TOWNSVILLE TO PARONELLA PARK

Got up to fine rain but still very warm. Left at 9am all fed and watered and made our way onto the Bruce Highway still heading north. Countryside was flat and we passed through miles and miles of sugarcane. Eventually arriving at Ingham where we stopped for refreshments,diesel and bit of shopping.On our way again and pulled up at Cardwell By The Sea for a salad and a "Lynns Special Desert" we love those! Landscape now changing, rain forest in the distance and lots of macaws around. Also signs warning of Emu`s and Kangaroos. We must be the only travellers that haven`t seen a kangaroo yet. We turned off the Bruce Highway at Silkwood and onto the Canecutter Highway through Mena Creek and eventually arrived at Paronella Park. We were greeted by a chap with umbrellas for us all,what a warm welcome we had. After booking in at about 3pm we were told that the next day tour was 4pm. We washed and were eager to look around we joined the tour which took us around the beautiful park. The story unfolded of a hardworking romantic young man from Catalonia who emigrated to Australia. He wanted to build a house with a castle for his wife.He eventually built it after many years using just his hands. He added a cinema,ballroom,tennis courts and two castles which were used mainly by the locals. Its a fascinating story and if you are ever around North Queensland its a must to see. After the day tour was over we had a coffee on the decking,then it was time for our evening tour, about twelve of us all equipped with umbrellas and torches got on our way. We were shown magic illuminous mushrooms and bark,fed the turtles saw the fire flies that give off a flashing light during the dark that is caused by a chemical reaction coming from their backside (Bri said that sounds familiar!) Then we were all amazed when the switch was thrown to light up the caste and waterfall. All back to camper van now to get our glasses and enjoy a drink on the decking with Neil our tour guide. Great Visit Goodnight x x

MORE WHITSUNDAYS

SUNDAY AIRLIE BEACH TO TOWNSVILLE

Danni and Doran stayed over at the site so that we could say goodbye to them in the morning. Dani helped us out by loading some photos. It was great and we can all share. Cameron and Jill gave us theirs last night. Should have some good snaps between us. We got on our way now to Townsville which is a good drive. We stopped for a coffee at a place which was sign posted scenic point but was a dead loss as it just turned out to be communication dishes! We arrived at Townsville which was much bigger than we imagined. We went to book in at a Big 4 site but it was about 10 miles out of the town. The receptionist was very kind and told us of a place on the beach which was called Rowes Bay. We eventually found our way to the site after a few maps being thrown around and a bit of "if you can read the map any better do it your bloody self!" We found the site and things calmed down after a cuppa. Enjoyed our dinner and then walked into town for a drink. Lovely promenade called The Strand but very few people around. Sorry forgot to bring the camera out. Goodnight x x x

SAT 17TH APR BLACK ISLAND SNORKELING

Everyone was up at 7am and no one admitted to a hangover! We enjoyed breakfast and then it was off to Black Island for more snorkeling. This time Paula dropped us at the beach and we found our way around but with her keeping a close eye on us. we were looking for turtles but only one was spotted.I was first back in the boat again and she then returned for the others. This time we had to disinfect the stinger suits,had a cuppa and all got changed ready for the two hour sail back to Airlee Beach. We were all feeling sad that this adventure was coming to an end. It was choppy with warnings of strong winds. That was really exciting and just when we thought all the food was finished Chris produced lunch which was two massive platters of olives, meats, cheeses,crusty bread and biscuits. Don`t know how she does it in the small kitchen area. Well it was all over, we returned to Airlee Beach and Chris and Paula will be meeting their new guests oi just one and a half hours. Thanks Paula and Chris for a great time. x xx We all said as we were staying in Airlee Beach tonight we should get together for a BBQ. So the four of us shopped and met up at Whitsunday Adventure Camp. We used camp kitchen as the weather looked overcast. We chatted and laughed and all agreed it was a fantastic trip and I hope we can all stay in touch.x x x