Category: Housebus

Yippee!  We are actually on the road again!  Tui has worked almost constantly for 15 months and we are really in need for some R & R.  It is such a shame money is such a necessity!  Work was starting to take over!! Before we go on about our recent travels we will fill you in on the lead up! As we said in a our previous Blog, Moree is quite a pretty town with parks for our morning walks.

Tui had a couple of days off due to rain so we decided to take a run to Mt Kaputar.  It was approximately 129kms from Moree.  Towering forests, breathtaking rock formations and stunning scenery, a great day out.

The day before we left Moree, Jude & Sydnie did a tour of the Peacan Farm, which is the biggest in the southern hesiphere.  Really interesting tour and highly recommended.

Ended up in Moree for approximately 3 weeks then they needed someone who could drive a Moon Buggy (unloads & loads the modules) and to drive a truck.  As Tui needed training to do this his put his hand up to go back to Emerald. It was sad to leave our mates Sydnie & Don behind! Cotton work was over but we still had to sell the old Suzuki.  As luck would have it a few days later it was sold!!

A great night with Jill & Murray cooking Jaffles (Quicksies in Kiwi language) on the fire.  The temperature had dropped considerably so the fire sure was nice.

As luck would have it, our new tow bar arrived so Tui was able to install it while we waiting for old Suzi to be picked up. Time to get those wheels moving!  We headed out of Emerald Thursday morning after doing the usual things, filling with fuel & water and dumping our black tank.  The plan was to go as far as Barcaldine but as all you travelers know plans change.  Called in at Alpha for lunch and visited the information centre.  The lady there is awesome, a lovely person and it’s one of those quaint little towns that has real character.

On arriving at Jericho we decided to check out the Free camp by the Jordon River.  Good choice, a nice spot and we met lovely people for Happy Hour.

It was during conversation that we heard about the Ilfracome Cabins & Caravan Park, which is about 28kms east of Longreach. You can find them on facebook. We had planned on staying in Barcaldine but decided to have a look around and move onto Ilfracombe.

Above is the famous “Tree of Knowledge”  You can find out all about it on this web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_of_Knowledge_%28Australia%29.  Below are a couple of shots taken at one of the Pubs.

Ilfracombe was another great decision!!  It is truly a fun place to stay!

Their Happy Hour Shed is famous and Jessie & Kathy (the owners) put on quite a show of jokes and poetry most nights. Lots of laughs!!

In fact we had so much fun that we stayed 3 nights and did some day trips in the Suzuki, more about that later.  Ilfracombe calls itself The Hub of the West. The main industry is sheep rearing, mainly for wool. In 1892, Wellshot was known as the biggest sheep station in the world, not because of the area it occupied but because of the number of sheep it ran; 460,000. So important was the property that Ilfracombe was known as Wellshot until 1890.  It is home to a collection of antique agricultural machinery and we were really impressed at the layout of everything.  The Wellshot Centre runs a video on a daily basis outlining the history. A worthwhile watch.

The next day we decided to take a trip out to Lake Dunn.  We had heard that a powered site was only $10 a night but as it was over 120kms from Ilfracombe we took the Suzuki. Passing through Aramac at lunch time we decided to check the Pub out for lunch.  It just so happened that they were having a fund raiser and were offering as much as you could eat roast with desert for $10. Bonus!!  No having to cook tea that night!  It was delicious too!  Lake Dunn is a great spot with near new Showers & toilets.  The only down side is you really need to stay a few days to make the trip out there worthwhile. Gravel to Aramac from Ilfracombe but Bitumen all the way from Barcaldine.

The following day we took a run into Longreach and visited the “Stockmans Hall of Fame”, which is a museum which pays tribute to pioneers of the Australian Outback. The centre is also dedicated to Australian stockmen and Aborigines who have shown bravery and courage. There are five themed galleries, with more than 1200 items on display.

The Outback Stockman’s show is a must see.  The Show tells the story of real life stockmen and women who work on the land. Lachie Cossor, who does the show is based in Yackandandah, is a third generation horse breaker & stockman and it is amazing what he can get a horse to do.

Also housed at Longreach is the Qantas Museum, but we gave that a miss.  Perhaps next time. A dip in the artesian pool at Ilfracombe then back to camp to pack up to proceed on the road again.  As our computer is on the “go slows” so you will have to read what comes next in our next blog!!  Don’t forget to click on “see where we are” on the right tool bar to view the map.

Until next time “Laugh more, live longer”

Yes, we are now in Moree, NSW but more about that later.  We all enjoyed The Ag-Grow grounds where we were camped in Emerald as it gave us a sense of a free camp environment, except for the water!  Very brown with a disgusting smell and undrinkable, hence the need to cart drinking water from a rain water tank a little walking distance from Tiki Tourer.  We decided to do the run into town and fill our water tank so that we could have decent water to shower with.  It gave us the opportunity of emptying our black tank on a regular basis as well.

Jude & Sydnie started walking again and saw Kangaroos on a regular basis. Not up to 5kms a day yet but getting there without too many problems with the Archilles.

Tui managed to snap some shots on his phone.  Below is the harvester producing the round bales and the tractor going over the paddock after harvest.

Storm clouds started brewing and it looked like we were in for a down pour!

The rain went right round us but a Whirlwind came through and caught our awning.  It blew up with such force Jude couldn’t hold it resulting in ripped stitching and the hooks that attached the top arms to Tiki Tourer sheared off.  We will have to either get it fixed when we get to a bigger town or replace it.  Maybe time to get a new one that is a better colour to tone in!!

Whilst camped at the Ag-Grow ground, the district had a “Rainbow Run” to raise funds for cancer.  It was quite amusing sitting under the awning watching all of the weird & wonderful outfits go by.  They had a great turnout!

The plan was to cart cotton in Moree for Cameron Williams who the boys were working for in Emerald, however as it had been raining in Moree the boys had a couple of weeks just working in the shed.  Tui was browsing Gum Tree, as he does, in the search for another Suzuki.  Our poor old one is getting tired so time for an upgrade!  He spotted 2 in the Brisbane area, one near the airport and one in the Gold Coast.

