We arrived, after a 350km drive inland, at Anakie caravan park to discover they were having their annual ball/bbq. We had to put the tent up in the pouring rain - nightmare, but you have to take the rough with the smooth. We had a great night of free food (lots of pork - see pic), booze (Gluhwein heaven) and entertainment. This being the outback(ish), they had a live country and western band playing and a pole dancing comp. Totally hilarious, one guy told us he had 'bruised his balls' whilst competing. Admittedly, we were the youngest people there by 30 years, but these guys really knew how to enjoy themselves, some were still partying when we went to bed.
Squeal piggy!
Hans & Joan (the owners) having a merry dance.
J with orange bag full of pig! (They gave us some leftovers that lasted us for days).
The next day we went to a nearby gem park called Pat's Gems to try our hand at fossicking. Basically we bought a bucket of stones each and we had to filter and wash them before searching for gems (sapphires and zircons). You had to look out for glassy or sugary textures rather than particular colours. I found it pretty difficult, but Jamie developed a bit a skill for it - it takes a 'good eye' which kinda ruled me out straight away. Jamie became quite hooked, he did a few more buckets at the campsite too. We decided to have one of the sapphires cut, so that we can maybe have it made into a ring when we get home next year. I actually almost lost that particular sapphire, I dropped it when J passed it to me (oops!). Luckily J found it after a mad panic search.
J feeding his addiction (fossicking).
Mackay and around.
Once we left the gemfields, it was an even longer drive back to the coast and Mackay (about 450kms). The campsite was fine for caravans but not great for our tent. The ground was too tough and there were hardly any trees for shade. I also had my haircut in Mackay. This is a major event as I haven't had it done since March (we're on a budget). I think it might be a wee bit too short - it's the shortest I've had it for years - but it should keep me cooler as the weather gets warmer.
We drove to Eungella, near a national park in the mountains, the following day. The campsite we stayed at was ok but had an excellent view.
The view from the campsite.
On our first evening, we went platypus spotting by the river. We managed to spot a few as well as some turtles. One platypus popped its head up out of the water right near where we were standing. Unfortunately I had a 'dizzy Kate' moment (no sly comments, please!), I shouted "Look, there" and scared it away.
This is the only picture we got of a platypus.
The next day, we went for a rainforest walk around Finch Hatton gorge and saw some goannas. We liked one in particular because he had a "Don't Worry, Be Happy" smiley face on his back.
Finch Hatton gorge.
A gecko.
See the smiley face?
The next morning, we had to take the car to the garage as J had put water in with the steering fluid (now that beats the 'dizzy Kate' moment!!). The mechanic had insisted we bring the car in by 8.30am, but when we arrived promptly (for once), he said something about it being Sat morning, he was reading his paper, come back in 2 hours - for a 1 hour job! What happened to customer -bloody- service?! Ok, rant over.
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