DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-NINE: Final post

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-NINE: Final post

It has been a sad day for us both having to leave this amazing country. But we are both happy having been able to have such a long time here. We have got great memories and with this blog we have it all written down for us to read when we’re both old and grey.

            Thank you to all of the 3,250 (to date) who has read this blog and followed us on our excellent trip. We have had a great time and hope you have enjoyed reading about it.

Vicki and Dave 

Back to reality.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-EIGHT: Last day

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-EIGHT: Last day

It’s hard to say that 158 days ago we had our first taste of Australian sun, and today is our last full day. Tomorrow we will be flying back home, neither of us are looking forward to the long flight but neither of us can complain since it has been nearly six months as opposed to a two week trip. We rounded off the day doing what we did on our first day of walking to Ruby’s for coffee and tea.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN: Lessons in pasta making

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN: Lessons in pasta making

While we have been here my uncle has made homemade pasta from scratch, Vicki loving pasta has wanted a lesson in how to make it so this afternoon we were taught how to make it. It tastes so much better fresh.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SIX: BLOG UPDATE

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SIX:  BLOG UPDATE

I’m currently typing away updating the blog…. Arghhh finished.  

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY- FOUR: Wollongong cycle trip

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY- FOUR: Wollongong cycle trip

Today we decided to cycle to Wollongong with Tess it took over an hour to get there with a sleepy Tess. We had lunch at the popular sea side fish and chip shop whilst sunning ourselves on the bench. The cycle home took a little longer as everyone was tiring on the way back. A 20K cycle was enough exercise for one day. 

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE: Duct tape

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE: Duct tape

I’m sorry to disappoint you this is not a fifty shades of story. Vicki’s bag had been ripped on the way here and only just noticing with no time to get another we decided duct tape will suffice. The 40 minute walk to the shop around the corner ended with a picnic on the beach and we still haven’t actually taped the bag up.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO: A walk to Towradgi

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO: A walk to Towradgi 

   

Today we went on a longer walk to Towradgi beach we didn’t actually walk along the beach but on the coastal path which is a nice walk to do. Trying to enjoy our last days of the views we had to take a break as it got a little windy. The break involved a cup of tea and coffee warm us up.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-ONE: Bulli beach walk

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-ONE: Bulli beach walk

Today we went for a beach walk to Bulli the weather was glorious for a winter’s day. We stopped to get some chips and sat on the beach admiring the sea view and soaking up the last days of Australian sunshine.   

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY: Kiama and Gerringong with Whales

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY: Kiama and Gerringong with Whales

Today we went for a drive with Mark, Jane and Tess we walked around the beautiful town of Kiama and had coffee in a café. Then stopping at Gerringong we climbed the hill to see out to sea and all that we could see see see was giant tales of whales swimming in the sea sea sea.  

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-NINE: Feast

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-NINE: Feast

Today we relaxed organising luggage and washing etc. In the afternoon we visited Bellambi point to see the giant ray and puffer fish. The day winds down with a feast for all made by uncle Mark and a bottle of ACDC wine. 

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-EIGHT: San Churro

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-EIGHT: San Churro

Today we took Tess to San Churro in Wollongong it is a chocolate based café so everyone was looking forward to it. We decided to be healthy ironic I know and walk to Wollongong from Bellambi this took over an hour at least. When we arrived we decided to make a day of it so we started with hot dogs and milkshakes followed by some retail therapy. Finally arriving at San Churro we searched a fondue for two with white hot chocolates and Tess had churros with ice coffee. We realised it was getting late and it wasn’t a good idea to walk back so lovely auntie Jane came to get us. 

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-SEVEN: Closing another account

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-SEVEN: Closing another account    

We had another day of closing boring accounts but the beach walk made it more interesting.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-SIX: Closing the bank account

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-SIX: Closing the bank account

Today we had to close the bank account ready for our departure back to England. We walked to Corrimal along the coast. Then after an hour or so in the bank we were free…….

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-FIVE: Return to OZ

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-FIVE: Return to OZ

Today we travelled back to OZ both sulking as we took the final steps onto the plane, flying through the snow covered mountains as they faded into the distance we both reminisced about our time in New Zealand. 

