Spring Escape 2011

 Spring Escape 31 August 2011 to 11 September 2011

We decided to head north again this year to soak up some warmth after the cold winter. Cania Gorge beckoned again as did a visit to Emerald and the gem fields. We set off on Wednesday morning with a trip out on the Logan motorway so as to clear suburbia as quick as possible and avoid the hills of Canungra. Arrived at Esk in time for a late smoko only to discover a dead water pump in the van. I recall draining the tanks after last trip and must have overlooked turning the pump off and I guess it must have run until it ceased although it didn’t blow the fuses.

What to do? I had recalled seeing some good caravan suppliers in Caboolture so a quick check on the net led us to Solar Express where we were able to purchase a pump but no assistance in fitting as they were too busy. After a 200km detour we were almost back on track and decided to stay at what was a free stop in Kilcoy. Now $15 per night with power and showers available at no extra cost. With my sore shoulder still screaming at me I managed to fit the pump but we had difficulty getting air out of the system and wasted quite a bit of water in the process.

Next day saw us heading toward Cania again via Nanango and Kingaroy. Had to stop for fuel at Kingaroy and a mandatory bag of peanuts roasted in the shell. Rather than take our normal route through Murgon and Gayndah we decided to turn off Tingoora and went west through Proston towards Boondoomba then headed north to Mundubbera.

At the intersection of the Proston Rd and road north to Mundubbera there was a Boab tree plantation of about 50-60 trees. Quite a sight to see so many in one spot. As the day went by we decided a free camp near Eidsvold was the go so we headed for CA440 (Tolderodden rest area). No longer free and you must book and pay on line($5pn per head). What a dumb idea for wandering nomads. None the less we stayed the night and thought if the ranger came we would pay him. He did come but couldn’t take money but was not interested in any of the campers anyway.

Despite the above it was a great camp spot and we met up with a couple of other likeminded travellers, a couple from WA with a Baroma similar to ours and Des and Kath from Bargara. Would you believe they live in the same resort as Ian and Suzanne that we met at Red Rock. We all were heading to Cania and set off on Friday morning for the leisurely trip up the road with a brief stop at Monto for pain relief and a coffee.

Back at Cania and still as beautiful as we remembered. The campfire group at happy hour were just as convivial as last year, must be something in the water. Des and Kath followed us in and we settled in to a very enjoyable stay for three nights ($28pn). Aileene took in a number of the walks but I was still in a lot of pain with my shoulder. Voltarin cream and the Tens machine eased my grief which moderated by the end of our stay.



King orchid



Off again and up through Biloela and lunch at a free camp at Dululu. Good for an emergency night but not very attractive. Then north to pick up the Capricorn Highway and head west towards the gem fields. We were aiming for a free camp.  There was a god stop at Duaringa but it was bit early in the afternoon and we wanted to put more k’s behind us. Unfortunately the next two free camps were no good so we kept going to Blackwater and turned right out to Bedford Weir free camp (CA 328). So glad we did as it was really neat and tidy with a live in caretaker and only fees were by donation if you felt inclined. The weir is stocked with Barra and Saratoga but we did not bring our tackle this trip. Could have stayed longer but our schedule is too tight (damn this working responsibility).

Next morning after a leisurely start we made for Rubyvale and found a lovely caravan park CA 336) now renamed Gemseekers caravan Park at $25pn. Did a mine tour which was very informative and well worth the $13.50 fee. Next morning we set out to explore the diggings and get a feel for the locale.

Very interesting to see the diggings and the way the miners have set up their bush camps. Many of the mines seemed to be idle with the odd one for sale. Each claim is 30meters by 30 meters and there seems no orderly fashion to their plan with rough tracks meandering through them all. The locals waved but I am sure if you trespassed you might see the wrong end of a shotgun. We will definitely go back and have a go as Terry from the park said he would take us out to the workings and introduce us to a miner and show us how to fossick and loan us some gear.

The next day we had to start our journey home so back to Emerald for fuel and along the Dawson Highway. We called in to Lake Maraboon and saw the Fairburn dam. Quite a sight to see so much water in this relatively dry country. After a relatively easy day we made camp at Moura on the Dawson (CA409) a great free camp with showers and donation only facilities.

Friday dawned with weather threatening as we made our way down the Leichhardt Hwy through Theodore and Taroom and Miles. Another free camp beckoned just outside of Condamine which turned out great after the very wet day (CA 540). A great campfire warmed our bodies as we enjoyed the company of other travellers around our fire. Next morning we awoke before dawn to see a beautiful silhouette of trees mirrored on the lagoon.

Saturday took us along the back road to Dalby then off to Mt Sylvia for an overnight stop with Aileene’s sister Judy before heading home on Sunday.

Another wonderful trip with many new roads traversed and an even stronger longing for next year’s retirement plans. 2500Km in 12 days, a bit rushed but worth every minute of it.