Hiking - 2021 04 - Carnarvon Great Walk

1st April.

We had a bit of a false start with another Covid lockdown in Brisbane throwing a spanner in the works. Unfortunately a friend due to come down from Cairns had to postpone in the uncertainty too.  

Luckily there was some good news early Thursday morning and according to the Premier 'Easter is good to go!' We still had a few loose ends to sort out before we could head off though and eventually left Brisbane just before 430pm.  

Traffic was a little heavy on the motorway but as soon as we passed Ipswich it was open roads. Takong the new Toowoomba bypass saves a bit of time and we made Dalby for dinner just after 7. 

Quick bite before getting back on the road, destination for tonight was a free camp at Judds Lagoon. Some 60km shy of Roma we arrived at a reasonable time to 6 or so other groups, with 2 coming in just as we went to bed. 

2nd April.

https://www.strava.com/activities/5089553473

Early start as I was keen to get to Carnarvon Gorge. Judds Lagoon looked pretty good in the morning light, water seemed a little low though.  

Stopped off at Roma for fuel and breakfast, not the best vegetarian options out here with everything closed for good Friday (I had a sneaky sausage roll) so we pressed on.  

Making it to the main Carnarvon visitor centre by 11 we had some wraps for lunch, rearranged our packs (which were significantly laden with 6 days of food...) officially starting the great walk at 12!

The Gorge was as beautiful as I remember from when my parents brought us here (many many years ago) one could even say that its Gorgeous. It wasn't long before we were engulfed by the towering walls of the Gorge and hit the first side trail to the Amphitheatre.  

There was a tour group with a guide telling a story but luckily before long they suggested 30 seconds of silence so we could actually enjoy the Amphitheatre. I was keen to move on but my hiking buddy thankfully convinced me to hold off and less than 5 min later we had the whole thing to ourselves. 

Onto the next side trail a really nice slot canyon with bright red rock and crystal clear water and then onto one of the best places in Australia to see Aboriginal Artwork, the aptly named "Art Gallery"  

From there (and a few more creek crossings) there was The Cathedral for some more art and then shortly after camp. Was a little busy at camp with 12 people but there was enough space and some good company for afternoon snacks. Was dark for dinner and we were in bed soon after. Nice cool temp, but not cold enough to reach for a jacket at dinner.

3rd April. 

https://www.strava.com/activities/5089553606

https://www.strava.com/activities/5089553795

A relaxed morning putting together gear but once we were away is was only a few hundred meters until we were in an amazing slot canyon. We followed this amazing canyon for a few k before shooting up out a small cutting.  Loose river rock under foot made the journey a little slow.

It was a steep climb out requiring a little bit of scrambling and a lot of breaks. Once out of the canyon the uphill didn't relent. Not as steep but many many stairs. All in all over 700m elevation gain in a fairly short distance. We pushed onto Battleship Spur for lunch and the view was spectacular.

From there is was another 10.3km until camp. The grass on the plateau has made full use of the recent rain. We were wading through a sea of lush green waist high grass for most of the remaining distance. 

Only 6 others at camp tonight and a pair of big underground water tanks to collect from. Had a good chat with a couple from Townsville who saw Emus on trail today! Will have to keep a keen eye out tomorrow. 

4th April.

https://www.strava.com/activities/5089554300

We got a few showers over night so the tent was a bit wet. After a quick wipe off it didn't take too long to dry. We were second out of camp this morning but the first were heading counter clockwise so first on trail. 

Low cloud handing about made it misty. A few very like sprinkles just to keep things damp. Waist high grass again but this time laden with droplets. A bit harder pushing through them and shoes, socks and shorts were soon drenched. We were told the view from the top of the climb (still steep, but less than half the elevation of yesterday) was amazing, will have to take their word for it.  

Spot the trail? It's right in front of you!

With the thick grass we lost the trail a few times. There was a footpad most if the way again but it was easily obscured. Luckily we had a good general sense of direction and it usually wasn't too far between trail markers. 

As everything was wet we only stopped for 2 short breaks on suitable rocky seats.

 Making good time we rolled into camp just after 1pm. Still overcast and threatening showers, but we got away with very light sprinkles for the rest of the afternoon. It was a good chance to do some laundry but without the sun things weren't drying too well.

5th April.

https://www.strava.com/activities/5089554878

Big day today so we got up early and got a fairly efficient start. It's just over 17km to camp but there's a lookout via a 5km detour I thought was worth doing.  A few more showers last night and a misty morning meant another sea of wet grass. Shoes lasted maybe 1km before they were soaking wet. 