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY- FOUR: Ice bar and glacier hot tub

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY- FOUR: Ice bar and glacier hot tub     

Today we both woke up aching and decided to have a relaxing day and in the afternoon we went to Minus Five Ice Bar for a cocktail. It was obviously very cold in there so we only stayed a short while. We had previously visited one in Oslo and it wasn’t as big however the sculptures were very impressive. In the evening we had booked to go to a private glacier hot tub. We arrived and it was luxurious you could also remove the side and roof to see the starry night.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY- THREE: Skiing/ snowboarding adventure

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY- THREE: Skiing/ snowboarding adventure

Today I was giving Vicki a ski lesson and I was continuing to learn to snowboard. We went to Treble Cone near Wanaka the drive up the mountain was a little scary. When we arrived we got kitted up and went to use the free beginner slope. We spent three hours learning and Vicki picked it up pretty quickly so we went up the ski lift to another beginner slope now known as death slope. It became evident that the slope was steep, winding and not very wide to be a beginner slope, having been on intermediate slopes in Europe. It became very difficult to get down. After a tiring descent we headed back to Queenstown.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-TWO: Souvenirs

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-TWO: Souvenirs

Today we purchased a few souvenirs obviously I can’t tell you what they are in case you’re a lucky receiver. We also hired ski equipment for tomorrows ski adventure.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-ONE: The very Blue Pools

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY-ONE: The very Blue Pools

Today we headed back to Queenstown along the way we stopped at the blue pools. The walk was pleasant crossing Indiana Jones style bridges. The glacial water pools were a lovely bright blue colour and very clear allowing you to see the trout fishes clearly.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY: Fox Glacier

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTY: Fox Glacier

Today we had a jam packed day of sights and walks to do. First we went to see the Fox Glacier. There is a short walk to the edge of the glacier were you can see the thickness of the ice. Secondly, we visited Lake Matheson where it’s famous for its spectacular views and mirror images of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. Lastly, we decided to do a dusk walk to see glow worms. To our disappointment they were very tiny but did in fact glow. 

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE: Franz Josef Glacier

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-NINE: Franz Josef Glacier

Today we had a Franz Josef glacier tour booked, both extremely excited we were kitted up by the staff and debriefed on helicopter safety. That’s right a helicopter transfer to the glacier being our first time in a helicopter we were ecstatic. The staff member had said all he hears on the journey is the theme song from Jurassic Park, so naturally this is what goes through your head whilst searching for the dinosaurs below. The helicopter ride was such a rush then we landed on the ice and climbed out. We put on our crampons and followed the guide up the glacier as he pointed out 40 metre crevasses close by, naturally one of the group idiots asked would you pull them out if they fell in. We looked at ice caves and passages cut through other crevasses. We spent about three hours on the ice taking lots of photo’s it was a really nice tour. After the return helicopter ride we headed to the Glacier Hot Pools which were part of the tour to help you wind down. There were three pools at temperatures 36, 38 and 40 degrees Celsius. This was a perfect way to relax at the end of the day.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-EIGHT: Going mobile again

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-EIGHT: Going mobile again

Today we rented a car I went on my own to the airport where I picked up our car, it was a bit of a nightmare going back and forth but I was eventually given the keys to an absolutely terrible white Nissan Sunny. I sniggered to myself because I knew I wouldn’t be returning it that colour. I drove back to our hostel where Vicki had checked out and I loaded up the car. Then we headed to Franz Josef with no GPS to guide us. After a one hour drive to Wanaka we took a wrong turn not realising. The road turned to off road tracks and it became evident that we were heading into a mountain pass. The tracks started to become dicey as we struggled through fords which appeared to be icy. The snow became abundant around us and the road started to disappear. Both panic stricken we decided it was time to turn back. This in itself was a difficult process with lots of snow and no road to help with grip. Luckily we managed it as I wouldn’t be writing this blog update. The very long detour put us two hours behind schedule. Now back on track we drove along the 6, New Zealand’s version of a motor way. The views were breathtakingly beautiful blue lake, snowy mountains and no traffic this was an adventure in itself. Unfortunately we arrived at Franz Josef in darkness so we couldn’t explore, we checked into the holiday park and fell fast asleep.     

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVEN: Queenstown Hill

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVEN: Queenstown Hill

In the welcome book in our hostel room there was a section for local walks, for the past few days Vicki has been dropping hints that she wanted to do one. We chose Queenstown hill it is 907 metres high so it towers the majority of the Lake district fells. We did it anyway hardly dressed for the occasion but it wasn’t exactly strenuous, it was an easy meandering slope to the top. At the top there are some absolutely fantastic views in every direction.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SIX: Easy day

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SIX: Easy day

It’s so cold today, far colder than we are currently used to and neither of us could really function so we didn’t we just went into Queenstown and spent the day a lot like the day we got Keith.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIVE: Bungy

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIVE: Bungy

Normally spelt bungee but not here. Vicki came with me to the bus. Whilst we were waiting there three other lads waiting all of which were looking incredibly nervous. I got chatting to them and learned they were from London, there were two Scottish girls there too. We all talked until we got there and they said ‘David, you’re first’ I was confused to why they deduced that but turns out I was the group fatty and the fatty goes first. Me being the fatty at a grand total of eighty four kilograms, which shows travellers are generally a starving bunch.

