Day 89 - Thursday 19th August 2021 – Yeppoon
David and Bev departed about 9am and then there were four of us. It was a very windy day so we did not do much.
It was declared Darryl's alternate birthday as he is the only one of the four of us who does not have a birthday celebration on our caravan travels. I made a birthday card and we presented him with a bottle of red wine.
Shirley and I went shopping for birthday dinner ingredients and $80 of other stuff.
The afternoon was spent cooking curried sausages and a chocolate cake. I made the cake and Shirley did the decorations. It looked OK.
Chocolate birthday cake, with jam and cream and chocolate
Dinner was curried sausages & rice, accompanied by a Pepperjack Shiraz, and followed by chocolate cake and a side of dark chocolate. It worked out well. The birthday boy looked contented as he headed home - all of 10 metres.
David and Bev departed about 9am and then there were four of us. It was a very windy day so we did not do much.
It was declared Darryl's alternate birthday as he is the only one of the four of us who does not have a birthday celebration on our caravan travels. I made a birthday card and we presented him with a bottle of red wine.
Shirley and I went shopping for birthday dinner ingredients and $80 of other stuff.
The afternoon was spent cooking curried sausages and a chocolate cake. I made the cake and Shirley did the decorations. It looked OK.
Chocolate birthday cake, with jam and cream and chocolate
Day 90 - Friday 20th August 2021 – Yeppoon
The sun was welcome as Shirley, Kay, Darryl and I jumped in the car and headed to Byfield. The focus of the day was to visit Nob Creek Pottery and see some of the rare Byfield Fern (Bowenia spectabilis).
The story of Nob Creek Pottery and the quality of their work is amazing. We learned the process of Anagama Firing and how it took around 10 to 12 days from loading the kiln through to extracting the fired pottery.
The photo below shows the Anagama kiln, which is big enough for the potter to crawl inside to place the pieces to be 'fired'. The firing takes 3 to 4 days and the kiln has to be continually manned to ensure that the fire stays at the right temperature.
Wood-fired Anagama Kiln at Nob Creek Pottery
Nob Creek Pottery has nine different kilns. Click here to get more details about Nob Creek pottery.
I took a photo of a branch of the Byfield fern as we wandered around the pottery displays.
Byfield Fern
We drove back to the Byfield General Store, that has a (licensed) verandah, on which we had a light lunch and a coffee.
A kookaburra had a laugh as we walked back to the car. We have seen many kookaburras on this trip as we travel around the country.
A true gem of Aussie wildlife
Byfield has a number of scenic beaches that can be accessed via 4WD tracks. Although we were in a good 4WD we decided that could wait for another day. However we admired the many hibiscus-type flowers in many colours.
After returning to camp Shirley and I went for a walk along Rosslyn Bay beach. I took a photo of a dead sea snake. It was maybe 700 mm long, or more.
We had a quiet (alcohol free) Happy Hour and dined inside.
The sun was welcome as Shirley, Kay, Darryl and I jumped in the car and headed to Byfield. The focus of the day was to visit Nob Creek Pottery and see some of the rare Byfield Fern (Bowenia spectabilis).
The story of Nob Creek Pottery and the quality of their work is amazing. We learned the process of Anagama Firing and how it took around 10 to 12 days from loading the kiln through to extracting the fired pottery.
The photo below shows the Anagama kiln, which is big enough for the potter to crawl inside to place the pieces to be 'fired'. The firing takes 3 to 4 days and the kiln has to be continually manned to ensure that the fire stays at the right temperature.
Wood-fired Anagama Kiln at Nob Creek Pottery
Nob Creek Pottery has nine different kilns. Click here to get more details about Nob Creek pottery.
I took a photo of a branch of the Byfield fern as we wandered around the pottery displays.
Byfield Fern
We drove back to the Byfield General Store, that has a (licensed) verandah, on which we had a light lunch and a coffee.
A kookaburra had a laugh as we walked back to the car. We have seen many kookaburras on this trip as we travel around the country.
