Storker in Tennant Creek 24th August 2007

Yesterday we had bought a new battery for the fridge to find out it the battery needed to be replaced and the fridge is now broken and only works when its plugged in to the mains. We left Camooweal early to get into NT. at the border we noticed that one of the back wheels looked funny and we changed it for the spare. We drove for what feels like days and days alone the Barkly Highway. There is a lot of nothingness alone this stretch of road. At Tennant Creek Hannah couldn't believe her eyes. As we were parked at the entrance to the campsite Peter Kay walked out. I walked out of the reception to see Hannah hiding in the foot wells of the camper and she then told me about PK. We bought a new tyre and hid from PK again and went to the library and booked our flights back to Melbourne for Xmas. We arrive in Melbourne on the 17th December.

Nice day to be in the mines 23rd August 2007

We met our guide, Bill and he took us to get our overalls, belts, helmets and wellies. We went outside and seen some of the old machinery. Then we got our helmet torches and battery packs and got in the lift. Down the shaft we went and were greeted with a mine train about 20 meters under the ground. We signed in tags and off we went to work for the day. We were guided around the tunnels and we had a go at using the old mining drills. We were shown the big trucks and Bill drove a massive truck and we had to wear ear muffs coz of the sound. We went to the "crib" for tea, biscuits and stories of the old days as Bill had worked in this mine for over 30 years. He told us about a big bloke and how someone had hid his lunch box and made him miss his lift to the surface. So he asked everyone about it and no one wanted to admit they had done it, so to get even he put a 6 inch nail in to everyones lunch boxes and nailed them to the roof of the "crib" room and made everyone miss there lift the following day. Bill was a brilliant guide and bloke.
That night we drove to Camooweal a small place on the border of the Northern Territory.

Mount Isa 22nd August 2007

We set off early to Mount Isa, a big mining city in the middle of the Outback. Didn't take long to get there, we realised the fridge wasn't working. Our first point of call was Tourist info, where we bumped it Peter Kay, we couldn't believe it.

We booked on to an underground mining tour for the following day, we found a nice campsite and went to do some shopping. We had a look around the museum about the mines, Mount Isa and how it all started to were it is today. It was really interesting and were learnt a lot about Isa. That evening we had a BBQ and relaxed.

Stuck in the Outback 9th - 21st August 2007

We set off on the 9th towards Mount Isa, we got 80km out of town and we had to turn around as we new there was something wrong with the engine. We got about 5km and steam was pooring out of the engine. We were in the middle of nowhere, no houses, cars, just fields and shrubs as far as the eye could see. We tried to get a lift back, the 1st man looked a bit odd, the 2nd didn't have any room. After 45mins of seeing nobody a couple stopped to help us, he was an ex-machanic. They helped us all the way back to Normanton, 75km. We were the luckest people alive and we were very grateful.
We went to the garage to find out what was wrong ,he said it was the head, the bad news was the parts will take a week to get to us, as they were coming from Brisbaine, then Cairns and finally to Normanton. That wasn't the worst bit it was going to cost us $2000, about 800-900 pounds.
We booked ourselves in to a campsite and the time passed,talking to different people everyday, swimming in the pool or just reading. It was about 30'C. We found an internet to spend a few hours there, it had aircon. Friday came and the machanic said the parts had arrived but he couldn't do it until Monday now. Monday arrived and then the afternoon, but then, he wouldn't be finished until tomorrow. We then tried to kill some more time and went to have our photo taken with the replica of the largest croc caught in the area. He was about 8 metres long and a husband and wife combo killed it a few years back. Hannah was sat on it, while I had the camera ready to take the photo when all of sudden a big black and white bird flew out of a tree and tries to land on her head. It scratched her head and flew off, Hannah was really surprised and jumped down. I got up on the croc's back and the bird flew back towards Hannah again for another try, she got rid of it and we went back to the campsite to hide. Back at the campsite we met a guy who was looking for a lift to Mount Isa, he seem nice enough, but we have read all the bad stories and know not to pick anyone up. He looked like Peter Kay, so this is now his name to us.
The couple next door lent us there tent for the night, while the van was in the garage. The next afternoon the van was ready and we were off south towards Cloncurry our next destination before Mount Isa. A proper place with more than 100 people in it!

Arrived in Normanton 8th August 2007

We started our journey along the Savanna highway, west. We did a bit more driving than planned, as we wanted to get to Mount Isa Rodeo. We stopped in a few places for petrol and to stretch our legs. We had been told the roads were good along this stretch, but watch out for "Road Trains". They are big lorry's, but also have 3 more trailers on them. This means they are about 100meters long, hard to stop and they don't like to slow down. The rules are they have priority and you must get off the road for them to pass you. We have seen lots of these, but the road's we were on sometimes become single track tarmac, so we were getting off the road loads. We arrived at Normanton at 5pm and planned our next day.