            We harnessed up, since I go climbing I understand the thin nylon straps were more than strong enough to hold my weight where as the others looked doubtful. What I did doubt the strength of was the Velcro straps around my ankles, I know all the weight is tied to my waist but it’s still a little nerve racking. Eventually were lead to the platform you’re sat down as they attach everything to you. And you’re lead to the edge, the sheer weight of the rope and metal clasps was nearly enough to drag me over the edge. The whole process is filmed so you have no option other than to jump and I must jump instantly, mental count down, 3..2..1 GO. I went the feeling of falling like that is an unbelievable feeling and all doubts quickly vanish, especially when you feel the bungy take hold and drag you against gravity.

            It’s such a fantastic feeling and best of all is I have it on DVD.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FOUR: Luge

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FOUR: Luge

We have new neighbours in the hostel, the first few nights were nice and quiet but last night was anything but, there is a group who stayed up until two in the morning which we wouldn’t mind, but they completely trashed the kitchen for us in the morning, pretty unreasonable but they didn’t seem to care in the slightest. Not to worry were going to the Luge.

Luge is something like a toboggan run only you can steer on the track and over take people. It was a fun day you had to go on the gondola which overlooked Queenstown. Once we got to the top we were blasted with ice cold winds and snow, it is a huge change from the beaches of Australia to this. We paid for five runs on the two different tracks, I promised Vicki I would stay with her during the run down the slope. But my need for speed got the better of me and I took off and left her behind, far behind. I charged around one of the corners a little too fast and one wheel left the floor and the front end dug into the floor, I thought I was going over the handle bars but fortunately I didn’t, all wheels touched the ground and I was off to do it again a few meters later.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE: Alas money

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE: Alas money

We finally have money! It’s a bit late really because we have wasted the past few days through lack of cash and worrying in case something had gone wrong during the transaction. But fortunately we have it, to celebrate we went off and booked some of our trips the first one we booked was the Nevis bungy a 134 metre drop, the highest in New Zealand. Needless to say Vicki didn’t want to do it, she wanted to watch but they wanted fifty dollars for the privilege of watching so she isn’t, which is a shame.

            Also that day we wandered around town looking in different shops and generally seeing what there is to do in the area. We went into a souvenir shop where Vicki came across a Kiwi so we bought it. We now have Keith the Kiwi and Eric the Echidna.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-TWO: Road to Milford sound

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-TWO: Road to Milford sound

Before we came to New Zealand we booked a couple trips one of which was a trip to Milford sound. However Milford sound road has been closed and there is absolutely no other access to the area without paying a lot of money to fly there, we rang the people who organised the trip and they unfortunately told us they have had to cancel the trip and refund us. Vicki is incredibly disappointed but it’s not as though the trip is ruined but it is a shame we have come so far to be stopped a matter of one hundred kilometres away. Not to worry, we have bigger things to worry about. We still haven’t got any money. I rang our bank who claimed the money had left our account. Then I rang the travel card people who denied they received the money. So I rang the bank back and wanted to cancel the transaction. So instead of that they cancelled our bank card. We now have absolutely no money because the people in the bank cancelled our card. Completely hopeless bank system.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-ONE: NZ here we come

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-ONE: NZ here we come

4AM, my alarm goes off. Not a particularly great time to be woken up but neither Vicki nor myself seemed to mind. We’re both going somewhere neither of us have been. Fortunately for us my uncle is working in Brisbane and is flying at a similar time so we managed to sponge a lift from him. Checking in was a quick process and soon enough we were off flying to New Zealand. We are both very excited about getting there but we have one small thing to worry about, the seven hundred dollars we transferred from our bank account to the travel card still hasn’t landed so we have only got the first three hundred dollars which won’t go very far especially since we have no accommodation or food or anything.

