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belles-big-lap · 1 year

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VIETNAM

From Nov 8 - Dec 18, myself, Ollie and Jaimie set off on our Vietnam adventure - picking up a few strays along the way. Here is the highlights and a few things in between.

HCM

Ollie and I flew into Ho Chi Minh City and Jaimie joined us a few days later. We spent our time trying to sort out our visas to extend our stay, walking around the city, eating street food, walking around the markets, catching grabs (asian uber) and visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Cu Chi tunnels was the only classic “touristy” thing we did whilst in HCM. We learnt about the Vietnam war, what life was like living in the tunnels and the effects the war still has on Vietnam today e.g. ancient orange. Whilst we were there we went into one of the tunnels (which was already made bigger for “fat American tourist” and through a 100m tunnel that was very small and difficult.

HCM > Cat Tein > Bao Loc > Dalat

The three of us then hired motorbikes to embark on an 8 day trip north to Dalat. The first day included a lot of rain showers, riding through the busy HCM traffic, avoiding 3284 stray dogs on the road and some pretty landscapes and small villages. We rode 147 km over 7 hours on day 1. Highly don’t recommend.

We then rocked up in a small town called Cat Tien - which has a national park right beside it. After finding that our airbnb didn’t exist, we stayed in two different hostels over two nights. We explored the national park and besides getting attacked by 361840 leeches, it was pretty spectacular. Saw some big trees, col mushrooms and some rapids.

We then moved onto Bao Loc where we saw some cool lookouts and a lake. A good stopover spot as we head north. Jaimie also fell in love with Jackfruit which she thought was durian, given to us by our host parents.

Dalat is where it’s at. We spent a few days on this place and loved it. We stayed in Redhouse hostel where the very scenic (and noisy) rooftop is where we spent a lot of our time. We also walked around, tried egg coffee, ate dinner at the night markets, visited a really cool maze bar, visited the crazy house and rode to a near by wind turbine and tea farm. Riding to the tea farm was my favourite, we went down so many random and sketchy tracks on the bikes and saw lots of pretty views. We also paid to see some waterfalls with big monkey statues - bit random.

HCM > Cambodia > Danang > Hoi Ann > Danang

We then caught 2 buses back to HCM (stopping in a very rainy Mue Ne on the way) for our visa run to Cambodia. We all liked HCM a lot more the second time, spending our time chilling in cafes, Jaimie got a tattoo and we walked down this insane street with lots of night life.

After coming back we flew from HCM up to Danang before driving down to Hoi An. We had a lovely introduction to Hoi An and even had lunch with our driver! We spent about 4 days here - walking/riding around town, getting linen tailored clothes, wave surfing at the beach, eating out at the night markets, seeing the lanterns on the river and attended a half day cooking class.

The cooking class was amazing! we got picked up from our hostel and drove to the markets to collect all the food. We then got transported to the river where we went in small round basket boats whilst watching some on water entertainment and had our driver spin us around like crazy and fished for crabs. Then came cooking time! We learnt how rice paper is made before all hooking in to cook pho, rice paper rolls, beef noodle and an egg omlette thing.

We then headed North to Danang for a couple nights before flying to Hanoi. We spent our time in Danang walking around, eating coconut ice cream, visiting magic mountain (which consisted of a bunch of caves, temples and Vietnamese kids wanting to practice their English).

Hanoi > Ninh Binh > Hanoi

We spent a day chilling out in Hanoi before catching an early 2 hour train south to Ninh Binh! Ninh Binh is a beautiful small town with a rivers and big limestone mountains. We spent 4 days here relaxing (I felt really sick on the first day), went on a short hike (sore a man filming a music video, explored the area via motor bike by going up every random road and found a secret cave.

We then headed back to Hanoi for a couple of days whilst we waited to Nick to arrive. I got some tattoos and chilled out on the first day, where on the second day we all explored the city solo! I went to train street, an art gallery, temple of literature (where I saw national top models - it was very very nice), ate some yummy dumplings, walked around the old quarter, went to the museum of Vietnamese women and took myself go karting where i burnt a hole in my macpac jacket on the exhaust (whoops).

