Nothing much happened yesterday – 13th April. On the road at 8.00 am with a long drive of 480 kms ahead of us. The same good roads and light traffic as we slowly cleared the Queensland-inspired rain showers. By the afternoon it was actually dry.
With not much else to do, the visitors while away the hours commenting on the tautology of Australian roadsigns and names.
- Cold Stream River – ‘Well, it probably isn’t cold, and its obviously bigger than a stream, but why bother?’
- Avenue Road – ‘Make your mind up!’
- On the breakfast menu; Belgian waffles – ‘I thought that was Hercule Poirot…’
- Hot Tackle – ‘Mine’s a bit hot too, but I don’t advertise it!’
But there is a bit of signage blind-spot in there, too. On our route to Stewart and Lloyd’s campground, which requires a ferry crossing, the lead vehicle sailed blithely past the sign that said ‘Ferry Out of Service’. Only the sharp eyes of the trailing vehicle and a quick radio call averted what would have been a tedious rerouting.
We arrive at the campground at about 4.30 pm. Set on the edge of half a kilometre of huge dunes that tower above it and run to the beach, it’s shady, dry, and sand-free. There is no wind for a change.
What there is, is music. The small campsite reverberates to the sound of site number 6’s ghetto blaster. James starts planning a fighting patrol.
Our sites are spacious with a dry leaf floor (these things become tremendously important when you’re camping!). There are the usual warning signs about wildlife and things likely to cause your untimely death.
Now unconcerned, we set up what is the ‘Directing Staff’ solution to a two Land Rover camp.
Then the Dingoes come. First a recce patrol that arrives at James’s swag. Circling,… sniffing… We know they’ve taken a child up on Queensland’s Islands. Should we sleep on the roof tonight?
Later, it returns, with its mates.
Three, as curious to try Guy’s Spaghetti Bolognese as we are.
But ultimately, they are harmless. One sleeps peacefully in the grass about five metres from John’s swag.
Another guards the long drop from the prone unsupported position.
Daybreak. Breakfast at Tea Gardens, overlooking the jetty and Pelicans, and we’re on our way again.
We are also on our way to even greater support of our chosen charities. Thanks to what you’ve contributed, Gofundme has set us a new stretch target of $16,000! It’s fantastic that you’ve enabled us to do that, so please, do go on sharing the link and story so that others might get the chance to help.
Is James now convinced that our fauna is not inflatable and only trotted out for tourist viewing!!!!!
LINGUSTIC ANOMALIES?
Wait till the chaps see signs saying “Great Sandy Desert!”
Yes it is great (vast, wonderful); yes it is sandy (well mostly); desert (not really).
There are lots of things living there. Small things, both vegetable and animal – not all of which will want to bite or sting you. 🤣
James;
Age effects various people in various ways
Did you consult a psychologist before you left ?
Barry