            After a short three hour flight we made it and we were both instantly cold. Not a great start to the trip being cold but I’m sure we will adapt to it. Getting to Queenstown is only a short bus ride away and from the centre of town and then an equally quick walk to our hostel.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY: Fishing

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY: Fishing

I enjoyed our trip to Lake Illawara so we went again. This time Vicki didn’t come along so it was just me and my uncle. It was quite cold because of the strong winds which in one sense made it easier for me because there weren’t as many people to get tangled up with. It was a nice day but it wasn’t very successful we didn’t catch anything. We started to give up and walk back to the car where we saw a young boy fishing, as soon as the bait went in the water he caught something so we tried near him and much to my surprise I caught a little black fish.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINE: Not long until NZ

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINE: Not long until NZ

In two days we will be off to New Zealand so we had to sort out our money. Before we went to Sydney we transferred three hundred dollars to a travel card and today we sent another seven hundred dollars onto the card to cover all of our trips. Other than that all we did was pack the bag and wash our clothes from Sydney.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHT: Coming back to Wollongong

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHT: Coming back to Wollongong

We both enjoyed yesterday but today we went to Kings Cross to have a look around, Vicki had stayed here when she last came in 2009 so went and looked for the hostle she stayed at. We think we found it, it was an absolute dump, and I wouldn’t have stayed in it personally I preferred our hotel. After stopping there we repeated the first part of yesterday to the opera house through the botanical gardens. Yesterday we walked past the Guylian chocolate shop and we both wanted to go but went to Lindt instead. This time we went in there had another hot chocolate which wasn’t quite as good but still very tasty. After there we walked down Elizabeth street to the central station and went back to my uncles.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN: Sydney

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN: Sydney

Since coming to Australia I’ve wanted to go to Sydney. When you think of Australia one of the thing that comes to mind is the opera house and harbour bridge during the New Year fireworks. Obviously we weren’t going to see the New Year fireworks it being June but the rest should look the same.

            We walked past the naval base and continued along the edge of Woolloomooloo Bay towards Mrs Macquarie’s point, as we arrived we had a fantastic view of the Opera house and the Harbour bridge. As we got closer to the side a bus rolled up and dozens of other tourists piled out and headed towards the same point we were heading for, shame we didn’t have it to ourselves for at least ten seconds but I can’t imagine that spot ever being quiet. We continued our walk up to the opera house and took countless photo’s like absolutely everybody does when they first see it. From here we wandered off towards The Rocks. Somewhere around there we came across the Lindt chocolate café and stopped for hot chocolates which were fantastic tasted like the chocolates in liquid form.

            We wandered down George street window shopping until we reached Darling harbour, we wandered around there and stopped in the Hard Rock café for lunch. After there we walked back towards the Opera house and back to the hotel.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIX: Goodbye Jucy

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIX: Goodbye Jucy

This is officially the last day with the camper van, we are both relieved to be rid of it but at the same time disappointed. We enjoyed it a lot and we both believe that it is the only way to enjoy travelling and Australia, busses aren’t as much fun.

            The final drive was to Sydney where we returned the van without any problems and we also booked a car for New Zealand. From there we caught the bus to Sydney where we are staying for the next couple days. I’ve been looking forward to coming to Sydney since we arrived. We walked form central station through Surry Hills where we came across a Mexican take out and bought a burrito each, we continued through Darlinghurst to the navy base, near that is our hotel for the next few nights. We didn’t venture out this day because by time we arrived at the hotel it was beginning to go dark. Our trip will begin tomorrow, bright and early.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE: Well… we’re trapped

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE: Well… we’re trapped

We’re both excited about New Zealand and intended on getting some travel money. This is usually a simple task in England. I usually log onto the post office website and order it with money on. Here it’s anything but simple. We drove to the post office in Coramil thinking that it would be simple, pass us a card with our money on and that’ll be it. It isn’t simple they wanted variour ID’s and proof of address. I’ve no idea how travellers normally get them since they don’t have addresses. I only had my UK driving licence which wasn’t enough. I stormed off with no intention of going back to that one. We went back got both passports and a bank invoice, we drove to the post office in Woonona for us to go through the process of setting up the account where they wanted yet another form of ID the bank statement wasn’t enough, I wasn’t happy and was going to go mad but fortunately the woman behind the counter saw my medicare card and used that as an ID. I thought of giving them a blood sample, fingerprints and hair just to make sure they would be happy but no need.

            We went back to the house to set up the card. What a nightmare! It didn’t work I tried several times it simply wouldn’t do anything, they’ve got $300 of our money and I have a card that doesn’t do anything. After a while of cursing it I rang the post office ready to give them abuse but was told the server was down so try tomorrow. That calmed me a little, I’ve been so mellow since being here but something about today had infuriated me.