Ha Long Bay

We then splurged and went on a two night/three day cruise around Ha Long Bay. It was overcast the whole time but we all absolutely loved it. We has the most amazing views of limestone mountains popping out of the water from our bedroom! On the first day we had lunch on the cruise and headed out onto a row boat to view some caves. The evening was spent playing cards, chatting to other travelers and learning to make fresh spring rolls. We met an American couple named Natalie and Danny. The next day - after some early morning Tai Chi, the Americans and us all went over the Cat Ba island where we hired bikes and explored a local village. Once we got there we sat with our feet in the water and had fish come and nibble on our toes - It was the weirdest feeling ever. We also drank alcohol made with snakes inside the bottle - tasted like vodka but worse. The afternoon was spent cruising past some islands, swimming in the freezing water off the boat and playing some “camp fire games” with Nat and Danny. That evening we returned to the boat had some cocktails.

The next day we did some kayaking before heading back to land. Ollie and I saw a mountain goat. Highlight of the trip.

We then caught a bus all the way back to Hanoi (about 2 hours) before having dinner out with another Australian couple we met on the boat (Steve and Linda - who adopted us as our Mum and Dad. Before taking a night bus to Ha Giang!

Ha Giang

The 6 of us (Ollie, Jaimie, Nick, Nat, Danny and myself set off on our Ha Giang loop adventure!!! This was the absolute highlight of my trip and I recommend this place to everyone!

Day 1 - Rode from Ha Giang to Yen Minh: Picked up a solo traveler named Adrian from England. Danny and Nat fell off their bikes around a turn. Stayed in an amazing homestay. Played badminton with some local kids. Played campfire games on the rooftop. Drank lots of happy water (MOT, HI, BA, YO) and played pool.

Day 2 - Yen Minh to Dong Van: Ollie sent his bike up onto the road railing braking the hand brake (got it fixed). Met a cyclist who has been cycling for the last nine months. Stopped in a village with 5793 kids with flowers on their backs. Went to the flag pole (climbed 1000 steps), saw the fence to China and stayed in a super noisy homestay alongside 50 others doing the Ha Giang.

Day 3 - Dong Van to Mau Due: Separated from Nat, Danny and Adrian. Went on a boat ride through the mountains. Dealt with ALOT of construction along the roads. Stayed at a small hotel.

Day 4 - Mau Due to Tam Son. Rode to Tam Son through a village along the flats. Beautiful views. Ran into (literally) Nat, Danny and Adrian when they were having lunch. Stayed in a small hotel.

Day 5 - Tam Son to Ha Giang - cruised back to Ha Giang with an additional side loop that was really quiet and beautiful. Ollie and I dropped off Jaimie and Nick to Ha Giang and went on our own little adventure down some super sketchy roads. I fell off my bike in the mud and corked my thigh. But it was an amazing section of extra solo riding.

The next day we relaxed and walked around Ha Giang before taking the night bus again back to Hanoi.

Ollie, Jaimie and Nick then flew to Thailand where I stayed two more nights to see my friend Luke from Canberra. We walked around Hanoi, drank lots and lots of beers, I lost my phone and we had the best time ever.

Now we are all in Thailand - ready to embark on our next adventure!!!

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belles-big-lap · 2 years

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Uluṟu

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belles-big-lap · 2 years

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169 890 km

Inna minute

Imma needa

Motivation

To write this up.

Well well well – what an amazing whirl wind of adventures I’ve had over the last 3 weeks!

My last week in Bargara was spent running an absolute muck with Rach. We spent our days catching up for tennis at lunch time, going to gin distilleries, running around op shops to find outfits for each other, drinking wine, playing card games, watching movies and riding the scooter home from the pub whilst chasing kangaroos. SEE YOU IN NZ RACH!!!

I left Bargara, fuelled up and drove all the way to Proserpine. Yep 756 km over 9 and a half hours. My biggest solo drive I have ever done. Parked up at a gravel pit in Proserpine and needed to murder 15 mozzies before going to sleep – wish I could say watching the sunset with the doors open was worth it.

I spent the next week submerging myself in paradise – aka Airlie Beach.