Innott hot springs 7th August 2007

From Misson beach we drove to Innsfail were we stocked up at the supermarket, filled up with petrol and then drove off in to the mountains. We stopped along the way at different waterfalls, Millaa Millaa, Zillie falls and Millsteam falls. We also stopped in Ravenshoe and spoke with tourist info about our journey to the Northern Territory. We spent the night at Innott springs, we parked the van and walked down to the river. You could see the steam rising from the water. We put our feet in and jumped right out again. The water was about 60'C, the campsite had their own pools, so we took a dip. They had 6 pools at different temp's, cold to 50'C. Real nice! They did smell pretty nasty, but its all natural.

Sore bodies 6th August 2007

Not feeling up to doing much, as our bodies were killing us, we drove down to misson beach info. We were going to try and go over to Dunk Island, but we had missed the ferry of the day. We had a lazy day just relaxing, Hannah was talking to the neighbours and found they were born in Dronfield, were Hannah used to live (such a small world).

Tully River rafting 5th August 2007

At the Tully river we were given our life jackets, helmet, paddles and split into 6 people teams. We meet Rod our guide for the day, in the raft he told us some safety things and off we went. We were the first raft down, Rod has rafted these water for 8 years now. He's one of the best. Our raft had 2girls and 4 guys, plus Rod. We had the power and skill to go faster and into more challenging waters. Rod tricked us a few time and flipped the raft, filled it with water to cool us down. Then steered our raft under a waterfall but only got us lot wet, keeping himself dry. There was some banter amongst us all and we were throwing Rod in as he kept saying he had a water phobia. We got some great photo shots of us in the back of the raft with the front end sticking up out of the water as we went down a waterfall(only small fall).
We paddled down a small set of rapids and waited for the others to catch up. As we were sat there Rod said he needed to get closer to the rapids to help the other rafts(safety precaution). So he said to paddle hard and fast. We quickly got going and as we got to the rapids the front of the raft were Hannah and the other girl were, quickly flipped and sent the two girls flying into the water. The rest of held on for dear life, the raft settled and we dragged the girls back in, they were still wondering what had happened, with Rod laughing his head off. Hannah had a few sore spots on her leg, arm and chin. We think my paddle hit it on her way into the water. We had a brilliant day and we can't wait to do it again in NZ.

To Misson Beach 4th August 2007

We detoured to find the largest single drop water fall in Australia. We found it, in the middle of nowhere a car park with a path leading to the falls. It was amazing, the sun light hit the falling water and caused a rainbow of colours in the middle of the falls. Brilliant!! Well worth the 1 hour 30 minutes detour.
Arrived in to Misson beach in the late afternoon and it had taken longer that expected. We booked a white water rafting day for tomorrow. We walked along the beach and found jellies everywhere. We went on the Internet that evening and discovered that someone had robbed Hannah's bank account. It had all gone. All our money for our trip! Hannah felt sick, but remained calm. She rang the bank, rang her mum and finally with lots of messing about got through to the fraud dept. The lady took the details and opened case file. She said not to worry and the money should be back in her account by Wednesday if she had been defrauded. So cross those fingers.

Townsville night market 3rd August 2007

We drove in to the centre and found it a lot bigger that expected. We went up to Castle Hill (but no castle). The views at the top were very picturesque, you could see for miles, looking over to Magnetic Island and the city.
We found our new campsite and relaxed round the pool. Later that day we drove to the city night markets. As we walked around there was a cool breeze and festival feel. We bought some homemade fudge, looked at all the stalls and Hannah got a really nice necklace.

A Sad day 2nd August 2007

We got up at 630am and took Emma down to the harbour for her ferry. We waited until her boat came in, we gave her a hug and waved her off, as she sailed out of the harbour. Hannah felt really sad that Emma had gone and there was now a empty seat in our camper. We'd all gotten on so well considering we were all in the little camper, Hannah said it was a sad day, but the journey must go on.It was the first time Hannah and I had been in the camper as just the two of us. We said our good bye's to Jason and Sheridon and started driving north to Misson Beach.
On the way up we stopped for lunch and decided to stay in Townsville for the night. In Townsville that night we planned to stay another night so we could have a good look around and go to the night market the following night.

Emma''s Last day 1st August 2007

A sad day as it was Emma's last day. We had our brekkie and sat outside. We drove down to the harbour for Emma to pay for her ferry. We went on a walk that the guide book said was good. It said a short walk up to see the best views of the Whitsunday Island. We had lunch before we started and started the 2.4km walk up. We strolled along, through the forest hoping no croc's, snakes or spiders would jump out. It was a long winding walk up the hill. As we walked my foot hit a rock and Hannah nearly jumped out of her skin, as she thought it was a frog of something. Which also scared Emma.
We got to the top and the views were great. On our way down we went a different way, following a road. We found out down the road it was a private road for the local tele communications people. We carried on and found the main road to the harbour. We then walked back along the road for another 2km in the heat. It was getting to everyone, but the camper had a nice cold drink waiting for us. `
We drove to get some things and had a beautiful BBQ for Emma's last night, we text Ali and Jess to see if they wanted to go for a drink and twisted Emma's arm saying we wouldn't be late in and we invited Jason. At the pub we chatted and drank for a while then said our goodbye's and had to go home early start tomorrow. Jason came back to the camper and we had a few more beers and chatted til 2am.