            While I was doing this Vicki was trying to rearrange our flights to come home, this should be relatively simple, ring them up and ask to change it, simple. Not for us we booked with Quantas because that’s all Vicki would fly with but ended up with British airways, Quantas has now merged with Emerates which means we can’t rearrange our flight without paying a ridiculous some of money so we’re stuck here in Australia. Fortunately Vicki made a scene and we managed to have our flights changed and it only cost us a little.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR: Lake Illawarra

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FOUR: Lake Illawarra

Today Vicki my uncle and I went to Lake Illawarra to try fishing again. My last experience wasn’t great having caught a long necked turtle and an eel. This tile I was adamant I wasn’t going to catch another eel. Fortunately I didn’t and that’s because I didn’t catch a thing, the pair of us were pretty hopeless we couldn’t cast in a straight line and Vicki could hardly cast further than three meters in front of herself. We tried a few different spots, the final spot was packed with people on the bank so we had to very careful not to accidentally catch other people next to us. While we were at the last spot we saw jellyfish, hundreds of jellyfish swimming around the edge of the water, they were quite big so I could imagine it hurting if you fell in.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE: Walkies

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE: Walkies

We are getting bored of looking at flights and things to do while in New Zealand. So to relieve the boredom we went for a walk with my Auntie and Uncle we drove to Thirroul and caught the train to Womarra and walked along the beach back to the car.

            When we got back to the house we finally booked the trip, Everything is booked and ready. We’re both really excited to go but checking the weather wasn’t the best idea, it’s in the mid 20’s here but in Queenstown it’s -3 degrees C not great especially when we only have summer clothes. I’m sure we will be ok.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-TWO: So the plan is…

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-TWO: So the plan is…

We have decided not to go to Fiji, we simply don’t have enough money but what money. We would have had spent there we can invest into having an even better time in New Zealand, we spent the day deciding on how long to go for, how to get about and where to go. The time scale started at twenty five days but we wouldn’t be able to afford any trips so we agreed on two weeks. Not very long but if we are a little more active we will be able to cram loads of trips into that short amount of time.

            Vicki has planned all of it, if it wasn’t for her I’d just book a flight and completely wing it whereas she plans every single day almost to the hour, this suits me because when she does all the work I play games on my iPod.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONE: Hair cut

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONE: Hair cut

Since Janurary neither of us have had our hair cut and we were beginning to look a bit of a mess, we had looked for a hairdresser a few times on the road trip but they were all incredibly expensive. Fortunately my auntie knew of a place in Corramil which was pretty cheap, I’ve never been to a hairdresser because my mum is one so I’ve saved a small fortune over the years. We both came out with hair shorter than we would normally have but hopefully it’ll last until going home. We have priced up going to New Zealand and Fiji with the rest of our money but we would be too stretched for cash so we are just going to New Zealand but for longer.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY: Washing

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY: Washing

We are both relieved to be back when we planned, Vicki has run out of clean clothes and I was running very low. Fortunately we could wash all of our clothes, we filled three loads and completely filled the washing line but we are slowly beginning to get all our stuff sorted out.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND NINETEEN: Welcome to the 21st century

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND NINETEEN: Welcome to the 21^st century

The drive back was quiet, we were both disappointed that the trip is over but relieved that we will be enjoying a hot shower and a comfy bed.

            When we got back we were relieved to see everyone and reclaimed our room and proceeded in trying to tidy up all our stuff. 

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN: The last day

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN: The last day

Tomorrow is our drive back to Wollongong making today the end of a fantastic trip we have the van for another nine days but because of the cold nights and wet days we’re bringing it to an end tomorrow. Another reason is that we’ve run out of food and there aren’t any free camping spots on the drive past Newcastle and Sydney.

            Like the past few days it’s cool and overcast. Vicki wanted a final solar shower before going back. I would rather smell and remain warm instead of having a cold soak in swim shorts.

Our final meal is pasta, I’m pretty sick of pasta but Vicki still loves it.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN: 2 days left

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN:  2 days left

Shortly after eating the rain came and didn’t leave until twenty hours later so the day was spent in the car. It cleared up and the sun came out, we sat out for a bit but shortly after the barometer beeped yet again. Vicki thought it was broken, above us was nothing but beautiful blue skies, sure enough black skies emerged and the rain came down. The winds were strong, and the trees leaned to an unreal angle I thought they would fall down, fortunately none did.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN: Dull day

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN: Dull day

           

Having not driven in a few days we have to rely on the solar panel, when the sun is out and the skies are clear it is fine but today is dull and not likely to change. My barometer beeped threatening rain soon after the temperature dropped to about five degrees.

            Tonight’s meal is tinned chilli, it’s not particularly good but neither is it terrible, what is terrible is Vicki’s beans and cheese in a wrap.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN: Lucky dog

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN: Lucky dog

I woke up at 5.20 in the morning due to a bad dream and I hurt my neck somehow, I couldn’t get comfy again so I just lay there until Vicki woke up. At quarter past six I could hear people packing up and leaving. Bit eager.

