all went down well. The wind picked up a lot more in the afternoon and the ride home was very entertaining with a big swell and lots of spray….we arrived back safely at the port having had a great time exploring another magnificent example of God’s handiwork!