We flew to Brisbane Tuesday morning on a 7.30am flight, jumped in a cab to see the 1st one, $58 later!  Tui wasn’t very impressed with that one, a 2002 with lots of stone chips under the guard.  Walked to the train station and off to the Gold Coast.  We arrived around 12.30pm, and by 2pm the deal was done and we were heading back.  It is a 2004 Suzuki, Auto, 3 door, silver and oh so much more comfortable to travel in.

Tui was on a mission to get back in case the Moree job was happening so it was straight on the highway!  No thought of doing a “Dan Murphy” run or any shopping.  We got to Roma around 10pm and decided we had enough of driving but all accommodation was taken.  Back in the car drove until 1.30am then just had to have a rest.  We do not recommend sleeping in a 3 Door Suzuki!!!  Rather cramped but oh so buggard!  Woken by a Road Train stopping to check his tyres so off again, arriving back at Emerald 7.30am Wednesday  morning, exactly 24hrs!!

After having a nice cuppa it was off to our comfy bed, where we stayed until midday.  Tiki Tourer was out of water so into town to fill up followed by a much needed shower.  Poor old Suzuki was stripped out of bits and pieces the next day and is now “For Sale”. Anyone that knows of someone who wants a good reliable Suzuki let us know!!

Only back a couple of days when we got the phone call that Moree was all go, 837km drive. Moree is a major agricultural centre, noted for its part in the Australian cotton growing industry which was established there in the early 1960s.  It is home to artesian hot spring baths which are famous for their reputed healing qualities.  As we had to take the Road Train down, we loaded the new Suzuki on the back and left Tiki Tourer in Emerald.

A convoy of two trucks leaving at 4am Sunday morning.  Murray & Jill in the lead truck and us following behind. We were amazed that in some areas there was red dirt just like northern WA.

Arriving around 4 in the afternoon we went straight round to the yard to unload both vehicles etc.

After a tiring day driving it was off to the Pub for a Pork Roast for tea.  Very nice and good buying at $13.50 each.

Sydnie & Don followed down on Wednesday in the third Road Train. It happened to be their Wedding Anniversary so we had a joint dinner with an anniversary cake (not home made unfortunately).

Moree is quite a nice little town with most amenities, Coles, woolworths etc.  Nice parks for our morning walks.  We are staying at the Econo Lodge Moree Spa Motor Inn, walking distance to the Pub, Hot Pools and the RSL.  The owner Mick Cikota & his wife are lovely friendly people and as today is Easter Sunday they are putting on a pig & lamb cooked on a spit. Smells divine!! What a fabulous feast.  The best homemade bread and doughnuts we have ever tasted thanks to Mick’s mum.

We have been in 3 different units so far, one of which had no cooking facilities, hopefully this is our last shift until we head back to Emerald. Still no indication of how long we are here so you will all just have to wait until the next Blog.  Until then “Laugh more, live longer”

It is hard to believe that it is time to do another Blog and that we have been in Emerald a month already! As stated in our last blog, Tui is carting cotton and spent the first few days learning the different truck & trailer combos. There are 2 different types of bales that come off the Cotton fields, large round bales and trailer size square modules.

These photos are of paddocks that have been harvested.

The cotton is harvested then trucked to the Gin where the cotton is ginned to separate seeds from fluffy lint.  It is then packed into smaller bales and sent overseas for the final processing into the products we all know.  Tui is driving a Scania, the only one in the fleet that is manual. He started off with a flat bed single trailer.

Above is the “Moon Buggy” unloading Tui at the Gin.

As you will recall Tui gained his MC (Multi-combination) license while we were in MacKay so next came the Road Train, 36metres in length.  He said he was a bit daunted to start with but was soon at ease driving it.

The square modules are loaded on chain bed trailers, no need for a loader driver. Wheels on the trailer move forward to tilt the trailer and a chain mechanism pulls in the module.   The module builder was developed in the early 1970s. This is a system in which cotton is dumped from the harvester into the module builder and the cotton compacted. Initially, modules were built on pallets made of either wood or metal. Further studies found that the cotton modules could be formed and stored directly on the ground without significant loss of cotton quantity or quality, so long as the ground surface was well drained. Tui currently has a chain bed trailer on his truck.

Module Builder                                                         Unloading the Module

Chain Mechanism                                                     Moon Buggy

All of the boys had a Sunday off so along with Don & Sydnie, we went for a drive to Rubyvale and had lunch at the Pub. Rubyvale  is approximately 61 kilometres west of Emerald. Situated in a region called “the Gemfields”  sapphires are mined extensively in the area.  We visited this area on our way to Charters Towers in September 2012.  We had a good drive around and saw some interesting sites.

A great day, great Pub, great company  and beaut meal!

Now while the boys are away the girls will play!!  No not really!!  Sydnie & Jude did pack a lunch and take a trip out to Fairbairn Dam, about 25kms Southwest of Emerald.  Fairbairn Dam was constructed in 1972 across the Nogoa River “Gap” creating Lake Maraboon and is Queensland’s second largest lake. A little disappointing as the water had signs of Algae and the levels were really low.  Not to worry it was nice to sit and relax and have a picnic lunch in pretty nice surroundings.

It just so happened that Don had a birthday on the 13th March and Tui on the 14th March so we planned to have a joint lunch (Don & Sydnie, Jill & Murray, Bill & us) on the Sunday.  However Don had to work on the Sunday so we made it Dinner instead.  Jude cooked a Roast Lamb in the Pizza Oven and made the famous Chocolate Mud Cake for a joint Birthday cake and Sydnie cooked Beef in the Weber and cut up a heap of salad ingredients which we had with fresh bread rolls.  Very yummy!!

Sorry no photos of all of us.  Left the camera in Tiki Tourer!!  Duh!!  Not a late night.