We were making pretty good time when we reached the junction for the lookout. We decided to press on for lunch, as at the time I thought it was just 1.5k... At the 1.5km mark there was a big hill to go down so I had to double check the map... 2.5km... woops. We were glad for the break. Side note: Peawaddy Gorge lookout isn't that impressive...  

The walk back to the trail was really beautiful as a mist had set in over the Mahogany Forest. Lush green grass, but a wide trail so we didn't have to push through it. 

Not long down the trail I spotted 3 emu but they bolted off and I barely caught a blur. I was in front and my buddy missed them, felt bad after dragging her down the side trail for a lacklustre lookout. Luckily though only a few hundred meters more until we saw a mother and her 2 kids, they hung around for a while too.  

Lots of pig damage along the trail for the last few days and today we finally saw one of the beasts that cause it. A fairly small one compared to how big I know they can get.  

At camp we were greeted by another pair of hikers we've shared camps with. The other couple had done a double day today, so it was just the 4 of us now. Nice shelter and underground water again. There was a fire drum too and the other pair decided to make use of it, no complaints from us. It took a while with the damp wood, but they persisted and we were very glad for it! Just at bed time it started to spit again might be in for another wet morning...

6th April.

https://www.strava.com/activities/5089555249

Spitting on and off all night long indeed made for a soggy morning. Inside the tent has managed to stay 99% dry though which is good. Short day today too, just over 13km so it meant a sleep in and casual pack-up. Just as we were set to get going my hiking buddy tinged their back :o!  

A few stretches and laying flat for a while, plus an ibuprofen, and they were able to walk at least. It was a gentle track along (or parallel to) a fire trail, mostly down hill. The walking movement seemed to help but we also had to stop at about the 6k mark for some feet care. 2 blisters on the toes for them. Three days with constant wet feet/socks/boots are really hard on the feet.  

Despite our woes we still made it into camp well before 2 and were able to relax under the shelter. We even got a 5min grace in the misty rain to setup the tent! An inquisitive wallaby kept us company most of the afternoon as well. 

We could get 1/2 a bar of Telstra service at camp and were able to check the weather, only 10% chance of rain tomorrow... when cleaning up after dinner we even managed to catch a glimpse of 1 star, before cloud cover quickly hid it from view again. By 730pm I was already in my sleeping bag, ready to dream of a sunny morning...  

7th April.

https://www.strava.com/activities/5089555926

Dreams didn't come true and it was yet another misty morning. There was a hint of the sun wanting to poke through after breakfast so we left the tent up for just a bit longer. It didn't get dry but close enough and we made tracks about 930.  

About 30min later the was enough sunlight to cast a shadow! Grass lining the track was still wet, as were our shoes from it... A few steep decent today but with the clouds parting some great views.  

As we were nearing Boolimba Bluff a small, tiny, cloud decided to sit right over us and let loose. Nothing like a sun shower to cool us off just as we were almost dry...  luckily it didn't last long and we were soon at the lookout. Amazing views, just as I had remembered them. 

There was still a bit to go before we were done though, and down lots and lots of stairs... also how I remembered them. Great landscape on the way down to distract from the feet feeling every step. 

We got to camp and checked in with the camp hosts before quickly throwing up the tent and dashing off in the car to Takaraka (just outside Carnarvon) to buy a sneaky ice cream. Loads of signs at the entrance saying "Guests Only!" or some variation but we hit the afternoon rush, and must have looked the part, and they served us without any questions. A cold beer each and an ice-cream was a very welcome treat after 6 long days!

After we had the chance to wind down, as short as that was, it was time to go off in hunt of a Platypus. The short 1.2k nature trail winds along the creek and offered a few different viewing locations. We found a spot and were quietly waiting, as other people came and went. Standing still for all of 30 seconds, then walking off through grass and talking then wondering why they didn't see anything... 

Luckily they didn't last long and we got down to just 4 of us there so we were able to see at least 2, possibly 3, surface a few times before ducking back under. Failing light and small glimpses didn't allow for any good photos though. 

It was dark on the walk back to camp and we came across quite a lot of frog life hopping along the path. At camp I setup the shower shelter and we boiled some water to have a wash down. Was nice to feel at least a little bit clean... 

