Day 12: Wednesday 3rd August, Maxi Ragamuffin The day I'd been waiting for, Sailing in the Whitsunday Islands. We got up at 7:00 to get ready to catch the bus to Shute harbour. We went up to the front of the caravan park and waited for the bus. At a bus stop across the road there were school kids waiting for the school bus. Felt sorry cause they had to go to school and I was going sailing. Two other people from our park came up to wait as well. Then a coach pulled up to pick us up and we hopped on board. We made a few stops to pick up some more tourists that were to sail with us. Then we got down to Shute Harbour where the vessel was waiting for us. The ... read more

It was time to leave Carnarvon Gorge. In essence this was our first major milestone to get to on our big trip – we had wanted to visit this place since we first heard about it 18 months ago. And it was worth the effort. As we drove down the dusty track, we spied a family of emus in the grass. Makes me wonder whether we’ll see both emus and kangaroos in the same location – call it a coat of arms moment! Lush farm land sits happily alongside the barren scrub brush of central Queensland. Emerald is an oasis – a city in the middle of farmlands. Behind the information centre stands the world’s largest painting on an easel – Van Gogh’s 'Sunflowers'. This painting sits on a easel 75 metres tall. (I would ask ... read more

Alas I’ve become a caravanner. There seems to be this amazing code that passes between those of this ilk. As you pass a caravan travelling in the opposite direction, a polite wave, or raising of the fingers from the steering wheel occurs. When in a caravan park, it is almost expected to offer comment on the other caravanner’s rig. Helping a fellow caravanner in levelling the van is ok, as long as you’re not intrusive. Sharing stories as to where you’re from, where you’ve been, and what the highlights are is an expectation. Privacy is a luxury afforded when you hide inside the hovel of your snail’s home. Otherwise, you’re fair game for a bit of conversation. And always point out the must dos of the area. Most of all smile, because life has become one ... read more

Roma is an interesting place. You always hear that there’s a two speed economy with the Mining sector, and associated towns growing at a faster rate than the rest of the economy, but today I saw some of what that meant. Roma Airport was filled with white utes with red flags on them – probably 200 or so – all ready to collect miners from the airport, and drive directly to the surrounding coal mines. Every Motel in town was fully booked, as were all the cabins in the caravan parks. Most of these motels and cabins were accompanied by white utes with red flags or white 4wds. Locals told us that they were busiest from Monday to Thursday when the majority of the shift workers flew or drove in. Many miners, and tourists are being ... read more

Today was a bit of a late start. A great day to eat pancakes to celebrate the beginning of the journey. We headed out of Tamworth with the good intentions of making it to St George. Alas, the slow driving and late start meant a change of plans. Whichever way we travelled, we were getting to Queensland. There is something special about getting into your caravan and then making your own lunch. We chose a quiet spot by the river in Narrabri. A great way to relax somewhat while travelling. Each day doesn’t complete without it’s glitches. Today’s glitch was the hitch. Yes, the weight distribution hitch that I installed was not travelling well, and didn’t really do what it was supposed to. In fact, many of it’s parts had worked themselves loose. The worst of ... read more