BOONAH TO TOOWOOMBA

MONDAY 15 - SUNDAY 21 CMCA RALLY

Once again a big turn out for the rally. There were approx 860 motorhomes/5th wheelers/ big rigs.
We attended some of the night entertainment but found it too loud and not really our thing. I did one craft morning and made myself a necklace with Gladys. It was great going to the Craft Barn and everyone made me feel so welcome and were pleased t see me after Kalgoorlie.

The weather was very hot while in Boonah. Wednesday night we had tea with Deb and Peter and I packed my bag ready for my trip to WA.

Thursday I caught the airport shuttle from Boonah and it was great not having to worry about traffic and how to get to the airport in Brisbane. I had a 6 hour wait at the airport and then flew home to WA and was met by Belinda. Caught up with Kylie and Bianca and boy was I pleased to find a bed and sleep.

While I was travelling Mike went off to two seminars and on Saturday shared Deb's stall and sold a few of my goodies. I didn't get rid of much but at least it paid for the materials used.
Mike packed up on Sunday and left Boonah to travel through the mountains on his own to stay with friends south of Murwillumbah in NSW.

Meanwhile in WA I went to stay with Annette and on Saturday 20 off to Pemberton where Anna was married ( reason for returning to WA). It was a wonderful wedding and great to catch up with all the family. Sunday morning was breakfast and opening of pressies and in the arvo Jarred drove me back to Donnybrook.

Sam & Anna

MONDAY 22

Mike had a safe trip and settled in at Barry's to wait for my return.



Parked at Barry & Kae's at Stokers Siding

Annette dropped me off at Belinda's.

TUESDAY 23

Went to lunch with Brigitte and we had a great time chatting and me trying to catch up on all the gossip. I really felt sad at saying goodbye as not sure when I would see her again.

WEDNESDAY 24

Dr's appointment and back to Belinda's to pack up ready for my return to Mike. Belinda also packed as she is returning with me unbeknown to Mike.

THURSDAY 25

We caught the bus from Bunbury and it took us to the airport, flew to Brisbane and then had to run to catch the train to Coolangatta. I was so pleased to have Belinda with me and we were so pleased to catch the train with 2 mins to spare.
Mike was waiting for us at Varsity Lakes station and I was welcomed with open arms. He hadn't seen Belinda and she walked up behind him tapped him on the shoulder and surprise surprise.

FRIDAY 26

All very tired today, went into Murwillanbah shopping and to see what is what. Caught up with Barry, so good to see him after 5 years. Unfortunately Kae had skipped the country and gone back to NZ the day Mike arrived.

SATURDAY 27

Did a scenic trip around the hills, such a beautiful place.


Creek below Clarrie Hall Dam

Lake created by Dam

Spillway at Dam

Visited Uki and then on to Tyalgum for lunch.

Lunch at Tyalgum

 This is a lovely little village and then onto Chillingham and back home. This was a trip round Mt Warning the highest peak around.

SUNDAY 28

Today we decided to discover the ocean so headed off to Coolangatta-Tweed Heads. Talk about confusing, not sure where one finishes and the other starts but stopped in Coolangatta and had lunch at Hogs Breath that was in Qld and then we crossed the road and back in NSW and with all of that we had to manage time changes as well. Thank goodness we don't live close to a border with time changes, so confusing.

The rift between Qld & NSW

Now you know why they put dotted lines on the map.

We decided to go home a different way and travelled through some fantastic hill country and kept changing states as we went, quite fun and our poor phones times were getting quite confused and so were we. Fantastic scenery, hills so steep and houses perched quite precariously on hillsides.

Typical view from the border road

MONDAY 29

Mike and I zipped into town to organise Dr for Mike's check up.

TUESDAY 30

Mike took Belinda into town, he for blood tests and then in the evening we had a BBQ with Barry, Max (B's niece), Ronnie and Peter (Kiwis). Saw my first cane toad on way back to the van Yuk Yuk!!!!

WEDNESDAY 31

We had a wonderful trip to Mullimbiby to have lunch with Anna Blaze's aunt and uncle and grandparents all the way from Switzerland.
Our first stop was the Crystal Castle, wow what a lovely tranquil place.

Tranquil scene at Crystal Castle

 Belinda and I strolled around and Mike reluctantly followed. Such a wonderful garden and so many beautiful crystals and gems.
We caught up with Brigitte, husband and her parents for lunch and it was a lovely time.

