tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88991581581652524162024-02-19T04:14:14.666-08:00Australia 2010Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-20040525844503045322012-08-18T17:19:00.001-07:002012-08-19T23:06:22.835-07:00Goodbye Australia!Today we have to leave. After an extensive breaky we have a little photo shoot with the kids.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5778172012192728370'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE1UL9DT0L_LJN4euELPeU2NSCi-RdqfT9RV9c1TuMfzSZkg3qdLsR6ag0cNRHf0tQ0TGxg60kaitHaV25FFabGvWkXXGenoVbM6Ax2xS51uGTOeizfobgZwVbhTtDUe7BAEK88-TOS4y/s288/94.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />On the other side of the house we observe a nearby bushfire.<br />This was actually a controlled grass fire which jumped containment lines and came within 100 metres of Brisbane homes. Such fires are layed by firefighters in winter when temperatures are low and it is not to windy. However, the morning was in fact a bit windy. Read more about this fire on Brisbane Times website:<br /><a target="_blank" href="a controlled grass fire jumped containment lines yesterday and came within 100 metres of Brisbane homes. Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/fire-investigation-to-be-launched-20120819-24gfp.html#">http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/fire-investigation-to-be-launched-20120819-24gfp.html</a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5778172144801396930'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_nklMyrFtOunqbCHb4anacniJ_9neY9NZRGifI12_BPU8elGbNyrJQNKp94bePh7S6VH733tE8ZLSk4buUnbEK_ZFha0xNH4xfkbw9ojYGtmm_y_tNIOFWhhVzmTrcZL9TFkRsitDvbz/s288/95.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='298' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5778630134028959906'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ29H5I93xo8-B3JfYRSdEybY6CD0rZTwB-_mBzyvvs5zMdlqEQ9pZB0JsVGXWveYwiWabBoUBORDo2VMRYgeNtu4Z8jA49sdgNNu0LYIoYFoesBF2GL6UlJWaU9G4fvxMpzRi86jp2A4S/s288/95.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5778632571427465506'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedJ_wh9W2aYl1Xq2M24isywlhqGuF09F9eaohOpBgeFDQ0UX1FGnvULKAnS8VcHf39Y6jG3dl9_qxQJtaZHGt13SfEvvB08RHrLXd9zqoHn8koFhYPdG6zKpwW0s3myMxle-TzBW4DF7O/s288/95.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Now we are off to a park and around noon we will be at the airport. Our plane leaves at 14:40 from Brisbane to Singapore. 24 hours later, at 6:30 on Monday morning we will be back to Frankfurt.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5778186334255352162'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t_MDK2bMfS0STwdMVAKvhAf_zpMAXqRdLdUMRdw_WTX7-VoqsTpCGtzf2cxyBHsEXhsv8EnvkBv8ODOfETaBNwa4SfKVK0ylOUWQVBFECLUqBI18dLrWzVnK4N4UJc0xRcrkK_ZvVCvT/s288/94.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5778186459449746050'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcAFiy1NZiFWA-PSD2jKXxXjbFZPgTDk1a8CYfGZjJw5GI9BIh80eBfKXHYbSTnseQkwLUz4OTESCemUjy4u3J1c4xuBVE1kpObBPc6xgEjU3LXLV68AYSNvdKGNCSOiR6z6wC0Kfj7gw/s288/95.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5778186572820126610'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0g3spz8grIwcmEjbJckq-Quqs9HRU_xKYcKvTehC3hDMNTvL920Do1ZJJSFDqbWIiQKABgGLXbhiW_9tFMbNqCRQc8cQsbuSFP62L0hatK304505bCGSpuUiZOui2y5L2ReJTF_7UFDX/s288/96.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a>Finally we are at Brisbane Airport and say Goodbye to our friends!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5778618092345496130'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38IcF9mMQ3r_sYynRcCvMsWnyMorv-fnUrCtdh5b2QHJT0jeSejhE0gdbU9jz5KhEx3Y9kRj6j5Ghc2NhiV9S21bw51BCNsGDKXiWivIvzfHtMhsPYvZtz9VIjO_rlko8zMlTWWl6Oav1/s288/95.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5778618175934256098'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQHZhY6wnK6iwC9DzJwYRZW3jtYFqV1J44VpLkbS4alVDh3_jPN3pwJLvODm82Dm96oL1oD8hs_U3Ugl0AxHjYGxV5HFKqAFqLhApmVHJymMA69tJAiqufI5VDOtHRXsfdrV9Thj0mGsJ/s288/96.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5778618397292987650'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-r8KDOf9UnCtg7c0QbqWNMl5-XkXYBHDVbpH2EGHS7Bfz15wBwr5urmj-sgzEd3aUmZF771b1uOnF1Sa0EdK6wjMC-JeBfCgdJMH4WJO-k62GFjJt_jGgnJJUMnncSwcYw_wIfG3N3Ut/s288/97.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Camelia%20Ave,Everton%20Hills,Australien%40-27.400807%2C152.976505&z=10'>Camelia Ave,Everton Hills,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-49951395974518322492012-08-18T01:04:00.001-07:002012-08-18T01:16:27.693-07:00Queensland Maritime MuseumWe started the day with a proper Aussie breaky. At first the kids had pancakes with icecream, banana and maple sirup.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777919411998783234'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ574sP21U5_FLpLIV3L0XUPmXqxnv219OFeSxMjxOl4VfjUMXAcIZKURWqiL01rRue3gHU4MvNYBRfdtvcbsCNv03DK8_ZghvQr1Flfb5i-5cR7vcmjUr00GWARlJxR1XoG7hG_SRTlA/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='342' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Then the adult had their bacon, eggs, hash brown, sausace...jummy!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777919585072649746'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSkvRBpPFsZMmuHtIbtiRsxeJn8wOYD-glRCWIzieDqO6nhHVP2gYrLD-nCn0yz1o38dxrWM6cxp0prNsxxwtwmoJkSwqmgH3qWgr65zEwHBXt8QpnD1SHVL_QCzl24depzbg_6Yn5sGQ/s288/89.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='361' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After breaky Jonah joined Leo for his football training.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777919809330523506'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6ZAf6PPZKIQDOhGD2c4F4aaSNPrnoymVsThnYLIB1bhcnDBR9_JvZV-0uDIJmS3X9qwH6SMCm5xioX9sAOZgcZvLe5il-_6XAe99-9spkuHp9hb_Lr_JKo-PIQRuZYCI18ypjZaRZnth/s288/91.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Then we took the train from Mitchelton station into Brisbane.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777920027289209202'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHCs7GbXX9gLzCnjkMUYnP5PFjMOgoOR00frTFucF4g6CzLSDzogIQ6FBaG2wgZ5vYQMfZwELxoL-MCgIgKmVztFNWIBiv-UVDl13FiZL2wQDT0bAlcfb43bOjTMstOQhJZ_ChR_L6n8G/s288/92.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />This is a "boys tour", Andrew and I take Leo, Jonah, Jeremia and Joshua to the Maritime Museum.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777920176710339154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjue7-nhNPl4AvdKWAAXd5AaG-EzKzJloWKoP_ovhhzJq_VKSkccqONYN7xMFEf9V7F3Re1uU07hSDKntGZKum1IY2tjKIftkAUpRR8sBphaSCIFQtFFT8rAHvQSuViU8aevQ8FRB-lwE-a/s288/93.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='178' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The Queensland Maritime Museum was founded in 1971 and is run by a self-funded voluntary Association. It is situated on the banks of the Brisbane River at the southern end of South Bank Parklands. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777920332567455650'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqr8e3gBL-0AqMu_atDGO6kI9qm6NEj06NAyNTnxt1FNKWBSnuFglvr5sy6xCAq5xiCOBEhf1zUQNTIKljbPIJB9236n69uAwLFCysxKwcOlcTayPowhu7P47_VCcANv0eRoatEsLcziJW/s288/94.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The Museum contains extensive collections of historical maritime artefacts, books, documents and photographs. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777920500585974786'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4ixqi40EmJe6qObJ3Iq23NAuX6zUhnRTcb07idF0DJ3tYDnMR9bZiAtYMvkMr3tV93J_BiwKSR4edzyVOnYdwy6I1suAA5jYr3NR1zc3HS1wFlhnnLt4CxHnrNVzN1c3IK91e_1YQjtj/s288/95.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The collection is displayed to the public in the galleries and grounds of the Museum under the broad headings of Navigation, Lighthouses, Ship Models, Marine Engines, Vessels, and the Dry Dock.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777920689805364210'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPUuzyQKBoKtTJxajufBVfoFq19yTHeKikrV7sBAfgJLi6FbARxLGtMpgXQvEjdxurs9Dyxl0gUMfSZiADxLUzKzpkodp7JpDaKMSD9k1VaBANGoW3DzEuqy7bBRjLI7OtBt0W6jnX0xq/s288/96.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='359' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777920867988117234'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7E7dyLO3ZvUkFflMKxwivhCaE0Qk25KsovOGHQy4RlLZFR9baS7xVq4NAfp6c3SiPTFrGq0nbZiZT91QCt7OpXOzeSI_KNdYQxQePb9fXu5y_cPyr4NPB4SEFA6-6FaoAE348SlMzdpE/s288/97.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a>The former HMAS Diamantina is a River Class Frigate, designed in Great Britain and built in Australia. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777922217961786466'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgJxd-jS_laK_CCwmksL_nt69d7hsKzkOQXGqxqotnwxaZ7rKdUtO9Jk5Omhk-TjThvYKCJWjNVlfKSohoe-dodPbpRn9rR71U_RiiqvAzFMoVfwNKCzH0jRJejeqhGHxnm212RIQsekI/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Although designed as an anti-submarine vessel, her primary duties were in bombardment support of army operations. Her seven sister ships, also built in Australia, were Barcoo, Barwon, Burdekin, Gascoyne, Hawkesbury, Lachlan and Macquarie. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777922354392816466'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkA1aTB2-2sMXpNiwO3Tr7t8oOuikFKrTD-ZQlIZpiM-WwcaI-yqJ-eixX8RH9YsZvVOY7WRJyFmubIY64YVM13uTz3Ia-P1-IWNvTzHctn-PeI_MsIsTfyQPJOi4gPuAKdpTcIh5qYy5/s288/89.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Diamantina was named after the Diamantina River in Queensland. The river was named after Countess Diamantina Roma Bowen, wife of the first Governor of Queensland, Sir George Ferguson Bowen. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777922533567933602'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialJ9TegnLnwfkwUpckenDMkOth9ztqOG0qvb9Arx-NDpGNhEQ_NJPa36qjMrB7j7Ptwk8_asb_7epza6sB8BTvsQe3bC5OqcmR4E4Mg3ivP7d1xYT304-f6VZ5F75dEiVhu9bQF3xF16t/s288/91.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />She was built in Queensland by Walkers of Maryborough, was laid down 12 April, 1943 and launched on 06 April, 1944. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777922711741153730'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7-v8uIypx2hpIrXJRhOyGyaTCkt8JCwWRLxcGPgZ4Z7718Y_qMnYsODvMqWT_7jyrymafhIdfRFGvxZAaqOFjuzOZkTRO7RimZ1r0ZpNsDB8Hyo3ufP7IwTe9sOleTnB3HL4xMFqYiTJ/s288/93.