Hi John.

I was going to go into Toomulla Beach camp today on my way down from Ingham but was given information telling me that you can only camp around the boat ramp. I was there last year and workman were working on the ramp but had nothing to do with the camping area. I have booked into Bluewater Caravan Park just South of the freedom camp at Bluewater Creek. The place was full when I arrived there at 10 am this morning and I needed to get to Garbutt P.O to pick up mail so I booked into the C/Park. Bugger!!!

I can give you a heads up on 2 lesser known freedom camp in Ingham if you are interested.

Regards Chris

Poor internet connection sees me typing this on a Word document on Wednesday night ready for my exciting Thurdsay, I have moved from my camp site to a position where I can leave at 6.30am without bothering anyone. I have a 7.30am appointment in Townsville to get the rear box fitted.

I want to check out Bunnings, Supercheap, BCF and a huge army disposal store near the East Garbutt Post office where I will collect my new regulator. I am needing a gas bottle refill and want to buy a small gas stove, chain saw, axe or splitter, oil and fuel, extended barbeque tools, some sort of fire receptacle maybe a cut down gas bottle.

After last weeks cooking adventures I am needing a refill of wraps and cut up crunchy salad mix plus other ingredients, I havent eaten noodles or sliced bread for over a week definitely a record for me so a visit to the supermarket will be needed before going to a camp.

I did want to go to Balgal Beach but the chance of getting in there other than early in the morning would be nil so depending on the time I will have another overnighter here.

Thursday evening and I am back here in Toomulla Beach and everything worked out well except I couldnt find a fire receptacle, tried Bunnings, Rays Outdoors, Mitre 10 and the disposal store to no avail. Did get the chain saw, the oils and fuel, heavy duty gloves and long tools. The regulator was waiting for me it will get fitted tomorrow.

The box on the back works good and slides out so that the back door will open, got a bit of painting tomorrow around the towbar where the welding was done but the job looks good, could have saved $100 by getting a black box of dubious substance but settled on the aluminium checker plate one. Cant have anything scruffy on my new bus, the awning will be next it looks ancient and is difficult to erect.

Saturday and still no internet, busy yesterday fitting the new regulator so now I have a 20A regulator on both sides and can easily tell the battery status on each. The exhaust pipe blows towards the new box and I want to deflect the exhaust downwards with a chrome kick down, shades of the 6 cylinder XW Falcon Panel van back in the 70s when I put in an S pipe and brought the exhaust out on either side with a downward kick to sound like a V8. Sounded great but didnt go any faster.

Also painted the towbar and the frame for the box so all looks great, all I need now is a fire receptacle and that could be a fold down fireplace or a gas bottle cut down. Have to see different examples and check to make sure that one fits in the box. Been looking at the new chain saw and reading the instructions, a bit daunting, but will have to master it before any cutting can be done.

My plans now are to move to Balgal Beach on Monday morning, the traditional change over time before the ranger returns, if I get there early enough I should get a spot. Looks like I will be going to Bushy Parker Reserve on the Thursday following and staying there until Monday week, then I will have been here north of Townsville just over 3 weeks and ready to move northwards again.  John

Looking good John,,,,,,,,,,Billeeeeeee

Hi Jon, Can't remember if you had a look at my barbecue when you were here or not.  If not let me know and I'll try to post some pics and a website. Tried to attach the photos anyhow, if they take.

Take it easy.

Cheers,

John