Week 355 ” North to Hervey Bay”

The planing has gone very well the craven is packed – Jeep all fuel up and tomorrow we head off – alone but nit alone – I always wish I had Jill by my side to keep giving me directions so I don’t get lost.

Pat & Keith arrived with a couple of extra things to pack – Pat as always thinking of the boys Riley & Lucas had visited Aldi on the way and picked out a present fro each of them. She had a plastic backpack full of dinosaurs which the boys will love. Keith made me a new wrench which will fit my electric drill – to make winding the caravan stabiliser jacks much easier and quicker. Pat texted me just before we left – like mum drive safely.

Chris , Nicole , Riley and Lucas were on their way and were camping just out side Wangaratta at a friends farm – no room for two vans in my driveway. A phone call to coordinate our meeting just north of Wangaratta and we are off.

We headed north along the Hume Freeway to Albury and the Wagga Wagga a couple of stops along the way so that the boys had a play and our first overnight stop was at Forbes . This was the first of several free camps we intended to try. The location was beside a lake and there were already 10 vans parked. We found a great site and were able to be side by side. The boys had slept during the drive and when we were set up ready for a play – early to bed as another long day ahead.

Second day was similar to the first with our destination Narrabri – we had planed to stay at show grounds but changed our mind and opted for the caravan park – but a bit sorry very crowded and no room for our boys to play, We decided to move but the manager there offered an area used for tents which was completely empty and since we didn’t need water or power it was ideal – the boys loved the area which gave them room to stretch their legs and play with Grandpa. That evening we walked to the RSL club for a meal . Chris & Nicole had been there before I is called “The Outback Shack” decorated in theme with the name – a nice meal and back to the vans for another early night.

Third we were on our way with our scheduled stop at Lake Broadwater east of Dalby in Queensland. We crossed the border at Goondiwindi and his was our lunch break . The boys had amazed me – playing in the car, sleeping and ready to play with Grandpa when we stopped. We turned off the maid road for the 10 k trip into Lake Broadwater – having no idea what was there other than some excellent reports on WikiCamps App. We pass only one caravan coming towards us and our comment over the radio was why would they be leaving this late in the afternoon. However we continued on and eventually we could see the lake and the main camp area – about 5 van and a huge area to select from . Always difficult when you have such choices. There were two large amenities blocks and a play ground which was the first thing the boys saw as well as barbecues along the waters edge. We set up and had a look around and several more vans arrive and disappeared into various areas of the park. We decided to have a barbecue and as they were wood fire dthe boys were given the task of collecting wood which they enjoyed and I got to use a new toy – a gas fired fire lighter – it worked a treat. While waiting the boys were surprised with arrival of a small kangaroo and Lucas learnt a new word “ROO” and for the next hour all he wanted to see was another “ROO” Again an early night.

Forth day was meant to be a bit easier and to reach Fraser Lodge Caravan Park in Hervey Bay mid afternoon. The roads were a bit narrower and there were road trains and a fair bit of other traffic but we still made good time – stopped for lunch and crossed over a scary bridge – single lane, no sides and about a 50 ft drop to he Mary River below. Chris went across first and Nicole radio me the traffic as the disappeared from sight – No traffic and I was across.We arrived in Hervey Bay mid afternoon and were quick set up as Riley had seen the Jumping Pillow as we came through the gate.

The next nine days saw us at the jumping pillow , making sand castles , feeding ducks, going down to the beech, fishing , going for walks – I don’t think the boys wanted to see the inside of the car for a while and all Lucas wanted to do was walk – not to interested in the pusher. I had a little turn and a scare finished up at the doctor and some medication and I was back to normal. We had great time and finally it was time for the family to head home.packed we waved and they were gone and I felt lonely. Chris text me and rang as they proceeded south to Doreen. I was very pleased when I got the call they were home.

During the next week I revisited all the places Jill and I had purchased a coffee. I sat at the tables and remembered all those good times and enjoyed the coffee and of course a cake – not good for my sugar levels or my waist line. Each evening I received text messages from Nicole or Chris, Allison and off course my sister Pat who always wanted to know what I had done that day. Her texts were always about family and usually sent later in the evening.

My next decision was when to come home and I went and booked a day by day situation as my site was actually free until the 19th of September. I made friends with a couple of other caravaners and the one opposite – their family also lived in Doreen quite close to Chris. I had spoken to Lorna & Peter – my great neighbours who check on my house ,mail and of course feed Jessie ( 20+ year old cat) I should not have said just feed – spoil is a better description – hand feed fed with prawns.

I would love to be here with Jill and my memories but that’s not the way. Jill’s sister is again at Agnes waters and I would have liked to head there but I was too late and there are no sites available so home I must head