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777922875632575266'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ibrSfe29EKnELL3_h7w4tvo3DiZFYYWqGPlYchKvbgMC6uteGtU-WyAcX2UkUBwM0BpnGRH1PWCfkwgrJUD-nnUOXAGUfLRLCtL6caUezEnK37lesGvIIJFpN-uvo83tggbaeX94y2YU/s288/94.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a>Her significance to World War 2 maritime history is immense:<br />- She is one of only 2 surviving World War 2 veterans in the world upon which surrenders were signed<br />- She is the only survivor of a class of some 140 ships which saw extensive and successful service as convoy escorts in the Atlantic<br />- She is the largest World War 2 ship surviving in Australia<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777923679397733890'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4mCPNert0aLZth4XqpkjdfQKDQpktwbJ_2Wu17RYtT2TwrHXB30tcfw5i2R4982aj-G2r3q_u-Fjjp5PfdByT4TeKTpHvczIc5xELmJJttvhVRwuZE38Ym3rh-U6J2RLyRq1Qa7Xmkdb/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777923800754696594'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvckvgqYubsGpel74uGNv8ga32dLpFdPvxCnoLuMPRlQWm0O-Sb2cN1UMMFvO0zhZoEL_W6dL16umDrWqBXGUNHmBdzeCtz6zI49OvcCUSY1yEkIuY45Sv5FfngGysClMyck78zPvNq8ms/s288/89.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777923931663434178'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqu9ZEQTvgivAZ9JiZRJp17i8KjYyrpqb4y7HBFw2hi0i2skL7nFKOvtBACRrCi4xSGl2xBccL3C5LA-2xH-zMSHVPFD7c4AkAYK_d5iWVtqsa0VSOWXdjKvidNc2BXZrCDYGih5h8uKy/s288/91.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='276' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777924079512168210'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhLLrYHtXh9IT3RRIaHx90oWdEauQxwov1K69dBq75x935kTQIKo1yobYz3hs9Bldihy0WpKOGujRDKdxfGGNXRdBNl7FDnOlRzKasea_R8ojsgfImqbkIdS6OGRPzGqbkyMDFQwIL_C-/s288/93.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='326' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Leslie%20St,Arana%20Hills,Australien%40-27.399126%2C152.955822&z=10'>Leslie St,Arana Hills,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-50097622846282691112012-08-17T03:20:00.001-07:002012-08-17T03:20:09.857-07:00Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, BrisbaneIn the early morning we leave Dicky Beach back go Brisbane. At 9:15 we arrive at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary near Ipswich.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hNiC3B_VMQlezebUZP-ZBrBMSYy6fRRUzUO53tOhcc0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EzQPBUHURq8L7XKt1B0p-OXWFZIAZMK5QJWvJpdqaJqMngGiizIEnIZaZWo-I0cfG2EkB4NIHm6i9q6lZ5_Kf9Gat76A3hppka3JHCe1HCjInYCJ2wdQxLJ-WWPoI_rRhtLO1ObmNpQg/s400/87.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">Aus <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE&feat=embedwebsite">Australia 2012</a></td></tr></table><br />There is an outstanding number of Koalas in multiple enclosures.<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IoDpLOzgMvWA48jScpX4dbBMSYy6fRRUzUO53tOhcc0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMqzqEGT6KHHpCTywX6aw52TdNnW8ZAXTgqWor6YzM4Y0CTLPAZ4OMRWekRhUXstiVGj5RUH71LYLUYbYSMseHlHuCPEgt0E6xfPWMMHACuL74OTmyG_7N22DC0jjTP8eAmENFKk1OMMW/s400/89.jpg" height="329" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">Aus <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE&feat=embedwebsite">Australia 2012</a></td></tr></table><br />The Emus share their space with the Kangaroos.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777583605203041762'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFizAIPGyGY8lGtR-wWlnpkRXMboU9sNGmRbBv99CSFQP0Y6iU6dBkJlKT_8dPefuGnZ_rN9pKhDds-BteJfbiKVgC4THAH63MPQb0YteKKGEYwClUDjXXUFN7ie-8xEadAYiJwAofk6PC/s288/91.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='272' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A possum is shown.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777583703165765858'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C9lDYyYvJI1f-yepMrj0U62NByLTONNnNEri7uzm2IovZfbUpJojPXst5Gu04yEFvgRYdo4LruMfwmOI2Wh_pWKot34N1FDT6P4Sxr9TnMVZWUByB76M4bqSA2ZxkUQrZYIygNPTnA90/s288/92.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='234' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And Leo is glad to see Jonah back.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777583797403649058'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12UTLbr0P_5tHesuKwMPN6m64baRoyhwl799PLxCfxsLxS5oTTeZU-IafECBat7KoO4tP3lCaYbouIQvXVL4CHmuZmZ-FbqxsDZyjjs8xo1oxfsn3aaPF75i2Bd4thgeVueKeZaHw9YM0/s288/93.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The kids enjoy most to feed the kangaroos.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777583936600833554'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg40SPvH1FCuYv3R3IjTjxVCAZFaW53wpxiHNPvMR5BJXzOXvhYZVfEEG707woE2fkdZAw_DQbSpYpQFffNiefQErsahAt_NMwpuJ-EGwagEiv1wH7My5nHO1m5Y2ohV_2Aa3GCZi31vj3/s288/94.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777584056572556274'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyp1W4s0m9NnrZwY4HfPaznqyUyDzZlMN8zZrMaMTbk3BMH-jT9CnShynt-xb-TgWUoLb2ZVJ7iCgmu9jaDUwmME5BHrjwrGc2wy-Xns9wGqidY_cznmM6t_oFesNsRpNlZlg0P2_WMZB/s288/96.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777584183816825058'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYW1EoTri4f4vsXVm9QiTKRnsdmRxsLwqBugdEAXq8GvkB3UGpQAB0aqFheAEiMoi3qbpEQTsbA2OYBd9VT-HeV-uw70YhKnZGDkxLR1YF3iPNYcDA2l_0mmIRwzeWda53sQtfPjG63Uaq/s288/97.jpg' border='0' width='288' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777584321928697234'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNPmgwD4OHRwrkR-zhyphenhyphenaSxf65TDqDeBWqSKFsMPkH3Ne75Q6d3takiCPjkX34amXodbsbmpI4k_jMF4_q5-0uyujZQ6qYEvth2ZfoYKIhr33eR2GHUhyphenhyphen2yeGywOl8etFCPpi_bE242-Gu/s288/98.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777584581973955794'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmGkvtZSOjoPd2Dv6HMr1jsLgF-F1F41_jhfEYagWuPy58NrtwaqYn2mmdQ6ZU1ENr6vpt-XkEtFuKzEUd4OESk2_sOPoL7sdjd2e3gruboD4-i1aYFeXN9WLo8FLTGCr2BOtXSDQEZkq/s288/99.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777584731139001842'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtn0f7JaTHxlTiti0ZDRfs8XQx11W_RRo9XsyA9ggRnelVetZ9HmWWHP0O2OJlhQq2sK14T-AF2pYUtzTGZgOLqXvKtjJ-k4rJYhbHpXSM5tiNTqFFQfGuLtMg0diylwBeQBozr3mNBHq/s288/100.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777584875624015986'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNakLUPS6HFcUZx3Xde6G7PBAW21RlGIa96Vsko_dT8tcndPJMTqDToDW7V0cvcDppqTwcV-87bz4wwEOWeub-AhbT5IENfMnVuQPLL3L5mL6jZ5F-bC_zv8_cy9a5XCEs2FcY-3mTtufm/s288/95.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Abbott%20St,New%20Farm,Australien%40-27.469792%2C153.044558&z=10'>Abbott St,New Farm,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-33585087725928909232012-08-16T02:08:00.001-07:002012-08-16T02:08:56.738-07:00Dicky Beach @ NightAt 6pm I went to the beach for some night shots of the shipwreck - 20 mins later it was dark. A small torch helped to find the way back - and to give a tiny bit of illumination for the wreck.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777194987875988402'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKgMep78EdD3Y_7J4iaJK1Qs5t123KtCFH67lEI-_CLY9DE_pletroFk0rOyddpOcL7EULEjHYMPpEfQNxhgjG5l1B_TYuodVwW2xjOLVfSohvESosA0zuDkwC1uWDaHEyhGf4KBHiQb-/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777195061566988658'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpofR66w2MPBrTaXAOOrsO627O8PzrxrEQVl3adbf-XDRj8UkdEn-gzJC2WJn8ZYB7QT7UupbD3ZWvfVbkuk9iBT-648Vypywr0o6-44Vtdtf3CoLyV4g6w6ELpU5r477BU0WgBz4VLCAp/s288/89.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777195130427416610'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXguqb5ud_y2m4OcFQogEIyn9MLtCGQxLyQ62Fi3tOq_v0l2b5aG37TD0CZbLCuBEpP81D3caf9nDwQPZ7KmBhAqUyK6Xk1tqUVsZCiLLf9JUVnXD7imuEM83iUoOEFD3Lek9Yq6MqFZG9/s288/91.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='236' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777195205059083426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyU8RYj9aXWJLJTeGBSX5fvlzxnxV6f97iim9Rn2thtdAvohy53ZCwZzESrIO3LHXYBnlQ6ZLfeIeze0Ahkd9MDfWTjftN7ozC1H7QemU-ulo1-EEVNPTG5SDHKDbnJSO0TgSBirYTEtGl/s288/92.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777195272680052914'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71cQ0Xcp00BkgcJXL5z3FcuER09x2ST8UkS8SkQn6mIHQQs0f1TDHqkOTHEv4GtLpDyUcXVm5dBKRsKhGDrIxaUbWbVoYiB-O-iDw8al15ZSRZjel1Baz9PK4BHfuQzDpbNGScJvjJ14I/s288/93.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777195339891426722'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7Hl-p9l_VMxnH6LBTAqzlmfLsDyCPYwG9HKsNL8aRucYkj2ZcBJlz4Htx6JTFfb5b0gVq6Cce4xgsFhQvceQlAb_7vph_UjVEWB_hHlhaIFzDWTskhq_sZ3MtuQ39yVmsSvZFhyphenhyphen1zOS7/s288/94.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Henzell%20St,Dicky%20Beach,Australien%40-26.782870%2C153.137465&z=10'>Henzell St,Dicky Beach,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-70652850024468894412012-08-16T00:12:00.001-07:002012-08-16T00:17:20.413-07:00A Day on Dicky BeachJust photos :)<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777165412122414290'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSVjpg0zvfP34RqAFABIFv_K83HVrnpI7sHn4govFRjH4N_MVxzAiP-iEo161WjQzVQ-iEOVnV_OX0u0ME4usmldnlIZa3m3dqEzgUVD7eR8bGCnxEtayGXnaHikxgoV8v4dndJb9OzpA/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777165636275383586'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbILwBoD3aOvgBUqYXqAM-30UCXhagIjGDqvd1cu1hpX2eHG3Fot35hj3TkaWb8dI0ELrIro1AM40smrIPoxlYKXGU-OKakLCxXcL6lFwATJOjvj790N3ngrmxOaFN5K4QqK0BBrIzZHd/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777165712992541618'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0z1z9WENJcgsnsB02BRRS4AgQkYEqP0xCZEI1rCHPrD5AeG-K81BriVRRlSU9S7j0sshtEtrfT_5lwn3neI04NMLeVgHTsAh1h5fUShuP8a48JzidLF27_IL4NJEkEzybgQurkkDe4kQ/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='314' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777166013645207586'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIni3C6ETRd4lHGvZfkISnLsvPNyfUSOW4LnnqfKOk7JB7glSOARrFdFT99Cj6tCEihVN0obTolL6H6Ted8b65D-xXBS_3L4tz665aXB5dnQ90tp6pWrj2cyEP8ZEHGIDfjfezPyvuJel/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777166114370640594'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAZEpr4ZeZlrLX6GFqIyQPjb3LH04gLsa6TAM_dlUWjY4V0vt74e-2gnEtRj_upjMF8lR1CNZq9_4lVGhyfLxBpwW1TiTdLihbKoIqumFp0ql3rDJAhniON_E7qUJ44PWT_zSerYUD_8l/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='272' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777166444056040258'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCwGGnrwH2PZmo5SJt35mwb-Dw4yt7hWWpl4o0HAz4NWjjOea-rk-vmY36qb1Hpbd3RKutA-AuYBBAyYs7e-4JTP7ba0KaSr1fc_-aO2eWs7ezl2-RMFTLZF2gxLgJhwIFPpGhSDfipqt/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5777166523833938002'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ew7Laeldh09Nc7VmJRmrCZ2GAd9ODXlETaQJCV63VYGTHAwdbQzyGcDO9Np7VHLISbNCCRk8r9H4Uuljp1LJtVrkMESLPfbEsJpZ0h4hAavZCXXPjDnGCTgQXb18nti5rew2OluiyocZ/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Now waiting for our Domino's pizza :)<br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Nicklin%20Way,Currimundi,Australien%40-26.772765%2C153.124098&z=10'>Nicklin Way,Currimundi,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-52734591642472711852012-08-15T01:56:00.001-07:002012-08-15T01:56:00.863-07:00Dicky Beach and Underwater World After our first beach visit this morning we get back on the road for the 15 km to Moolooaba Wharf. Due to roadworks on a bridge it takes more than 40 mins to get there. In the harbour we see some blue jelly fish.