Day 78 - Sunday 8th August 2021 – Yeppoon
As we were in bed early last night, we were up early today, and on the road by 8am. We revisited the local wetlands and saw some black swans and their kids. It was a long shot so the photo is a bit blurry.
It was just over 200 km to Yeppoon and an uneventful drive with little to see or stop at on the way. We did not even find a coffee shop for morning tea - so the thermos came to the fore.
We gradually left the sugar-cane region and saw a different type of landscape - some good, some not so good.
Camp was established before lunch, and not much happened after lunch. We are 175 steps from the amenities, so stay tuned for an update on that one. The sun is out, there is a clear sky, but a cool breeze.
We noticed the news reports today that Cairns is in COVID lockdown so we are nearly surrounded - but we are OK.
Happy Hour was a happy affair with some great drinks. As it got cooler we all headed into our respective caravans and cooked dinner.
As we were in bed early last night, we were up early today, and on the road by 8am. We revisited the local wetlands and saw some black swans and their kids. It was a long shot so the photo is a bit blurry.
It was just over 200 km to Yeppoon and an uneventful drive with little to see or stop at on the way. We did not even find a coffee shop for morning tea - so the thermos came to the fore.
We gradually left the sugar-cane region and saw a different type of landscape - some good, some not so good.
Camp was established before lunch, and not much happened after lunch. We are 175 steps from the amenities, so stay tuned for an update on that one. The sun is out, there is a clear sky, but a cool breeze.
We noticed the news reports today that Cairns is in COVID lockdown so we are nearly surrounded - but we are OK.
Happy Hour was a happy affair with some great drinks. As it got cooler we all headed into our respective caravans and cooked dinner.
Day 79 - Monday 9th August 2021 – Yeppoon
I was undecided about a sleep in or a beach-sunrise photo. A peek out of the window to see the pink sky made the decision easy. Ten minutes later I was dressed and on the beach. The effort was worth it.
Yeppoon Day 1 Sunrise - At low tide
By the time I had returned to camp, showered and dressed again, the sun had moved behind the clouds. However it was still warm enough to have breakfast outside.
The sun soon reappeared and the temperature rose. We had a visit from one of the local resident emus.
Ernie the Emu
Shirley and I gave the Mastercard a severe bruising at Woolworths - our first decent shop for some time. We also bought diesel, our first for 950 km.
The afternoon was slow and easy and we bypassed Happy Hour in preference for a ZOOM chat with a friend. Dinner was roast chicken.
I completed the census form online, and was disappointed that it does not really accommodate people who are away in a caravan or a tent, as in "how many bedrooms does the accommodation have?".
I was undecided about a sleep in or a beach-sunrise photo. A peek out of the window to see the pink sky made the decision easy. Ten minutes later I was dressed and on the beach. The effort was worth it.
Yeppoon Day 1 Sunrise - At low tide
By the time I had returned to camp, showered and dressed again, the sun had moved behind the clouds. However it was still warm enough to have breakfast outside.
The sun soon reappeared and the temperature rose. We had a visit from one of the local resident emus.
Ernie the Emu
Shirley and I gave the Mastercard a severe bruising at Woolworths - our first decent shop for some time. We also bought diesel, our first for 950 km.
The afternoon was slow and easy and we bypassed Happy Hour in preference for a ZOOM chat with a friend. Dinner was roast chicken.
I completed the census form online, and was disappointed that it does not really accommodate people who are away in a caravan or a tent, as in "how many bedrooms does the accommodation have?".
Day 80 - Tuesday 10th August 2021 – Yeppoon
‘Beautiful one day, perfect the next’
‘Beautiful one day, perfect the next’
Something went wrong soon after midnight as the rain started. Queensland's popular motto was in remission. The rain continued and continued. It only eased at the right time to head to the amenities. However it always restarted before the walk back to the caravan - so the umbrella was employed.
Shirley and I are philosophical about rain when away in the caravan - as it is always needed somewhere - so we got on with our lives and planned the day. We pictured coffee, food and relaxation.
Anyway we headed into town, after morning coffee, and did essential things like haircut, battery in watch, fight with Telstra and (of course) window shopping. The following photo shows what the weather was like............
We had lunch and I cooked some date biscuits. Happy Hour was in Kay & Darryl's annex due to the strong winds. Dinner was roast turkey.