            We didn’t do much all day, we had a pancake breakfast with our picked lemons from Ellenbrough and went for a short walk. During the walk we saw a dog tie next to one of the campers, from a distance it looked like a beige husky. We were pretty sure it wasn’t though when we got closer it was in fact a dingo. They look like something between a fox and a huskey and they have very dense fur. I was surprised you can actually buy them as pets. This one didn’t seem to just be a pet, it was their baby. The dog had three course meals none of which were actual dog food. Needless to say the dog ate better than we did.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN: Hungry

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN: Hungry

The day wasn’t interesting we just spent the day complaining about being hungry, we had only eaten wheet-bix all day. We have been eating at sunset to avoid the bugs and cold. We couldn’t wait and had dinner of homemade egg fried rice at three O’clock and we were hungry most of the night.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN: On the road again

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN: On the road again

Today was like the others, got up when we pleased had tea and coffee and packed to go to Coopernook. Coopernook was the first place we visited after leaving Wollongong so we thought it would be nice to end where we began. Before we left I had my last wash in the river.

            We left Ellenbrough and the flies behind, topped up on water and drove to Coopernook. When we arrived it was a lot quieter than our first visit, we both noticed there isn’t much sunshine because of the tall trees blocking it out. I was relieved there aren’t any big flies, Vicki on the other hand was horrified by the mosquitos. They tend to bite her and leave me alone.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWELVE: Wild thing

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWELVE: Wild thing

This is our last day in Ellenbrough. Tomorrow we move onto Coopernook. The day is dull and overcast with spots of rain, every now and again it clears in patches then closes in with clouds of rain. We both skipped the wash in the river saying we will do it tomorrow. We like it here but there has been a big issue has been flies. Not mosquito or midge but big blue bottle like flies, it’s disgusting. At any time there can be up to thirty in the van which isn’t pleasant for sleeping. It has concreted the fact I will not be going to anywhere tropical unless it’s in a five star hotel.

            There is a lemon tree near our van and I proved why we shouldn’t be fruit pickers. I grabbed the closest branch bent it as far as it would go without breaking and picking four yellow green lumpy things that could only be identified as a lemon by its smell. Their for my pancake breakfast in Coopernook.

            Between pottering around from inside to the outside of the van I caught my reflection in the tinted windows of the van. Since leaving civilisation of Wollongong I’ve not really taken notice of my reflection but today, my hair, so bushy and curly. If I back combed it, it would almost look like an afro. It looked wild like Jack Nicolson off The Shining when he went mad. According to Vicki I looked like him to when I was swatting flies.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN: Water

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN: Water

For the past week in Ellenbrough we have managed to survive on our own supply of water but finally we’ve run out. We have been told there is a water tap at the local play area. People gave us half cooked directions which didn’t involve using the words left and right, they used ‘this way’ and ‘that way’ eventually after a while we somehow managed to find it. We filled up and returned.

            The ‘politicians’ had left today too which was a relief to us. They are an elderly couple who had an opinion on absolutely everything and only their opinion was the correct one. No matter what happens in the world, according to them Australia suffered in worse ways. It amused us for a while but it did begin to get annoying when it was the same two topics over and over again. 

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TEN: Cold as ice, hot as fire

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TEN: Cold as ice, hot as fire

If the skies are clear it gets cold at night but as soon as the sun emerges from the hills around us the van almost immediately gets hot. The day was a lot like the others, pottering around, washing in the river. Vicki decided she would prefer a solar shower. It was marginally warmer than the river but I’m sure I had the better rinse.

            Because we didn’t bother with the fire tonight because of the smell we had to be in the van for sunset, which is about five in the evening. The evening was spent listening to an audiobook.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND NINE: Let it shine!

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND NINE: Let it shine!

At last, SUN! The last two days contained in that pokey van was driving us mad. We thought if it continued we would simply go back to Wollongong and go on day trips instead of stopping over. The weather here is so strange, heavy rain one day, glorious the next. At least at home it’s consistently bad weather.