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820007723439570'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4Z2ZT5F_7ooGq9P4oALdtev_c6xG1w-GYjKSha79v0ESFACQtOSV8HK1J4EczOp3T_fWCcNSMLsoMzAjKwvJgs7b3V3_3lAtYogUmso0GL_UqnGZvrzzRrVKk7b9rkAvsEH-7Cyi7Yc8/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820083177558930'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQu0O9eR5Wovbm2j_xeawR2VW3UUbdFlVQldPt1OTnIBUwpkRGr-bRjp_CXiBYVLCwaFw_IQ2v_n-HHmH1Moql7VNaYHrdowopHRi0mEsSwIvQ5b2ALOD61bsrwygBayEkcSechX_MTc8w/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />At Underwater World we learn that some of the attractions are closed for renovation.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820162483839026'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5CV6em86F6Vyd0NBM4in2l6138Lc7wfJU4lNLtnswnd-u1KBhAOQPsHVjPhb-ojghtgPByFiHY5OcBFZgLgckeEBTzLrkPbC8KUe-W8ilGgxRvLpRbCpXmtUiLqAXdGbN7G-flC1HJBH/s288/88.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='377' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />However, the kids still have fun.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820238933731714'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XddfX-8oSbpVGkhn9tDI1pqRAU9RCjmn46Fxef5aLTaehONgpnNTUwkFXZemiASaSptefNpKZ1ZSpVlZc63N9ZBUmJaT3HCwFE_CaAT1jxu55rxAoXnXR76VA1f5_hJID3yHLTQtX3OD/s288/95.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='243' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820318524394914'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3y9MXK2zRD6UIJCOLlFRed7vL4OMWkDlS1cQj4xOJcyMXPhhcXtJDFJKe5KaoR3oQ1nioH573Cw1yP4cTDrzjmku768MSIkPacUMh1-UKeQlUNO47vIhPlhUE3evnQgw6kW-X8rL7g2yY/s288/89.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='274' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820409959363154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMLLaPA5gU9Q7aaNIyRIJXVOlW2kzylybsmHSOqz5qrU-Srp4XulhlAkfYmqw0Hx14dfj6K8rG1D1di8bUf_hckyfmkliVhefeYcS66-ajjy0Vzvv_-_T7O4Ds1E6JzFYCcfSF_BhXk-U/s288/91.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820483338084562'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0HCPLZkB0vkMXFjFS2MtJCbkLhMKoaeC0Ztbz4cyAf9TUlfx_4-4zYH0FAiqkAnHASIc6lB4dv0SvnItNGdG47hict52W7qIJuZhr-3z0H9YB2JBI9ctDkYXmPx4P8WYF3PGKmsiBMbY/s288/92.jpg' border='0' width='269' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820578388112962'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrtQB9Fpz-xY9YQ1BQuX8LY2nTottc6BbY3J2uGmVQuipJ3NL_TC4VSqj8IqX_1u2gmkmrC3cQkwDd8cunMhQFbJ3v18LkpkHkIge-mWZ3ysbH98PEdpy_h3pfhLDq3wCmWg0XUOqI4XtD/s288/93.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='399' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />In the late afternoon we are back to Dicky Beach.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820674610771314'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI1qZfEby8gceQvEacDhvaTI0qMzF-5tnMmH00tlMuURyyfz_qTl7PKdRuNdUk7nLPIiRDyF-B1RzitATNWFGPEocI78xlfNXwjo2pNEB1hBAWWqy5dUaUvRyqZ_y9tkD4GhQGnQJEmDB/s288/94.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='317' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Josh and Jeremia have a swim in the ocean.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820760748316162'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5mP0f4AEhK5AJX7Xs2c3MfxVcR6fPiwcsiP94ihR85wHDXUAhPk0WGmWQKuYYbusWUFTZAqPv8CgVWGQqqIYFJmYOEpJtf2BXql07oPZ-2xjGi-e7VevWtkL8tTx9kXWEtkPNty4kPq5/s288/96.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820821755325986'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYP37DK74snRhAXV1BjQLsJdyPiBZGwYborLEfR-1Gp_4zqMUbW8iUuzCdSnK5jWd8ZHHV8bIoeopiu47p-eW-cU6U-XbgfOQ86Zjopufem11j2qMVZxkMxoE124sshd8yN9mdap1fcDF/s288/97.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820896574244258'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5z1GRQGtzkd4ti3WXuB4EYQ9fCuJN_Pt3m-haFn7zO9gKtVOFhz25ZgxVTuLRaP3PYsZTd_AW90xg4agMoBjfNiDyMaazGvuMIeNiGxvDCy6aKtu6K35yXGt8GsPveXGTWLSES6zPzus/s288/98.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The sun goes down and at 7pm it will be dark.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776820967457635426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvUiODUw5duddDW3wyLpmyiN2SjYiaMf-Os_2F_CC24H9XWgWDX9l8Rcqtgag1N1UY-4vXBuWGKgnm6axOQN_JAQ20TR_9B-K5ho7qMHUSSmrs3ZHAPTNuNKABflYZXvmfV9-9RHwFRRI/s288/99.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776821030344494242'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmrDaY59_IxKRaklxbG7JOYBtb9VFyDJbCaIwC8Px76q1VA5EhS2m6FI4YJMCVSI3k1g3OAhz7POybgwsx81YLOj6hfmFWKiyLKpqrLxMWZ28Xai1Wi2ZSM-hgx-yXPr1NE9ho3MsK-Ng/s288/100.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Henzell%20St,Dicky%20Beach,Australien%40-26.782888%2C153.137500&z=10'>Henzell St,Dicky Beach,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-1598221779309364452012-08-14T17:49:00.001-07:002012-08-14T17:49:51.980-07:00Dicky BeachOur last three days with the motorhome and we stay at one of our favourite beaches: Dicky Beach, the only recreational beach in the world named after a shipwreck.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776695573787841986'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbb8ryWsO-NLeuPENrAfMgGjgQwzJ07sd3QvfV_HIVy5jZ5RfS_bFeV_lqOHLupKTy0NOgVbUCuaZaCY-EgXXwvbt91mwVJtN3twj93MoWVxxhoBj3sm1Ua0mSK6BQEkKyMIKWzevgLZb/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The campground is right next to the beach and there is lifeguards on the beach.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776695736761290674'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTusgIKy8KUtdjagGXinZBmfRFRrHIGNDQfQAgZA3vWyq9h8KTmmkGvrGDMlaW00gK0JhM2-APN_yJ7QYfNig7T-i8mYlNzKq31VrvPcVTONgPscSX4OhrhWEgNtJAvrCe9KW2d-028tle/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Today we will visit Underwater World in 15km distance Maroochydore.<br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br />Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-9927007073549309652012-08-14T00:46:00.001-07:002012-08-14T03:07:18.339-07:00Biloela to Dicky Beach (580km)This morning we had some visitors.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776431928021925186'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajQcmPX5xRCx5IYr_8as1KQsc__TM8j-3AiPAH89UXMB9wdDHWleNOkoYccWZuUXU5MAClQh4Qp2XyRl25g_tHluVPK5S_Mq_GL6RGPDZbxSBE-Rux8t12ojLYOote5Kg7gaqw0pXgKcv/s288/111.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />They were keen to get some bread. But then they stole Jeremias banana, jummy...<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776432021505868866'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsghv4pwsFJclv1DqAPV8nMljpcANYnGvqIrWLhtbnwNfz4oK7F5GpzF1skMXk9CfsecCmCozYlAUpz5gq22HZSMGE-xj_0vMVBQYPtmnbpDKmzHM5LrdOH3V19XALssn1cqa9kpymH_d/s288/112.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776432121869566722'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLODZfZRAkZIS863_7tmwXYZ1or0kMLbPBhniR0JYuR5QN8h5_25csYIM57RXELaIc5aD3g9hpBhdcn7JkQmQ67m9yewnfA1jKJ8H_pxeBaDIqlZb1PD2-vflXqVF27yc7RPFp11PUlnxz/s288/113.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='251' style='margin:5px'></a><br />To come back to our campground this night. Our intention was to stay "somewhere" at Biloela.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776466175223467554'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygw_IL0gAxMFy6VcSUhyphenhyphenKVgoKlZhT1Ar5GoiAQNLJ9C2dPPYV4oyOokwTuihY43aIajQQtsnkqG4x_UPwCMv8zEEr5lm2aJQ0FCx9B8nm6-XDkpH3BYbyM-WllJ8iiu6pep8NpDU85CFO/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />As the main campground was fully booked, we called the Kroombit Tourist Park. I think I overheared that it was 35km away from Biloela. All signs were invisible in the dark anyway and we called again on our way down this road.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776466286062803122'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDN-dde0zME2YtdCdi3w21dr2DwpAuoX9qh8_cra7EGVfT6P30T6d3Hz7NQT1HXgUdTfVFkM8ne-l4mnd4L_usmI6ySX3nEf6L-_rA3kwweDy6IlaxB2TcRW7IbP5GVE5NNefctYMzSAI/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The park is a really basic bushcamp with some cowboys running it. There is a saloon and bull riding, a kitchen with open fire, fireplace. The kids enjoyed it - especially the fireplace.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776466362023946226'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qjMaOr90O6zfauNVDyoiulE0NqCxhfnT7ecMhy6NbNJpN5nKtQFEDVULqua1IyYuIs-s5C35BRLjza_Is-VzZ2LqlLj1IrB37d22Avc2lYTiIrewylXgMpyP7p_ux2IaQ3ZSjauSkVhc/s288/88.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />What we had not been told was, that the last 5km to the camp were gravel!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776466456003496914'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhlmt1j19AhZZaf0LQNqWmzTLNMGjRtoOMB9RTPc2s_YDpWJ12YRdslb3UGDaWGw4vd2aDJooF3nQH1uhuFq59FbwhWR9jPistDqYx44urv5e9TbPNdPcmJD4PTlVRLnpQu7PpJQMmacT/s288/89.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='220' style='margin:5px'></a><br />That was some real fun in the dark. However, the landscape is wonderful ans no other sounds than those of some birds.