Something went wrong soon after midnight as the rain started. Queensland's popular motto was in remission. The rain continued and continued. It only eased at the right time to head to the amenities. However it always restarted before the walk back to the caravan - so the umbrella was employed.
Shirley and I are philosophical about rain when away in the caravan - as it is always needed somewhere - so we got on with our lives and planned the day. We pictured coffee, food and relaxation.
Anyway we headed into town, after morning coffee, and did essential things like haircut, battery in watch, fight with Telstra and (of course) window shopping. The following photo shows what the weather was like............
We had lunch and I cooked some date biscuits. Happy Hour was in Kay & Darryl's annex due to the strong winds. Dinner was roast turkey.
Day 81 - Wednesday 11th August 2021 – Yeppoon
The strong winds continued, but the sun was out and the washing was on the line by 8am. Shirley appeared at 8:45 am.
After a slow start and relocation of the washing (out of the rain) we headed into town for a stroll around Yeppoon. Our focus was the foreshore and the street art. Both were excellent.
Above: Wall plaques made by local artists and school childrenBelow: Street art
Above: Man-made lagoon overlooking the oceanBelow: "The Keppel Kraken" - Water fun for kids
The afternoon was a time for reading and sudoku.
Happy Hour came and went, as did more wind and rain, and the left over roast turkey.
The strong winds continued, but the sun was out and the washing was on the line by 8am. Shirley appeared at 8:45 am.
After a slow start and relocation of the washing (out of the rain) we headed into town for a stroll around Yeppoon. Our focus was the foreshore and the street art. Both were excellent.
Above: Wall plaques made by local artists and school children
Below: Street art
Above: Man-made lagoon overlooking the ocean
Below: "The Keppel Kraken" - Water fun for kids
The afternoon was a time for reading and sudoku.
Happy Hour came and went, as did more wind and rain, and the left over roast turkey.
Day 82 - Thursday 12th August 2021 – Yeppoon
The day started sunny without wind. After a brief period when the winds and clouds returned, the clear skies returned to allow us a walk to "Bluff Point". It was a short drive for Shirley, Darryl, David and myself, then a medium-effort 3 km walk to the top of Bluff Point and the views north and south.
Above: Looking south from Bluff Point. Note our caravan park (circled).Below: Looking north from Bluff Point. Note Yeppoon township far left.
It was then time for lunch, sudoku and book reading. Around mid-afternoon Shirley, Bev, David and I drove the few km to Emu Park and checked out the 'Singing Ship' (a memorial to James Cook) and the local war memorial.
The local coffee shops were closed so we headed back to camp. Happy Hour was as normal.
The day started sunny without wind. After a brief period when the winds and clouds returned, the clear skies returned to allow us a walk to "Bluff Point". It was a short drive for Shirley, Darryl, David and myself, then a medium-effort 3 km walk to the top of Bluff Point and the views north and south.
Above: Looking south from Bluff Point. Note our caravan park (circled).
Below: Looking north from Bluff Point. Note Yeppoon township far left.
It was then time for lunch, sudoku and book reading. Around mid-afternoon Shirley, Bev, David and I drove the few km to Emu Park and checked out the 'Singing Ship' (a memorial to James Cook) and the local war memorial.
The local coffee shops were closed so we headed back to camp. Happy Hour was as normal.
Day 83 - Friday 13th August 2021 – Yeppoon
Hopefully Friday the 13th is a good omen not bad. It started poorly when I went to the beach, at 6:15 am, for a sunrise photo. The clouds dominated the sky, but a 4 km walk was a great way to start the day.
After a slow start and some discussion we all agreed that we should go out for lunch. The "Spinnaker" restaurant at the local 'sailing' club was our choice. The food was superb.
It was a slow afternoon - some reading, some snoozing - before a quiet Happy Hour and a snack for dinner.
Hopefully Friday the 13th is a good omen not bad. It started poorly when I went to the beach, at 6:15 am, for a sunrise photo. The clouds dominated the sky, but a 4 km walk was a great way to start the day.
After a slow start and some discussion we all agreed that we should go out for lunch. The "Spinnaker" restaurant at the local 'sailing' club was our choice. The food was superb.
It was a slow afternoon - some reading, some snoozing - before a quiet Happy Hour and a snack for dinner.
Day 84 - Saturday 14th August 2021 – Yeppoon
The lure of a warm bed was stronger than a sunrise walk on the beach, so I missed the best start of the day since we arrived in Yeppoon. There was no cloud or wind as we ate an egg on toast outside for breakfast - cooked on the BBQ.
