Send an e-mail to Ron.
Back to Rons home page.
I note our last part of our travels as relayed to the group ended at Glen Innes where we did shopping, bought some
Chinese take a way and proceeded to a rest area recommended by Ian, VK2IRJ .. a popular spot about 9km north of town called
Heritage Park. Had only been there a short time and noted another (Winnebago) Alpine pull in .. turned out to be Allan and
Lillian whom we had last seen at Kununurra in the Northern Territory. Also met Brian and Sheila from WA .. Brian is also a
ham and is getting organisd to get on the air from his motorhome.
From that spot it was back into Glen Innes to pick up the Gwydir Highway east .. 154 km, with a lot of it down
through steep bendy highway, to Grafton. Had intended to stay at the Greyhound Club camp spot at Grafton .. had made some
enquiries from someone we had met and I had particuXXlarly asked if it was south of a certain "horrible" bridge we had passed
over on a previous trip .. the answer was yes, it was south .. so we could miss that bridge .. we thought!! Not to be though
.. taking the road to Grafton from South Grafton we suddenly came upon '"the bridge". Nothing to do but tackle it. Its an
old bridge, (lots of traffic as it was peak hour), narrow with high steel sides (with quite obvious marks where others had
scraped along it), but the worst aspect is there are 2 bends (maybe 30 degrees or so) in it. The last time we had travelled
it in the motorhome, I swore I would avoid it in the future, but here we were again and this time with the trailer in tow.
Anyway, we made it without damage .. one woman coming the other way on the first bend (obviously a local) kindly
hung back while we swung wide around the corner .. at the second we were just about around but an unloaded semi didn't seem
keen to wait .. must have only been inches to spare.
Needed to ask directions, but got to the Greyhound Club where our motorhome club has negotiated camping. Also, as
we noted, free viewing of the horse races next door if you get your timing organised!
Next day we headed north .. stayed 2 nights at the rest area about 28km south of Casino. Then up to Casino, did some
shopping and into motorhome village for a 7 day stay. Caught up with Brain and Shiela (mentioned above) again.
North again, via Kyogle, as far as Woodenbong rest area. Woke in the morning to a dense fog .. first fog we had
experienced for ages! Onwards, via the narrow windy road to the Qld. border and Killarney .. thence Warwick and to Allora for
the night. We had visited a number of these (including spots further north) places previously, so took the opportunity to
"check them out" again .. including overnight at some we had simply visited.
Thus, we continued northwards. Tried to contact Ken, VK4YAY via the Dalby repeater but later in the day Ken came up
on one of our HF scheds. He kindly made arrangements to drive (the next morning) up to Lawless Park were we were camped. We
had a pleasant meeting with Ken and Shiela .. they are in the process of getting a bus organised as a motorhome.
Stayed at a place west of Ban Ban Springs .. directions being given by Dale, VK4DMC. At Monto we were sorry to note
that the spot where we stayed previously close to main street is now signed "no caravan/motorhome overnight parking" ..
crazy, we think as we note numerous business houses closed down nearby! Further north through Rockhampton noting the spot
at Ramsey Creek has taken another step in the negative direction with the toilet having been removed.
Onwards, via old camp spots (Marlborough Lions Park) to Clairview where we had timed it for May Day weekend .. when
the Rocky and Mackay amateur radio clubs have an annual get together. Good to catch up with some old friends including Frank,
VK4CAU, and Hazel plus other potential travellers.
On to Sarina, our old home town, where we stayed in the Showgrounds a few nights. A couple of things to attend to
there then to Mackay where Sue had things to do. On to a favourite spot at Boulder Creek and points north once again staying
at old and new camp spots .. the last of which was a roadhouse about 20km south of Townsville. We where due to attend a
wedding the next day.
Fortunately, Wayne (Sues son) got suitable parking organised for us at Jupiter's Casino .. the weeding venue. He
kindly drove down to the roadhouse and we followed him back .. the last section near the Casino being quite "complex" .. so,
we were glad he had organised it that way. The wedding went as planned and we had the nice camp spot right beside the water
(yacht marina).
We now have a couple of weeks to fill in before Sue sees a specialist in T'ville for what is meant to be a regular
checkup .. though it's now a couple of years! Spent 2 nights at Reid River south west of T'ville, then continues on to
Ravenswood which is about 100 km south of Townsville and inland. It's an old gold mining town, but gold mining has started
again with a large open pit quite close to where we are camped here at the old showgrounds .. a popular spot with power ..
for a small fee. Woody, the caretaker, has been here a quite a number of years. There are 2 olde pubs within walking distance
and we had lunches in each.
Well, at last we are up to date with this story. I hope to not let myself get so far behind in the future.
Send an e-mail to Ron.
Back to Rons home page.