Our adventure began on Thursday, 6th March leaving home under brilliant blue skies with the prospect of travelling into some heavy rain generated by the likelihood of the low off the east coast forming into a cyclone before we reached Mackay.
 |
| View of Isla Gorge |
 |
| Cabin 51 occupant |
It was a rather long day - up at 6am for an early start and arriving at the van park in Rockhampton at 4.45pm. Weary and thirsty we opted for a short walk to the nearest pub for a cool beverage and some good tucker, and an early night.
The van park we stayed at, Top Tourist, was very clean and cabins very comfortable, and we would recommend the park, and the nearby pub, to others travelling through Rockhampton.
Our second day of travel was shorter but it finally brought the expected rain as we approached Sarina. We were obviously in for a few dampish days by the look of the skies and the low, dark clouds at Dylisglen. The prospective cyclone was named - Hadi - and threatened to cross land on Sunday (9th March - Happy Birthday to me it seemed). Mr K. and the OGO set about 'pre-cyclone' maintenance and Mrs K. and I braved the supermarket trip for a few staple items.
 |
| Clouds over the hills at Dylisglen |
 |
| Cattle Creek at Dylisglen |
Undeterred by the weather we headed into Mackay for a 'birthday' lunch, moving from the original planned venue to a safer, and drier, venue at the Austral Hotel, where the food and cocktails were great, not to mention great company with Mr and Mrs K, the OGO, and friends Mick and Robyn from Sarina.
Monday was too wet for anyone to go to work, so it was a cosy day at home, with a visit to the local later in the day. Tuesday dawned a little brighter and both Retirees earned their keep with tasks around the "shouse" and property.
As the skies lightened on Wednesday, and the workers left to earn a crust, the Retirees set out up the mountain to explore the Eungella (prounounced "Young Gelah" as in "Young Fella"!!) National Park. A very beautiful spot with magnificent views down to the Pioneer Valley and the Dylisglen holding. (See photo page). If you plan to visit here though be prepared for the leeches in the wet forest area - experienced first hand by Mrs OGO! Not the highlight of my day, but nor was my first sighting of a Taipan! Yep, you read that correctly - a TAIPAN - not sure how this old dear didn't step on it as it was right beside where I was standing reading an information plaque! When the OGO said "Move to one side NOW" Mrs OGO knew there was a snake nearby - and YES, I had nightmares for two nights after the event! Proof of the sighting is on the photo page for all to see.
Thursday brought a new adventure - the official christening of our inflatable canoe. Off to Teemburra Dam for a little exercise in water navigation says the OGO. A 'LITTLE' exercise? I think not!....... Lots of fun.. I think so..... So peaceful, and right up close to so many waterbirds. Must remember to get some sunscreen for the next 'sailing' though as Mrs OGO is rather pink today and a little sensitive to the midday sun. But no doubt about it, we shall certainly have a few fun days with our new toy on our adventures this year.
Unfortunately, the down side of the two mountain climbs (Eungella and Teemburra) is an enforced day of rest for Mrs OGO today. The two trips certainly prove the MS research that change in altitude affects MS sufferers and exacerbates some symptoms. But we live for another day of adventure and another stage of our travels starting next week.
Until then, family and friends, enjoy your own adventures and explore our travels through our photos if you wish.
Stay safe - love and hugs to all.