Now our front Air con unit hasn’t worked properly for some time, no cold air.  We attempted to find someone in MacKay several times to no avail.  Anyway while Tui was getting new tyres on his truck, he was chatting away, as you do & the guy that was fitting the tyres knew of someone that had just started his own Business. Within a couple of days these two young guys rocked up to have a look.  They actually looked like a couple of policemen and if Jude hadn’t seen them pull up she probably would have freaked out!!  Bliss!!!  Within a couple of hours it was all fixed.  Reasonable rates too!! If any of you out there are around Emerald or the Gem fields and need someone to fix your air con give Jade a call from Gemlec on 0439 393 737. Highly recommended!!  It has been extremely hot here in the afternoons so being inside with the air con on has been a good option!!

We have beautiful sunsets here and an amazing array of bird life.

It appears that the cotton season isn’t going to be as long as we anticipated so we may not be here for much longer.  Tui needs a well deserved holiday so who knows whats next, you will just have to wait for our next Blog to find out!!!

Until then “Laugh more, live longer!!”

Yes, you are reading the title correctly!  We have moved from MacKay after 1 year and 1 week!! The longest we have stayed anywhere by far. Although it was great to have the wheels of Tiki Tourer moving again it was a bit sad pulling out.  Great friends, good times and lots of laughs.

We experienced our first Cyclone while in Mackay, luckily it wasn’t a bad one, but the anticipation of what was to come was pretty daunting! We moved Tiki Tourer in between 2 x two storey houses to get as much protection from the wind as possible so we were quite protected.  As the boys weren’t working we decided to have a few beverages in the house.  By the time the cyclone actually crossed the coast we were sleeping like babies and didn’t hear a thing.  There was a bit of debris where Tiki Tourer had been parked.

With being parked under a tree for so long the roof as you can see was black.  Tui took the opportunity of cleaning it whilst off work, in the pouring rain we might add. He purchased a water blaster and after the initial debris was washed off and the roof was dry he used a solution called 30 secs to remove the black grime. The water blaster was a good buy @ $84.00 and we soon had clean trailer, motorbike, push bikes, kayaks etc.

The next day we all got a text from the Council saying we were in the warning zone for a tidal surge.  Scary how they know where you are.  Big brother is watching!!! Our end of the beach was ok but further down they had a lot of sand wash up (or blow) onto the road and it changed the Beach quite a lot, creating a large lagoon.

MacKay had a few days of typical tropical rain and as our day of leaving was not far off we didn’t bother moving Tiki Tourer back in it’s old spot.  Good thing we didn’t as the mosquitoes were thick out the back with masses of water everywhere.

A few weeks before leaving we had a new person move into the house.  James fitted in nicely and didn’t hold back on doing dishes, cleaning etc.  Cool, Rex will have company when we leave!!

Packing up was done over several days, whenever Tui wasn’t working.  The challenge was going to be “where are we going to put the Pizza Oven?” With Tui’s ingenious engineering skills, a platform was made on the draw bar of the trailer.  This will enable Jude to cook in it without having to move it!  Just bring out the gas bottle and hook her up.  Very happy!!

The only downside is the door of the Pizza Oven is the opposite side to the door of Tiki Tourer.  This was unavoidable because the jockey wheel . Hey, we can work around that!!

It was now time to hit the road!  The usual checks before leaving MacKay i.e Beaurepairs to check the tyre pressures, fill up with fuel etc.  As we had never been down the coast south of MacKay we decided to take a leisurely few days, drive down to Rockhampton and then across to Emerald.  We checked out our “Camps 6” book to check out the Free Camps on the way.  Must be out of practice!  First free camp (Flaggy Rock Community Centre, approximately 111kms south of MacKay), Jude missed the turn off! Second free camp ( Clairview Rest Area) the road was closed because of road works, but we did manage to find a park next to the sea, had a bite to eat and a rest for a couple of hours. Clairview is a small beachside community that is a popular holiday destination or roadside stopover approximately 123 kilometres south of Mackay. It is a popular fishing and crabbing village with camping permitted in designated areas and a caravan park with full facilities.

Third time lucky was St Lawrence Recreational reserve (155km south of Mackay).  This is a great free camp with free hot showers & toilets with heaps of space.  Mind you we are traveling in the off peak season and we heard it is very popular in the peak season. There is a donation box, which we were more than happy to contribute too.  Need more of these great free camps! Once a prosperous port town, exporting cattle from the hinterland, most residents are now railway workers. The town is located south of St Lawrence Creek, which flows into a vast bay known as Broad Sound, a waterway noted for its large tidal range (up to 9 metres in the summer).

It is quite common on Australian roads to see signs warning of tiredness because of the long distance most people travel.  This is the first time we have seen a sign suggesting that playing Trivia can reduce tiredness.  We saw a couple of signs that ask you a question then the answer is on the next sign! Quaint!!

Set off fairly early next morning and headed toward Yappoon, a coastal town with a colourful history dating back to 1865. Just before the turnoff we came across The Capricorn Caves.  We had heard these are worth a look so took the 2+ kms off the highway to check it out.  We headed to the office and discovered that the next tour wasn’t for some time, so we watched the video and decided to get back there another time.

Yeppoon is renowned for its beaches, tropical climate, and the islands out on the bay. Twenty-five minutes from the city of Rockhampton, Yeppoon is the principal town on the Capricorn Coast, a string of seaside communities stretching more than 150 kilometres from north to south. Offshore, there are 27 islands including Great Keppel Island which is 20km from Yeppoon. There is a nice loop tourist drive that runs out to Yappoon, through Emu Park and back inland to Rockhampton.

After visiting the Information Centre we decided to stay at “Bellpark Caravan Park” at Emu Park, 20 mins along the coast from Yappoon. We highly recommend this Park, lovely friendly people, good amenities (including 2 Dump Points) and right on the beach.

The Emu Park village is only a 5min walk from the park and has most things that you could want including a large IGA supermarket. Every Sunday the Lions club run a really good Market right next door to the Park. On a hill overlooking the village of Emu Park stands the iconic Singing Ship, a memorial to Captain James Cook who was there in 1770. The Singing Ship was designed to ‘sing’ as the wind blew across its vertical pipes. It succeeded a bit too well and, from its vantage point on the hill, could be heard over a wide area on a breezy day. The Council eventually had it muted. Kele Park, where the ‘Ship’ is located, is well worth a visit and the hill gives spectacular views along the coast.

