"MUUUM! I'm busting! I have to go NOW!"
Hauling oneself out of a warm, cosy sleeping bag to visit a cold amenities block is not really a pleasure on a chilly morning, but Ella is very persistent. As we were up early, we broke camp (after we tracked Lachlan down in the bushes "shooting stuff" with the caravan sway bars!) and headed back into Blackwater to re-fuel and then onto the highway towards Clermont. We stopped at Emerald and bought a few folding stools for the kids then happened to see a great Tshirt for Jackson for his birthday. We couldn't be bothered trying to hide it until January since Jackson is the main caravan organiser, so he is now happily wearing it! He must really like it as he is finally out of his "favourite" Tshirt that he has been wearing every day so far!
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| Jackson has a new favourite shirt! |
After another 100kms we arrived at Clermont around lunchtime. There are certain electrical conveniences we become used to in our daily lives: lights, washing machines, computers ... but mainly lights! We have spent 2 nights in the dark so we had everything on to charge the minute we plugged in at the caravan park. A huge load of washing was also done and the world seemed a better place! It will certainly be better smelling!
As we were preparing dinner, our neighbour arrived home from work and came over to say hi. Robbo works as a boilermaker at the Rio Tinto mine and after a chat, disappeared and came back with a fantastic new torch, a couple of spare batteries and a huge packet of biscuits for the kids. He said he gets a new torch and batteries every night shift at the mine, and thought it would be useful for us on our trip. Lachlan and Marcus almost signed up to be miners on the spot!
Dinner was interesting as our budding fisherman, Lachie, had used almost all of the lamb stirfry strips as bait at the weir! All to catch - and release - a 10cm "greenish, stripy, spikey fish" which we think was a bass. He is keen on some fishing gear and some "poppers" for his birthday, after Youtubing fishing for bass tonight!
We were happy to get our piano exam comments via an email from Daryl. We toasted a packet of marshmallows to celebrate the other night after Sue emailed our results, and the kids think another packet should be bought after reading the examiner's comments tonight!
We will head further North tomorrow and investigate some more free camping sites on the way to Cairns as we will be all charged up again in the morning.
Stay tuned ...
6 comments:
Tell Lachie that you don't havce to catch and release if you're hunting for food - Bear wouldn't, but Bear probably wouldn't have used lamb stir fry for bait! You've had such great experiences already and you're still in your first few weeks. Still aiming to try and catch you in Adelaide ish region. The Woods. PS - Keep your eyes open for freshwater lake seals.
Boy, you've really covered some ground since Sunday - was it only Sunday or have I skipped a week? Yes I have!
I've been flat out working to get my new "Satellite Spy" public blog going, which I launched yesterday.
Have a look and if you like it then please "Follow" and tell your friends:
http://satellitespy.blogspot.com
Cheers, Bob
The Freshwater seals will be only visible if Gonz has his wetsuit with him I fancy. Don't be fooled kids. And don't accept treats from any aquatic mammals you're not sure of, now or at any stage of the journey.
Great reading of your exploits and the characters you're meeting! Keep up the good work and travel safe
Ha! Loving the blog... All the way from kakadu! Please tell Lach that the barra are huge here and the fisherfolk are catching heaps - but you gotta watch for crocs. No bait allowed just lures! That's more lamb strips for dinner...
We have lots of suggestions for when you come - will send when we get home.
From the Gambleys
Ps happy birthday Jackson ??!!??
Really love Jackson's new t shirt. I am surprised Marcus did not ask for one as well!! Bro
Tell Lachie he is catching sardines.
You will have to train Ella to hold on because nothing is worse than going to the toilet when it's freezing- suggest porta potty!!!!!
Hope Dave's back is not too bad, and I love the blogs.
Yes yes yes!!!!!I have joined your blog and it was straight forward. yay. thanks for sending the invite again. I have read the latest post and will look forward to reading the older ones over the weekend, with a cup of tea in hand and the electric blanket on (unlike your 27degrees and daily swims that you have). I did have a giggle Kerrie over the wee bout of sea sickness!! The trip looks amazing, and we are are gaining voyeuristic delight following your day to day travels, and possibly just the smallest bit of envy in the nicest possible way. Will get the kids to post in the weekend too.
Take care and watch out for the creepie crawleys.
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