South Burnett Sampler Trip July 2010

Day 1 03.07.10

Departed with just Adam and Michelle from Newport at 930 am headed North up the Bruce Highway to Gympie, and just outside after the turn off to Kilkivan Viv came to a screeching halt turning left following a sign stating State Forest Camping 6klm. With a bit of corrugation and Adam discovering the natural speed bumps - airborning us we landed in the Glastonbury Creek Camping with in the Booyar State Forest. We double tracked out of the park to grab some firewood.

Our camp was lovely and solitude until approx 2pm when this group of campers decided our
spot was good also. A huge park and yes as they say safety in numbers... IDIOTS. We started our fire early as it was cool. Using the coals this Master Campchef did meat loaf, roast veges followed by Banana Cake.... All safe with the fire this time, no burn soles....

We retired to the van early and watched a DVD on Vivs Theatre system....

Day 2

Awoke to a verrrry chilly morning, the sun was a very saving grace..... I'm sure there is warm blood in me but I actually feel like a lizard, I move faster once warm. We had bfast before setting off and departed site at 930. 30 mins later we arrived in Kilkivan. We actually found things to do for 2 hours here.... I know I cant believe it also. We had coffee visited the markets which contained all of maybe 6 stalls, however what we missed there was the $3 scrambled eggs - Next Time. We then visited the 2 Anti Que (antique) shops where we injected money into the community. It was here where the man told us of the National Park - Mudlo 8 klm out of town and the free camping ground at Kinkombi Falls.

Viv was funny today she soooo wanted to push this Huge Fifth Wheeler up the hills as it was having trouble but I said NO let him use his own fuel. I'm gonna call that rig the Big Wayne Kerrs.

We drove out to see the National Park. Nice Small but no walks to do. Headed to Kinkombi Falls - Nice Australian Bush spot and Free. We pulled Viv up on the cliff edge... not too close. We sectioned ourselves around a campfire and off we went collecting wood AGAIN. We ventured down the stairs on the walk to see if there was water at the falls Sign should be placed at top - Deep decent and what goes down must come up, Crap we were stuffed, at the bottom when you look back up you Sigh - knowing you have to go all the way back up.

Our spot at Kinkombi Falls















Here Michelle catch the timber

We had some campfire guests tonight we met Roger and a couple Linda & Rod. Roger was sleeping in his swag... Very primitive. Linda and Rod had a van. So I couldn't say anything about the van drivers... I behaved.

Day 3

Departed Kinkombi Falls 9 am Sigh a huge day to Gayndah 100klm. Lol. Discovered how one should read their own words 3rd point in checklist Bolt Fridge... 2nd highway bend out it all spilled.. Lucky no eggs had them all for breakfast.





























Check your checklist Michelle LINE 3


Injected money into Gayndah, supplied up. Local economy went sky high. $50 in Mitre 10
$50 in IGA $10 at the fruit stall

Just out of town we saw another side road - recreational area. Turned out it was a free camp spot at the Weir. Great spot and Free.

We tucked ourselves into the far corner.





























How perfect - sunset wine and cheese

Sigh collected wood again this time with our new Gayndah purchased saw.. one Aaaadam took 15 mins to decide which one from the Mitre 10- proves too many choices not always a good thing as wife is humphing with hands on hip...

By 2pm we had 3 campers by 3pm we had 5 campers by 4pm it was standing room only... these cheap skate grey nomads... the funny thing is they don't even venture out of the vans. Here we are cheese and crackers with wine on the bank watching the sunset over the weir water and no one in site other than us. I could study these people, very funny habits they have.

Master Campchef did Apricot Chicken with Crispy Pea Pods.

We were visted by a Bielby and then a Possum which took food from hands... aaaarrrr nature.
















Day 4
Awoke looking like Medusa this morning, Freaked myself out. lovely hairdo Michelle. Adam and I took bets on what time the Grey Nomads start to move off... yep 8am they started. We eventually got on the road 9 am. Today was a mystery trip - We headed with full intentions to stay at Mundubbera. When we got there headed to i centre (information) here we discovered Jimmy, God love him but try and shush him up on his area and the orchards especially -20 mins later we decided to stay heading to Eisvold, we decided to head up the highway more to Mt Perry, we got to Mt Perry and decided to head to a place called Mingo Crossing Recreation Area, on the Burnett River on the edge of Paradise Lake/Dam. Viv had to travel approx 20klm on dirt road, she slightly shed some dirt tears every now and then when you shut her back door, she would shower a little dust drop... Sad Viv.