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776466536766544962'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUjnAkjGwrELuonJcQvWw0oGZ336Jgi6ZG6JI2R0CdrugH_tGQdex86Kh0bsYuvbz4S1zUYNIn7P3i0IXxtRZ8JCn3L1zMY-jdCAopbMQr3sfaXr9fyql-nQD0PeeKQk0lBGP0tMdkwDZ/s288/91.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The gravel road was really very washed out and it was good to see that they started flattening it in the morning.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776466643125268994'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGqZWP8XF0EUr0zv6aKWOLrg5FLuxsDQz7-U4q6BF1WwpdxvyDvt8B_foNa9XwbmGJxjyVa-oteXjJsXTHsEYPccopfTzhjFoj-x8I4GViaV0oH3XdM9zEBVo7-7erJptN5JCAh0x01MG/s288/92.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />This is the Kroombit dam.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776466723741589378'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlDiseqNIuUKhmnAsaDFMImn3jZLArphojdusS4tOIEDalv8ITpenmlpXcXc34asLabkOp5AcrhyJ4Zct3PexmGcsIs6N1up9IB-2qaCeXZQPCeY4EKOFkuxUoYduJ9CpJiHTnDVvzLa8/s288/93.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />And here starts the tarmac road back to Biloela.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776466806280367826'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tvE_qtz4YzHd9abuv9qY8YTI2fw2c0lfyYxbqV_9VQiqweCItY2SjqBPSS_8FLFXQgTXjGGb1eggLX54Q0U2pSjU-rsjFSB5sVo0tVMluMYnRGXLzoSwnLeaEKgLCBEhbtD0rxLMVGwU/s288/94.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='224' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Bileola once had a train station - gone, no trains anymore.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776466910404423970'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0_Dne8CCp5Kt-9QDNImPZ6nkr8o-LL5I0oWcLQwWvke7p45klxyU9oXpCkHedl8cE2ayQfxKxVYfpNPpuweMF3v232UoXMCYWYeB52o-HTkpiVIWnYnIMVi-P7ela6UDYThSXhyvN_SG/s288/95.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />On our road south we find an old, renovated train station - no longer at the train track but at a picknik site.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776466993669556402'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRW6FL3p5YbGnXmCweCFZPffwPHWTiOfVcB2JIDOmJOQyMAw_V7eksBX1Q_i5WoxnA7mXbDe-aMV2mSh3Gdmq7u1NDUAcZ-Zl2JeXyjx3yagBpg3k6xFc6cvWSf90mSTkr3YoFZa-yejk/s288/96.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />We also had a stop here two years ago on our way to Gympie<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776467100634447666'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCYQ-d2TrnTdLA3Sbj5P-CpAA0GEl9KTYxGbQ69CYb9n_-JbTBjnk24LjyxnMq7lvlu2K9VGcvl0p79hLleT8uywJftRn8qBXPbXXvMOyavkJhMs7dCCbj9rklX8cj68yuT63E7daj-fJ/s288/97.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776467312945084114'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJLHbuQQlxPROpaNmYK_nwjsmamTF7cSDOlo4oK4hGc5AJTB-KHc2QYxdyieW3kL_TQNfofuQnt2YEtsiVpNNByuULepU9QVTJO9u2pvE1CehZpf4acvwFM6rVydZn92k40AKegjEdn2v/s288/98.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Jeremia scared of snakes, spiders and scorpions...<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776467423242989762'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBQHt2ZElN1NbyMLoqpi8KTMkI4VTI2Xf4J5DreozF0-o6TiOLfCQMxuzXsEQqISJS_IIx02LZm4a3FvzfnzkE2cbHPbLfku8uzmtOdfrxZTZZi1q4pXv_VOrqfDp845qSRKsDDxSpXJ_/s288/99.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />In a small town on the road we buy some sweet juicy mandarines<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776467503439744770'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdOS__D4tEiRsw3XCS6TtatuIRDWNTZIfX36GGFfoMp2E5nXp9qxTIjWsqfEmB7CewV9Qfg8fQ7tret0gEijU-Mp-aHzJQ6hD_tYR6yZFzPhcBf7ZbpT_SKl3_yE6t3-8nrb0Bj0-IGQe/s288/100.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Turning from the highway on a "main" road to Gympie...<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776467597225144850'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TCf2T7jpAfX_8MnR54bUPib_D31ovqoAI9pKnA8IxQjoWNl_Bo9PFUn26x4ow1cyuXe88909K3k_w-cxRcsWcxkMDVwzYpa9TF7p0u0DdG1B4_pFYYH-OTvcJ2-rLusX8F8nWY9LQaT3/s288/101.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The necessary stop at Gympies heritage train station.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776467680522379298'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGZ4WUBsFyUcKHFNcfiUQp4fso7-SaDqh2oIDltnYoJeNoFEiNX6L9B2sR2o5M_iiCoDmEt6VoIflymz-Iv25161x0q5eJUNIxdipS4Yv9vVqfk1HI4HQ8vtNOa17sweID-91thWqhr5w/s288/102.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />This is where the steam train "Valley Rattler" departs.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776467761732843778'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmkteNoERNJcM9d3aPgShEYBLTMkvD8EMh3uXThKPKL7K1CC2yNWrr3ZAIfuewJXocObqaHJR8-BhhmdMMpew4QVlCBhUwCDPdAkTGEwW5qPmw6p9utR1NYomnm-ba0rL6CFYUHqw8Yws/s288/103.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776467846693839250'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvu3U3hDMefM6f07J9PZBXCR0CYiAbmjv9ghPhV5H-km7Ncn-reuBhneRO_69-1yRvsNLxOd3mfa6QYBjgXDVJ35kAKTQHRI1haNg8IqvhNJPXjkh1nB_CVqiOixHqBy6x6NR-A3DacS4/s288/104.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The old pedestrian crossing - open two years ago - is now rotten and closed.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776467934936728850'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzKbZI1WETxGAIhAa7P93S2HI-Snnkw8oKw9hpi72rfj_0rlkAc-DWSQwVi01OqoIisTbkvzZevtNVuBW9h72JTHbyUoooOCLQRfP5baL4WFtfG98ltgA3cGEC9OgiUN76KmEqbARmbQL/s288/105.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After almost 600km we reach Dicky Beach.<br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Henzell%20St,Dicky%20Beach,Australien%40-26.782902%2C153.137528&z=10'>Henzell St,Dicky Beach,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-63753820611045098272012-08-14T00:44:00.001-07:002012-08-17T03:21:11.925-07:00Capricorn Caves - Rockhampton - BiloelaThis morning we visited the Capricorn Caves. We were on the first tour at 9am together with the Hardy family from Melbourne. They have two boys, William and Laughlin. Laughlin is at the same age as Jonah and the boys got on very well. We all sat around the fireplace last night.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776429560877215458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4qyvdV-A2DCHiUmA5W8h9qZ0YYpQ8yiTDUJRt-8JS8Ggzz7uUQYX2T2jG8SHUrAv0Ktpbipl6BXq4zJWcTIGJorn2HjA0i5cwLzZxHnDUlqGvLdA9zDExZQifgHPOQWmfVs0LDtyfnFv/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The caves were discovered by the Olson family in the 19th century.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776429657718082082'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYI3fIfomPOJqguCa9VKKKPuEkOeeJ9MtIODmQGRRdr6hp1WpjUDbql_XgdEdmSZneRNBYbKz8JZmvXWTb71sphb0zOa0KRcLbXPuz3m4M87EJK46XnLu3it9jeZ5957Fgn7lpMrWdzmn/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />They are still owned by the family.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776429747689716530'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu9CJnNM4M_RcT-ZDkYiWzPdT8gh2lH9rMIx19oNTi6449LctIgOP9w16FxuGs_HCgHb0nd7WuoU2R6nn34Xc03Dk2Znkc_sgWwj4MfySPYbQ8OeamzCGgoVB4BLywLhH2NlYqcYXTkGH/s288/88.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776429815195365010'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHwYoT9WR3opC233lQyxygaKNicW1E6L5jBdZsl1-cvzFNHMiSBnxjUyuUIIOld29AI1XOD6Lc5gDqHzHThyphenhyphenBvLYtRF4KwGjGxeraQ9Qr2jIY3i_4JyMjmlMCwRcvg7bHm43tlfGCwekZ/s288/89.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Most famous and impressive is the cathedral cave. Weddings are held here as well as opera concerts.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776429908437502002'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFA0spOqnj9p_j9QD7DlA5xATtQpal_NI1golfLEopA-CBpL-vC6-JvU4o33vXUBs_2Q4CV87MW9YVNDlmb3Ds3iaJN8-KpYTTg_SV4hgF8tbvy3QwNDJVR_cYu5b0KKmQwCuedyE_S1rS/s288/91.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776429992810275938'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeV418CENhD9rf7rGSYkwSUqDc6pQk3qvYjV6nAbTrOosJajYakGr0wfkd27OepfcascBsBPXbg4pFwABA_whKo_Nirvwno_MLkTSZaieCrgFzj2iSIsW-gaoHs66Uo3zfAH5rpvS2Hmi/s288/93.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776430077104859490'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUBoVv6Yo3dngxoIilOHnm4MvKkkdPIUU-g_NwhpGgV9sQEedt03BslP_XQVb9RjxMgO2tAkSsxJ_ywzNxEyg3dlBO14vlsep3_YoQUPxDI2z1cM718IlhFo20GsLeUslXfQmutotkJKs/s288/92.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='321' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After the cave tour it is time to say goodbye to the Hardys. They head on to Agnes Waters Beach Caravan Park. We would have joined but the park is fully booked. However, we sure stay in touch.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776430211678574914'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnc0y9XMirfqbiFVkAT3yhImufnqe3DOFvbJEYO1fa9XaoS2tHCLFx-fsO1eeLXieekA9UpPt0MAwqHLm4WLgmSyZvw7kYxXJ1EsbaeZSoI6UrhqzObUahE2tjhAoPTBxlEvqe4NK1YrE/s288/94.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />In Rockhampton we visit the Archer Park Railway Museum.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776430289160527250'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDubCMhyWqGqPI08PVGWy-0OXn8W1e-ZYJMuQ7gtPlWJ2gLKYJWjMIz8QMqjBsnzrlDpIIwWiRSGvfFgEU7kzHvYXMXD902-hyKMYPIAIyteQ3dA-3fm772Hvyn5e2ndW-uZJX-tHFH5J/s288/95.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The have a fully operational steam tram as it has been in operation in Rocky from early 1900 to 1939.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776430381514853890'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOX_5lPnB_1qsJvW-BM8K3RwAIKYww0HkuxSlfvLQFq6Z2cEjtCe7wyV4L8xwvOB1_Aj0ob84EoT1cpZSgXUcSBd2Cm-I8SdMQrkghSxmC5cZ4HGYuSFiHGbXKU4a_hvD7lX1UjB3NxDB/s288/96.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />There is a diesel and a steam engine, too.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776430443451704194'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNTaUpP-dClBW5MEFa-z0EDiY-oHQTqmoLzb6hX5vnH2i4UzbNkYXihD-o80Zx5pn_yGUBOLVK2-Q-v-wT-PkydxP7JGUnq6ydFxeYkKqyxbWb4ni6oxjIv_qIxVwHjW3OFESThbLh3TO/s288/97.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The steam engine got a repaint for a Harry Potter photo shoot at Movie World.