            Although we left the van we never ventured far from it except to wash in the river. The evening went cold because of the clear skies.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT: Wet Wet Wet

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT: Wet Wet Wet

Rain all day. Rain in Australia, no wonder it’s so green here. It rained all day long so we didn’t leave the van except to go the loo. It was boring but we found entertainment in playing noughts and crosses on the steamed up windows, cards and listening to audiobooks.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN: Washing is a bad idea

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN: Washing is a bad idea

It’s raining and miserable so since we would be getting wet anyway we went for a wash, it was cold like last time but because it was overcast we couldn’t warm up. We were sat in the van with the engine running, heating blasting and blankets wrapped around us, pretty terrible day.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SIX: The mission

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND SIX: The mission

It has been overcast and looks as though it’s going to rain. After yesterday’s fire we decided to make another one. We went in search of logs and came across two huge ones. Vicki wanted to set fire to them at eleven in the morning and her mission was to burn absolutely everything, which she managed by seven in the evening.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE: Cold plunge

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE: Cold plunge

It was another cold night but the day was hot again. It’s a strange feeling being so cold then almost immediately hot as the sun burns through the cloud.

            We collected some fire wood for tonight and stacked it up around last nights semi chared log. Vicki wanted a solar shower but I thought the river would have offered a better wash and we save a bit of water. The water was incredibly cold, I jumped into waste depth, Vicki ankle deep. As cold as it was it was a bath with the best view ever, we quickly washed down with my travel soap and got out. Once we got out the sun dried us off and warmed us up.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR: Cold night, hot day

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR: Cold night, hot day

At about seven O’clock this morning it was five degrees by noon it is twenty three degrees. The cold nights are difficult so we went off and collected some wood to build a fire. The plan is to build the fire near the van and hopefully it’ll give us a few degrees of heat.

            It didn’t work. We had a fire but the dry sticks burned up so quickly they didn’t last long. We threw a big long onto it, it caught fire but only a few hours later when we were in the van.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THREE: Ellenbrough

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND THREE: Ellenbrough

The drive today is a long one, it takes us from Byron Bay to Ellenbrough near port Macquarie. It was a long drive and by time we arrived it was getting dark, we made dinner and settled into another cold night.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWO: Stock up

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND TWO: Stock up

Today was equally uninteresting; we stocked up on food and did our washing. During the shop we came across fleece blankets, I couldn’t believe it but we bought a couple, hoping it would help during the nights.

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND ONE: Retreat to the coast

DAY ONE HUNDRED AND ONE: Retreat to the coast

The night was the same as last nights, cold. As nice as the area was we would have been ill if we stayed, so we headed to the coast. Byron bay is the closest so we headed there, we wanted to go there anyway just in a few weeks. As we drove there we could feel the temperature change. When we arrived we looked silly in our jeans and jackets while everyone had shorts and t-shirts. We didn’t intend on doing anything except internet all day so that’s exactly what we did.

DAY ONE HUNDRED: 100!!!!

DAY ONE HUNDRED: 100!!!!

One hundred days, well we’ve lasted longer than some people thought. Today is cold we knew it was winter but we weren’t expecting this. I had a solar shower and regretted it. Today was the first time on our trip where I’ve had to wear long pants, socks and a jacket. But we are both relieved it is dry.

            Tooloom falls is the first new spot we’ve been to on our drive south and our first stop back in New South Wales. We crossed the border last night, there was no sign welcoming us but we knew because there was a speed camera greeting us.

            It’s a nice spot, a lot like Coopernook but colder. We went for a walk and looked for echidna but had no luck.

DAY NINETY-NINE: Eight hours later

DAY NINETY-NINE: Eight hours later

Last night was bitterly cold, so cold we could see our breath. The morning was the same until about nine when the sun burned away the clouds. We left Gympie and headed inland to Obi Obi creek, when we arrived there was a toilet block that had blown over and nothing much else. We left. We’ve not had much luck with the new camp spots we must have struck gold along our way north. We programmed the satnav to the next one. We followed it to a road with a sign ‘Unsuitable for caravans’ “well this isn’t a caravan it’s a campervan” I assured Vicki who was unsure about continuing along this road. I wish I had listened, the road at Maleny national park, Kidman creek is a full blown off road track only really suitable for large 4x4’s. The road was too narrow to turn around so we had no choice, we bounced and rattle from rock to rock never leaving L gear through lack of power. Eventually we made it back onto tarmac and continued to Laidley showground.

            Upon arrival the sign said no trespassing so we had to move on. I had been driving for five hours so Vicki took over for the remaining three. The sat nav took her off road too but not as severe. Along her drive the sun was beginning to set which meant creatures like Kangaroo will be active. We actually saw kangaroo by the roadside grazing. Looking at the map Mt Lindsey highway shouldn’t have taken long to drive but it took ages the road was steeper than llamberis pass and had more twists and turns than snake pass, there was no wonder there were cars littering the steep drops into the valley.

            By time we arrived at Tooloom falls it was cold and dark so cold we hardly slept through shivering.