Highway stop for phone service.












Mingo Crossing Recreation Area - Burnett River
This is a lovely spot and suited Adams need to fish and mine to wash my hair in a proper shower ... arrr to feel human again













Day 5
This is where the camper Michelle went feral... Adam had to be back in town to sign papers. Urgently. So off we tripped to Brisbane and back within 12 hours. Lucky the South Burnett Region allows a quick trip back home that afternoon we ended back up in Booyar State Forest which is a lovely spot to compensate our broken trip. Luckily So nothing to report except hwy driving and sitting behind Mexicans (southerners) travelling with their vans on 85klm per hour. Viv does not like that at all.










Creek at Booyah State Forest

Day 6
We decided after a toss of a coin, to stay put at the camping ground as we had no one on top of us this morning and we wanted to relax reading our books.... The Master Campchef came out and cooked a Rhubarb Tea Cake from scratch in the camp oven. Dinner was followed by Lamb Shank in a mustard sauce.... Yummo Watch out Maureen and Barry.... the fans will know who they are. Briz 31 Friday evening. Camping Show






Before












After










Day 7
Awoke to a slightly cool morning and decided to hit the road heading to Cooyar. At Goomeri we visited Cheeseworld. One of those, One of those oh and a bottle of local bubbly Yes please... We called into BP Dam (Bjelke Petersons) to the locals. Which despite us not staying it was good to see it as it would be a great week end spot. We got to Cooyar at 1230 and was a little apprehensive at first until discovered the Swinging Bridge Park extends right back into a lovely grassy gum tree area.












Swinging Bridge Park - Cooyar











This is far as I'm going. Bridge moves far too much....













Lunch was at the Pub where their claim to fame at the moment is winning 2nd place in the Ugliest Bartender Award - oh dear.






















The meal was great - didn't see the chef to see if he was related to the winner but the meal was great... We then took a short drive to see their attraction. The Palms National Park apparently the smallest NP in AU, and yes would have to agree took 5 mins to walk the circumference of it. We headed back to camp for a lovely Sunset, and the peaceful sound of the bubbly bottle popping around the campfire.....








Until Next trip
Cheers







drop of local bubbly

JnJ Northern NSW Trip

A Recap of the JnJ Trip in Northern New South Wales

Geess Viv was glad to be home .... the JnJ Two may of had Viv traveling but boy didn't she show them how to travel. Viv's little legs(wheels) are tyred(tired ha ha get it) But Big J has already spit and polished and massaged. Her bull bar is so shiny that she may blind the on coming traffic, she even got a compass bought for her.... Following is a recap of their Northern New South Wales Trip 4thth June - 20th June 2010
Mum (Myshell) left Viv behind on June 4th at South West Rocks with Big J and Little J. She was a little worried being left behind feeling a little rejected.

June 4th
Saw the JnJ Team take Viv to the shops they drove Viv around South West Rocks to familiarize themselves with the Town, truth be told Viv thinks it was to get to see if there was a Aldi in town.



June 5th

By day 2 with the JnJ Team she was strutting around South West Rocks and feeling the warmth from them. They even ran into Viv's sister - Von. We had seen her around town and they had to ask the questions and compare.. Of course our Viv is still the special one to us.

South West Rocks Home Viv & Von (Sister)

June 6th
Port McQuarie . Filled the tank up today LOL out came the shopper docket, Viv loves that as she's all about saving fuel. Big J is keeping a eye on the fuel economy. Viv was out and about with JnJ Team, took them to Kempsey, up to Smokey Cape Lighthouse.... where I laughed at them humming the Jack and Jill went up the hill... John and Jean went up the hill instead. Gotta watch Jean though she does tumble down the hills.... I heard about the roll down Bicheno in Tazzie.

Hold onto that rail Little J ---- remember Bicheno


Picture Card Perfect

Lunch Spot - what dreams are made of

What a pic - colour co ordinated - if Viv got left shed become a historic site.

Viv was a bit ignorant to the parking signs... The sign read No Parking, if they don't want her to park there it has to say NO VW Parking.

12th June

Departure day from South West Rocks- heading North to Corindi Beach

JnJ loaded Viv up, what did they not think she would have everything already.

Tripped up to Corindi beach to visit JnJ's friends Margaret and John Kennedy - spent a few days here at the Lorikeet park, was worried about being shitted on by all the birds but Big J parked Viv nice and close to the amenity block, she hugged it close at feed time with all the lorikeets flying in for feeding.

