A Sunflower & Fruitbat's adventures: Day 210 - Wednesday 26 July

Day 210

Wednesday

26 July 2017 - Started the sequel Sycamore Road by John Grisham.

Mackay – Rockhampton

Another day, another destination to explore. We were up by 8am and straight into our pack up routine; shower, breakfast and stow away the things.. By 9.30am we were on the road, stopping for fuel and then joining the Bruce Highway once again and heading south to Rockhampton.

We were in for a longer day of driving, 3 and a half hours and just over 30km. When we set out, I rang ahead to Fardooley’s Bush Camp to ensure they had spade for us and with that locked in we were could relax and enjoy the distance.

This route is obviously a popular one with holiday makers, not only were there many more caravans on the road today, but the roadside safety signs were also more prevalent and quite amusing. Many stated “Are we there yet Mum?” with a following board “Not yet kids” or “Only 200km to go kids to will reach Rockhampton”. There were even roadside trivia questions to help you keep alert. We found it particularly amusing and certainly helped to pass the time.

I read the tourist info for Rockhampton and Yeppoon to Paul, so that we had a handle on the two places. There didn’t seem to be a great deal. I also spoke to Dad who was in need of techy advice again.

We had our snacks as we drove along and just after 1pm we pulled into Fardooley’s Bush Camp, about 20km out of Rockhampton. It was a bit of a hike up a gravel hill, but the van managed to pull itself and the car up and over. The owner, Peter, pointed out our site and we made ourselves at home.

Once the car was off we could see that the front was covered in muck and we cursed giving it a wash, however Paul soon worked out that the bike had spat a fork seal and sent oil spraying out over the car, bugger.

We had our lunch, then met the other owner, Robyn, paid up $25 to stay for two nights and took off for the centre of Rockhampton. We parked at the large shopping centre, grabbed our things and took off on foot through the city and down to the Fitzroy River where we walked along the banks checking out the view and enquiring on the luck of the fishermen.

We then walked in the opposite direction admiring the old style architecture of the pubs, Customs House, post office and courthouse. We located Headricks Lane, a new brewery in town and made our way inside. Unfortunately the micro-brewery was yet to be set up, all the brewing gear sitting about waiting to the assembled, so we had to be satisfied with a drink and a chat to the friendly barman, before heading on.

We returned to the shopping centre, picked up needed groceries and then returned to the Bush Camp. It was just after 5pm and we were told happy hour would be in full swing from 4.30pm and to come along, so we filled our glasses and hiked up the hill to Fardooley’s Bar.

We could hear the music blaring from the tin shack before we saw it and sure enough all the campers were inside enjoying drinks and chatting. We found a place to sit amongst others on the couches and joined in with the conversations taking place around us.

Pizza slices, fish fingers, cheese and dips were passed around and I was thinking there goes dinner.

The country and western sounds of George Strait rang out and soon had some up dancing. Furniture was moved and poor ole Keith, the rather rotund blue heeler was relegated outside. It was certainly an entertaining evening and had Paul feeling at home with the Harley posters, guitars and good times.

We made a move back to the van just after 7pm, neither us in the mood for our dinner, so we heated up some soup and had that instead.

The intensity of the star light was too good to miss, so I made my way outside to take some photos of the Milky Way, while Paul set up in bed to read his book. It was a very clear night which made it perfect for taking photos and the moon was low slung in the sky, just a slither of a crescent present, which provided little light interference.