No falls in Creek falls 31st July 2007

Today we decided to have a lie in and later go shopping for bits for the camper. We got 2 chairs, some food and we drove to Creek Falls, which didn't have any falls. We have some lunch and drove on to Conway Beach. The tide was out so we didn't stay long, plus a sign said there were croc's about. We saw some strange letter boxes, some made from old microwaves.
We drove back and went to the lagoon, were we relaxed and had ice cream. Back at camp, Emma decided it would be easier to fly locally, instead of driving back to Cairns. Plus she got an extra day in Airlie Beach, which she really wanted, as she didn't want to go home.
That night we went out for something to eat and went for a drink. We didn't feel the love tonight so we went home and had a beer instead.

This is the Twelve Apostles on The Great Ocean Road.

Hangover from Hell 30th July 2007

Hannah woke up wondering why Emma was next to her.............she awoke again to find her gone and found a huge headache in her place. I opened the back of the camper, while Hannah was still in bed.
There Emma was with a bottle water in one hand, looking a little rough, but we all were. Hannah laughed as she told Emma the stories of last night, trying to get her out of the bar, getting home, as she didn't remember very much. Emma laughed and said she'd had a great night. We sat around the campsite for most of the day, our plan was to drive to Misson beach today, but plans changed and we booked in for another night. To help Emma feel a little better she opened a beer (freak). We laughed most of the day, mostly about nothing, but what ever nothing was it was funny. I think we were all, still a bit drunk.
We went to KFC for lunch at 3pm, then walked around the shops and sat by the lagoon, sunbathing. That night we ordered in pizza, Emma did the ordering for some reason in an American accent. Emma couldn't stop laughing, Jason heard them and asked what they were doing. He thought they were drunk again. They invited him around for a drink and we played "ludo" and "snakes and ladders" and went to bed about midnight.

Turtle eating a jelly at the Great barrier Reef. 29th July 2007

The generator started at 5:30am, and with the smell of toast we went up on to the deck. The sun had just started to rise from the dark ocean to revel all the beautiful colours of the blues in the ocean and the reds, yellow and blues in the sky. The fisherman's boat had gone from the night before, Brent said it left about 4am. After having breakfast we moved to a different spot on the reef, were Brent it was his favorite place to snorkel This was because the water above the reef was only about a meter deep, so we'd be able to see lots of different fish, turtles and only last week he said 3 girls were diving and a hump back whale swam straight over their heads (Wow). So we jumped in to the dingy, excited and ready to snorkel. Brent dropped us off near the reef,Hannah and Emma held hands while snorkeling. The coral was amazing, lots of different types, different to yesterday. more plate coral and brain corals. All the corals are named after the things they look like. e.g. plate coz it looks like a dinner plate. Hannah and Emma spotted lots of big fish , 2 followed them along the edge of the coral, they saw a huge blue sea star and just had a brilliant time. I saw a little shark in the reef hiding and then I head some noise coming from over near the girls. I popped my head out of the water and saw Hannah with her snorkel still in her mouth shouting me over to them and pointing down. I swam over and they were both looking down so I had a look. They were both watching a massive turtle, only 1 meters from them, he had a jelly fish in it mouth and was bashing it against the coral wall and with its legs. Hannah was using the hand signals from her diving yesterday to show Emma and talk to me, I heard the that noise again and found it was Emma laughing underwater. She was laughing that hard she had to surface for air (as in Finding Nemo " it was so cool dude!!" ).
We heard the whales songs again and it was great to hear them again, then it was time to get out of the water and back on the boat. We started back to Airlie, chatted to Brent and Andy. Did some sun bathing on the deck and just relaxed. We all felt a little sad that it was going to finish soon. so we tried to bride Brent to take us out again, but we didn't have enough money between us. As we got back to the harbour we gathered our things and said or thanks. We know its something that we will never forget. One of those things that will be talked about forever. They crew had booked a table at the Beaches bar in town for a drink tonight. We decided to go and rang Jason from the campsite as he said he would come get s after our trip.
We got chatting to him and arranged to meet him and Sheridon (his sister) at 7:30pm. We got ready, had some beers and vodka and went to meet them. We got a cab into town and went into Beaches. There was a table reserved in the name of Kiana, but nobody else had turned up, as we had expected. We sat down and had a few jugs of beer and then went to another bar up the road. There was nobody else in but the staff. About ten minutes later we got chatted to an English couple, Ali and Jess and they were both in the Navy.
They ended up coming with s to the next bar and we all started chatting and getting drunk. Jason got us all a pint of something that got us all on our way. We all ended up really drunk at about 3am. We exchanged numbers, emails and they said for us to stay with them in Portsmouth.
Emma ended up with Jason and was so drunk she didn't want to go home. It took Hannah 30 minutes to get Emma out of the bar, by this time the staff were cleaning the bar and ready to home. Hannah sent me to the pie shop, while she and Jason pulled Emma out of the bar. We all got a taxi back to Flametree, Emma fell asleep in the taxi and fell out when we got there. We went back to the camper and fell asleep.