8th April.

https://www.strava.com/activities/5089552625

Pancakes with Nutella for breakfast before our last packup. My feet were really sore walking around camp so we took a look and I had 2 blisters! Same place on each foot, just on the ball -  at the base of the middle toe. All that elevation loss yesterday with soaking shoes and wet socks! I try to leave blisters to heal themselves but these were causing quite a bit of pressure so I got the needle out to make a small hole and drain them. 

While it was almost time to head home there was one last thing to do. The Moss Garden, a side trail on the main gorge walk, was closed when we started. ~500m off trail of you hit it on the way but a nice short 7km return from the campground for us instead. Not wanting to leave the hike incomplete we ducked in after packing up and it was definitely worth it! 

After returning to the car it felt soo good to take off the wet shoes knowing I didn't need to wear another pair for at least 3 and a half days. The drive to Roma went pretty smooth. No real holdups at all. We hit up a pub for lunch the had a quick stop at Roma's Largest Bottle Tree, easily viewed though the car window, and continued on. 

Another relatively smooth drive for the rest of the trip home. Pulling into the driveway around 8pm. All the wet gear strewn across the patio and hiking clothes soaking in hot water (which immediately turned brown...) before a quick bite for dinner and a well earned shower!  

Another Great! Walk done and dusted. 

Hiking - 2021 02 - Steamers (Main Range NP)

Distance: 13.5km

Temp: 32°c Max, 18°c min

My cousin was interested in doing some hiking so I helped him toss around a few ideas before we settled on Rat-a-Tat in Lamington. 5 bodies all keen and ready to go, until heavy rain 3 weeks prior to the hike closed many of the trails there...  We came up with the Steamers hike as a back up plan despite it being a tad more difficult.  

Day 1: https://www.strava.com/activities/4863136564

With only a short day planned we had a late start and met for lunch before getting to the trail head. It was closer to 2pm before we actually set off. The first 2 km were fairly easy following along an old fire trail, even though some of it was a decent incline. Plenty of cobblers pegs to latch onto clothing as well.  

There had been a fire through here not too long ago and as soon as we turned off the road it was significantly harder. The trail was overgrown with weeds towering over my head. Pushing through thick green scrub in 75% humidity built up the sweat and drained energy fast.  Some plants sharper than others...  

Pace slowed to a crawl on some sections with regular breaks and trying to re-acquire the trail after it disappeared under weeds or a fallen tree. When we reached the top of the ridge I thought it would have been easier but we traded the weeds for Gympie Gympie and stinging nettle. I got hit at least two dozen times.  

Photo by Aaron. That's a lot of Ouchie!

Persevering through we made it to a rainforest section with a lot more open understory and much easier going, albeit steep incline again. Near the top the Aussie scrub broke through again and welcomed us with a grove of Grass Trees.  

From there, and a beautiful view just beyond, we made it to the Steamers Saddle camp. A nice open spot, suitable for 5 hiking tents, 6-7 if you squeeze. With very reliable fresh water just 250m east.  

With the late start we did get into camp a little late but plenty of light to setup and cook dinner. Just dark enough for the torch as I was finishing up eating. We stayed up and chatted (and reduced some pack weight by consuming some port and scotch... ) for a while but were all ready to turn into bed by about 8pm.  

Day 2: https://www.strava.com/activities/4863136411

We had a fairly relaxed morning pack up in camp, letting things dry a little after last nights rain. There were a bunch of Red Triangle slugs about who obviously enjoyed the small shower.  

Before long though we were setting off up to the summit of Mt Steamer. Straight from camp we started the ~260m climb. With a goat trail most of the way it was easier than the hills yesterday, but the soil was damp and rocks were slippery. Just as we reached the top, as luck often has it, a cloud rolled in and obscured our view..  Plenty of Wildflowers along the way though.  

Never mind though, off we went again. Following on a thin ridge line before starting the descent down to the stern. Rainforest scrub here, once again spotted with stinging nettle and Gympie Gympie. Luckily there was a distinct lack of Lawyer Vine ("Wait-a-while") though. A few small rock Cairns letting us know we were on the right path and eventually we made the Stern.   

We ditched the packs at the junction and made our way to probably one of the most scenic lookouts in SE-QLD. Often a bucket list hike for many Brisbane Bushwalkers. The Steamer Ranges. You sit on the Stern and look out over the Mast, Funnel and Prow. Definitely a great view and a nice relaxing spot to sit just feeling the wind blow by.  

Photo by Mike

With the Sun starting to beat down it was time to return to our packs and finish off the hike. As soon as you step off the Stern ridge it's loose dirt/rocks and big steps down. You follow along the base of the cliff mostly and only deviate for short stints before linking back up with it. It's not very far, but it definitely feels it.  