Day 1 - went to Cedar Creek Falls (more like a trickle), but I did a little hike up the hill and found a swimming hole all to myself. So I swam, read my book and enjoyed the sun. I also saw these two huge goanna looking lizards.

I then drove into Airlie and laid on the beach and continued to read. Stinger season is between November and March so it was safe to swim. That afternoon I checked into a hostel called Nomads (just for the night) – I ended up extending for another 5 nights after this though. I then went and hiked up Honeyeater Lookout. 10km later. But it was so lovely – I did the hike in my Tiva’s and note to self: going down hill in Tiva’s is not a vibe. I then caught up with Carly for dinner and paid $31 for two ginger beers. Lovely seeing her though. We got a pub meal and ice-cream.

That evening Carly dropped me at this pub called Magnums that apparently leads through to the hostel. I ended up staying until mid-night talking to strangers and playing Jenga. I made two friends from Melbourne called Sahar and Elisha. I also met two girls from Chile and two guys from the States.

Day 2 – Went to the lagoon for a swim and a read of my book. I then caught up with Sam Wallace for a drink and some lunch. Was lovely to see him but I decided it was best not to be his friend, I do wish him all the best though. And then just napped and chilled in the arvo.

Day 3 – Another very chill day. Went for a hike up Mt Rooper – saw a green snake. That afternoon I wanted to go sailing (which you can volunteer yourself as a deck hand on Wednesday afternoons) but race week was on, so there were no volunteers allowed. So I went back to the lagoon and read my book. That evening I went out for dinner with Sahar and Elisha to a seafood restaurant called Fish D’vine. Such yummy oysters!!! We then went to Karaoke and Magnums and Sahar and I sang ‘Living on a prayer and “wannabe”. Also met a guy named Daniel who plays for the Marrar bombers and knows my cousin Sam Turner – small world. Then danced the night away in St Paddys. Such a fun night! Hopping to catch up with those girls again some day!

Day 4 – recovery and chill day.

Day 5 – Best day! I went ocean rafting and snorkelling – which was basically a big yellow boat out to Whitehaven Bay – with the purest sand on earth that doesn’t get hooter than 27 degrees. We say 2 groups of dolphins, 3 hump back whales, a sea turtle and soooooo many fish I met some amazing people! Emily – who’s from Wales and has been living in Aus for 3 years now. Anika – who’s from Wagga. We actually were attending Kildare at the same time (I was in year 7 when she was in year 10) and she also lives in a van. Abby – who’s from Canada and is visiting Australia for the first time and her partner Dominque – who’s from Lismore. Abby and Dom met each other tree planting over in Canada.

That evening – all of us went out to Magnums and St Paddy’s and even met up with some of the others from the tour! So nice meeting them all.

Day 6 – recovery morning followed by Dom and I going for a walk to the markets and eating a B&E and a coffee and chatting for like 2 hours. We then went and caught up with Anika and chilled at the lagoon before they headed more south on their way to Lismore.

That evening I went and had dinner with Nathan and Jessica. There were my neighbours at the hostel. They are a beautiful French couple over her in Aus trying to get their visa’s. They are working in Airlie at the moment but started their journey in Griffith! That evening we ate Macral that Nathan caught and drank wine from Yenda!

Later on I caught up with Emily and Anika again and attended a bush doof that was out near Mt Rooper. A 2km walk from the car park, lots of ankles, vomiting, losing my phone and passing out in the taxi on the ride home and a super super super sore head the next day – that just about sums it up. I found my phone as someone from the hostel happened to pick it up at the beach. An absolute hero. Shout out to the random that helped me for 20 minutes looking on find my iphone around the hostel.

Day 7 – I took my sore head to the boat ramp and met up with Anika. I just waited out the hangover as much as I could before heading off to Mackay for work!

Mackay – I worked in Mackay for 3 days and each afternoon was spent doing life admin stuff for the van.

On Wednesday afternoon I drove to Cape Hillsborough NP and went on a hike called Andrew’s Point looking at 3 lookouts and a walk on the beach. I stealth camped the night before getting up at 5:30 in the morning and watching the sun come up and the kangaroos come on to the beach. So many tourists there. I thought it was going to be more natural, but the roos have learnt that they are going to be fed in the early morning by the ranger. Mixed feelings but they are being protected.

