Had an interesting time this morning catching up with Gypsy Rover Chris, Dougwe and GST Greg and his wife. We had coffee on the Strand on the Esplanade in Townsville with plenty to talk about, there always is when GNs catch up. Amazing how the time flies, some have other things to do later but it is hard to get away there is another topic brought up that needs discussion.
After that and by now in the afternoon I set off towards Balgal Beach, not a chance of staying there it is very small and there were already several caravans parked obviously hoping to get the next vacancy. I did have a look round and it really is a beautiful spot to camp, right on the beach and the river estuary. Not to worry I left and went to Bushy Parker Reserve at Rollinstone with not a lot of room there either but was able to fit in between two caravan set ups.
The rules are that 48 hours is the maximum but most expand that knowing when the Ranger visits and taking advantage of the Monday and Thursday visits. I hope to do likewise and have set up the annex,TV and shower tent wanting to be here until next Sunday. After driving an extra 1000kms last week taking Steven down to Eungella and then returning had it's effect on my cash reserves which were depleted from paying for the Tassie trip from the last pension. So a recovery time here is just what I need before going to Paronella Park.
Will explore tomorrow and post with photos during the week. The last time I had the annex up was April, TV was used in Katherine, the Coleman Hot Water ON Demand was last used in Normanton and the shower tent has not been used so you can see it is a big deal to stop in one place for a week and get to use all that gear.
John
jules47 said
04:16 AM Aug 14, 2012
Have a great time there John - walk down to the bridge and check out the murals. Buy local pineapples if you can - they are so sweet - and cheap from the BP on the highway.
Sheba said
04:16 AM Aug 14, 2012
It's hard for me to imagine Bushy Parker that crowded John. This is what it was like when I was there a couple of years ago. We only stopped there for a couple of hours rest at that time.
jules47 said
04:17 AM Aug 14, 2012
Was absolutely packed when we were there as well, earlier this season.
gypsy rover said
02:39 PM Aug 14, 2012
Glad to hear you have everything set up John. You can live in relative comfort for a few days now. It was really great to catch up with you at last. I will continue to follow you on your blog and hope to catch up with you again on the road sometime in the future.
Travel safe John.
Cheers!
Chris
Dougwe said
03:55 PM Aug 14, 2012
Dito, dito, dito John. I even had the pleasure of meeting you twice in few days. You will never be alone out there as I have added myself to the people following you on your Blog, so we are watching you John. Enjoy out there in the play ground, please keep safe out there and,
Sheba said
07:12 PM Aug 14, 2012
Actually John, I was thinking [if it's OK with you] of putting your Blog on a Flash-drive if that's possible, when I finally take off. Then I can check places out when I don't have access to the 'net.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Tuesday 14th of August 2012 07:13:43 PM
golivers travels said
10:13 PM Aug 14, 2012
Duh wrote:
I am still following your excellent blog dilligently John as well as GN.
We are heading for Pemberton on Sunday and after a couple of days in a luxury motel with a spa bath (gift) then hope to spend a day or two at the Big Brook Arboretum campsite you stayed at before moving on somewhere else. Your description and blog of it sounded good;
You seem to have a nose for finding good places John and I am sure that many of us (including me) are envious of your travel and camping spots......keep up the good work!!
Pemberton is one of our all time favourite places. Every time we make a trip to WA it is a must stay. Big Brook is beautiful as well.
Glenda
-- Edited by golivers travels on Tuesday 14th of August 2012 10:14:04 PM
Happywanderer said
11:58 PM Aug 14, 2012
I have been following John on his blog since he left Vic for WA last year. I have found his blog the most informative of any I have read. The photos are impressive and the stories so inspiring. I could happily go into it each day and just copy where he is going. He makes it all look so easy. Yes Doug, a good idea to read up on what John is doing every day.
yeoeleven said
01:42 AM Aug 15, 2012
You are all so kind, it makes me realize that people who I know actually read the blog. I share the day's happenings with the blog but there is almost no feed back so I appreciate your words of encouragement.
John
Happywanderer said
02:06 AM Aug 15, 2012
Oh yes John, I check everyday. I didn't realise I could leave feeback. I go in and read then come back here.
Duh said
04:46 AM Aug 15, 2012
I am still following your excellent blog dilligently John as well as GN.
We are heading for Pemberton on Sunday and after a couple of days in a luxury motel with a spa bath (gift) then hope to spend a day or two at the Big Brook Arboretum campsite you stayed at before moving on somewhere else. Your description and blog of it sounded good;
You seem to have a nose for finding good places John and I am sure that many of us (including me) are envious of your travel and camping spots......keep up the good work!!
Sheba said
04:49 AM Aug 15, 2012
Duh wrote:
You seem to have a nose for finding good places John and I am sure that many of us (including me) are envious of your travel and camping spots......keep up the good work!!
You've got that right Vic.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Duh said
04:52 AM Aug 15, 2012
I think John has the stuff legends are made of Sheba, his trip would make a good travelogue on CD etc......
Sheba said
05:03 AM Aug 15, 2012
Gotta agree with you Vic. 'Specially when you take his age into account. I know people a lot younger who couldn't keep up with him.
