The Rambling Retirees: More water fun with 'Clarrie'

Sunday, 28th February -- Our destination today would be Eungella (pronounced young-gulla) Dam camping area. Awake at 5am after a very, very restless hot and humid night, so a refreshing shower, and light breakfast, meant we were on the road again at 8am.

We travelled the back roads through Abercorn, Mackenzie River, the mining areas of Middlemount, and north into Nebo for a lunch break. All around this area one can see the effects of the mining industry, which is mainly open cut coal mining with some coal seam gas areas.

Leaving Nebo we continued north, once again travelling the back road to the dam. This was our first dirt road with 'Ada' and we were doing great until about 15kms from our destination where we came across a very unwelcome sign on the road ---- "Road CLOSED - Water Over Road" -- Bugger, it was a long way back to the bitumen!

OWO's response -- NO, we are NOT turning around. There was evidence that the track had been used quite recently, so onward we continued, approaching each watercourse and creek crossing with caution. No water to be seen, at least no excess water to be seen. I forgot to mention here that we had actually passed another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction who had obviously been through on this track - but he wasn't towing 'Ada'.

About 7kms from the Dam we found the reason for the road sign. Recent heavy rains had washed away a section of the track taking down a massive river gum which was now blocking the track and the creek crossing completely. So no "Water on the Road" just a huge barrier. However, it appeared that other intrepid travellers had created a detour around the "hazard" so we followed their track and continued through the creek on our way to the Dam.

Two years ago we travelled through this area on our way to Nairana NP from 'Dylisglen' and it was extremely dry and dusty, so Mrs OWO was not really keen to camp at the Dam with that picture in her mind. However, after recent heavy rainfalls the area had been totally transformed into a lush emerald green campground and we found a lovely spot overlooking the dam and surrounding hills. Happy campers keen to stay three nights before descending into the Pioneer Valley to stay at 'Dylisglen' with Mr and Mrs K and Master Landon.

Day temps had once again been around 38 degrees but it was cooler here and as night settled in we were treated to a wonderful light show in the south which delivered an unbelievable thunderstorm. This was the first storm that we had experienced with 'Ada'. The wind got stronger as the storm approached and then heavy rain pounded our little 'Ada' - at least it washed off all that dust from our earlier travels! The storm lasted about an hour and then we settled down to a much cooler night.

Monday, 29th February - Tuesday, 1st March (St David's Day) -- Water activities and birdwatching
Awake at 6am everything looked fresh and even greener after the storm. A gentle breeze invited us onto the water with 'Clarrie' and after an hour on the dam we enjoyed a swim in the warm shallow waters. Throughout the day we witnessed a variety of water birds coming and going. They included a beautiful osprey, several Pelicans, Pygmy geese, great crested grebes, caspian terns, jacanas, and a darter. The day was so relaxing it was a shame when we discovered a problem with our water pump early evening. It took the OWO awhile to work it out and we were beginning to think we would have to go into Mackay for repairs when he discovered the problem was simply -- NO WATER. Oh, and the gas bottle pressure was low. So water topped up and gas bottle changed all was good again.

A little confrontation

Note for RRs: water tank MUST be topped up whenever we travel through a town with RV facilities!!!!

As it was a much cooler day on our second full day at the dam (30 degrees) we decided to spend some time exploring the area and took a drive out to the dam wall and then up the 4WD track to the lookout. Going a little further afield we explored some of the country inland from the dam, and found some wonderful high points with views out to the west.

Eungella Dam from Lookout

Ada from the Lookout

4WD track to lookout

OWO and Clarrie

On our return to the campsite the OWO decided he needed a little more 'practice' with his friend 'Clarrie' and off they went chasing grebes across the dam.

Our time at the Dam was very relaxing and tomorrow we would descend the mountain into the Pioneer Valley to spend time at 'Dylisglen' for a special celebration at the end of the week.