Bahahaah....Viv got Big J, hid his glasses on him.... that's what she does sometimes just to keep things funny and break up the boredom.. ha ha jokes up Viv they found them in your overhead compartment.

16th June

JnJ Team on the move today, engine was warmed and said goodbye to John & Margaret Kennedy, headed further north up Pacific Hwy

Casino
Oi Big J when we we say Viv has horsepower we don't mean to line her up at the starting gates Viv was a bit confused at the Clarence River Racecourse.... . watch out Phar Lap.

Headed across the river on the FREE Ferry, can you believe it another saving. Viv discovered she got a little sea sick - have to carry Quill Tablets next time. She freaked noticing the only thing between her and the water, a pool safety fence.... "Pool fence not Ferry fence whats the go wheres my floaties..... you know the rubber tyre tube.."

High and Dry on the other side

Ballina saw JnJ Team campiing overnight in the park just North of the Town... had 2 other neighbours that night. Big J cooked up prawns for dinner.... of course dishes done by little J.

Gave Mum a big laugh back home today....Little J discovered the time magic Viv has, found out she sent birthday wishes to David, only problem is his bday isn't til the 27th - its okay Little J that's what happens in Viv.

18th June

Departed Ballina - onward forward.

Evans Head, lunch Prawns by the river. Lismore was the camp for the night. JnJ took a caravan spot, but I think if it wasn't for the power needed for the phones, it would of been a camp spot for Viv. Electric Blanket got used, assisted in them getting thier monies worth out of the fees....

19th June

Headed to the Ag Show, boy there were lots and lots of goodies... this is where Big J may of got my compass from... Little J got buggered, but looking at Big J he needed the rest under the trees.

Drove through to Kyogle, headed up through the Border Ranges on Lions Road into QUEENSLAND ... home is only down the road... Viv got very excited being back in Qld.

Accommodation at Andrew Drynan Park..... Had set up down to 5 mins. Cost $10

19th June

Beautiful Day was awaiting the final journey.

Departed Camp and headed to look at Lake Maroon, nice to see the dam full.

Its okay Big J, Viv has a handbrake

Stopped in and saw and met some family, Aunty Net & Uncle Ted.

Viv was given treats along the way, I don't think the grand kids get this spoilt

She ended up with two pet rocks... we have called them JnJ, a compass -so all can park her directly North East.... and of course the labour of love of the VERRRRYYY shiny bullbar.
The fuel economy ended up 9.3L per 100klm. She will be parked up for a few days now simply to recover...

Crowns Nest - Late Posting - Easter

Arriving at Crows Nest, Drinks were done before anything else.....
Note: When someone is looking at the van drive off, don't comment on them gawking as there maybe a reason - like you've driven off with your roof up - You DUMB ASS

Palmers Island NSW

This was a lovely spot beside the River, When we finally got there..... it was one of those spots Just a little bit further, just a little bit further... ARE we there YET
I swear someone moved Yamba......
Met some nice people from Burpengary.... sometimes even high profile professionals can act like trailer trash when a distance from thier home.... and no I do not mean me.

J & J Rental Agreement

Well she is located in South West Rocks right now in the hands of JnJ - They have been sworn to roll out the awning, drink many drinks and don't knock your friggin head on the roof....

Going Out with Class

Going out for dinner
Oroton Handbag
Diana Ferrari Flip Flops
Red Polish
There is never an excuse for
Class even in Viv

The First Free Night Accommodation

Nothing like pulling out a stump to gain access to the picnic table....
next time I'll remember not to show the number plate.... try and find us Ranger....

Viv Van Vondrom - the VW

Viv The VW Van (Vivianne van Vondrom) was found in Bunderburg Qld in March 2010. Purchased off a elderly but dear man, Norm - who was sad to see her go & reluctantly signed her over to us with the promise to use and enjoy her. We had bought her over the phone sight unseen basicly as she was exactly what we wanted, well looked after, stylish and diesel. Adam sadly missed out on the 4wd option as Viv doesn't like getting sand in her threads.

She is abit like the owner, nothing flash from the outside but her beauty is hidden within, LOL how corny. She offers a great way of discovering this land of ours with no frills of the huge 5th wheelers but what else do you need, a good bed, somewhere to make up the cheese platter, a fridge to store the wine... very important requirements. She orginated from - we don't say it too loud around her - Ballina NSW - she is a Qld through and through though. Viv loves the challenge of passing a car/van on the Hwy and infact often toots as she passes them with a laugh and a toss of her hair.... her diesel engine roars with laughter as they struggle up the ranges.