Cheers,
Sheba.
golivers travels said
05:14 AM Aug 15, 2012
Duh wrote:
I think John has the stuff legends are made of Sheba, his trip would make a good travelogue on CD etc......
Agree Vic, he should look at publishing.
Glenda
Duh said
09:34 AM Aug 15, 2012
Oooops......I should have said DVD Glenda, not CD !
Al Flanavan said
10:09 PM Aug 15, 2012
I too religiously read your blog, you are an inspiration and I hope one day to be out there too.
jules47 said
01:34 AM Aug 16, 2012
John is a true legend - leaves a lot of younger people in the shade - a very vital and positive man - glad to have him as a friend
yeoeleven said
02:00 AM Aug 16, 2012
Sheba wrote:
Actually John, I was thinking [if it's OK with you] of putting your Blog on a Flash-drive if that's possible, when I finally take off. Then I can check places out when I don't have access to the 'net.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Tuesday 14th of August 2012 07:13:43 PM
Hi Sheba,
I would have no objection to you using the info on the blog, you may have to copy and paste the posts in those areas where you expect to have no reception. You know how to find the posts, they are all chronological and can be found by using the Timeslide option and scrolling down.
John
Sheba said
03:03 AM Aug 16, 2012
Thanks John.
Cheers,
Sheba.
scotia59 said
07:01 PM Aug 26, 2012
Hi John
I must be slipping, I didn't realise you were travelling again, so I have just caught up with your blog and will check in regularly for updates. Love reading all your adventures and seeing all the lovely places you visit.
Had an interesting time this morning catching up with Gypsy Rover Chris, Dougwe and GST Greg and his wife. We had coffee on the Strand on the Esplanade in Townsville with plenty to talk about, there always is when GNs catch up. Amazing how the time flies, some have other things to do later but it is hard to get away there is another topic brought up that needs discussion.
After that and by now in the afternoon I set off towards Balgal Beach, not a chance of staying there it is very small and there were already several caravans parked obviously hoping to get the next vacancy. I did have a look round and it really is a beautiful spot to camp, right on the beach and the river estuary. Not to worry I left and went to Bushy Parker Reserve at Rollinstone with not a lot of room there either but was able to fit in between two caravan set ups.
The rules are that 48 hours is the maximum but most expand that knowing when the Ranger visits and taking advantage of the Monday and Thursday visits. I hope to do likewise and have set up the annex,TV and shower tent wanting to be here until next Sunday. After driving an extra 1000kms last week taking Steven down to Eungella and then returning had it's effect on my cash reserves which were depleted from paying for the Tassie trip from the last pension. So a recovery time here is just what I need before going to Paronella Park.
Will explore tomorrow and post with photos during the week. The last time I had the annex up was April, TV was used in Katherine, the Coleman Hot Water ON Demand was last used in Normanton and the shower tent has not been used so you can see it is a big deal to stop in one place for a week and get to use all that gear.
John
It's hard for me to imagine Bushy Parker that crowded John. This is what it was like when I was there a couple of years ago. We only stopped there for a couple of hours rest at that time.
Glad to hear you have everything set up John. You can live in relative comfort for a few days now. It was really great to catch up with you at last. I will continue to follow you on your blog and hope to catch up with you again on the road sometime in the future.
Travel safe John.
Cheers!
Chris
Actually John, I was thinking [if it's OK with you] of putting your Blog on a Flash-drive if that's possible, when I finally take off. Then I can check places out when I don't have access to the 'net.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Tuesday 14th of August 2012 07:13:43 PM
-- Edited by golivers travels on Tuesday 14th of August 2012 10:14:04 PM
Yes Doug, a good idea to read up on what John is doing every day.
You are all so kind, it makes me realize that people who I know actually read the blog. I share the day's happenings with the blog but there is almost no feed back so I appreciate your words of encouragement.
John
I am still following your excellent blog dilligently John as well as GN.
We are heading for Pemberton on Sunday and after a couple of days in a luxury motel with a spa bath (gift) then hope to spend a day or two at the Big Brook Arboretum campsite you stayed at before moving on somewhere else. Your description and blog of it sounded good;
http://yeoeleven.blogspot.com.au/?view=flipcard#!/2012/02/off-at-last.html
You seem to have a nose for finding good places John and I am sure that many of us (including me) are envious of your travel and camping spots......keep up the good work!!
I think John has the stuff legends are made of Sheba, his trip would make a good travelogue on CD etc......
Gotta agree with you Vic. 'Specially when you take his age into account. I know people a lot younger who couldn't keep up with him.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Oooops......I should have said DVD Glenda, not CD !
John is a true legend - leaves a lot of younger people in the shade - a very vital and positive man - glad to have him as a friend
Hi Sheba,
I would have no objection to you using the info on the blog, you may have to copy and paste the posts in those areas where you expect to have no reception. You know how to find the posts, they are all chronological and can be found by using the Timeslide option and scrolling down.
John
Thanks John.
Cheers,
Sheba.
I must be slipping, I didn't realise you were travelling again, so I have just caught up with your blog and will check in regularly for updates. Love reading all your adventures and seeing all the lovely places you visit.
regards
Jean