A true gem of Aussie wildlife
Byfield has a number of scenic beaches that can be accessed via 4WD tracks. Although we were in a good 4WD we decided that could wait for another day. However we admired the many hibiscus-type flowers in many colours.
After returning to camp Shirley and I went for a walk along Rosslyn Bay beach. I took a photo of a dead sea snake. It was maybe 700 mm long, or more.
We had a quiet (alcohol free) Happy Hour and dined inside.
Day 91 - Saturday 21st August 2021 – Yeppoon
It started as another lovely day in Paradise, with breakfast outside. The slow start continued as I cooked a pot of bolognaise and caught up on emails. Somehow it got to lunchtime and not much had been achieved - although tonight's dinner was under control.
The mood was somber as we heard about the worsening COVID situation in Victoria and Queensland.
After lunch we had a trivia session with the family. It was good to have a group catch-up.
Then Shirley, Darryl and I went for a 4 km walk on our local beach. We enjoyed the stroll, the views, and the guys on wheels who used the wind.
It started as another lovely day in Paradise, with breakfast outside. The slow start continued as I cooked a pot of bolognaise and caught up on emails. Somehow it got to lunchtime and not much had been achieved - although tonight's dinner was under control.
The mood was somber as we heard about the worsening COVID situation in Victoria and Queensland.
After lunch we had a trivia session with the family. It was good to have a group catch-up.
Then Shirley, Darryl and I went for a 4 km walk on our local beach. We enjoyed the stroll, the views, and the guys on wheels who used the wind.
Darryl & Shirley in no rush
Wind powered vehicle
There was some quiet time, Happy Hour, then dinner of spaghetti bolognaise.
After dinner I could not resist a couple of photos of the full moon, accompanied by cotton-wool clouds.
Darryl & Shirley in no rush
Wind powered vehicle
Day 92 - Sunday 22nd August 2021 – Yeppoon
A busy day started with a visit to the Causeway market - and that was a lost cause. There was not much to look at. So the four of us headed to Emu Park for an excellent coffee - a great consolation.
Darryl and I decided that it was time to visit Bunnings - my first visit since leaving Melbourne - over 3 months. I bought a few odd and ends and Darryl bought two sausages. Yum.
We drove in to Yeppoon and picked up the ladies near where they had been left around an hour before. A common consensus that we should have a pie for lunch - so we did.
After we woofed that down Shirley and I went and visited Carly, Aaron and family - friends of the family from Eltham (they have moved).
By the time we got back to camp the day was wrecked. So we relaxed, had Happy hour and a snack dinner.
A busy day started with a visit to the Causeway market - and that was a lost cause. There was not much to look at. So the four of us headed to Emu Park for an excellent coffee - a great consolation.
Darryl and I decided that it was time to visit Bunnings - my first visit since leaving Melbourne - over 3 months. I bought a few odd and ends and Darryl bought two sausages. Yum.
We drove in to Yeppoon and picked up the ladies near where they had been left around an hour before. A common consensus that we should have a pie for lunch - so we did.
After we woofed that down Shirley and I went and visited Carly, Aaron and family - friends of the family from Eltham (they have moved).
By the time we got back to camp the day was wrecked. So we relaxed, had Happy hour and a snack dinner.
Day 93 - Monday 23rd August 2021 – Yeppoon
Another slow start somehow drifted out to lunch time, after which Shirley and I went for a 3 km walk along Causeway Beach. We were amazed at the zillions of crabs that tried to avoid us.
Causeway Beach
Little Crab
More street art near the beach
We celebrated our beach walk with an ice-cream.
Happy Hour came and went, as did dinner.
Another slow start somehow drifted out to lunch time, after which Shirley and I went for a 3 km walk along Causeway Beach. We were amazed at the zillions of crabs that tried to avoid us.
Causeway Beach
Little Crab
More street art near the beach
We celebrated our beach walk with an ice-cream.
Happy Hour came and went, as did dinner.