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776430525749332706'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGpXLBYYpIOPtVlCKZ3f_qQUq_iE9R6ST9GR78eUC6adMxI16lUxFYnm7Kmr_os2TK1wYIjN-Y8cDoX18uHR2W5t8ih0holooin6Ds9cNrF6Z3OCCYqLByiP7a3GE8ZcLGgadAoEFNuQp/s288/98.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='173' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Normally the engine is painted in brown, known as the brown bomber.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776430597591336210'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneiE1-eR7k6QTCv8D8qHwVNR9JntIvU96Cgqf1vXRZKTcrae5PD5F8dPpYtMjYERf4w_rd4j4WWVjX5Mm8NwbGyg-eJsLovtbdu0ehFSX8TDmwgu5z4_bngbJ8USeMJ-fM9ZlswajgIvj/s288/99.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776430699795845618'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3hd8b-vgCNmNIlW0PMXS3KWxShr0qrh5k4VUG5DqcQQr1SaCYc1F0cwVDn0PXQehBnV5ylzyJOVU6wl4TlvvdzjLFfKzwneCNgDmy-5BccYj9RtawQ4ONPu_WET-bdkhezCrMkt6vVsh/s288/100.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />As costal campgrounds seem to be very busy, we take the inland route. First bit on the Capricorn Highway again. It takes us to Mount Hay where there are many Thundereggs.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776430785282771026'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbSWpyW9ygh2q0OCBF-xddGPguhwzmTqhTGLZXqGY0cggfUBlGjp29olaZ36brfZ5NVWWwX6gI_8rX6H4JB6pi6ppwA-0Ih7RTDd-QRs3wmM8FE88V7v1YxUzPORTZj5iREXKfx0XhBYX/s288/101.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Thundereggs are spherical - bubble like - structures developed in Rhyolite Lava due to gases and chemicals interacting in the hot mixture.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776430898832431122'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsFh3hVMMN3dThXlN_FijNKqtr7BxHtabNWAFYum6Z-fLjZ2E8DeAEYzTni11tKWO46rTgZ3cYP-_4rIhpgPhPS92r_6bc_oAG2P7K2SOm0OZ1kPkFuyfPItQYe2oIU_t9qQ7gwnygnoj/s288/109.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='204' style='margin:5px'></a><br />As the bubbles start to cool this causes them to crack allowing gases to escape but also to allow mineral solutions to travel in and fill the gas hollows of the bubbles. These minerals crystallised as they cooled to form the crystal center of what is now a Thunderegg. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776430979621047298'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1usqWhGhhz35Wgr-uvcd9EEfqXMZpx1w9zrPWP6nzEPj1HF9Dr1dP77wleBNTcuRFbtXJW9PPa9U2bt9Wf2Iti0pvbOGVaf-LiTrZAxc6AEcCTGkBF_E-RvhGGRfN_F5v3Oqcu8a3tqa/s288/110.jpg' border='0' width='321' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After millions of years the lava breaks down to allow the bubbles to become free of the rock... Thundereggs can contain Quartz Crystals, Agate, Jasper, Opalite and Calcite Crystals. At Mt. Hay they are also called Volcanic Birthstone as they developes over 120 Million years ago when Mt. Hay was an active volcano.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776431115778530306'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSxpe5J8HAIRG4kd63L0eLxzSR6WldPKZKheeN6oP7piOPtl8EhwnFKCLonTvvYRdweU1A940r_DsROSTegv4pvnawnBIBb6DiQGpd9xDRK58KBmOk-Xb04KzCYRLev5U6AXrQenaaUuP/s288/102.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />So we do a bit of fossicking and find a larger number of small Thundereggs. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776431223955213186'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7cxRaJIr7dKfIScEYRy03YQb1TfqNOfhRxu7uJq7tPZT_ejthT1QX3OJd_duK73WCPtfx09bM6at2jttiNzWeb0m92eC-gEqQ0oG69QT2jCu4RS64cWyao9hth-TEjb6_osnP7NK8MVl/s288/103.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />We also find Perlite, volcanic glass. The Thundereggs are cut in halfes for us so we can see the wonderful structure of the enclosed Agate.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776431306507258210'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8J1nW8_mZQxIkJ1n0tirXY29uB-iveR_MvRcTRyFsyv7R9Q_rx1piYc1rBmy-M4i5_JTyKEhivfMhuxM-5aNI4Nh9fgoXIJN7yfDK_4vZPAq4-DkXQXwwAdQ_Nfb-MUdGf-1GGg9EAMh2/s288/104.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />It is quite late now and we have to move on. We decide to stay in Biloela for the night, this is another 1,5 hours to go - we thought...<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776431382307646434'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqIh-hTTinz1U_mqNTcrNVdlLg57YMdBhrxiW1PP-vFwbCNT1eQd2aQaGo5_MX46-APhvMdjEaNBhPIGY-Ne2ksk9jwsglu9NQOsCyhDpI0ZLbLkx7YDqjGmYXxvhsLAQv0iaU5C93YwXG/s288/105.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The sun is already starting to go down.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776431445158566306'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3bmV2H3II-Nt2hmE4dHRCRCY-dV0HyrcsOg3UFPiiERegae-de9EubFpzFR_YySfmzRFxqYQytprgWnrUV2X4KXUjYflje5TS_OgWagz0xtL5pLaYPVYWRhPls-sOtNyhxhM_RFUHiZT/s288/106.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776431530240915458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mb9tC_cSHtqdQH4Awk5mfS6YVh7_Fmw5kYMlsMyupepiE-ngMZhJmQhhFdLmdYWSmoaazqVQMSKOwYjjp3hLWqFem7oDzyoPod8oDRInjtKfL9vlGaW62E67rUd7lKo_vvVcXxQLQL4j/s288/107.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />When we arrive in Biloela it is dark. As the park right in town was full, we chose one "a bit" remote. It actually was 40km away on a small road with the last 5km gravel.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5776431608503403218'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluY6SQ4miYxM3qKA3SSW9UexNPhbQnv4rp5TSu3ZDdOrnVNLd0OeFQwCDmyvRdR7sVK5xStdHUe-axq6a6KE5TMTw_HUlKv1t9fJu30tzCTFJ805LxmXbT34NTBzAlKGsvMdJ3Ac6nGdP/s288/108.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />A very remote place with a very basic camping camp. However, the kids got something to eat and another night at a fireplace - just perfect.<br />Now we are all curious to see how the place and surrounding area looks lik at daytime. Tomorrow we will have to drive more than 500km to get to Dicky Beach.<br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><br />Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-69393986524493082212012-08-12T20:09:00.001-07:002012-08-12T20:09:35.775-07:00Hay Point to Capricorn Caves (Rockhampton)From Grasstree Beach we go to Hay Point. This is where the coal is loaded onto ships. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775988971343651106'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBc-ZbiHD7oyw3s0MGe_qz_2meYtiNxL2cxBHx5U0CgKyhL-P9g2RJ0dak9XgINyRJr4Ymf5iXuj0PwvLLFsyAhPXJro0jkkCyZobPhGy72ZdEDXmeIsJTviJ6eQv2qRucTcxMTYkmR-n/s288/93.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='122' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A really big coal harbour.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775989062020305842'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIO5Y-eI3Y7XTSfK7BlwP8SW6URTEullm7m4JJ-sPo6lOXuWeZHEYT383GY6lu-Q5CYCdxLuCFR9fjh_Yv760zL4yyEqL_h6SeRKhfChFIq3k12pUEAX81EOKs0FjNAfJ-NUzPbQob6yG4/s288/94.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Somewhere around Marlborough.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775989168426733058'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwouqTwrlA9BNrpN3cFSTgytTV-VfiSaNWoJDi6M1B2J92EPhgAbJjDNeZnGOENhuTh7C5V1RWFq6iD0HrDexqTvUwaniMSF88hTft8YgS-MZq9310oI0rJlIblpax33ciP-OxEmFzkaW/s288/95.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775989252859944050'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrtG4YxkQxfQvrXzz3H79iy-WuW7KaTIJYthr-5xiV4k1ECepo634NE_7xJLc3Buwlo4B2Sk_Ielf1BDQIbpTgIVGITbL8DKEwa6pqmXRTiWGp1lsUL9o4ybaB6tUHenk0KhOhrJJiUAS/s288/96.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='191' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Around 5pm we reach the campground at the caves, very little amount of visitors there.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775989341942785858'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4ESvamdLdmThlKRA9sY-fJm5fJys_-XsB8muXzuSWFSZbnijKdcSfofHHZqgXr_fNqL2CRzrALxGUpylK-Egp71W9A_4KcVHW-a-J1fiEjywbpogkwFIlDovrvKQWX1JtU6JkDFxGQtS/s288/97.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='259' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We meet a family with small kids from Melbourne. They travel alomg the coast for three month.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775989412842116498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlGOkHI1DP7Fi2Qkpw-m1jHI-bC1hGEj7IhFsytASe4QbQtxGrRY7qaIbMDPpJ__K3FHcgNBwNfo0ScNmtt0O8PnxQzVErpMGG_T7L696aa7eCtWT18MwB1IjTRTMFSf-1T37gF7koUK2/s288/98.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another clear night with only a few clouds.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775989516262573426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMlRq49fKoNaVgrSChCnaLrVD-K0omt_BHk_ANe0XXo-CbjE_jl8x8ml6qRTdCkccjsmh_ntiZ5Rzc4041Ml54Te9R6kUwuO8UOQpSYcd1ienRIaZXeMlxMI41dh4r-LemgL29BWj4Srm/s288/99.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='327' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775989587503018050'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDmOnwj6ndoPcUYdoEcgf6XWWfz5Liui0grpZL3KxkR-Ha6DUhFH6_QAQ4Bvo9lQPAYuJYtkJnr3XuBZh64w6QmPtPvx05dQj_k3miTEfd5DppPo7I3ENvMlWe3rbTeiB0GumlYfSseEP/s288/100.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=The%20Caves,%20Queensland,%20Australien&z=10'>The Caves, Queensland, Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-6875355323955222202012-08-11T19:41:00.001-07:002012-08-12T20:05:48.574-07:00Grasstree BeachJust wonderful :)<br />We start with a breakfast.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775611243756465586'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM_hh9wuLxRU-0q-Do6vUMWtiDbEebDgRR9M7tlDeOD54U_au5_DYW-wd0MsNQIfVqSD0lAQ5Kmi4NaEVLgr6ibtG_jVAViCaPC9WUg6It9c1aZcAdU7ZiYS49LaAfxKrWfhE4K6I3JWq/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='229' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775611684448661778'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-ZY6zL8JfoGZCYLQ_LRV7w2DNxZll1pkyzu7aYQXEtdHTJ0dh75Ib-7IW7tY_c9S-GbfSrnQzI0ylnjlLyQ9B-S_YDOr2_hwwfsIsEIFF2bAwFRAKH7kOmfnPUL4t8XQnNa47mN9G0w9/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />And on to the beach for the next four hours.