Check out the view from the Pub on the left!!

As it was such a nice place to stay we decided to stay 2 nights, get the Suzuki off the trailer, and do a spot of sightseeing the 2nd day.  We visited the city markets in Rockhampton but they weren’t as good as the ones at Emu Park. Had a look around the city shops then drove up Mt Archer.

Mount Archer National Park protects bushland remnants in the Berserker Ranges, a scenic backdrop to Rockhampton. At 604 m above sea level, Mount Archer is the highest peak and provides spectacular views of the city and the surrounding ranges. The park covers 4250 ha of open forest dominated by eucalypts, with a large pocket of dry rainforestry.

Checking out “Camps 6” again we found 2 spots we might stay at.  First one was Duaringa Rest Area.  When we arrived there it was only 11.30am so we decided to have an early lunch, fuel up and then head out to Bedford Weir.  While Tui was putting fuel in Tiki Tourer Jude went inside to wait as it was nice and cool in the air con.  Got chatting to the attendant and low & behold she came from Smithton (a small place in Tasmania) and knew our Mate, Jen!  Small world!!  Duaringa Rest Area is a nice Free Camp and we would have stayed there if it had been later in the day.

We had researched Bedford Weir on the Net and it had lots of raving reviews so we were quite keen to get there.  It is approx 27kms off the highway all bitumen road although a little bumpy.  On arriving we were approached by a fellow camper who told us that the Caretaker had left and there was no water.  Toilets and showers not working and not even water at the Dump Point. The area look a bit neglected but still not a bad area and it didn’t really worry us as we are self contained.

Tui (The Bird Man) made another friend.  We think that it is a Peacock but the display of the tail is really lacking.  If anyone can shed light on this we would appreciate it.

Time to leave next morning to head into Emerald.  Oh no work!!  As you approach the town you cross over the “Nogoa River”, an apt name we thought!!

We have set up camp at the Emerald Agricultural Centre where each year the Field Days are held.  Ag-Grow in Emerald is one of the most successful marketing events available to businesses wishing to access the agricultural, mining and associated demographic of Central Western Queensland and beyond. Now recognized as an event of events it has grown to become a social event of the year for the surrounding regions.  Sydnie & Donald, friends we made at “The Park” in MacKay arrived the same day as we did and are camped a few feet away from us.  It is really great to catch up again!

Tui is carting Cotton and has been on the job 3 days now.  He has been learning all of the different types of trucks and all of the different types of bails.  More about that in the next Blog.

Quite a long Blog this time, seems to have taken ages to write!  We will catch you all again soon!

Until next time “Laugh more, live longer”

It will be great when we have a different place for our heading of the Month!  It’s been almost a year!!  Hopefully it won’t be long now!

Christmas & New Year celebrations are well & truly done & dusted and yes we are over the 1st half of the 1st month of the year!  Bit scary really!  We hope you all had a fantastic Christmas & New Year!! Although we miss family and friends at this time of the year we had a great time for Christmas anyway.

Tui finished work on the 22nd December for a much needed 4 day break. With all vehicles parked up, the remaining truck drivers and 2 loader drivers converged on 1 Weir Street to have a “few” drinks and celebrate, deciding on Pizza Delivery for tea.  Only 6 of us but it sounded like 60! A much needed blowout for everyone!

A few days of relaxing and drinking followed, with Jude’s rule of no drinking during the week tossed out the window.  It was Christmas after all!  Christmas Day was a blast, just Tui, Jude & Rex, starting with our tradition of Champagne breakfast which seemed to last all day!! Jude played Santa dishing out the pressies. Check out the huge tree!

The boys cooked the barbie while Jude did all the prep work, croissants, mushroom sauce, fresh fruit salad etc.

As we really miss our pool at home Santa was kind and gave us a blow up pool along with super soakers for Rex & Tui.  A very wet day coming up but so much fun!!

We were a bit overwhelmed as Rex gave us a Gas Pizza Oven.  Although Tui is a little concerned about where we are going to put it when we pack up, Jude loves it and highly recommends a purchase to anyone.  Apart from making great Pizza’s, it makes awesome bread and cooks a mean roast superbly.  Yipee no more cooking the Sunday roast inside. Rex reckons she needs to try a Pavlova in it!!

Such a good breakfast and day that we didn’t do the glazed Ham, Salads, Christmas Pudding or Pavlova!  Jude wasn’t too worried as it meant no cooking Boxing Day as it was all done!  The plan was to get up early and go fishing!  The boys had the “Fellows Bulk” boat all ready on Christmas Eve, however as we were all feeling a little tender we decided to wait till later in the afternoon, just before high tide, before heading out.  Besides there was that food to eat that we missed out on Christmas day! Alas not even a bite but it was great to get out on the water, arriving back just on sunset.

We have been looking to upgrade our little Suzuki and Tui found one in Townsville.  Only a short 800kms round trip!!  Anyway we set off late afternoon, arriving in Townsville just before 9pm at a  little Motel on the Strand, The Beach House Motel, where we were greeted by a lovely host, Theresa.  It was great to get away for the night and we sat on our balcony having a couple of drinks, watching the world go by.  Bliss!!

As we couldn’t view the car until 1pm the next day we took a drive out to Bluewater to check out the house that Tui had built over a year earlier.  It was then a stop at “The Coffee Club” for Tui’s favourite, Eggs Benedict, for a late Breakfast/early lunch.  The car was what we were looking for but Tui was concerned at a bit of panel damage.  We decided to go back to MacKay and think about it.  Still have our little old Suzuki!

All too soon the Boys had to go back to work with no break for New Year, hence a very quiet one for us.  Didn’t even see New Year in as we had to get up at 5am.  It was quite handy having family and friends in New Zealand as we could wish everyone “Happy New Year” in NZ time which was 9pm for us.

As mentioned in our November Blog, the boys are still doing “Feedback”.  Once all the Bagasse has been used, we will then be free to set off (for awhile anyway). Still no definite plans, tossing up a couple of things and will continue to update you all.