DAY NINETY-EIGHT: Nice to be Chauffeured

DAY NINETY-EIGHT: Nice to be Chauffeured

Since St Lawrence Vicki has driven which has been good since I get to fidget about in the car and daydream out of the windows.

            It rained last night none stop which could be a sign of things to come. It rained on our way north to Apple tree creek and now it’s raining along our way back. Our drive has taken us back to Gympie like our way north. We discussed going to rainbow beach and Frasier island but we worked out it would cost over $400 for two days which is too much so we’re unfortunately skipping it with the intention of new Zealand and some trips there.

            Last time we were here it rained, this time we were treated in exactly the same way, the clouds came over and Vicki retreated back to the van with everything smug she had beaten the rain, except she forgot one vital thing, the sunroof was open. The rain poured in and soaked the bedding except for a small rectangle where my laptop was sitting. It’s had a bath before now and I’m sure this isn’t its last.

DAY NINETY-SEVEN: Boynadale, Gin Gin?

DAY NINETY-SEVEN: Boynadale, Gin Gin?

Today is one of those days where nothing went to plan. We packed up all our stuff and headed off. Our plan was to go to Boynadale bush camp but it is only 40KM away which is too close, so we moved onto our following days stop Gin Gin nature reserve. Every time we mention Gin Gin to other travellers they always speak highly of it. It must have been a different stop, the one we arrived at was scruffy with overflowing bins. We made lunch and left to Apple tree creek. We are about five days ahead of what we had planned and we haven’t stayed anywhere new.

            The Clint Eastwood marathon continued with The good The bad and The ugly. I was happily watching it until about an hour and a half into it, it cut off. There must have been a problem when I ripped it to the computer.

DAY NINETY-SIX: Back at Callopie

DAY NINETY-SIX: Back at Callopie

Each night we watch a movie on the laptop, for a while it has been a Harry Potter marathon which felt like slow torture for myself but Vicki loves it. Fortunately last night was the last one so tonight I’m starting my marathon of Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns, hopefully she will experience the same boredom as I have for the past eight nights.

            We went for a short walk and watched people fishing by the river. It probably isn’t the safest place considering there is a sign warning people of crocodiles inhabiting the area.

             I think Vicki and myself are becoming Koala’s, we spend a lot of the time dosing and when we’re not doing that we’re eating.

DAY NINETY-FIVE: Goodbye St Lawrence

DAY NINETY-FIVE: Goodbye St Lawrence

I had a nice easy day today, Vicki took the wheel and drove us to our next stop, Callopie. We stayed there on our way north. There isn’t much just some land next to the river. Our days would probably be more entertaining if either of us knew how to fish since every camp site we’ve come across has been near a river.

            Along the way we stopped at Stockland shopping centre in Rockhampton for food. In there, in one corner there was WIFI, we must have spent an hour there catching up on e-mails, messages and other things. Mostly Vicki as no one messaged me except my dad with a photo of him eating steak, I can’t wait for my pasta tonight.

DAY NINETY-FOUR: Day 6

DAY NINETY-FOUR: Day 6

Our last day of water and showers so Vicki made the most of it and hand washed the bed sheets. We met another couple who were very nice and they told us about other free camp sites along our route, eventually we got onto the topic of electricity, I showed them my mini solar panel, they didn’t want the big ones you usually see they only need it for their iPad. They have been going into town and asking if they could plug things in.

DAY NINETY-THREE: Day 5

DAY NINETY-THREE: Day 5

Another unproductive day, we did bugger all. All we did was graze on our food and chat to others in caravans and campers. In the evening we got chatting to a man called Wally, he has lived in his camper for four years, we had a few beers as he told us he is a part of the Illawarra solo’s. A club of travellers who are on their own.

DAY NINETY-TWO: Heat wave in the UK!

DAY NINETY-TWO: Heat wave in the UK!

We thought it would be nice to drive to St Lawrence today. We weren’t sure how far it was or what it would look like. I imagined a small village that reflected the rest area, nice and tidy.

            The drive was latterly around the corner and the village itself looked like a set of a Clint Eastwood western, we left almost immediately. We returned to our spot and decided to go for a walk.

            There is a short walk across the wetlands, so off we went with the camera. We didn't see much but during the time I found settings on my camera I didn't know I had. The afternoon was spent playing with the new found functions.

            Back at the van I made a new friend out of one of the men on the campsite. We chatted for a while and he told us that on the Australian news there was a report that the UK was having a heat wave, the last we knew there were blizzards, now a heat wave, he told us it was 21 degrees C, I laughed at this knowing it was 26 degrees C in our van and that was in the shade. The 'freezing' water in Babinda was 22 degrees C. I've no idea how we're going to cope when we go home.