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775988191094556466'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqgjXEGCd2V2NvpmAhLpy_EQjkEzK4024Et3ojX_M2mUC7IvuBdJ9AE06QZZ4IuM_TLqTszfghI_FdIQ0_MnQrtFl0Bl83KEbE5Rnud1FNB3js8Tq9jpYogHGaPlA1rHuuVZ8u0WmY5Qn/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775988259280492146'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYLcnOCDy6ci9T4nz_K28018yvYwPA1W02Zo2bK1pxWxGj85oEVjZjjzQd8scWx3wukEnN6sylcf-JbQJvdjvs0yFzDW3Pe_NYdKNySmnjES9EIo_dMN0-PwjmtLNbOpHoZ90dHGyN8iU/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775988349907998738'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLxKlzyhn4bw-2N7bTfyMMTnQ-lLDyNfAaPH6BKop2dua49rNEMyMjwckw2MTKIRzubU92ip__onrplrIERC6kpYIWTJH95V32jfM7xiDABgN5CTmHiBloYYmHExZQdH6XCApDUOYuBU2/s288/88.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='264' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775988427775229074'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetr1yeoOKnJ4WJn11GjgYBZVEls-l3z6weVieTbVXSdJ1quH1MmAC1YLLJGuxczLWK7qzaBcRcpxKHvsoQDzt7GtT6fmx2oIBDT7oOf_GdGvHUDu1r9EAOiE8z4ivzQnl6BqZNJ6dd5xA/s288/89.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775988503211964946'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1-FMCzDZJU98aCnGdA36kfYnpyLfVEIViF4KVeSab4aPqWZnogz4jT6FOGKGRt9kN3nPbVKrmWTUgfMPij9ErAZA3cr6skAEWEBG_GOdL7gGvZiW09L5E83lheC89QJEsygHvjf5_iFE/s288/91.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='243' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775988595588476242'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpjg4EQF8Kr4v9KRwgaSIbqv8NfbW2jlvPN_e1YZl8vERfEB3kBthh3Agiz1vicaRzL1R4GK63Lm4GORq5cGCMuRfVwDTWb6IJ4SSJzFThYUS24NpK8vZzvdSAIQPiqQ7-ik1Aa-GubQF/s288/92.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Westcott%20Ave,Campwin%20Beach,Australien%40-21.384610%2C149.326708&z=10'>Westcott Ave,Campwin Beach,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-68774006275836856402012-08-11T02:30:00.001-07:002012-08-11T02:52:29.862-07:00Bowen - Collinsville - Grasstree Beach - Sarina (ca. 400km)<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775345695226293170'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ardJmgZ7x0bVdF_DXe-EqG69V6YU6p2nVlOvvJZkfEgMDWAX4fT6SpvSMLhf2aGdUBzkceMdxZHHmk6XV6aFnFri_BOXY1xb02D6s0WY1Ym692JmTi9rGwOq9WwrJjbhXa9RM5FhWOZK/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='190' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Early in the morning we leave Bowen and take the 77 Bowen Developmental Road to Collinsville. Collinsville is a mining town in the coal-rich Bowen Basin region of central Queensland, Australia, 1245 km north of Brisbane and 87 km south-west of the coastal town of Bowen. The town is part of the Whitsunday Region. Current population of Collinsville is about 2,500.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775346247680747506'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xXIg-1WU1Uc3Wb3u6mTXBIyWIDaIVzm8QNag3Urj6ANOgdc6bIlgadlKU3epLSd2k_NTsDdYbwB93UpHNLpUOsIt4NN4QjKhHQmDlOJAxTk_p0MpgeVaWswv1E60uv47se13BxMwBz0V/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='191' style='margin:5px'></a><br />European settlement of the region began in 1861 with the opening of the lands to pastoralists, with some cattle stations still in operation. Coal was discovered in 1866 but it wasn't until 1912 that large-scale mining operations commenced. The town was originally known as 'Moongunya', an aboriginal word that roughly translates to 'place of coal'. On the 20 September 1921 it was officially renamed Collinsville after Charles Collins who was the Labor MLA for Bowen from 1915 to 1936. Coal is surface mined.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775346340773724946'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHyKvWUMB8YAfwyiUIfrTz_x1rkrb7TbZJkWXz3I9bMR7Ur_WlXOeBDuvF2VflUZqRq54EKuwOaUxoa-U5MWXPjlCQUqDisygmpMAUKWk7KJ_99N0MvL827QMrjj8n_x3zQvZsmggpf19/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />And transported to the coast via train.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775346413394111714'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetvV-iX_P-_z50XKQEnaZ1Tj_djXE6_99ZjgkPQEazaUnOt-BbIlK_NO01czcsTVevxzLlxwdbZU16GuxEHUbt4XR5xDzFnZd-4bg9EwCQomX8b2_-w_RwMNOfZVm0cuQKsln3zDDsYLa/s288/88.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='197' style='margin:5px'></a>Supply is brought by road trains on narrow roads.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775347652128875858'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBNbvmJ7HXuExkYtgvkBvUhfuR6rF5AOSvegMyPqwQNkWaR6rbPcFXmHPCR5dXyempT7gydp8M0xoNusBhg5iPohDLPZO1BECZv31HQE1y18AQhBY7I1KFBJznWXVobNoC_hH0zol5uKZ/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='305' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775347800809611266'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIv1v60H9HUT8Ca4D_IygMcZUTmj9WJpaY8pi8vpYpby_eQdv0fcwCKRHMhiAj1HrYDP5ZnaUi9ouopTpMXZuiPy0-33GEuaw35dXzEPr80vD9D50laZ5EPh1LEp8WilSoAVaX-C62FcCv/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After about three hours we reach Makay and about another 30 mins later we are at Grasstree Beach.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775350553070467650'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmFzQBb8j7xP3plmEhN8ZbDG1yrOPKXn_Xmk-k4aLz9SOU0YDJ5gbShejl77jg2H8eb4kOydIkEVYb1ZiqoLO_IltdqsSCD9YHBW_7OPWDd-802ZVJwdRdpfgfbrgL2eDTesedjj96aum/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />We have been here two years ago and it still is this remote lovely place. The settlement has a few houses and has over the time changed from a holiday location to a place where families have settleded down. Some work at the hugh coal terminal at Hay Point. There coal carried by train from the Bowen Bassin is loaded onto ships.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775350620079291250'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHj4p3QxVKfmZ0OHkf-HNm09tfOTV9EWUj-z1_-jlok0-3d-AifvvAJxYKp80GOLqSlr927iL69iUbQFGxTmXm7LRAWumP0Fuv6NswwTex8xVE_ruusukIu_xMb-OlcH7CKg9RC4LW0ub/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />As all these nice beaches, there is a stnger issue here as well - especially in summer.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775350891392453634'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdvysdEL4tmW9-f2hlKz5k-kqBmlenAv8HwKtPBXCXThaAIMEXR9RjuDSUVQxealzo3sa4_ySPdOBaO-p0h-8Lm-Zb9ImXmauUHnqlZ2ebma7jed_Zk1WRZ6weNNCD9DM5mg3-i9ULGR0/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='266' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775351140004680738'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXNLp8OIIRRP6KQ90tPmXLYCp-a4JPiGA4AYHA7nopqTDRdxnHe6w9bLHpmlwEdCgdrgv09YFfJF2pIYG7LpfPuzIZ-5wBHsthIS8NoK9u60Cki9Jp33BmGm1IYSgXktRS7wpoa4VG5i-/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='353' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5775351234919747490'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCv3MJ4kgbDt7902SVtO_MAyfmoFsQaXCEpuj4Gs-4JOoXCxr617rmn8xJSgNh6LBhqio7J3gWH4SpnlUQOW_dEoxgtu_uZao7SM4xaMUPW7bVuJGWFy3qoUpMhrpFswO7qBGo2xG0XET/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='302' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Anzac%20St,Sarina,Australien%40-21.421574%2C149.211759&z=10'>Anzac St,Sarina,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-20546902649379881142012-08-09T23:18:00.001-07:002012-08-10T05:30:17.674-07:00The Day That Went Completely Different...<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774924901232571074'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nCKX7qUT_co/UCSnmc6GcsI/AAAAAAAAY5U/zShTfyQHPyg/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After breakfast and a final visit to the jumping pillow for the whole family, we continue to head south. Our target is Seaforth or Grasstree Beach near Mackay. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774952601314223570'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXyCp4hSRhPO7MGPlkuYnQ3T9qpqGBuGrCc1K2o76h9Y1O7lcwuk00Cj6ZbcuJ-v3BTJuJ5aPjcDRzUYFsmsrfjPeyAV3smlS819445j4xeN_1PLUAUk0Rx1V_bBRPxMl7Oh6akO35nNp/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />We start with a short stop at Conway Beach, an all in all 50km detour. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774953349260273458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuveuilch91va_vKhbXa7Ct-vuVJz0hfI_a304hGozjXjGOU9hV4VTBJetldG5Y90hjSHgV1uXHDZMgRAHm4d5ZnT_ZRuEnYedcJGDKUSXaTjKSpHuJIhEIKVgPqMSQS2yCVDDKYbf3kh/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='244' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The beach is not sooo nice but there are some rocks to climb for the kids.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774998618525200866'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIdH-6YOyaQIqXK8eSATT4MtezAPBhfLxo1w4KjFpkhLOUDSqHTELx6YxN9WzhEviqK-3ZrFjlZxebh8WdpLUYDF02CtICffFFZqdln3MKmQW5md91Pp38x2DfO5xRJ6_X8hYeOiabyD_/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774999383002272226'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8Rn0wHEkOhXClc7_5xpjqSeE_n7FR1qxcg8bCEbG-WkjYghmluasf-zhkkaxT_0KalMCO1FJWvjjkBKm0PQd7w1Bk6ASn0nsseYJpn_yydp6_u-0sjSKFr5xkx2sks6UAwqL0l89Q2h-/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774999783980873186'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVhxw4MF6z8D9TaM4tFneBSLDICuR66g0Q3NeoJ-uCiE869qKiACaeeoWxlPaGZ3i1m6ol1OWE4tUyAg-Zoh9yU0CmW1mEMkBqhcoMasGyAQnMoWSPzVIM7CqCMtQExOVOXpOT2W3scmi/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EeFJJYrAEPk0OkyVWNNv0rBMSYy6fRRUzUO53tOhcc0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePZoyRMYjRzv0PS8Cp9-a76QD8zYni3aEKJ3jRCx3ZKmPRrh6hsBSVFtjiLZfQ7u8FET17xmg0W0cg0vzjZ1BvgZhyD1ulbzaAu2lhpciGjbIt_2A04PltPEgVTnaD2DRP8k25S-kaqzF/s400/85.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">Aus <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE&feat=embedwebsite">Australia 2012</a></td></tr></table><br />Then we are back on Bruce Highway and after ca. 50km we come to Bloomsbury. Here we are being stopped by police. 10km down the highway a massive multi vehicle accident has happened and the road is totally blocked - expected delay is six hours!<br />There are no other roads south. We make a short visit to Midge Point beach before we decide to turn north. We head for Bowen, north of Airlie Beach. There we can take the Bowen Developmental Road via Collinsville, then Collinsville-Elphinstone-Road and Suttor Developmental Road to Mackay. A more than 400km detour.