At the end of the “Cane Crush” a lot of the drivers leave to go to other jobs.  We were expecting Phil to come back for a few weeks but unfortunately his wife is not well.  We wish you all the best Helen and our thoughts are with you both.

A new driver duly arrived.  Unfortunately the poor fella couldn’t back the truck & trailer and only lasted a couple of days!  We are sure Tui has more grey hair after the experience of trying to assist him.

There must be a thing about backing as Axle (loader driver) also had a backing mishap!

Our Mates, Mick & Jen, flew into MacKay and stayed the night with us on their way to pick up their Caravan from Townsville. Great to see them but Jude had a bit of a disastrous night on the cooking front. The menu was to have Bacon & Egg Pie for nibbles (that turned out good), then yummy Topside Roast done in the EcoPot, with salads and fresh bread made in the Pizza oven.  Well it poured with rain (after having no rain for months) that put a halt to the bread.  Then the power adapter on the EcoPot bummed out and the meat was raw!!  It pays to have a back up pie in the freezer!!  Oh well shit happens!!

For those of you, and we have come across quite a few, who say “you are so lucky, we would love to do what you are doing but can’t afford it”, it is easier than you think.  Being a couple who don’t have a lot of money, we enlisted the services of a company called ““. is a Personal Financial Planning Company that have developed strategies, methods and tools designed for application by individuals. The strategy developed for each Member is customised to deliver a real solution that is easy to operate and allows you to get more from what you already have as well as opening up opportunities. Everything is designed to be easy and fun to do and they are extremely great people to work with.  For those of you who are interested check out: http://opeson.com.au or you can find them on Facebook.

Well that’s about it for now!  Take care & remember “laugh more, live longer!”

Well it certainly is hard to believe that Christmas Day is next week and that 2013 is almost behind us. What have we been up to this last month, well it has been mainly work.  Rex & Tui did have a rare weekend off together so we all went for a Tiki Tour in the Ute. Luckily for Jude & Tui, Rex said he would be designated driver so we could have a couple of ales along the way.

Heading west down the Peak Downs Highway & onto the MacKay – Eungella Road, the first stop was Teemburra Dam, 50 kilometres west of Mackay City on a fully sealed road, although pretty steep. The dam was constructed in 1997 to cope with the increasing demand for town water storage and irrigation purposes. The dam itself has a surface area of 1040 hectares, an average depth of 14.2 metres and holds 147 500 mega litres of water at full capacity.  It is stocked by a local fish stocking group MAFSA with Sooty Grunter and Barramundi. A 25 horse power limit applies to all boats with no water skiing allowed. A single lane concrete ramp is provided. There is no camping allowed at the dam.

Next stop was at the historic Pinnacle Pub for a famous Pinnacle Pie (Yum) and of course a beer to wash it down.  Each pie is made locally on site in eight different varients. The Pinnacle Pie originated in the mid 90’s when the construction of the Teemburra Dam was being done.  The Pinnacle Pies were a creation of Fred and Wendy (the then Publicans) for the construction workers that were staying at the Hotel. The workers were looking for lunch while on the job and Wendy created the pies. During this stage they were known as ‘Wendy’s Pies’. The pub has changed hands a few times since then and the pies became the ‘Pinnacle Pies’, and have launched as a success ever since.

On the road again and this time to Finch Hatton Gorge.We had been to Finch Hatton earlier in the year but never got the chance to go to the Gorge as we had Tiki Tourer but no Suzuki. Waterfalls flow all year round, fresh-water swimming holes, wonderful walking tracks, Forest Flying and a picnic area complete with tables and public toilets.  Unfortunately we didn’t do any walks as Jude still has an Achilles problem and Rex a fused ankle.  Definitely must do another visit!

Tui’s brother, Furlyn, lives up the Gorge road and as we were heading back we spied a sign “The Marae” and figured it had to be Furlyn’s driveway so off we went.  He had told us it was 4 wheel drive only and he wasn’t wrong!!  Unfortunately we didn’t get any photos.  As luck would have it they were home so we spent about an hour with them.  Great to catch up.

Further up the pioneer valley there is a long steep climb up to Eungella.  Spectacular scenery which reminded us a lot of NZ. At the top of the hill is the Eungella Chalet (Pub). We stopped to quench our thirst and watched carvings being created with a chainsaw, grinder etc. Amazing!

There is a Hang-gliding ramp for those who have their own hang-glider and pilot’s licence.  No hang gliding the day we were there though!  Of course Tui took the opportunity of using the ramp to take some great photos of the valley.  Luckily just before some clouds rolled in.

Approximately 30kms further on is the Eungella Dam.  There are literally hectares of space to set up camp as the camping area with amenities covers a massive area. The toilets are clean and the showers are good, although cold water only.  The honesty box asks for $5 per night.  A good spot to take Tiki Tourer!!  Another Dam that has been stocked with Sooty Grunter and Barramundi, however a permit is required.

We then headed down Lizzy Creek Road, gravel, but a good road, and back onto the Peak Downs Highway just East of Nebo.  With only 14kms to MacKay we had one last stop, the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel in Walkerston, a rural town of 2600 people.  The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel (1882) is the sole surviving Hotel in its original building. The Queens (1886) was burnt down in 1943 and the Albion (1872) was burnt down in 1964.

Picked up “Fish & Chips” for tea across the road.  Then “home James”!  Great day!  All up it was a 300km round trip.

As most of you know, it is not easy to have a Christmas Tree in a Motorhome, but we manage to put out a little one.  Also this year Jude bought some Christmas lights to get into the spirit.  They weren’t expensive and look great. The photos don’t do them justice really.  It looks like the tree has had a few pre-Christmas drinks!!

Well to sum up our year of 2013.  It has been almost a year of work!  A months visit to NZ in January, a few days with our Mates, Jock & Annie, in Charters Towers, a couple of stops on the way to MacKay, a weekend at Finch Hatton for Tui’s brother’s birthday & a weeks work at Home Hill.  We spent 4 months in a Caravan Park, a record for us, then moved to park at “The Fellows House”.  Still there! We have made life long friends in MacKay, both from the Caravan Park & the house & have had some real fun times along the way.