Day 94 - Tuesday 24th August 2021 – Yeppoon
Shirley and I did some shopping, mainly for fruit, milk and bread. We pottered around and soon it was time for lunch. The ladies headed south to Emu Park to the hairdresser, Darryl stayed at home and I went north - because I could.
My main aim was to get a couple of photos of the magnificent black cockatoo. I think I was successful.
I then had a ZOOM session with our two grand-daughters where I (as in Pa) read a few stories. The online book was displayed for them to see while I read the words.
Happy Hour came and went. Bangers n mash n onion gravy was the fare for dinner.
I then had a ZOOM session with our two grand-daughters where I (as in Pa) read a few stories. The online book was displayed for them to see while I read the words.
Day 95 - Wednesday 25th August 2021 – Yeppoon
The forecast predicted that the sun would rise at 6:15 am. I forgot to look at the expected temperature. It was around 12 degrees C as I donned my track suit and headed for the beach, with the moon setting behind me.
Although chilly, there was no wind and it was great on the beach. I was warm after a brisk walk. I took photos to the east and the west - from my seat on the rocks.
Above: The moon setting in the westBelow: The sun rising in the east
By the time I got back to camp I had completed a 3 km walk and was ready for a shower. First job was to load the washing machine. I had a quick shower as the water was cold. Not happy Jan.
The clothes are on the line, I have sorted the photos, and updated the blog. And Shirley slept on. I was able to cook and eat breakfast - including a cup of pod coffee - and Shirley was still comatose.
Over breakfast my day went downhill as a tooth filling landed on my plate. However, a local dentist was able to help me out and I was able to add to his superannuation fund.
Lucky for me I was able to sneak in a mango smoothie - with 3 mates - before the Sam had a cancellation and asked me to appear earlier than scheduled. I am looking forward to soup for dinner. No nibbles for me at Happy Hour.
Later: Happy hour was fine and the soup was good.
The forecast predicted that the sun would rise at 6:15 am. I forgot to look at the expected temperature. It was around 12 degrees C as I donned my track suit and headed for the beach, with the moon setting behind me.
Although chilly, there was no wind and it was great on the beach. I was warm after a brisk walk. I took photos to the east and the west - from my seat on the rocks.
Above: The moon setting in the west
Below: The sun rising in the east
By the time I got back to camp I had completed a 3 km walk and was ready for a shower. First job was to load the washing machine. I had a quick shower as the water was cold. Not happy Jan.
The clothes are on the line, I have sorted the photos, and updated the blog. And Shirley slept on. I was able to cook and eat breakfast - including a cup of pod coffee - and Shirley was still comatose.
Over breakfast my day went downhill as a tooth filling landed on my plate. However, a local dentist was able to help me out and I was able to add to his superannuation fund.
Lucky for me I was able to sneak in a mango smoothie - with 3 mates - before the Sam had a cancellation and asked me to appear earlier than scheduled. I am looking forward to soup for dinner. No nibbles for me at Happy Hour.
Later: Happy hour was fine and the soup was good.
Day 96 - Thursday 26th August 2021 – Yeppoon
For the second day in a row the showers were cold. Today I delayed my shower until after breakfast. Shirley did the same. The beds were changed, and the sheets were washed, and the (hot) shower was had.
It was time for a coffee then a walk on Lammermoor Beach - a short drive from base. The 3 km stroll was very enjoyable.
Shirley selecting shell on the sea-shore
The afternoon went quickly. Dinner was roast turkey breast and appropriate vegies - cooked on our hooded BBQ.
For the second day in a row the showers were cold. Today I delayed my shower until after breakfast. Shirley did the same. The beds were changed, and the sheets were washed, and the (hot) shower was had.
It was time for a coffee then a walk on Lammermoor Beach - a short drive from base. The 3 km stroll was very enjoyable.
Shirley selecting shell on the sea-shore
The afternoon went quickly. Dinner was roast turkey breast and appropriate vegies - cooked on our hooded BBQ.
