2nd November - Wuruma Dam - Eidsvold Caravan Park

Woke up early this morning and Barry managed to get a signal on his phone with it standing against the fly wire over the kitchen sink.  Up until now we haven't had a signal of any description. So it was straight onto RACV Total Care to see what they could do for us.  Max towed the Patrol out of the camp first then came back and towed our caravan out up to a spot where a flat tray truck could get into. Then he went back and brought his van out to where we waited for the RACQ. Best thing ever to have when you are traveling is Total Care (and a friend like Max with a 4WD).  They put the patrol on the flat tray then hooked the caravan up and towed us into town and the Eidsvold Council Caravan Park.  What a ride, fire on the side of the road, a fallen tree which we all had to get out of the cars and pull off the road so we could get through.  What else could possibly happen?????? I know, the trip was so rough for the caravan on the back of the truck that a bottle of wine broke in our bottom cupboard and the van now smells like a "winery"........At least we are safe in the caravan park and the parts have been ordered for the Patrol.  Hopefully if the parts arrive on Monday we may be on our way, if not we will wait here.  It is nowhere near as bad as Nundroo where Maree & Paul had to wait for parts for their "Turtle"

1st November - Elliott Beach Caravan Park - Wuruma Dam (Camp 451)

What an eventful day we have had....First we stopped at Mount Perry for morning tea under the beautiful Jacaranda trees.  Then it was onto the free camp at Wuruna Dam.  Beautiful spot.  On the way into the site we had picked we scrapped the side of the caravan on a huge rock, a little damage was done to the checker plate as well as the outside door to the toilet and the cover over the hot water heater.  All easily fixable. Then it was time for the clutch to die just as we were coming down into the spot we had picked to camp.  Not to be deterred, Max shifted our van into position and we put on a roast.  We had 6 or 7 calves feeding around the caravan and the moon was truly spectacular.  A brilliant Red. We also saw a shooting star that looked nearly close enough to touch.  What a pity we couldn't stay longer.  Max & Carol are with us also enjoying the free camp.

31st October - Elliott Beach Caravan Park

Haven't added any pictures yet of the beautiful beach and river here at Elliott Heads so here goes......picture of Carol sideways on the beach is of her demonstrating an exercise for me.....
yeah right!!!!
Beautiful walks both along the river estuary and the walking track.

26th - 31st October - Elliott Heads Caravan PArk

Have had a lovely restful stay here at Elliott Heads Caravan Park. It has been great catching up with Max & Carol and sitting and talking of an evening with a nice cool drink.  The weather has been great for most of the time, have had a couple of rainy days as well as a bit of wind, but all in all being in a singlet and getting a bit of sun has been fantastic.  Carol & I have been going for a walk  most days either along the river or the walking track.  Yesterday we went into Bundaberg for lunch at the RSL.  Then it was onto have a look at the Bundaberg Distillery and buy a few bottles of the Bundaberg Royal Liqueur which can only be bought at the Distillery.  They gave us a tasting and mine was made up as a cocktail called "Fantasy".  It was a shot of Rum, a squirt of cream and topped up with Fanta absolutely to die for......On Thursday we are heading off to Camp 451 (Wuruma Dam) with Max & Carol in tow, they were going to go down to Mooloolaba for a couple of days but have now decided to do a little free camping with us instead.

25th October - Calliope River rest Area - Elliott Heads Caravan Park

Had a really lovely free camp at Calliope River Rest Area.  It was on a part of the old Bruce Highway and the little bridge across the river is now closed. Are now heading to Elliot Heads Caravan Park for a week beside the ocean and a little rest from traveling.  Looking forward to catching up with Max & Carol and picking up my Plant Stand that was sent to their house.

24th October - Bedford Weir (Camp 327) - Calliope River Rest Area (Camp 106)

Stopped at the Blackwater International Coal Centre which incorporates some Japanese Gardens at Blackwater.  Very pretty gardens and the Centre is packed full of information and interactive displays that managed to keep us entertained for over an hour. Today our trek takes us past Bluff, Dingo & Duaringa on our way to Calliope River Rest Area. Heaps of coal trains with up to 100 carriages laden with coal, there must be an unimaginable amount of weight in each one and we have seen at least 10.  Lunch at Duaringa in a lovely little camp spot under huge Ficus trees, sprinklers going and would make a terrific "overnighter".  Still 160kms to Rockhampton and everywhere we look towards the horizon there is smoke.  Apparently there are 60 fires across QLD that are out of control according to the latest news.  We are perfectly safe as we are constantly checking where they are in relation to where we are going.  Roadworks, Roadworks, Roadworks, cannot believe the roadworks on the Bruce highway.  We only manage to go 5 kms and we are stopped to sit waiting for up to 10 minutes....This road is a disgusting death trap..... Have pulled into the free camp at Calliope River Rest Area right beside the river (see pictures) facing the river and have seen our first "ACHTUNG" Sign warning us of crocodiles.  No swimming for me here.

23rd October - Emerald - Bedford Weir (Camp 327)

Collected our mail and left Emerald for Bedford Weir.  An overnight stay tonight at a free camp right near the Blackwater Water Ski Club on the Bedford Weir.  The campsite has a Caretaker with a book swap and home made preserves as well as a garden that you can help yourself to the herbs that are growing there.  Nice quiet camp and managed a little walk down to the edge of the water for a paddle near the boat ramp. (No photos today)