Christmas Day for us will be Champagne Breakfast at the house with Rex, with Glazed Ham with an assortment of salads later in the day, followed by Jude’s Christmas Pudding! Tui only gets 4 days off over Christmas but we are hoping to get a day to do a spot of fishing!

We wish you all an exceptional MERRY Christmas & hope that 2014 gives you all fun, lots of laughs, exciting experiences & much prosperity! Until next year “Laugh more, live longer!”

Well it is that time again!  Close to the end of yet another month!!!  As you can see by the heading we are still in MacKay, so not much has changed!!  The Cane crush has just finished and now Tui is doing what they call “The Feedback”.  They feed the Mill with Bagasse so the boilers keep going to produce power to feed into the grid.

For every 10 tonnes of sugarcane crushed, a sugar mill produces nearly 3 metric tonnes of wet bagasse, the fibrous material left over after juice is extracted from sugarcane. When burned by a sugar mill, this usually produces more than enough electricity to power all of the mill’s operations.

Mackay Sugar Limited’s Racecourse Sugar Mill generates 38 MW of electricity from boilers primarily designed to incinerate bagasse. Around 27 MW surplus to Mackay Sugar’s requirements available to be exported to the grid via a 5.4km high voltage interconnector constructed by Ergon Energy between the mill and the existing 66kV Pioneer Valley/Glenella line.

Our mates Sydnie & Don have now also left MacKay and have headed to Tasmania for a much needed and deserved break. No more Road Trips for Jude!!  The day before they left, Sydnie took Jude out to the farm where Don was working and she got to ride in the Harvester & Chaser Tractor.  Really interesting with Charlie (Don’s boss) giving a detailed explanation on the Cane industry!

The week before they left we had a Pizza Night at the Caravan Park and Jude made her “Chocolate Mud Cake”  Unfortunately the only photo that wasn’t blurry was the one with Tui cutting the cake.  Sign said “Happy & Safe Travels Everyone, till we meet again”  followed by the following graphic.

With a few Drivers leaving, Darren came up from Deniliquin for a couple of weeks.  While he was here Tui & him had a bit of a tidy up of all the branches that we had to cut to get Tiki Tourer in.  The tree is now in flower and although it makes a mess, it looks quite spectacular.

Darren worked night shift and had an unexpected night off so he suggested we go to Angelo’s for Dinner.  Fantastic Jude gets a night off cooking!! Darren wanted to pay as a thank you for Jude, baking and cooking the Sunday Teas but Tui beat him to it.  A couple of days later he got him back by handing Jude a Cake Mixer, red wine and a bottle of Marsala so that she can make her Veal Scallopini & Tui a box of Beer & a bottle of Bourbon.  We were a bit overwhelmed really.  No more beating by hand.  Yipee!!

We had been wanting to check out Lake Elphinstone, a free camp about 92kms west of MacKay since arriving here so when Tui had a Saturday off work we set off for a drive. Calling in at the The Retreat Hotel which offers a selection of ensuited double bedrooms, ensuited single,  king single and bunk house rooms using communal bathrooms, on site laundry facilities, powered and non-powered caravan sites and free camping.  It is on the Peak Downs Highway 65kms west of MacKay, originally established around 1865.

Function areas include the main bar area, undercover beer garden, a private “Bush Bar” and the “Party in the Paddock” shed. Live entertainment is regularly featured with two large covered stage areas with extensive lighting and sound systems available. Alongside the beer garden is a  mechanical bull which is well utilised by locals and visitors, a great place to chill out or lear up!!

After a couple of drinks it was off to Lake Elphinstone. It is not signposted and we missed the turnoff which is the Sutter Development Road, at Nebo Junction. Ended up driving way past Nebo, turned around and called into the visitor centre.  Lake Elphinstone is a natural lake which once supported the town of Elphinstone – long since disbanded.

The camp site is on about 20 acres of cleared land right on the water. There are toilets and ‘donkey’ showers. Yep,  ‘donkey’ showers. We had no idea what that meant when we first heard it. There are two 44 gallon drums of water, one each for the men’s and ladies showers, at about 2pm people camping bring along some fire wood, and start the fire up under the drums of water. The water in the drums heat up, which in turn heats up water from the water tank up the hill that runs through copper pipes into the drum of boiling water.  The water is gravity fed from the water tank up on the hill, through the pipes then out of the shower head.

Our photos don’t really do it justice.  Must take Tiki Tourer out there one day and have a few days break.  We drove on out to Glenden, a small mining town located a further 29kms past the Lake. It was established in 1982 to house the employees of Mount Isa Mines Limited who were developing the Newlands Mine. Today, mining is still the main industry in the town with grain, cattle and cane farming also popular.  Looking at the map it seemed that we could do a full circle and come back through Eungella National Park, however after making some inquiries we were advised that the road was pretty impassable, much to Tui’s disappointment as he was all for some 4 wheel driving! We will have to go out there another day on a normal road!!

We have been a bit slack with our photos, must make an effort to take more!!

Well that’s about it for now!  Until next time “Laugh more, live longer”!!!

Well our stint at Home Hill, unfortunately, was short lived!  They needed Tui back in MacKay so it was pack up Tiki Tourer and we were off.  Goodbye pool, goodbye Jen & Mick, not happy!!

The day we left, Tui worked & Jen got to go for a ride with him while Jude took some last minute photos & packed.

Home Hill Diorama is an important educational and tourism asset to this area and was originally built by the local Lions Club to commemorate the region’s pioneers. It features laser-print aluminum interpretive panels depicting the history of the local area, including Indigenous Australians, explorers and first settlers, providing information on farming, the Burdekin Bridge and the local water industry.

The Information Centre is a great place to start at Home Hill, extremely friendly staff will give you all the information on the town and surrounding district.  There are beautiful Historical Buildings and we picked up a helpful brochure on the Heritage Town Walk, amongst other literature.  Unfortunately Jude ran out of time to get photos!!