We then passed the Mast, mostly the same again and met the rise up to the Funnel. There was some opportune (or so we thought...) Flagging tape marking 'the trail' down back to Steamer creek so we took a punt and followed it. There was no trail. Waiting through long grass, down a steep slope with the occasional hidden stinging nettle... I got hit a few more times. We decided to traverse over to where we though the actual trail was, through two gullies and lots more long grass. Hot, muggy work. At least we got some light rain about 1/2 way down to cool us off.... 

Eventually we made back to the creek and were on the fire trail out. Just past the NP gate, about 1pm, were 2 keen hikers who apparently spent the day looking for the trail head. They asked it how long it took us and if they had enough time to duck up in the afternoon. We suggested they might want to start fresh another day....  

After the ~7 creek crossings to get out we were back on the bitumen. A quick sit down and Schooner + some chips at the pub in Yangan and then we set off home. 

Diving - 2020 12 - Moreton Island

Diving - 2020 12 - Moreton Island. 

Day One 

I was still a little tired from the late nights and festive feasting in Melbourne when the alarm went off to wake me up Sunday morning. After a quick breakfast I went to the Club House to retrieve Diver 1. 

I was running a little late so I gave Paul the heads up before heading off. With a short pit stop for Fuel I made it to Scarborough ramp a bit after 9. Communication mix up with Paul had him on the southern ramp, but it was a quick nip over to where I was.  

We loaded and got set to head out. Paul holding the boat at the pontoon while I parked the trailer. As he was sitting there he noticed there was no telltale from the Engine. Looked like just some small junk in the outlet (insect maybe) bit a pointy knife soon sorted it and we were on our way.   

Pretty smooth run over thankfully. Taking almost an hour. Paul had some camp chairs so we setup on the beach to enjoy the day while waiting for the others to arrive.  

I ducked off to find the exact location for camp, about 400m up the beach, and we eventually moved the boat up. Perks if being early is we also had first pick of the tents. Really nice setup here at Moreton Island Wilderness Camp.   

The others got to camp just after 4 and started unloading all the gear, including 2x 200lt drums of fuel and the heavy compressor. That was fun to roll off the trailer! When all was said and done it was almost time for dinner. A great spread of food supplied. During dinner one of the locals (another guy called Scott) came up and asked if we wouldn't mind him/his daughters tagging along (in their own boat) for a few dives with us. Something we were happy to oblige. We even passed on our dive marks for him to use. Shortly after a few started disappearing for bed, or to brave a cold shower, with the last of us turning in around 10. 

Day Two 

The next morning was started with a great breakfast before getting dive gear ready for the day. I swam out to Diver 1 only to realise when I got there I had forgotten the key!  

Despite the false start it wasn't long before we were on our way to Flinders reef. It was a bit choppy on the way out with the predicted Easterly winds trending more North-Easterly.  Heading into waves and wind doesn't make for a smooth journey.  

At flinders I was in the second wave with Kristie and Justin. We dropped almost on top of the Turtle cleaning station and hung out for a bit watching the fish pick at algae. On the rest of the dive we saw a few Moray, Nudi and even an octopus.  Just as we hit the safety stop I went to take my glove off but jettisoned my cameras lanyard!! Luckily for me it floats and the guys on surface watch were paying attention. Richard valiantly jumping overboard to rescue it! Here I was thinking I had an excuse to buy a new setup! 

For the second we shifted to a northern mooring to drop somewhere different. I like the structure better at this spot. Lots of huge boulders kicking about. Parrot fish were swarming, quite a few Nudi's and moments before we had to head to the boat I found a Peacock Mantis! 

Paul took the helm for the drive back. Conditions about the same but with following seas it was a torch smoother. Still fairly tall waves though so our journey was interrupted slightly by coming down the front of waves a little too fast and spearing into the next.   

Back at camp for burgers (they feed us well!) Shortly after Jo and I (thanks Jez for being skipper) gotnreadynforntheb3rd dive of today. We dropped in at the pines and had a relatively pleasant dive. The normal scenery to be had but we also saw my 2nd Peacock Mantis Shrimp for the day. Tucked in its hole making it hard to get a shot. 

Back to camp again to receive some bad news. The compressor had stopped working and likely blew a safety valve! After much trouble shooting we pulled the filter to discover someone had left the Dust Cap on when the installed the last filter. Bugger! We got the cap out eventually thanks to some quick thinking from Paul turning an old fillet knife into a hook of sorts.  