I then went on another hike Yuibera Trail which was a nice bush walk. I also did the boardwalk there but it was pretty boring.

I then drove back to Mackay to pick up my Dad from the airport!!!! He only gave me a day’s notice, but he came up for the weekend to surprise me for my birthday!

The next day we drove to the Leap Lookout and did the hike. It took up about 3 hours and it was a bit of a rock scramble but we did it!!! So proud of dad and his knees getting him up and down! We then drove to Airlie beach and checked into our swanky hotel for the next two nights overlooking the town and the ocean! We then went for a walk, got a cocktail and some ice-cream and starting playing pool with a couple from UK/Melbourne (who were about Dad’s age. We ended up playing pool with them for about 2 hours before going for dinner with them at a place called KC’s with live music. SO nice meeting them!

The next day was my 25th birthday – which stated off with a phone call from every family member and Dad and I checking out the Airlie Beach markets! Dad and I then spent the afternoon out on Jetski’s! The ocean was choppy which made it interesting but I jumped in the water with some huge Mantarays and we also got to see some turtles!

That evening we went for dinner at a restaurant called Sorrento’s where the red wine was awful but the seafood risotto was delicious. I even got a slice of cake with some sparklers in it and received a small voice memo from all of Ollie’s colleagues wishing me a happy birthday – very special.

Later that evening I caught up with Anika and Emily again – we went and saw some bands play before dancing they night away at maybe 4 other pubs/clubs. Night well spent – very grateful for those girls.

On Sunday morning (very tired me) and Dad drove to Proserpine and went on a Crocodile Tour! The first section of the tour was raining and we went on a trailer hooked up to a tractor around the forest. Saw some wallabies and sucked on ant bums. We then went back to base and ate damper and drank tea. They then lifting the boat by a crane into the water and we saw about 20-25 crocs of all sizes! It was such a good tour! Not to be done in the summer though – apparently the boat can go out and see no crocs as they are all in the water staying cool.

The next couple days I just worked and dad pampered himself.

Tomorrow morning I am getting up at 4:30am to catch a flight (or 3) to Alice Springs and I am soooooooooooooo excited but I must sleep now!

Things I am grateful for:

- Dad

- Making new friends

- Taxis

- Find my iphone setting

- Snake bandages

- Jenga

Things I have learnt:

- Don’t chuck your drink on drunk idiots

- There are 74 Whitsunday islands

- If the temperature is cooler - croc eggs are female and if the temperature is hotter (around 34 deg) – they are all male (AND IT”S THE OPPOSITE FOR TURTLES – WILD

- And a whole bunch of other stuff but I need sleep byeeeee

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belles-big-lap · 2 years

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belles-big-lap · 2 years

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belles-big-lap · 2 years

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Cape Hillsborough

Leap lookout

Airlie

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GoPro

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Airlie

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belles-big-lap · 2 years

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Bundaberg

Proserpine

Cedar creek falls

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belles-big-lap · 2 years

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167 790 km

Bundaberg | Bargara | Agnes Water | 1770 | Canberra

Not sure if you have noticed this, but no extra km’s for Maurice over the last month! I have started working in Bundaberg and they have given me a hire car for whilst I am working here! I think Maurice is appreciating a break.

So I arrived in Bundaberg and here’s what you need to know:

- The work here is very chilled. Majority of the time I am by myself so I kinda come and go as I please.

- I met a girl named Rachel. Rachel is from NZ and is over here to do locum work as well. I went out for a drink with her and her partner Cole. We got kicked out of the pub because Cole decided to wee in the bushes. But that evening I stayed over at the apartment that Encara hooked her up with. I then moved in the next day! So nice being in a house and not needing to go outside for the bathroom.

- My first weekend spent here I was having a ‘solo – treat yoself weekend’ where I slept in, visited the gin and winery distilleries, took myself out for some yummy seafood, went on a lovely bike ride along ‘turtle trail’ near Mon Repos. I was searching for some shells with holes in them to make something – then a Parks Ranger came up to me and we chatted for about 20 minutes. I then guessed that his name was Dylan and I WAS RIGHT FREAKY I KNOW WTF. I then spent the arvo in the sun making a shell thingy for the van.