Tui arrived back from work then it was time to load Suzi into the truck trailer.

After one last quick swim we headed back.

Arriving back to the house in MacKay after dark, presented a bit of a challenge guiding Tui into our tight spot. No scratches on Tiki Tourer on this occasion!  We were pretty tired by the time we got to bed at 10pm.

A fews day of night shift followed which didn’t please Tui too much.

Jude was busy vacuuming Tiki Tourer and was just doing the steps when she caught something out the corner of her eye.  First instinct was a snake but it happened to be a Goanna.  Rex had been telling stories about this huge Lizard that looked like a small crocodile and of course we didn’t believe him.

After  searching on the Net, Jude discovered it was a Lace Monitor which are the second-largest monitor in  Australia. They can be as long as 2.1 m with a head-and-body length of up to 76.5 cm. The tail is long and slender and about 1.5 times the length of the head and body.

A couple of days later John went to go to the downstairs toilet (the one we use) and called out “snake”, which was slithering into the room that Daniel occupied.  Jude never got any photos as she was staying well away, but according to the 3 Kiwi hunters it was a “Brown”, only small, but very venomous, considered the world’s second most venomous land snake.  Very vigilant visits to the toilet now!!

We have had a couple more leave the house with Daniel heading to Port Hedland WA to drive road trains and John heading to Hyden WA to drive grain trucks.  It was sad to see them go and Jude’s mission to get them to the airport.

One of the good things about coming back to MacKay was Jude got to have another day with her mate, Sydnie.  This time they went to the Blue Lagoon.  Comprising three tiered lagoons, the Bluewater Lagoon is a free family-friendly leisure facility overlooking the picturesque Pioneer River in the heart of Mackay’s city centre. Covering an area equivalent to three 50 metre swimming pools, Bluewater Lagoon provides a safe all-round stinger-free swimming environment. As it was a spur of the moment decision no “togs” (bathers) once again!! Bummer!!

A couple of close calls at Tui’s work lately with the loader nearly going off the edge.

A crane & 2 trucks were needed to rectify the problem.

Also Tui was very lucky the other day.  As he was coming out of the Mill, onto the road he discovered he had no 4th gear.  Stratching his head, he looked in the rear view mirror & low & behold he had lost his back wheels!  It was extremely fortunate he wasn’t traveling at 100kms! Mill staff raced out and directed traffic and he managed to get the trailer off and get it off the road.

Saturday night, in between Rex having to sleep for work, we managed to watch the All Blacks once again beat the Wallabies.  It was a close game toward the end but all credit to the All Blacks they kept passing the ball even after the final hooter.  Great sportsmanship!!

What will the next Blog bring?  Who knows!! Things have a habit of changing quickly in our world!  Until next time “Laugh more, live longer!”

Once again we have left our blog until the last day of the month!  Time stops for no man or woman!!

Well Jude & Sydnie have continued with their outings with at the beginning of the month doing a road trip to MacKay Port.  The principal imports are refined fuel products, fertilisers and general cargo. Exports include raw sugar, refined sugar, ethanol, molasses and grain in bulk. The Port of Mackay comprises an artificial harbour formed by rock breakwaters. Land areas behind the port accommodate over 100 industrial and commercial businesses with substantial areas of vacant land suitable for further development.

Then drove out to Slade Point, a peninsular suburb north of MacKay (population approximately 4000). Slade Point, a prominent coastal feature was named by Captain James Cook.

The view from the look out is amazing!  It was just a pity it was a bit hazy on that day.  It was then to the Seabreeze Hotel ( Right on the Beach) for a snack, drink & listen to live music.  Very good Maori singers too!

Next outing was to McEwens Beach, approx 20kms South of MacKay and only 6 kms off the highway.  It is a small beach front settlement strung along a 1.2km beach.  There is a playground, park & picnic facility but no store.  Not a problem for Sydnie as she had packed a picnic lunch for both of them.  On the beach there is a small post & wire swimming enclosure.  The water was lovely and warm but unfortunately no togs!

Tui had been having the odd day with no work so he decided to tick off one of the things on his “Bucket List”.  He did a day course and passed his MC (Multi Combination) License.  For those of you who don’t know an MC allows him to drive BIG Trucks i.e. B Doubles and road trains.  He says he is a “BIG TRUCK DRIVER” now!!!  LOL!

As he had left his log book behind and had to pick it up we took the opportunity of taking a quick snap of the truck he did his test in.  No trailer on it at this stage though.

Daniel who resides at the house had finished his rugby season and it was time for his prize giving night.  Man, we thought girls took a long time to get ready!!  Looking cool Daniel!

Jude has been really lucky with the friends she has made, with Lisa & Jed also taking her out to lunch one day.  Thanks guys awesome day, pity no photos!!

After having no car few a few days, Jude got a phone call from Tui to say pack up Tiki Tourer we are leaving first thing in the morning as they need a truck at Inkerman Mill, Home Hill, 300kms North, the Burdekin region of Queensland. “Murphy’s Law”  no beer in the Engel, no fruit & veg, no milk, no bread etc.  Oh well, shops up there I guess!!  Heading off from MacKay we managed to get a photo of the chaser unloading into the Cane Wagons, then one of the Big mango at Bowen.

We had stayed a night at Home Hill Comfort Stop, a free camp, on the way down to MacKay and quite liked the town.  Also our mates Jen & Mick had jobs there and were staying around 6 weeks.  They are camped about a km away at a friends place.  Cool!!

Deciding not to take our trailer we loaded the Suzi into the trailer of the truck, keeping fingers crossed we could find somewhere to unload.  John drove the truck & Tui drove, Tiki Tourer.  John works the night shift and Tui the day.  First day was induction day finding out that Tui was to have a 4am start which meant getting up at 3am!!  Great!!  At least he gets home in the daylight!

We are camped at the Home Hill Caravan Park, a very small but very friendly park.  Quite a few of the guys here work at the Mill.  The Olympic Pool is right next door and we have full use of the facilities.  Bonus!!  Jude has been walking every morning and then doing quite a bit of swimming as well. It is the first port of call when Tui gets home.  A toss up between a beer first or a swim!!