We soon headed off to the Saturday Fruit n Vegy market as it closes at 10am. It was not very big but there was plenty of fresh & cheap fruit & vegies. It was worth the visit.
After morning coffee Shirley, Bev, David and I went for a 3.5 km walk along our local beach. Although overcast and windy it was good exercise.
The lure of a warm bed was stronger than a sunrise walk on the beach, so I missed the best start of the day since we arrived in Yeppoon. There was no cloud or wind as we ate an egg on toast outside for breakfast - cooked on the BBQ.
We soon headed off to the Saturday Fruit n Vegy market as it closes at 10am. It was not very big but there was plenty of fresh & cheap fruit & vegies. It was worth the visit.
After morning coffee Shirley, Bev, David and I went for a 3.5 km walk along our local beach. Although overcast and windy it was good exercise.
Happy Hour and dinner occurred on schedule.
Happy Hour and dinner occurred on schedule.
Day 85 - Sunday 15th August 2021 – Yeppoon
The start of our 13th week away started with a good shower of rain. However, it soon cleared and allowed us to check out the monthly Emu Park market. It was an excellent market with lots of food and other goodies. We stocked up on things that were required, like a pineapple for $1.20 (yes $1.20). Maybe also a coffee and some home-cooked biscuits.
We chatted to some friendly locals and generally had a good time.
We drove 25 km south to 'Keppel Sands' which could easily be described as 'sleepy hollow with a superb beach'. People do not drive through Keppel Sands on their way to somewhere else - as there is nowhere else to go.
The town is clean and gives you an impression that the locals care about their town.
Keppel Sands Beach
A walk on the beach produced another collection of shells. The pole-based art work was excellent, as well as lots of art on walls.
A sample of the pole art
The Savoy cinema reminded us of days long gone.
Keppel Sands cinema
We went looking for the Joskeleigh South Sea Islander Museum. We found it but it was closed. We were amused by the sign on the gate of a neighbouring property which read:
"No trespassing. I have firearms and a backhoe."
Every time we drive into Yeppoon we see the following view when nearly back to our camp. I never get sick of it.
Rest, Happy Hour, dinner - it all happened as usual.
The start of our 13th week away started with a good shower of rain. However, it soon cleared and allowed us to check out the monthly Emu Park market. It was an excellent market with lots of food and other goodies. We stocked up on things that were required, like a pineapple for $1.20 (yes $1.20). Maybe also a coffee and some home-cooked biscuits.
We chatted to some friendly locals and generally had a good time.
We drove 25 km south to 'Keppel Sands' which could easily be described as 'sleepy hollow with a superb beach'. People do not drive through Keppel Sands on their way to somewhere else - as there is nowhere else to go.
The town is clean and gives you an impression that the locals care about their town.
Keppel Sands Beach
A sample of the pole art
Keppel Sands cinema
We went looking for the Joskeleigh South Sea Islander Museum. We found it but it was closed. We were amused by the sign on the gate of a neighbouring property which read:
Rest, Happy Hour, dinner - it all happened as usual.
Day 86 - Monday 16th August 2021 – Yeppoon
This morning the sunrise photo and beach walk involved the car, with a short drive to Rosslyn Bay. There was a coffee van with a queue at 6:30 am. Their was no wind and the only cloud to be seen was protecting the sun.
The beach was deserted except for two people and two dogs - and me.
Sunrise at Rosslyn Bay
The washing was on the line by 8am.
It was mutually agreed that today was 'mango smoothie' day, so off to Rosslyn Bay Marina we all went. The smoothie and the views were great.
Mango smoothie by six
Shirley and I headed back to camp for lunch and were entertained by the skink in the photo below. The orange power cord and the black TV antenna cord give you an idea of his/her size.
Soon after Shirley, Bev, David and I went for a 3.5 km walk along the beach. I was lucky to get a photo of two black cockatoos, one red-tailed and one yellow-tailed.
Left: Red tailed black cockatoo. Right: Yellow tailed black cockatoo.
Shirley and Bev with Adonis (aka David). Note the muscles.
A plant on the foreshore. The red part is a part
of the green leaf - not a separate leaf/flower.
The day was nearly gone, so we relaxed.
We had a ZOOM to a common friend (Fay) with Kay & Darryl, while sipping on a relaxing drink.