- The following weekend I played some tennis with Rachel and Cole, got a new piercing and went to Agnes Water and 1770. Did some walks there including the paperbark rainforest walk and had some seafood by the beach.

- Both Bargara and Bundaberg are lovely towns. I am enjoying living in Bargara and going for runs by the beach every day.

I then flew back down to Canberra for Dad’s 60th! My cheeks hurt from smiling – I had the best time.

On the Wednesday I drove from Bundaberg to Cooran – caught up with my friend Jimmy for a cuppa and then flew down to Sydney. My flight was delayed so I thought I was going to miss my Murrays bus. Ended up accidentally going to the international airport, only to turn around and go back to domestic airport because I ended up at the wrong place.

ANYWAY – then when I finally got to Canberra my friend Abby picked me up and we had a chilled night at her place full of spaghetti, laughs, chocolate and catching up.

The next days was super rainy – So Abby and I just chilled before going into work. So nice seeing everyone. I had lunch with James Mount and then spent the arvo pub hopping with Djordje. We went to Capital Brewery, The Old Canberra Inn and of course – the RUC. We then both had dinner with Will and Jen. Lots of exciting wedding chat between everyone.

That night I went and stayed at the old stomping grounds of Lampard Crt. Belle was away for dinner but I went and jumped on her in the morning. We then went and spent 3 hours at breakfast catching up on the last 5 months of life. Super duper lovely.

Jess and Ava then arrived and we went into the city so Jess could get a new phone and Ava and I went and got out nails done (my first time literally ever). Then we went back to the hotel and I stole Jess’ car to go visit Nigel and Fleur. Was so nice seeing them – hopefully spend some time with them again in late Oct.

The whole fam eventually arrived and the night was full of cheese platters, wines, beers, ciders, card games and putt putt golf. The following day we went to power cart raceway (no crashes this time thankfully), and I came SECOND. I beat Amy which was the main thing. We then played glow in the dark putt putt golf with Ava followed by lunch at The Lighty with Woodsy and her fam. That arvo we went and watched the Raiders lose to the Panthers (in the rain) and went for an unforgettable/forgettable night out on the town where we got home between 4-5am.

The next day was Dad’s bday – we all went out for brunch and then some of us went to Old Parliament House, up mount Ainslie (via car) and home for pizza and much needed sleep.

Super lovely weekend.

This coming week I am back living with Rach and finishing up work in Bundaberg. Mackay is next on the list. I have organised work up there for the 22nd of August. Getting excited to feel like I am “travelling” again.

What I have learnt:

- Chewing gum can be mistaken for drugs

- Turtles can mistake car lights/street lights with the natural glow of the ocean and get stuck going the wrong way after hatching

- Public urination can coast $900 in an establishment

What I am grateful for:

- Fambalam

- Cheap flights

- Taxi services

- 2 for 1 Burrito Tuesdays

- Voice memo features on apps

- Washing machines/dryers/ovens/toasters/baths

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belles-big-lap · 2 years

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Bundaberg, Bargara, Agnes

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167 770 km

Anddddddd another classic “Belle has done a lot of shit since the last blog but she’ll try her best to recap” scenarios.

Ollie arrived off the train in the “Sunshine” coast aka rainy coast. It literally started raining as soon as he got off the train, and then that rain didn’t stop for three days. We decided it would be best to not go to Fraser island considering the weather. So instead we just chilled around the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.

During that time we:

- Did a “pampering session” where I got a full body massage (Thanks Emma T for the voucher) and I gave Ollie and manipedi.

- Hiked up Mt Walsh – another sketchy rock scrambling one. But the views were incredible and Ollie made me feel super safe

- Cooked in local parks and used the bbq (nice way to get out of the van whilst still having shelter)

- Went to a pub and played some pool

- Went to another pub and watched Wallabies vs England (Wallabies won for the first time in like 7 years)

- Went to Bundaberg distillery and bought some gross Beef Jerky and a cute tote bag

- Went to a Gin Distillery call Kalki Moon. Very yummy.