John has a cabin which is close to Tiki Tourer.  Nice cabin with air con and his own shower & toilet.  We don’t see much of him at all with him sleeping all day and working nights. As you can see Suzi has it’s own carport!!

Friday night Jen & Mick came down for “Happy Hour”, it had been a long time between drinks with them and we had a great night.  Calling & texting the gang that used to congregate at their van in MacKay.  Sunday they picked Jude up and it was off to the Commercial Hotel for a $10 Sunday Roast Lunch , followed by Sea Horse Racing!  Yep, you read right, Sea Horse Racing!!  Lots of fun!  The dice is passed around the bar to select which Sea Horse moves forward, then an electronic device randomly selects the amount of spaces it moves.  If you are lucky enough to draw a Sea Horse and it comes first you win.  Plus there are draws in raffles etc.

A drive out to Groper Creek followed.  Groper Creek was just a tidal inlet until the floods of 1918 made it one of the mouths of the the Burdekin River, one of the largest river systems in Queensland.  It is 17kms south of Home Hill. Today the small fishing community’s population is made up of around 50 permanent residents, mostly being retirees. In holiday seasons the population balloons to over 300 with visitors flocking to the caravan park located on the bank of Groper Creek. Many of the visitors come to take advantage of local fishing and crabbing.

We just did a quick drive around so didn’t get many photo opportunities.

The Burdekin is one of the last remaining areas in Australia where green cane is burnt before harvesting to remove excess leaves known as cane trash. With flames jumping into the air it is a feast for the eyes.  The ash from the cane is thrown high into the sky often travelling hundreds of metres even kilometers before spiralling down to earth.  Locals commonly refer this as “Burdekin Snow”. It gets everywhere, even through the fly screens!!  Last night we saw some fires so Tui was on a mission to get some photos.  It is amazing the short amount of time it burns for.  Might get some better photos another night.

Another day off today so we went for a drive.  1st stop Inkerman Hill Lookout.  It is 214 m above sea level and you can see for miles!! Once again a hazy day and then the battery went flat in the camera.

It was them a drive to Ayr to check out the shops.  We will write a bit more about Home Hill & Ayr in the next Blog.  Until then “Laugh more, live longer”

Ooops, 31st of the Month & we haven’t done a Blog this month!!  Where, oh, where does the time go?  Well Jude has turned another year older, darn! We decided to go to one of her favourite places for dinner, Bridges Cafe, right on the river.  This is a great place to meet friends for coffee, which has been done on several occasions. They make awesome savoury muffins as well!!

Unfortunately they now close on a Monday & Tuesday night (Jude’s birthday was a Monday night!) so it was off to “Outback Jacks”.  We had been there previously and had a late lunch and the food was great.  Not this time!!  Tui’s steak was like rubber and Jude’s chips tasted as though they had been cooked at 9 in the morning and reheated.  Very disappointed but hey, it was a night out and a break from cooking!

Next day one of Jude’s mates from the caravan park (Sydnie, another Kiwi) picked her up and took her to lunch at the Eimeo Pub.  What a beaut place, great food, good company and awesome views.

After lunch we went for a stroll along the beach, wading in the water, which was beautifully warm and no “stingers” at this time of the year. Pity we didn’t have our “bathers” or in Kiwi language “togs!”

There is a huge house being built next door and while on night duty, instead of sleeping,  Tui couldn’t help himself and had to venture over to help with the installation of one of the sectional doors.

Now a little bit about MacKay’s Bluewater Trail! The Bluewater Trail is a shared pedestrian and cycle pathway around the city, directly linking local recreation facilities. MacKay Botanic Gardens, Sandfly Creek Environmental Walk, Catherine Freeman Walk, Bluewater Lagoon swimming facility, Bluewater Quay & Iluka Park.

The 21-kilometre trek, which takes in much of the region’s natural beauty, aims to build a healthier community through access to environments that encourage physical activities. It is sections of this walk that Jude does her daily walking, now up to 5kms a day sometimes more.  The aim is to eventually walk the entire trail, not in one day I might add!! The Botanical Gardens walk and along Binnington Esplanade to Bluewater Quay have already been completed, with Tiki Tourer being located towards 3/4 of the way down Binnington Esplanade.  To walk from Tiki Tourer through Iluka Park, along the Sandfly Creek Walk to Bluewater Quay and back via the road is 5.5kms according to Jude’s pedometer and takes just over an hour, unless she stops for a coffee at Bridge’s Cafe!

As you stroll through Iluka Park, there is the sign above, warning about crocs.  Well, first few walks were a little daunting, with one eye out for crocs and one for snakes.  Haven’t seen any yet but the snake season we have been told is just around the corner!!!

A Handsome budget was awarded to Fiona Foley, who is amongst Australia’s most experienced art makers, to devise artwork concepts for 6 major major artworks. The monumental mangrove cap (some nine metres tall) that Foley designed sits beside the Pioneer River as you near Sandfly Creek.

Unfortunately Jude keeps forgetting to take the camera on her walks so you will have to wait until next time for more photos along the walk way. The route via road often takes her through the Queens Park pictured above, once again not our photo and it is looking a little browner at this time of the year.

From City Beach, which is across the road from where Tiki Tourer is parked you can see Hay Point in the far distance. There are always numerous ships anchored waiting to dock. The Port of Hay Point is one of the largest coal export ports in the world and is about 40kms south of MacKay.  One of the jetties is 4 kilometres long, making it the longest coal loading jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and the second largest in the world. The second jetty is only a small one, it’s 3 kilometres in length.

Our mates Mick & Jen have now moved on from MacKay and are staying at Jen’s daughters near Conway Beach, just out of Airlie Beach and have a new grandson.  Lisa and Jude decided to do a road trip and meet them for lunch at Airlie Beach. Awesome day, lots of laughs!

Well this blog has taken far too much time and there is work to be done, so we will have to leave it there.  Remember “Laugh more, live longer!”