Day 97 - Friday 27th August 2021 – Yeppoon
The day started clear and sunny and demanded a walk. Darryl and I decided on the 3 km 'Bluff Point Scenic Walk' - for the second time - so off we went. The walk involves a steep stepped climb up to the summit. We kept on admiring the view.
Rosslyn Bay Marina and Peak
Along the walk we rested at 'Turtle Lookout' and saw one turtle - a long way below us. We pressed on to the summit and were happy that the seating was unoccupied. While we rested we watched a number of Kites circulating above us - and we had both showered before the walk.
By this time we had received a message from Kay advising us that the ladies were meeting us at Rosslyn Bay Marina for a mango smoothie. By the time the four of us had met up the demand had increased to lunch.
So we had an excellent snack lunch, then our mango smoothie.
Our impending departure from Yeppoon in two sleeps had me doing some 'pack up' stuff. I also had the job of doing the pizza base for dinner. Darryl then turned the dough into a two gourmet pizzas, courtesy of some salami, bocconcini cheese and little tomatoes. They pizzas were so good.
The day started clear and sunny and demanded a walk. Darryl and I decided on the 3 km 'Bluff Point Scenic Walk' - for the second time - so off we went. The walk involves a steep stepped climb up to the summit. We kept on admiring the view.
Rosslyn Bay Marina and Peak
Along the walk we rested at 'Turtle Lookout' and saw one turtle - a long way below us. We pressed on to the summit and were happy that the seating was unoccupied. While we rested we watched a number of Kites circulating above us - and we had both showered before the walk.
By this time we had received a message from Kay advising us that the ladies were meeting us at Rosslyn Bay Marina for a mango smoothie. By the time the four of us had met up the demand had increased to lunch.
So we had an excellent snack lunch, then our mango smoothie.
Our impending departure from Yeppoon in two sleeps had me doing some 'pack up' stuff. I also had the job of doing the pizza base for dinner. Darryl then turned the dough into a two gourmet pizzas, courtesy of some salami, bocconcini cheese and little tomatoes. They pizzas were so good.
Day 98 - Saturday 28th August 2021 – Yeppoon
The start of our last full day in Yeppoon started with warm sunshine, and only got better. Shirley and I headed to the 'farmers market' and stocked up on fruit, vegies and eggs.
We bought three "rough skin pineapples" - as recommended by my dentist a few days ago. They get their name from the little spikes along the leaves - as indicated in the photo.
From there we headed to Woolworths to do our last shop before we head west (and south).
It was time to do some packing up for our departure tomorrow, plus wash the top of the caravan awning. Local birds and the palms above the caravan had combined to create an alternate form of street art on the top of the awning. Luckily the 'street art' came off without any fuss.
We tried a bit of "rough skin pineapple" and it was excellent.
After lunch we went for our last beach walk for this holiday.
Mulambin Beach
We bought three "rough skin pineapples" - as recommended by my dentist a few days ago. They get their name from the little spikes along the leaves - as indicated in the photo.
From there we headed to Woolworths to do our last shop before we head west (and south).
It was time to do some packing up for our departure tomorrow, plus wash the top of the caravan awning. Local birds and the palms above the caravan had combined to create an alternate form of street art on the top of the awning. Luckily the 'street art' came off without any fuss.
We tried a bit of "rough skin pineapple" and it was excellent.
After lunch we went for our last beach walk for this holiday.
Mulambin BeachDinner was fish n chips - Red Emperor.
One thing ends and another starts. Tomorrow we head to the Banana Shire and check out the region knows as the "Sandstone Wonders".
So far we have covered 9390 km and used 1542 litres of diesel, costing $2176. We have been away for 98 days and stopped at 27 locations for an average of $37 per night.
*** This chapter is Now Complete - Last updated at 7:45 pm 28 August ***
One thing ends and another starts. Tomorrow we head to the Banana Shire and check out the region knows as the "Sandstone Wonders".
So far we have covered 9390 km and used 1542 litres of diesel, costing $2176. We have been away for 98 days and stopped at 27 locations for an average of $37 per night.
*** This chapter is Now Complete - Last updated at 7:45 pm 28 August ***
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