Despite lots more time trouble shooting we couldn't get it to fill more than 50 bar and one of the stages of the compressor was dead cold (should be running hot.) Stephen was thinking of joining us for a dive on his own boat so I let him know the bad news before bed. 

Day Three  

Luckily Stephen happened to have his own personal compressor. A touch smaller than ours but enough to get the job done! He saw it as a sign and drove over to meet us. There was enough tanks still full for the morning dive to head out, where one of the Bulwer locals joined with his own boat. Conditions a bit rough bit good dives.   

With the new compressor running we did the rounds at lunch to drum up some divers to go with Stephen. It wasn't too hard as his boat is hella fancy. It was still very rough on the way out. Glad we had his boat and not Diver 1 for it. I went surface watch and relaxed on comfy leather seats while the others had a good dive. Highlight was a huge Turtle apparently.  When we got back I noticed out 27meg Antenna was missing. Would have been very hard for it to have fallen off... so the theory is someone pinched it. 

We tried to catch the sunset tonight but it was completely obscured by clouds and barely any colours in it. We did see a few dolphins, likely on return from their feed at the resort, swim past.  

Day Four 

Up early for breakfast and out for another Double Dive. Past Flinders this time (though not too far...) Cement Co was the plan. We had light rain most of the way out with it getting heavier just near flinders. I'm glad we pushed in.  

There was another boat already moored on Cement Co so we decided to push on further to Gotham. A lovely, but deep, rock dive known for huge pelagics. Current was running but not too bad.  

I was in for the second wave with Kristie and Justin. We made it to Gotham easy (thanks to some awesome anchor placement from an amazing skipper. Hint: It was me.) When down though, beside a dozen of so Trevally we didn't see much of the usual 'Big Fish sightings there.  

Still some good macro and I just enjoy the dive for the structure. Deep though so we were barely down for 17min before it was time to start heading back to the anchor chain, we had just accrued little bit of deco so we added an extra stop at 10m deep on the way up.  

Second dive was the Eastern side of flinders. On a mooring block right near a swim though. Great little White Tip Reef Shark chilling in there and plenty of Crays. Rest of the dive was Nudis, Moray, and Octopus but the critter that stole the show was probably the Decorator Crab. Getting about during the day! 

Back to shore to discover that with the dreary weather all day the divers had talked themselves out of an afternoon dive. Not bad for me it meant I could get out of the wet clothes and relax.  After another great dinner a few of us hung about for drinks and chats, with all retiring to our tents just before 10pm. Ready for more early diving tomorrow!  

Day Five  

Wind has blown up a bit so today we had decided to do two dives on the inside of the bay today. First up was an incoming drift on the Pines just before high tide. Much better vis that the earlier one (that was just after low tide.)  

Unfortunately the GPS mark we had was more of a guide to get you the right place North/South but then you find the wall and drop near it. I probably wasn't quite clear enough in that and Mitch dropped us at the mark.  It took Justin and I 18min of decent finning to reach the edge. The others got there in ~35 min. Once we made it though it was a great dive. Nudi, Peacock Mantis shrimp etc etc. We even saw a cool little Shovelnose Ray on out adventure across the sand and its sometimes nice to do something different. Like Gotham though, there didn't seem to be too much big stuff.  

Out to Curtin for the second dive and dropping in on the Melbourne. I headed off towards the New (ish) Statue but took a wrong bearing from the Tram. Still ended up being a good loop though. There was even a QLD Groper cruising around us for a bit. Still a bit young but will someday grow into a massive unit.  

At the end of the dive Justin did a few practice launches with the SMB and reel. Both went really well, especially for his first launches.   

On the way back we set a new mark for the pines to avoid this mornings adventures and then I did a Yo-Yo dive on the Camp Hosts morning block to check it out for them. All looks pretty cool condition, but the block itself was completely covered in sand.  

After lunch a few of us went for a drive around the top end. Was raining pretty heavy when we got to the lighthouse so we gave the walk there a miss and continued on to Blue Lagoon. Rain had let off so we walked the ~100m to it.  

Once we got there the kids decided they really wanted a swim now. So Jeremy went back to the car to fetch togs. They had a decent swim and then we set off to Bulwer for Ice Cream! While eating the shop owner offered us the dregs of his pallet of Ice Bags. We took three bags for the drinks esky which was probably one bags worth all together.  