<br />However, in Bowen we decide to take a rest and stay on the campground. <table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K2-YnJc9at6DG4nevOChVbBMSYy6fRRUzUO53tOhcc0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbmGxY9TktojuoY6hbPRF3gUOfsXLcBIs3cWCJbJR7qykCPLr7aFdwr67ptt0Mpz10j_zqKpysLUR4BzoQE0-Xm0EzYcZi-wkgP_-ldmR7qYJTrsB9NnMalp9rcnT_-U-7XXCztCDV8Q-/s400/85.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">Aus <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE&feat=embedwebsite">Australia 2012</a></td></tr></table>The road is now open again and tomorrow morning we will decide if we stick to our new plan.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774989071848469218'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifravezkxy-zRs-RaLbyTQ7_cx3Er4ZX1J7sXkWDSrDNUP14t6VIkVj69bZRTjZRn6BxoCCuEcfi-AYgDg1Tx22xB4_DpcBOvSfNvNTn6Ch3dSLCsYrpU8qvZTS95xHN2KEEUF4NFiEfgV/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774989755489494626'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2tjetOTb5XSHt8Z10QTIB7m8QUEJOhk-Q8ZcA0V3O1i-v6G2gTiDjQZ6q3SsEeTZvK2s6yq0-rZ_q9O6I0IohrbcKO24ZLLNqxGw6n2ysPAcAPxs2HF_eR0Lrzr3OpaAi3LYvMweSKxN/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Esplanade,Bowen,Australien%40-20.041400%2C148.231143&z=10'>Esplanade,Bowen,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-86759944160575459762012-08-08T21:52:00.001-07:002012-08-08T21:53:05.963-07:00Airlie Beach & Shute HarbourWe have decided to stay another night at the Airlie Beach Campground and have our first visit to the town of Airlie Beach. The main road is full of tourist stuff. Along the hills and the sea there are holiday cottages and hotels.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774530882954014978'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw16yRPYYl_CG1gDHpN4WUOX7MIpMYSji2TNQKNGRCVM0N4dhjJAlmZiHLJiutkiJ_rJJpYqFYhB3WuWRL7D4DuobPmdmDgHyATPN_HrzCsTwMk5B6mVLKkn5GustEaIqRR_zwKCrWp_57/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Even a new marina has been built.<br />We follow the road for another 7km to Shute Harbour - the end of the road.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774531026811422434'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePYE_X_Qo1M7dVLhte7QGkbCKXTbH_I3VOD92bNBRBNE_VQh6mHr7z2uxCp1XDnT80m5ObAFIRjMcKv6v9Oau_Pgtwf9HFEg9xitUadLOkAErtr6NKDsS69-GsHZpfMFDrzsdNu_PWT_k/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The road takes us through the Conway National Park.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774531180184761458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ouzVog6ftKFSVTHaIC-iTFI8AOWlfUVb4FbwcjASdmL7LLaCBVGOOtgPVyNqPh2nlZTtfbnuXhDFU5Y6z4mAR_0yweQgaAzKFgai5tI8EB36EDl3eGQB700xt9w5TigTbNpYZEQBmdGv/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Shute Harbour is where most of the ferries to the Whitsundays depart.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774531279842656290'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUIxO1gRaxFGjcKC9xIUoGDtp1scWBMqTY6ZrMZu_z00UMX7ttUGVWAUnWTyT-x7hAjLHUvzjGuREB5zitTawSmjMuppMi5c4PJqVODO9GtUsfH2xqA9fzxiSJZZrATlLSSXykojeWkJy/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774531406323310578'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhA49i0gklXz6pqGtSe_pRmYwta7lNi2fIFNJ1cBzTlhOC5FfO4lPZhlJoAbv6unqN3HS17OkI8wgqlwTUfBLwwMG4pN8cUbl0F37HSzdV7_YaGkaO0KIyaXRLaHP2_TlRMkFpqS48bDp/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />There are also ferries which supply the hotels on the islands.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774531528296860578'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlUa8tchpApD2yS00-hi0toZjEl0aBbctHox5etm8f75ZkGayutxDS7Xfn10jGwiDCd-9XVWME5eS56sVKlHGtuCOely9PL9v5C5Qb2V0VEvv9FH94CMQVkLo1N9uRT0q41CjERFQKA_c/s288/88.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774531629808582626'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQMsHZ3VWWyX0-1N7_6g7LXiajaWhb-g9osaYaAZ3k6Vy5qwsWMmY_QGBtdL5TyOhmdrWEQ82KFJ8qcbyT9L60s1qPMsQKvJ7WwIkLdUjpBt85cMm8MM8cl6CBz8xvzFEv5fBLOWkhVVb/s288/89.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='197' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The rest of the day we spend at the pool.<br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Shute%20Harbour%20Rd,Jubilee%20Pocket,Australien%40-20.285889%2C148.678600&z=10'>Shute Harbour Rd,Jubilee Pocket,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-63817175975942237482012-08-08T02:09:00.001-07:002012-08-08T02:09:53.562-07:00A Day at the PoolThe Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Holiday Park is a fantastic park for relaxing. This morning the kids had their fun time on the playground and the jumping pillow.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774225872229271362'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rewvz18RBhDxkcrWHHu-8pVYbh02TAmmSzCjxw_Vh48OGEcEWWVgPYsL6Z3epbGlK5UxwM8wIOs6w8PI5ExUybFsoCD4lp9nnRHX5mvNV7gm8TMjCO2UYrHHv-itkE9Vq3UQle1xgRbY/s288/88.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Then we had a round of mini golf. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774225981437156578'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtg-4WVQzegJml2ApvtOjkYO7Lz6B8Fd9BlPhbFcsBPgpL-Wzk3-fIymwWAaBGF3YwdhD-P_yMJYDvXRuXo7e7cQxbp8UmZHteuoEDBQAkUav4foQGFEzQHPqh5ZDmqm1dRaBvTgyPZTjS/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />From noon to afternoon we had a rest at the pool, enjoying the slightly heated water.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774226102132141250'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW1BqvoWWuatWOXi5KCEdLyhJq9_bf6kquv28MrXCzJdtnEu8Zn9rFbp8dmvE9RxDPyp-XnlBXqAcxf2RcV3N_A33ZlsOVl2Rg2OrHxmldiABO_RuodpZ7Xwvn5tb_EsifAHmc7lMiEOw/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774226376096609058'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppu_j46erzGaN-0IFmziaOCrOFuBtKIVO1cniQaIPZ0BpC5z_5zhDa75xq47Ry0ucuiqPqG-Q3FqGrU621e-0j8ApR1vLiXumcdUdwXeeKwMtg3z74tEdZ-NuM0l54vRP2ukQ_ZEUzsBR/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774226506754137842'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrN-3aVnJ_p8QIDqyfNjJKmhcKf6qoxC1s71CZUDRjwgBjWIDl6vwst1jgnl1hlAj56R9CDDmAYp_ttJO16O2EwOixueLrsFxRT22a960aeWWmVibYUvYJChCgL5OdiqFMZLunsDX-r5bb/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='268' style='margin:5px'></a><br />And inbetween some chess<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774226624677348306'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfa-Hcyp1PLlYo7jQpHV1yUUkxcrgiYda5hHq1Nb5ynxYmpFwLQpE6Mt9YQZUgnNYkvykyAxwPKsPNdSABMuGIdAv2MRcRmAjV3pY-9QO_ydLyEkkSj4P49e-jn10jU6MSfak-hdpfCyJ/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The time to dinner was brigded by a cart ride through the park.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774226798899319858'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgve_gBEUchPzfeUmSM9vAg81zYrH0nzJVyyzNxAkadRCvQlyK3BpL0ZUKBQ0LVf2_VSMcc4VYlgJ1sNehykGP4_UvbJvhXCIyVYWcfh8do1Ni-w4uWl7QtDZINV13WA8Go20freN7UoDg5/s288/89.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5774226917793888482'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-C0OSVsj2Xul1VawV2MEnjDJOpaqPOFlGBoMJv1yY0gnNwvRt2FRBgE9Kgz5ovxCI_eSiZn8kI2c4A7leErVrt3T2p-XDrJFNDiPLxXNvO5OGPAkJdloyBPBmIQQvAZIekP7RLaB2sVp9/s288/91.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />And finally after dinner there is a movie being shown at the parks open air cinema.<br />Tomorrow we will spend another day in kids paradise :)<br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=William%20Murray%20Dr,Cannonvale,Australien%40-20.285545%2C148.679313&z=10'>William Murray Dr,Cannonvale,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-47194724397066434682012-08-07T04:12:00.001-07:002012-08-07T17:15:54.129-07:00Whitsunday Islands TourToday its time to repeate our favourite experience from two years ago.<br />At 8:40am we are picked up by the Whitehaven Express Tour bus.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773887016684678082'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwy65btLH_Aae91cRW0CXw-QLTpQJBBg0fvszoo7Xf_HduXfKUnha25tB5FeLDIJ80wW39PItXru5gx4UXZRse6c9a2Arz07GsCvtL-lsBpUZuo34qHp2N82jd28i8-6fIorPcXyNQHlba/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />They take us on Shute Harbour Road to Meridien Marina Able Point of Airlie Beach. We board the same vessel as two years ago but in February 2012 fitted with two new engines, more powerful, faster and cleaner.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773887135643992018'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgq7UYFaggV1ng_KP3CqLNCrNzfG2rbJ1YsMCdOZTL0St6a3RvsGwPXkqo63yGtU1swzFHMbh89zKIwkY-r3_6c4l5QiPZK9_nVvpNBeep-qomh69tWeAfWv_ukZgSr5w4X9HEqwTYGhM/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Captain Brian welcomes us on board - especially Jeremia ;)<br />Then we leave the harbour and head straight on to Whitehaven beach.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773887230502181090'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kDOtz3p8_7O7h_ebsdvz7noNsuW83pLswNPrL2UBL3_m-KjsA1_8uuVLkY2DBlRJzOpis-NiHSuwINxRlx-KDwbRvOPtgwejUh_nkMiCKIZyilDGWqyysyKE2WaqY0_uUZarIfewTIGP/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />To us the beach did not appear as bright white anymore as last time. However, still very white.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773887323891986898'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0RlQkSU0XsQljJahf1LLXIn4dHh8QkZplegNQEgn1EoNrNx8hsulZdNl686-gJpA9S7PPqTLGi0tIsOaiCKFewceLLeporRbi5SPWmR6bW_ZfVsDWlwbWEL6OozhRt47HdlyZtVMcqb-/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Whitehaven Beach is known for its white sands. The sand consists of 98% pure silica which gives it a bright white color. Local rocks do not contain silica so it has been suggested that the sands were brought to the beach via prevailing sea currents over millions of years. It is not allowed to take any sand for souvenir!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773887504719941218'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenTSRnfNyvACi2SuLBAi5OBvl1X7ylPnlH0VEhh_dWag7Ulp-F_O5dqaob5NxSDsjGE0s6JNGSB0SkDxy-22QU_Opx-CBHGIWDC5CBMhaL7c1QXSsCz9uHWzjp-KBiZARJRanqqPtJOh-/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Unlike regular sand, the sand on Whitehaven Beach does not retain heat making it comfortable to walk barefoot on a hot day. This sand is also very fine, and can damage electronic equipment such as telephones and cameras, although it is good at polishing up jewellery.