Dust Storm

BURLEIGH BEACH Yesterday was amazing along the east coast of Australia with a dust storm; the dust came from central Australia and today is heading for New Zealand. There will be some busy people today cleaning. Funny thing was there were still people on the beach and swimming, must of felt like they were being sand blasted.

The last week has just flown by with me staying over at Mum's, she is doing really well and starting to do some things for herself, so all is good.

Back on the Coast, round the corner at Burleigh

BURLEIGH BEACH early morning with Surfers Paradise in the background. Arrived here on Sunday and have been spending time with Mum and Dad and keeping Mum busy. She had her operation yesterday and all went very well. Afterwards she described herself as a 'tough old bird', she sure is good for 87. Thank you for your kind thoughts, it has been much appreciated, we will catch up in the near future.

Last day on the Sunshine Coast

HINTERLAND from the lookout at Mt Tinbeerwah where you have 360 degree views. On the way back down from the lookout Paul took a step back as a thin snake slithered back into the undergrowth. We called into the Eumundi markets to stock up on some relish and they were packed, in the past we have visited on a Wednesday when it isn't as hectic and easier to get around.
TEA TREE BAY, Noosa National Park. Yesterday we had a walk around some of the bays from Noosa, it was incredibly busy due to it being the local show day. We then went down to Coolum Beach where we used to stay and lot's of changes there in the last year with a large block of shops on the main road demolished and new ones well under way due for completion December this year.

Fellow Caravanners

Last night we caught up with Don and Barbara who live at Mooloolaba. We met them back in May at Wilpena Pound in South Australia. After that we were on the same trail right through to Darwin in July so we had a lot of fun when together. NOOSA BEACH from the spit. It was a lovely day again yesterday and a few bods in swimming, a bit cool for us after North Queensland.

Made it to the Sunshine Coast

TEWANTIN RSL Today Paul did just over 400km's and we have made it to here; Tewantin which is the northern part of the Sunshine Coast. We are booked in at Burleigh from Sunday. Paul and I were able to catch up with Sara and Pauline, Pauline employed me at Land and Deeds in Christchurch back in 1975. We usually catch up in September on the Sunshine Coast when they holiday here, an unexpected meeting and great to see each other under the circumstances. GYMPIE AREA Lovely rolling country after all the cane etc. Along the way today there was still some cane along with mango's, mandarins and of course cattle. Have found last night and tonight very cool, not used to the cool nights after being in the tropical top half for so long, have had to get the woollen blanket and heater out, brrr.

Just over 400km's closer

FITZROY RIVER Queensland's largest river runs through Rockhampton. We have made our way to Benaraby just south of Gladstone. A nice easy drive, the cane fields have disappeared and mainly cattle country and surprisingly dry. ROCKHAMPTON Quote from Lonely Planet Australia book - "There are more than 2 million cows within a 250km radius of the city - and believe us their shit smells". Can't say we experienced that driving along the Bruce Highway, but had to chuckle at the comment.
ROAD SIGN along the Bruce Highway.

Another 300km's down the track

SUGAR CANE Today we have made it through to Sarina, just south of Mackay. Been a good drive through sugar cane country and around Bowen there was of course a lot of mango's and surprisingly tomato's and what appeared to be capsicum and coffee. In the Mackay area we are back into cattle country.
CANE TRAIN, Sarina

500km's down the track

HINCHINBROOK PASSAGE Had a big day on the road, did 500km's pulling up at Ayr for the night, luckily we have a drive through site so will have a quick getaway in the morning. Will do a shorter day tomorrow and aim for Mackay which is just over 300km's down the road. Called into Townsville and had a drive along "The Strand" unfortunately we couldn't get a park, the view was lovely looking across to Magnetic Island.
CARDWELL BEACH one of the few spots along the highway where you are next to the Coast.
WALSH PYRAMID, just south of Cairns.

The Past Week

BROADWATER, SOUTHPORT I flew home to the Gold Coast with Dad as Mum had an appointment that I wanted to attend with her. Subsequently we will be returning home as Mum is due to have an operation on the 16th. We will head off from Port Douglas tomorrow and will be home next Sunday. Sure to be some nice coastal photos along the 1843 km's, so will keep you posted.