Then – we drove from Bundaberg to Yeppoon and stayed with Sam, Carly and little Eli for 3 nights! Super nice seeing them and being able to ‘chill and reset’. Big yella (aka the sun) finally came out, so the first two days we spent running errands, hanging out, having fires in the backyard and I also did a deep clean of the van (Shout out to Carly for allowing me to put on 7 loads of washing! Not joking)

Eli got very comfortable with Ollie and I early on – he has the cutest giggle I COULD DIE.

On the Friday we all jumped in the Nissan Patrol and went 4WD around Byfield National Park! It was so much fun – my cheeks still hurt from smiling!

We:

- went up this hill called ‘Big Sandy’, and as the name suggests it was big and sandy

- Drove through a small village and stopped because a small kid was holding up a sign that said “rocks you get look at and keep - $3”. So Carly bought one for $5.

- Saw 5 rocks from Stockyard Point

- Drove down to 9 Mile Beach and Ollie and I went and ventured along 5 rocks. Some cool caves. Ollie needed to poo and wiped his bum with a rock. Sorry not sorry if that was too much info I just never want to forget that.

- Went and explored ‘Orange Bowl’ – which is a massive sand dune. Ollie and Sam had a competition who could run up the side of the dune the most and Ollie won but axed himself on the way down

- Walked to ‘Little Five Rocks’ beach

Then ended the day with burger (I accidentally ordered a super spicy burger so thank you Carly for swapping with me)

Ollie and I then drove to Rockhampton and did some errands before I dropped him off to the Airport.

After that I drove to a town called Dingo. Stayed at the roadhouse before spending the day and Blackdown Tablelands NP! So incredibly beautiful and so many colours! When arriving to the NP you first drive through paddocks (lots of cows) on a tar road. I then arrived to Horseshoe lookout (aka Yaddamen Dhina) and a hike called Goodela (amazing views, little rock scrambling to a waterfall – took some drone pics).

Then – to get to the Gudda Gumoo (Rainbow Falls) hike – it’s a 17 km drive from the lookout. Along the most corrugated bumpy dirt road ever. In hindsight – I should’ve hitchhiked in. I pulled up 3 km from the car park and walked the rest of the way. On the hike – There was some aboriginal art work and Rainbow falls was amazing!!! The water was very cold but I was tempted to swim. I ended up scrambling around the other side and sat on a rock behind the water fall. I got some photos with my drone. I then I went up the top of the waterfalls to look for “The most instagrammed rock pools” – and I couldn’t find them anywhere! At one point I thought that they must of dried up. I then powered on with searching and eventually found them. And they were so beautiful! You could go from one rock pool to another by swimming under the water – which was beyond cold btw. I think I was in the water for 14 seconds at most.

The next day I drove to Emerald and checked out ‘The largest painting in the world on an easel’ – The Emerald Van Gogh Sunflower Painting. I then drove to Sapphire and Ruby field to check out the Sapphire mines! I went on an underground tour in Rubyfield where I learnt all about Sapphires and how they are retrieved. There was a Sapphire there worth 2 million called the Tomohawk Tiger. Might go back and purchase it another time.

But here is what I learnt:

- Sapphires come from volcanic lava

- Different minerals (aluminium oxide – in it’s purest form is clear) but added mineral combinations in the soil create different coloured sapphires. In Australia – we mainly get green and blue sapphires, whereas Madagascar gets pink and red sapphires

- You need a licence to dig up Sapphires – about $9 for a month

- The act of looking for Sapphires is called Fossicking.

- The process of getting the dirt out of the ground, up the shaft and into a truck

I then drove from Rubyfield back to Sapphire to do some fossicking. Basically you buy a bag of dirt and rocks for $25, wash it and then look through the rocks to see if you can find any sapphires. I had left it too late to do the whole thing so I just hijacked someone’s fossicking. I didn’t find any sapphires but I found some pretty rocks.

After this I drove back to Emerald. I was parked on the side of the road whilst on the phone to Dad when I was googling where I should camp for the night. A bloke in the car in front of me got out and asked me if I was looking for the Caravan park. After a little chat he asked me where I was from. Long story short – he was born in Temora, then lived in Hilston for a while before moving to Emerald. So he knows my Grandad and Nanna, some of my mums Aunties/Uncles, my Dad’s Brothers/Sisters and a whole bunch more. Plus my Dad butted into the conversation and he knows heaps of people from his family as well. His name is John Henlan. We then went and got a pub feed together that night – super wholesome time.