Through breaks in the rain Justin was able to make, and us sit by, a fire. A few times we shuffled back from fire to tarps, back to fire, back to tarps playing hide and go seek with the rain. As the evening dragged on a few people peeled off for bed. 

I was enjoying myself a little and Justin brought out some nice Whisky. Mentioned that I was probably at the point to switch to water but it was New Years Eve so I poured myself a cup. Almost immediately, as I set the cup down, it slipped and landed right on my lap. :(  I centred myself, poured another nip, and successfully sat down to drink.   

11:50 pm and those still standing went to the beach for midnight. We saw a few fireworks being set off down near Bulwer and then a few boat flares as well... We had some sparklers which we waves about and took some 'New Years' snaps before heading back. As soon as we got back most went to bed but I decided to chill by the fire for a little. Eventually turning in about 130am.  

Photo by Justin

Day Six  

Despite switching to water by about 11:30 I was still not exactly 100% in the morning so I bowed out of the dive for the day. I was probably alright but it's not really something I like taking the risk on. Turns out mostly everyone felt the same way about the morning drift dive so it was given a miss.  

By the time it was almost high tide though there was enough keen divers ready to get out and give it a go. Reports came back they they were in a little too early on the tide and the current was ripping through Curtin. So good thing I didn't go as I wouldn't have been keen to fight the current feeling the way I do.  

In the afternoon it was time for another drive off to the south this time to do a half loop and get some Oysters fresh from the farm. I was happy with just a swim at the beach so said my goodbyes and sent a message to Kerry that they were on their way (she had gone down earlier to meet a friend.) Everyone was really impressed by the Moreton Bay Rock Oysters and would definitely recommend, if that's your thing.  The Kids also managed to find some Hermit Crabs to keep them entertained for a while. 

Photo by Kristie

Photo by Kristie

Yet another filling dinner from Craig and Keith (camp hosts) and an opportunity to burn a little more firewood before turning in early foe the night.  

Day Seven

Last day of diving so I definitely had to get some in. It's a pity that the weather hasn't been with us this trip to allow for more runs out to the 'Outer Sites' like Cherubs/China, though the closer sites are still good. One bonus of the weather though, is that you have some friendly creachers hanging out because of the rain. This little guy even found his way inside Richards boot!

Scott (the local) joined us again. He'd been on one of the Flinders dives (I wasn't on) so this was the first time I got to see his boat in action. Should have taken photos of it... but it's a Sealegs boat with awesome hydraulic wheels so he can drive it up/down the beach and into the water! He jumped in with Justin and I as we drifted along the pines (without the sand swim!) Lots of fish swimming about today and a few Eels and Nudi's. There was also a pretty cool ball of Juvenile Catfish Eels right near the end of the dive, but I was already heading up to the safety stop and that point so couldn't go back down for a photo.  

Back for a quick change over and to head back out. Scott came with again with his daughter as a dive buddy this time. We dropped on the Estrella and headed north in a loop. When we got to the Bremer I gave Justin and Jo my torch so they could poke their heads in the area just under the storage bays and see into the deep dark depths of a wreck. It was about then that Justin's computer ran out of battery so we decided to be conservative with our dive and start heading back. Seeing some impressive Bull Rays on the way.  

With all the diving done it was time to pack up. Gear rinsed and hung to try get a little bit dry before the trip home. Trailers repacked and tents prepared for an early start tomorrow. There was still time to enjoy the island though, so another adventure to the top of the island was called for. A short walk to the lighthouse (this time rain free!) was able to be completed but the champagne pools seemed to be the winner of the afternoon.

Photo by Jeremy

Day Eight

Early start this morning, breaking camp by 7am. The others were catching the barge at 8:15am and expected a 30min journey, but it's always nice having that time up your sleeve just in case someone gets bogged and blocks the road... or you get bogged yourself!  

There wasn't much point Paul and I hanging around camp by ourselves, so we left around the same time. It was actually a really good day weather wise so we had a really smooth time back and were at Scarborough <50min later! Got the boat back on the trailer and set off to return it to the club house.  

Got to the club not long after and got to cleaning etc. Just as I had finished (actually locked the gate) I was a message from kristie that they had unloaded off the barge and were minutes away. Before I even had a chance to unlock the gate again they were here. I helped with unloading the compressor and then left them to sort out the lighter stuff. 

Finally home and able to have a nice hot shower and wash the salt and sand off! Thanks again for organising another great trip Kristie and everyone from URGQ that put in the effort to make it possible!