Mullumbimby Town

Mullumbimby Hills

Byron Bay

From Mullimbiby we went to Byron Bay. Beautiful beaches and lots of tourists. We checked out some of the beaches from the hillside and then off home after a very enjoyable day.

THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER

Mike saw the Dr and news all good even lost weight or so he says. Belinda and I went shopping and had Max and Barry for a farewell tea.

Belinda tries out the Spyder

FRIDAY 2

After much discussions as to which road to take to Toowoomba we decided to go over the mountains via Kyogle. What  wonderful panoramic views, we went round mountains and then up and down, each corner revealing another breathe taking sight.

Mt Warning

The road was average but we soldiered on. From Kyogle to Woodenbong the road was still up and down rising to over 600 m. With each mountain traversed a magic valley appeared. From Woodenbong to the Qld border, it was the road from/to HELL!!!! Rough and narrow and to make it interesting lots of stock trucks going the opposite way and no room to move, poor Mike had some very heart stopping moments. In some places Mike had to stop to allow a stock truck to pass and there were only inches between us needless to say the two passengers held their breath.
We were so relieved to get to Warwick we stayed the night and thanked our lucky stars we had made it safely.

SATURDAY 3

Off to Toowoomba today, at least the roads were better and we had a great trip. Called in at the Showgrounds but no one around so headed off west to Jondaryan Woolshed. This is an historic village set on 12 acres. In the early days it was a huge property from Toowoomba to Dalby and was first settled in the 1820's. The woolshed was built 1859 and had a 52 blade stands and 1892 changed to 36 machine stand.
Two weddings this afternoon, great place for these.

Original Woolshed

Wool room set up for a wedding

SUNDAY 4

A trip into Toowoomba to visit the town.

Japanese Garden Toowoomba

MONDAY 5

We did a walk around Jondaryan and learnt about the history of the place and some of the buildings.

Someone has to do the cooking

TUESDAY 6

Back into Toowoomba and first on the list of places was RM Williams so Belinda could buy a few things to take home. From there we went to Cobb and Co, had lunch and did a tour of the museum with lots of different wagons through the century.

Mounted at Cobb & Co

Five old GREYS

Not a "St John" Ambulance

WEDNESDAY 7

Quiet day today as Belinda leaves us soon. We did another walk around the displays, so much to see and brought back memories for Mike with some of the machinery he used to use.

Jondaryan Woolshed

Woolshed yards

There was a huge display of shearing hand pieces, many different types of tractors and a road machine (Only 4 ever made). This was designed to make the roads hard by chopping up the dirt, steam heating it and rolling it. It is a pity they don't still use the idea on these awful roads. if we comment the answer is "oh the floods did it"!!!!.

THURSDAY 8

It is time to take Belinda to Toowoomba to catch the airport shuttle.

Tearful farewell

It was sad to say goodbye as we have had a wonderful time with her and will miss her company but she is ready to see her family. We arrived back at the van just at as it started to rain.

FRIDAY 9

Home day today. Poor Belinda had a very long day, the plane was late getting into Brisbane therefore late leaving.

MONDAY 12

Off into Toowoomba via the weighbridge and we hurried out deciding we were slightly overweight!!!!
We are now at the showgrounds in Toowoomba parked by the lake and it is a great spot but we can't get TV. Oh well too bad we will managed.

View out the back of van. Lake at Toowoomba Showgrounds.

GIN GIN TO BOONAH

13 SEPTEMBER

With final goodbyes to our friends we headed south to Gin Gin. We pulled into the showgrounds and booked for a week. What a great place to stay, wide open spaces, lots of grass, plenty of room and a short distance to walk to town.

Moodaran Dam

Irrigation Channel to the Bundaberg Cane Fields

14 SEPTEMBER

Walked into Gin Gin town and did an inspection of the town. Through the centre of the town there is a great display of the history of the district while at the same time creating a barrier between the traffic.
John and Trysha left Rocy today and headed to Agnes Waters so that left Bob and Deidre in Rocky  by themselves.