The next day I drove to Minerva National Park. Another time I wish Maurice was a 4WD. Not to worry though – I just walked 18 km along 4WD tracks and explored the whole place whilst listening to some podcasts!

I then stayed in Rolleston the night before heading out to the amazing Carnavorn Gorge!!! I have spent the last 3 days exploring such an amazing part of Australia!

Day 1:

- Main walk – all the way up to Big Bend including: Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, Wards Canyon, Art Gallary, Cathedral Cave and Boowinda Gorge

- Kms: 25.54

- Creek Crossings: 54

- No. of times falling in creek crossing: 1

Went straight to bed in the evening.

Day 2:

- Mickey Creek + Warrumbah Creek Gorge (short version)

- Rock pools

- Nature Track

- Boolimba Bluff

- Kms: 18.57

- Creek Crossings: 32

- Platypus Sightings: 3

Met a lady named Prue who just bought a brand new Troopy with her Husband. She was showing me the ins and outs of it! We went and sat by the fire with a family from Victoria. They came and fixed my door (my sliding stopped working all together for 2 days. I have had to be a contortionist climbing in and out through the passenger seat. All they did was bash it a couple times from the inside and I guess it “unstuck” itself?? I really don’t know.

I then rolled my ankle so hard getting out of the van I fell to the ground - but luckily it was fine the next day!

Day 3:

- Warrumbah Creek Gorge (longer version)

- Main walk – Art Gallery, Wards Canyon, Amphitheatre and Moss Gardens

- Kms: 16.61

- Creek Crossings: 24

That afternoon I collected a bunch of sticks and went around to every campsite within the area and asked them if they would like to join the communal fire later on. I lit the fire and almost everyone joined! I was super stoked!

One group from Brisbane (Originally Pakistan, France and Poland) – learnt about home school teaching, manifestation techniques and I ended up treating the French bloke’s back. There was a couple there – Brett and Mellissa (who own a very new and swanky troopy) and Melissa’s brother Lee – all of them were telling me about there travels across the Simpson desert. Lovely group of people. I went and had a tour of the troopy in the morning – Brett loved showing me his baby!

The next day I drove from Carnarvon Gorge to Calliope. Not much to report here. I tried going to the local sports tavern to watch the Wallabies vs England game – but there was a concert on and no one was watching the footy. So I just watched the hard loss from within the van.

Then I made my way from Calliope to Bundaberg. I stopped in Agnes Water on the way and actually had a good swim in the ocean! The water was beautiful. Agnes Water is the last place up the east coast of Australia that you can actually surf. Bundaberg has Fraser Island in the way so there’s no surf down here. But I just sat on the beach for a little while and listened to some music and did some drawing.

That evening I arrived at the Big4 Caravan Park in Bargara. The unpowered camp sites are just a free for all mad house – but I landed a good spot luckily. That afternoon I rode my bike to the supermarket and when I got back there was some live music being played at the Caravan Park. So I grabbed a cider and went and sat down. This older couple came and sat with me (Garry and Janice) from Sydney. Janice is a retired hypnotherapist. Very cool. Jance and I got up and danced the Nutbush together.

Then today I have had my first day of work in Bundaberg. Caught a taxi this morning to pick up my rental car and the taxi driver asked me to go to dinner with him on the Weekend. What an experience that was. He’s just trying to be nice and looking for a friend (I’m guessing because I told him about Ollie). The other two Physios are sick with Covid so I am here all by myself this week – just learning on the go.

Things I have learned:

- PSI whilst 4WD – 25 on heavy gravel. 15 on sand.

- A lot about sapphires (as above)

- Platypus are small animals

- My scarpa hiking boots dry quite quickly

- Don’t try and pick up your drone while it’s still spinning

- Don’t try and book a 4WD experience on Fraser Island while it’s raining

- Troopy’s are very very expensive and even more expensive if you want them to be super camper fancy

Things I am grateful for:

- Free warm showers/camp sites - Wikicamps

- 4WD

- Kind strangers