Back Roads and an Unexpected Dinner

 
Thursday, 25th February -- our Exploration Adventure began at 8.00 am under clear blue skies and early morning temperature on 26 degrees. Loaded to the rafters again we are Rambling our way north in our beautiful new travelling "home" -- Ada the A-van..

'Ada' - Home away from home

Somehow I managed to have everything packed and ready to go earlier than planned. However, for some reason I felt a little emotional about our departure -- it felt a little unreal that we were leaving our lovely home comforts for the unexpected and unexplored regions of far North Queensland for the next four months!

So we have left our home and worldly possessions in the capable care of our house sitters, Carol and Ross, who I am sure will enjoy our region as much as we shall enjoy our travels.

Our first day on the road proved to be quite a day of exploration before we had even left our own region. We foolishly followed the instructions of the travelling GiPSy, which is very unlike us, and she insisted on sending us west instead of north!!!!

However, we did travel roads and drive through small towns on back roads that we had not travelled through before which was quite interesting, but only to find ourselves arriving in the centre of Dalby. For those not familiar with our area, Dalby is about 45 to 50 minutes drive from our home along the Warrego Highway -- this little trip took us 95 minutes to get somewhere we didn't even want to go!!!!! Not a great start for a four month trip away from home do you think?

After that little unexpected detour we kept an eye on GiPSy, checking that she really did know where Waruma Dam camp area was, which was to be our first stopping point on this adventure. All okay as we arrived at Waruma Dam around 2.15pm - just an hour later than planned but we finally got there.

This first stop proved to be a great choice - a beautiful camp spot right on the waters edge with a lovely afternoon breeze, which was most welcome on a day that reached 38 degrees. Setting up camp was so much easier with "Ada" - I'm lovin' this little marvel!

Camp Waruma

Down amongst the gum trees

Waruma Dam

Friday, 26th February -- We decided to stay two nights at Waruma and our second day gave us the opportunity to "chill out" after all the busy days over the last few weeks. It was also an opportunity to put 'Clarrie' our canoe back in the water. We waited until just before sunset before we launched 'Clarrie' as earlier temperatures were once again in the high thirties and we would have fried out on the water during the day.

Canoeing with "Clarrie"

It was so worth the wait - photos just cannot do justice to the beauty of Mother Nature at sunset over the dam. It gave me goosebumps ( oh, as well as sore arms and shoulders after some heavy paddling action) and it was just an amazing feeling being on the water with the OWO and 'Clarrie'.

The beauty of Mother Nature unsurpassed

Sunset skies

Another unforgettable beginning to our Adventure of Exploration. This is one campground we will definitely return to and will recommend to other travellers.

In flight white faced heron

Egret

Visitors!!

Grey butcher bird in fine voice

More visitors. Ducks in a row

Saturday, 27th February -- packed up and on the road at 8.45am our next stop was Bedford Weir. Again we travelled along back roads we had not been on before (our choice this time not GiPSy) and discovered beautiful areas. Following recent heavy rains the countryside was extremely green and many of the small creeks were flowing and we could see areas of damage left behind after receding floodwaters.

Today was even hotter than the last two days and it was 40degrees when we arrived at Bedford Weir at 2.30pm. We had been given rave reviews for this campsite but I must say we were very disappointed with what we found.

Day area Bedford Weir

Sign said campers to report to caretaker on arrival, but no caretaker in sight, so we just selected a site near the amenities block which had flush toilets and hot showers. However, these amenities looked like they had not been cleaned for months! Undeterred by that it was still nice to have a refreshing shower after the humid and extremely hot day.

In the Line of Duty memorial

Historic marker at Bedford Weir

It was interesting to find an historic marker here, which marked the death of the first policeman in Queensland.

  

There was only one other small group of four campers here. They were from Bundaberg and they were generous enough to offer us a share of their homemade curry for our dinner, which we thoroughly enjoyed. It was very tasty thank you kind travellers, and I didn't have to cook in the heat!

Next stop ..... more water fun!! And a special celebration.