15 SEPTEMBER

Markets today held in the Historical Village so off we went to check them out. It is great how the community utilise something that is already set up. Markets were fun, plenty of fresh vegies and some hand craft. We bought a large bag of sweet potatoes for $2.
Gin Gin is still in the sugar growing area on the outskirts of the Bundaberg sugar growing area. Very lush and extensive food bowl. Wherever you go there are cane trains and trucks with huge loads of cane, all exciting to see. We saw our first cane harvester as well.

Sugar Cane due to be harvested

Cane processing Factory

Cane Train

Cane carriages of to factory. Red flag denotes rear end??

17 SEPTEMBER

Deidre and Bob arrived at the showgrounds today and are staying for a few days.

Deidre & Bob parked beside us.

18 SEPTEMBER

Deidre and I walked into town to check out a fabric shop I had spotted but not much there. In the afternoon D had the machine out and two ladies staying close by came to chat, one of them was from Bunbury and was a quilter.

19 SEPTEMBER

John and Trysha called into the showgrounds on their way south to Gympie. John has a long list of repairs for Performax to attend to with the 5th Wheeler. They are then on their way to Sydney for 3 weeks for ops etc. It was great to see them and lots of catching up. Not sure where our paths will cross again.

20 SEPTEMBER

Our week is up and as there is a rodeo on this weekend we have to leave. D & B and us will travel together until we get to Howard, another fabric shop beacons.
The first stop is Childers where we had morning tea in a lovely little park. From there we went to Howard and spent quite some time oohing and oowing at all the fabric. Deidre and I lost ourselves amongst 2 large shops of fabric. We said our goodbyes to D & B as they were staying on at Burrum River and we were booked in at Poona.

The bay looking towards Frazer Island.

Poona is a small seaside holiday spot looking over the south side of Fraser Island. Not much to see or do but plenty of houses.The sea shore not much, plenty of mangrove swamps and mud flats when the tide is out.

21 SEPTEMBER

Machine out today and started on humbags that I hope to sell at the Boonah Rally. Being with Deidre has given me some motivation so we will see how much I can get done. Went for a walk round the area in the afternoon, very hot and humid with plenty if midges. While Trysha was with us no one worried about the midgies but now no Trysha they have found yummy Lois.

22 SEPTEMBER

School holidays started so now lots of kids at the park. We are parked out with the permanents and next door to us is a patch worker so lots of show and tell. Another walk around town  today.

23 SEPTEMBER

Day of sewing. Made humbags and serviette holders, happy with the results.

24 SEPTEMBER

Off to Maryborough and met up with D & B who came in from Burrum River, had a look around the shops, very old town with lots of historic buildings. We left D & B and headed out to Hervey Bay, not an ideal day for the beach, howling easterly, sky was dull and overcast but there were still lots of people in the water.

How the poor people spend their money at Hervey Bay.

Just got home and inside when there was the pitter patter of raindrops, thunder and lightening and then the rain. First decent rain since leaving Dongara.

25 SEPTEMBER

Tried my hand at creating pinwheel bags and look at the result. More showers off and on and thunder and lightening.

26 SEPTEMBER

Last day today so pack up time and thankfully the rain has stopped. We are off to Standown Park (near Gympie) tomorrow

27 SEPTEMBER

Very short trip today, along the coast to  Standown. This is a lovely park originally developed for Vietnam Vets. At 4pm every day Happy Hour and who ever wants to, goes to chat, exchange places travelled and some of the local characters tell stories.

Standown Park

Veterans Memorial at Standown Park

Parked at Standown Park,(Left)

28 SEPTEMBER

Gympie is on our list today. Off to Performax to get parts for the van, bought two doors, one to cover shelves over bench and the other to cover shelves in bedroom. Hopefully this will tidy up the messy areas.
Found a large shopping centre in Gympie, had a good look round and then home on bike. Gympie is set on hills so roads are very up and down.

29 SEPTEMBER

Tin Can Bay held a festival today so off we went to check out the social life and find a beach.Quite a big gathering, plenty of children (School hols), nothing different so decided to check out the beach, another disappointment, muddy flats and mangroves.

Tincan Bay Festival

On the way home took a round about route to Cooloola Cove and then onto  Rainbow Beach. Finally found a lovely sandy beach with small breakers. This beach is found at the southern tip of Fraser Island and there is a barge that takes people and 4 wheel drives across for day and camping trips but one still needs to rob a bank to be able to go. Had a yummy lunch of Fish-n-chips and then back to Standown.

