Journal entries from Tuesday, 29th March to Tuesday, 5th April
 |
| Walk alongside Rifle Creek |
After some deep and meaningful discussions over a wine or two last night we decided to leave exploring the Tip for another time when the NPs in that area are accessible -- perhaps October next year would be a better time. So our travels will now take us to Mareeba and west along the 'Wheelbarrow Way' to Chillagoe and on to Kurumba and Normanton. We planned to break the journey by staying overnight at Dimbulah, 45kms west of Mareeba. Didn't make it that far -- we chose to camp two nights at Rifle Creek free campground at
Mt Malloy.
 |
| Dave - fellow camper at Rifle Creek |
 |
| Our new 'companion' - Theodore |
Nice little place. Walking distance to the pub and a couple of interesting retailers -- an antique shop and a gem and gift gallery. Of course, the OWO needed a drink after our walk, so Mrs OWO took the opportunity to browse the stores. One can usually find something special in little stores like these and it was my good fortune to find a very special bear called Theodore for our new little grandson due in July. He is a special edition bear made in 2003 to celebrate 100 years of friendship bears. So this will be the beginning of an adventure for Theodore.
Leaving Rifle Creek we took a detour into the Mareeba Wetlands. The Sarus Cranes and Gouldian finches can be seen in this region and it was only a short detour.
But it seems that Murphy has decided to join us again (remember our "Friendly" encounter with Murphy and his mates in WA?)!!!
 |
| Welcome to Mareeba Wetlands! |
 |
| Mareeba Wetlands - Birders Paradise!! |
 |
| Beautiful Gouldian Finch |
Parked at the Wetlands the OWO noticed oil leaking on the rear wheel. Looks like we need to locate a mechanic. So on the advice of Greg at the Wetlands reception, we went looking for Kevin the mechanic in Mareeba. Let me tell you here that
Mareeba is the largest town on the Atherton Tablelands and we weren't too confident about locating Kevin! But we did. Two hours later we now find we will be delayed at least two days whilst Kevin gets the necessary parts delivered from Cairns overnight. So off to
Dimbulah (remember this is 45kms west of Mareeba), to park 'Ada' for three nights. Oh well, better we found the problem here rather than out in the middle of nowhere!,!,
1st April (Friday) - So now we have started a new month. Yes, it's April Fools Day, and what a day. The OWO took the vehicle back into Kevin and expected to return around lunchtime. Not so. The repairs were completed around 3pm - because some 'fool' forgot to start on it until the OWO went to collect it at 11am -- it was in the workshop at 9am! Back at the park around 4pm we elected to stay another night so we could explore the area a little. Thought about Steve's mum today as she was buried 12 months ago today. Still in our hearts Eileen.
 |
| Theodore with Granite Gorge map |
2nd April (Saturday) - Back into Mareeba. This time for a couple of reasons - a visit to Granite Gorge just a little SW of the town, then stock up on supplies, and to purchase a TV screen/DVD player for 'Ada' that the OWO had seen yesterday. Thoroughly enjoyed wandering around the Gorge, although very hot in 36 degrees.
 |
| Pretty Rock Wallaby at Granite Gorge |
 |
| Yay - made it across the creek!! |
 |
| You are kidding - right?? |
 |
| Granite Gorge swimming area |
 |
| Follow the yellow dots! |
 |
| Pretty coloured dragonfly |
 |
| Balancing rock formation |
 |
| Brumbies on the Track |
 |
| Great camping sign! |
 |
| Montalbion 1886-1922 |
 |
| Montalbion Pioneer Cemetery |
 |
| Outdoor 'bog' at Irvinebank |
 |
| Wildflowers at Emu Creek |
 |
| Irvinebank pub |
3rd April (Sunday) - today was a Telstra data-free day, but not for us as our mobile wi fi device decided to stop working ----- b@&$(;y Murphy.
 |
| Emu Creek camping area - beautiful spot. |
Forgetting Telstra frustration we ventured out to explore the area. We chose the Petford-
Irvinebank road - dirt of course. This is a fascinating area with abandoned mines, overgrown pioneer cemeteries, town ruins, and the remains of the Cobb & Co station at Montford. There was a lovely peaceful stop beside Emu Creek and we stopped several times to investigate various sites that we found. A very pleasant day exploring.
4th April (Monday) -- the battle with Telstra continues! After more than 90 minutes on my mobile to Telstra yesterday the OWO decided it needed to be a face-to-face confrontation if the problem was going to be rectified before we travelled further west. Good luck with that one OWO!! So it was into Atherton - the closest Telstra outlet - just a mere 128kms away! What a complete waste of a day and fuel. After three hours in their store we were told they couldn't help us nor could they sell us another device as they had no stock!!!!! So back to Mareeba and into Leading Edge Electronics for a new device. "Sorry none in stock - can order for you and maybe arrive here tomorrow mid morning or after lunch -- possibly". Another night at Dimbulah-- go away 'Murphy', we were having such a great time without you.
Whilst parked in the Main Street in Mareeba we somehow managed to get a 'free' wi fi signal from a local cafe. Only to receive a very sad message from our daughter, Heidi. A very tiny Finley James Rayward-Morgan was born sleeping at 12.07am weighing just 15ozs, less than 500 grams. Such a heartbreaking time for our daughter - having experienced a similar loss when I was just 21years old, I know how empty and heartbroken you feel afterwards. Thinking of you my love.
5th April (Tuesday) - Another trip to Mareeba (how many kms now?) and after another three hour delay, still no mobile device. However, we spent the time effectively with a visit to the Mareeba Heritage Center. It is a really interesting display with a very informative display about the local tobacco industry as well as information about the local pioneer miners and a local mine disaster that claimed 72 lives. Still no sign of the device at 2pm, so we headed back to Dimbulah to hitch up 'Ada', and with sadness heavy in my heart for our daughter, we hit the road again - travelling west to explore
Chillagoe and the Caves.
 |
| Will be visiting ALL these places |
 |
| Nothing changes in the country! |
 |
| What a story that was!!! |
 |
| They were the Good Ol' Days |