This morning the sunrise photo and beach walk involved the car, with a short drive to Rosslyn Bay. There was a coffee van with a queue at 6:30 am. Their was no wind and the only cloud to be seen was protecting the sun.
The beach was deserted except for two people and two dogs - and me.
Sunrise at Rosslyn Bay
The washing was on the line by 8am.
It was mutually agreed that today was 'mango smoothie' day, so off to Rosslyn Bay Marina we all went. The smoothie and the views were great.
Mango smoothie by sixShirley and I headed back to camp for lunch and were entertained by the skink in the photo below. The orange power cord and the black TV antenna cord give you an idea of his/her size.
Soon after Shirley, Bev, David and I went for a 3.5 km walk along the beach. I was lucky to get a photo of two black cockatoos, one red-tailed and one yellow-tailed.
Left: Red tailed black cockatoo. Right: Yellow tailed black cockatoo.
Shirley and Bev with Adonis (aka David). Note the muscles.
A plant on the foreshore. The red part is a part
of the green leaf - not a separate leaf/flower.
of the green leaf - not a separate leaf/flower.
The day was nearly gone, so we relaxed.
We had a ZOOM to a common friend (Fay) with Kay & Darryl, while sipping on a relaxing drink.
Day 87 - Tuesday 17th August 2021 – Yeppoon
It was "go for a drive day" as we were up and about pretty early. Mt Archer was the destination, not far from Rockhampton. The local authorities have done a great job making Mt Archer a great place to visit to see magnificent sights, birds, flowers and learn something about the local area.
The photo below shows Rockhampton from an elevated walkway at the top of Mt Archer. We were amazed at the homes that seemed to hanging on to the edges of the steep mountain.
Rockhampton from Mt Archer.
Note the Fitzroy River in the top left corner of the above photo. It is the largest river catchment flowing to the eastern coast of Australia.
The elevated walkway for viewing Rockhampton
Pied Butcherbird & Helmeted Guineafowl
We were back in camp in time for a casual lunch. I decided to make pumpkin scones and the troops seemed to enjoy them.
Happy hour came and went - David and Bev's last before they head south on Thursday. Dinner was left-over stew and it was excellent.
It was "go for a drive day" as we were up and about pretty early. Mt Archer was the destination, not far from Rockhampton. The local authorities have done a great job making Mt Archer a great place to visit to see magnificent sights, birds, flowers and learn something about the local area.
The photo below shows Rockhampton from an elevated walkway at the top of Mt Archer. We were amazed at the homes that seemed to hanging on to the edges of the steep mountain.
Rockhampton from Mt Archer.
Note the Fitzroy River in the top left corner of the above photo. It is the largest river catchment flowing to the eastern coast of Australia.
The elevated walkway for viewing Rockhampton
Pied Butcherbird & Helmeted Guineafowl
We were back in camp in time for a casual lunch. I decided to make pumpkin scones and the troops seemed to enjoy them.
Happy hour came and went - David and Bev's last before they head south on Thursday. Dinner was left-over stew and it was excellent.
Day 88 - Wednesday 18th August 2021 – Yeppoon
Another lovely day in paradise greeted us as we emerged. It justified a cooked breakfast outside. Not long later I helped David do his permit application to re-enter Victoria.
That completed I cooked a batch of apple & date muffins.
The six of us headed to the Rosslyn Marina for lunch and a smoothie. It was a pleasant couple of hours, with great food, sitting under a marquee on the lawn overlooking the marina. I think it was the first time that I have ever ordered 'dine-in' food on my phone.
After a relaxing few hours we had Happy Hour indoors as the cool and strong wind made it too chilly outside. Dinner was a snack after our great lunch.
Another lovely day in paradise greeted us as we emerged. It justified a cooked breakfast outside. Not long later I helped David do his permit application to re-enter Victoria.
That completed I cooked a batch of apple & date muffins.
The six of us headed to the Rosslyn Marina for lunch and a smoothie. It was a pleasant couple of hours, with great food, sitting under a marquee on the lawn overlooking the marina. I think it was the first time that I have ever ordered 'dine-in' food on my phone.
After a relaxing few hours we had Happy Hour indoors as the cool and strong wind made it too chilly outside. Dinner was a snack after our great lunch.
*** This chapter is NOW Complete - Last updated 8 pm 18 August ***
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