Rainbow Beach

30 SEPTEMBER

Home today rather drizzly weather.

1 OCTOBER

Went for a walk with Joy through the pine plantation and spotted roos and Blue Wrens.
Mike mended some small holes we had on our roof.

2 OCTOBER

Weather doubtful so off in the truck through the Mary Valley. When we were in Gympie 5 years ago there was a lot of controversy about building a dam and filling in the valley. So glad people power won as the valley is lovely and full of history. From Gympie you can catch a steam train  either in the morning or afternoon and visit the refurbished stations. We opted for the  road and it was a lovely drive through the steep hills. Called into some of the villages: Dagun- small but quaint,
Amamoor a little bigger and then Kandanga and bigger again. All of these villages are small but catered for the tourist trade. Our last stop was Imbil, what a lovely village, had lunch and wandered through the 2 shops. Both Kandanga and Imbil have great off road parking. On the way home  headed out towards the Bruce Highway and finally got to see pineapples growing in a paddock but not how they are harvested.

Heading towards Mary Valley

Pineapple Paddock

Once on the Bruce Highway we passed the Matilda Roadhouse where one can see the large Matilda (mascot for Melbourne Olympic games ) waving.

4 OCTOBER

Look out Kingaroy here we come. Had a great trip through the hills, amazing how the scenery changes. Five years ago we passed through this area after picking up our van and heading back to WA. First day Mike had towed the van so we weren't up to appreciating the scenery so this time we did.

Towards Kingaroy

 Stopped at Kilkivan and walked up both sides of the road. Checked out antique shops- thank goodness we don't have room in van for goodies. Found a park at the Kingaroy showgrounds,lovely spot with plenty of room. We are now in peanut country.

5 OCTOBER

Bike off and we did a scenic trip round Kingaroy.

Kingaroy from lookout

6 & 7 OCTOBER

Bathurst, Mike glued to TV so I set up machine outside and made handbags.

8 OCTOBER

Off to the Bunya Mountains today, what a fantastic trip, road was narrow and windy and oh the trees were majestic.

Roads to Bunya Mountains

The top of the mountains ( 1100m ) has several walks and camping area. We did a 4k walk up hill and down dale along several streams. We saw 2 waterfalls, a variety of birds and walked through a fig tree. Poor Mike struggled near the end of the walk as it was very hot so once back at the bike we had lunch and that seemed to be an invite for all the birds to gather round hoping for crumbs.

Bunya Pine

Hoop Pine

Hoop Pine. Same tree

From top of Bunya Mountains

One of many Strangler Figs

Another One

Festoon Falls

We shared our lunch with Satin Bower birds, King parrots,Currawongs, Rufus fantails and Crimson  Rosellas. As we were in the National park they ask you not to feed the birds and animals but very hard when they climb all over your arms heading to your sandwich. We tried covering the food and while Mike was eating one sandwich the Rosella climbed onto his back heading for the bread. Tried them on pear but the King parrot decided orange looked better. One walked along my arm to orange segment, nibbled at it until it tasted the juice, oh no not what I like and flew off. It really was quite an experience.

King Parrot

Crimson Rosella

Male Satin Bower Bird

Female Satin Bower Bird

Bowerbird Display, Bower to left.

Brush Turkey

 The Bower Bird had a nest nearby and all the blue bits from bottle tops, plastic spoons to bottles with lids were all scattered around the nest.
From Bunya we headed to Maidenwell where I climbed down to Cooma Falls.

Cooma Falls

9-10 OCTOBER

Sewing, finishing off goodies to sell at the Boonah Rally.

11 OCTOBER

Off to Esk today. It was a lovely drive through the hills.

Old Railway Station Esk

12 OCTOBER

Esk is a lovely little town, did the shops and topped up the van ready for Boonah.

14 OCTOBER

Off to Boonah a day early. Had a picturesque drive through the hills and we were amazed at the size of the Wivenhoe Dam. This was the dam that caused a lot of controversy at the time of the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley floods. The main road goes over the dam wall and one can see why there was a lot of anxious times for the people in the valley.

On Wivenhoe Dam

Going to Boonah

Parked at Rally

There were quite a few people already at the rally. We were parked miles from the main activities (it seemed like it ) but at least it was a great area for the big rigs.