Blogs from Townsville, Queensland, Australia, Oceania - page 24

Unexpected change in the weather, overcast and a bit cooler today. Paul again got up very early and played golf while Lois slept in. Good way to start the day. Went and looked at the Barra Fishing Farm and bought some Redclaw Crayfish for dinner and then went to the Casino and made a donation. ... read more

An out and about touring day. Went to Paluma Range National Park about 60 Km north of Townsville to Little Crystal Creek then to Balgal Beach near Rollingstone for lunch. Visited a couple of other beaches before coming back to town and visiting one of the botanic gardens. --- ... read more

Have decided to stay here at least a week so just drove around and oriented ourselves to the suburbs, looked around a shopping centre, refilled gas cylinder, etc.... read more

S 8. Two brush stone curlew on vacant lot in the DAY unusual. Back to babinda where veg stand had tree with huge brown reproduction happening. Innisfail for the free Triple J drugs-free concert. The fairest day in Gaia's firmament. The band tuned up. All quiet 13:30. Vocals and bass notes. A tent and a table and you're in it. Bob's your uncle. Carpets, an instant fence pounded stake sound. Music intending, crowd foretold. BAND MERCH HERE sign says it all. Yet the whole event volunteers donating to charity. Along with faith and hope seems to be a good rule of thumb. Hot dogs and hormones, the anticipation was greater than the reality, I got bored and left. Sunset shining shower stop south of town. On to Tully for $8 lamb mash veg. You still get ... read more

Wed 15. Early ferry to Hamilton Island. Slow start but covered ferry fare and more. Met Hamish from Ngak Ngak. They've been flying it faithfully since race week last year. July 16. Last race of series and immediate departure. Went out and popped kite for run to Glouster passage and anchorage for night. Dolphin clicking. We had won the regatta!!! July 17. Sunrise up anchor, set kite north, north. Whales, dolphins, rare seabird like gannet - black, white breast and underwing, 'blue beak' Dave. Capes Upstart and Bowling Green. Past coal freighters at anchor. Jibes of kite. Chinese jibe, snapping boom preventer. Dragged in spin. Then under jib down down in 20 to 27 knots. Set next kite past shallows off sandy spit. Salamander rocks, Cape Cleveland and in to Townsville night. July 18. Cleaned boat. ... read more