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773887590632013522'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRLVUT5Vv3besupnah-0JGpJFGAMEz-GKId6Stl33lmTPGL_4731amAOD6NtqXakXkHLWHdab0zTzd_6N17IUHRdJoaQV8OTu_78fvODQE3DRMgPKpoAYwRSTpK4WHev9L0usZ9S4c0Sc/s288/88.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='215' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773894875928620098'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCE5Qk1iVwd45ArRjNnKzhv2zcgaPxofp4anIEOP__yBUF93NY2Zmvhc3wTg5GCt0NJPMQZqT0nzIIUYMd1oxo4Au2LF1l2ZrzsLoAcShSL9FNnNpdeNNIvUxjNGTVmBGJ_Ud1gjEcqMc/s288/91.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The beach was named and discovered in 1879 by Staff Commander EP Bedwell. Being one of the many names from the then English county of Cumberland Bedwell brought to the area following James Cook's 1770 naming of the island group The Cumberland Islands.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773892656327636466'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR85maA76TfcL4xoeHEhzHmdXHmYhOKWsI582_IkZOQJHootNbkMIadQFoQ6U5w0u9t-fMd0JyM904BxeXXs3CAhDbXK2aX4IosQrymBIc2wWccXYnz-bRenV1qc5Lp45lW7jB8JvIbM3O/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />There are many boats and even a water plane at the beach.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773892719698866434'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xGs1cJS-aWY/UCD81lDdcQI/AAAAAAAAYyc/OBzhGek40zI/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After some time on the beach we have a BBQ and some drinks.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773892830151714290'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte11F34dobf4ccE0xrANqpmmuYByTIC_9VBFDNzPgBbudocQPPg7Aptcrbw2Lc568eUoGjdYBqLQS3cKNiIVZv2C6UfwKLiNhXpET9ZFGX_kGZSqQaYe1jkk66mF7AsXKKeRBppLrNyoM/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Before we say good bye again to this astounding beach...<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773892919765175922'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgue7I6qvT3E4GBU8BLkMbq1jQ3rBYkHK1mHyZmOgaKa9B-0MLyO2BbjTKHafcN9vnn89IFMRrAyLjtUYs1GMEM2juWfb9xOh6WAMQxcM7RbUeCviO-YnCWynUVjBnL30aSOJ_SxdtzAv2f/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Joshua and I swim to the boat and Joshua jumps into the ocean from the upper deck for three times.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773893022108309682'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hwHGg0jUXKM8bQMqkEJRx4DXQeVpx3wMDEwUcEm0xohz_QP-9cshvCkjO3M5_7dhykU5Q0KvOIsABcCYQTF1fv87PJLEArfOZ-Ztm_CeC2nRzcv0MbruD13Zx7cgv3pYTag24Fw84jQT/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='269' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773893103665336994'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkfxuPX-ey8f2Qb6U5sgbgeAApejAbSMf9Knh4RiyzUh412bJHIbKJP5Mk6ly9pss1DbH0J45LLt9Ar6eTzLBHJLtqteVBIxw0aHo4gRdge_hn6L_aAJ-Bdkf7CHfkiMhGd2ihOtdpN8_/s288/88.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='265' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773893195213081202'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpeKYACdecLr_zgsZZhyphenhyphenq14E_5cdoNpirUBQQQKbyu43dhcrI-J9hFLj-EnxL0LNSjRAfzHEvavKOocY8wwXCeaMrJSVvY9kO5qTwwHs1zdDrGsq5WfCqB7c3HsjOtOCTacNqzp6Sihmd/s288/89.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='266' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Then we are off to the next spot.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773894963832104434'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRR-hiAtM_5bVjqbCa5F6-JPVEePVew4WuW1Tz8Hq1P_d2b3nqeY9oJhXmwh5RqhOmoPobcH_zeh97ox4UScDopTsWVefRQU0bvsezLGJW4LqTLWf5fxdVYEQTpb9cHu0vGlYqIYVuAj2/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />To the outlook on the inlet and the Whitehaven Beach.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773895087560604434'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgr7SGEYr5PBMcwWoslrIkBpZfBW03zZxw47jDNgCRc4ygviM83m1WpRu1Cw2ZLc_UrYa9w19u4UTDjYHdU0gp0BdtEH_76WAPUaxzrc4QSBL4RD4NV5OMd-WqseO7SAZNxbRFVA5z_vr/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After observing a whale feeding its child, we are heading to our final highlight, snorkeling in Stingray Bay.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773897843451723794'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-jFo-z15B4NIpgb4uKEZOcAH4UuEYEZN0xsyV2yrcc_7PjjToojI5yN3vuzDM7irw_aW_Wu_vy17oxoV-InPjmJxbK8unmMUB5Ci4iabotc7aQTlZVvCF-DSwqtWW05ZRuHLoQQAamBF/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773895603029483058'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8IhfDuq3-KPZHXwqouPEmj2CS7QkkcHijbyCToL2f_pKAor34t1x_Wlw7a7RTEbU2GVF20hyllXS5OsJJIwQjwFziNjz1rF-SQJp8h7GaxxLh0MX8frabzyo_X0669KpRAl3xPQO04Sp/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Some nice corals<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773895831547638818'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVh1djXgoY78_VCEa6eJrCB6DUyfMtEy4B0bz8M8AIHVfgg9rO1NP_Owmj0-1w_OTUVxhK50OsYvbI2aIFMBSpKT0SQspGByu0LMOkVo8oigVDGZ7Jd6WSJauWb1G-KNNncBjHuG9txYsU/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773896375776945058'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGWVzeLPb9sRyeZqY9V_A6R2BMlLXha4N4Y2yHK52Y-rBOB8k-mQlWrLRp4r9Dn1XDbEv1FsuvwQ-W2T34NivJqV7vie9Qrrgcs3iMV0oRy_AxxGs0EgQAVufldYqhQxr1enUNSvwJbF7/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a><br />And some large fish<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773896526292126626'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX00P6cGBC4ObSPnZdMIK1MIP9lK0BGDGz4hPhkbiqSFNQB7D21ynKGPTzddc5LqW4t5cwouuQ4z5qfQET-VK6Pc_Phpo17TUSMWqeBxmjjpjI1uexL-0NfyoEiRkdqOLkEToN_Rik_4t/s288/88.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773897971778552530'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqU-lXlBvdd3BK1bTsBkyP0OwrVdBkzvBC4s2U_JctwDnIiArdT6A7RWBGjrffB8FrW3cTm1_ojYg-579_5pHM0g1yHUY2U0XmUO0pAYImLWBfWVmzC6CY04M_6jxV7popiqxpjQuOV92t/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After the snorkel we head back to Shute Harbour. And again a photo of Jeremia with our captain - now Jeremia is sleeping :)<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773900655853216258'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVPsoSjtknnBLUdQuGK-gdyT4BBfOlFLWTSB1YdwoueKJe7ApwIPvfkkuDauG-moKdDXsmD7Ocg2EHvwGzDiOr8C43pxmy3Mf9Mi4uHkMzMA0PgMltpkjzMh4WIamK-zowsnyCDvP0AvG/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />One final question to answer: was it as good as the first time two years ago? Not just. Why? Well, this time the boat was full with its maximum amount of passengers - 47. So less room on the ship and more stringent management of time. Second, the crew. The two deckhands were, lets say, special. Not really funny (althought they thought) and not the kind of Aussie we had on board last time. What also might contribute is the fact that this was the second time for us - maybe less of an experience?<br />Would I recommend it? Yes, still a recommendation.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773901069536186402'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpGJsOQcHeMQSJ47I6i-ro2EIarz7_zCPldk9Asc5UtwYOl-mgKrXZQIl81iOLwDNUIfIxzGO5RIUsr38Ibl1tX81gCSkbJoHCNfxtboql4YR61Yp3sAAUw83IaOV2qSXpaheH7_flrhf/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The guy who brought us back to the campground offered us a special rate if we return somewhen in the future, lets wait and see...<br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Whitsunday%20Islands,%20Australien%40-20.285331%2C148.679700&z=10'>Whitsunday Islands, Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-80590026997924133262012-08-07T03:58:00.001-07:002012-08-07T04:16:05.580-07:00Billabong Sanctuary (06.08.2012)On our way from Townsville to Airlie Beach (270km) we stopover at the Billabong Sanctuary, 11 km south of Townsville. This is a very nice little zoo with local animals. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773882238026269106'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_fHieGTk6Jk8aSQT4GKSL59ulP8gOrlSJXGJ838zI0swJK5PeAcXSIVVYY5gJ1xocAtOtuLZgITBFYwULAaa-WzGFm4Vf1K-Aa0bfFHt3p81a5xF7Rg7648oFrLwhpAkJOQPr8Wo5td9/s288/106.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />We arrive in time for the presentation of the Wombat, an animal related to the cute Koalas. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773882334247451266'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnXC6JtrFuYOPNJp7dZKUR5E4PclMmnVejOV7SxV-XZFzbXqO5R1TVeJONBlYREE71XmYH24Mx_Q1KC0pVy7B1PN5TmHdKFpEe_nrMYIFLDtn_GUT0NG2HS48-UF302_AQsz7spL5HZKy/s288/105.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The northern hairy-nosed wombat is an endangered species. The biggest threats the species faces are its small population size, predation by wild dogs, competition for food because of overgrazing by cattle and sheep, and disease. They also have a very slow reproduction rate.<br />The only known wild populations of this species exist in two locations in Queensland, the Epping Forrest National Park, and a smaller colony being established by translocating wombats to the Richard Underwood Nature Refuge at Yarran Downs. <br />The wombat population in the Epping Forrest National Park has been increasing since a predator-proof fence was erected in the park. According to the latest census, taken in 2007, the park is home to 138 of these endangered wombats.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773882473221124898'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHB9NbwhJC0zIGSyg_hhi_fWy1l6mHjrsQ2jmuj8_ltqq2iXjUTF_kYtvW1P039j_CpfCxq3VhdaOO6ribpH0Ci2_-vSvw5nmdnj2bUgx6h24s3JrrFhrfEiaLcsE8lOdufU6kbDuER9P/s288/107.jpg' border='0' width='391' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Next is the Koala patting. There is a blind Koala that can be touched. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773882664575991746'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63zSlSemimIXZNNuGqx0YFLPvylH-0W1eMcc2j7PlQlerJDBw8WCLJUKjmu7ssS59tP0mZzSlNxKZ679spu1Q7i6uVoXPPkrMi_ovta7ZTFiFfcSMDDT-q1nep0jBuzLVG1R40SOS4b6k/s288/108.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Later Joshua can hold the Koala and has a photo together with his brothers.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773882768884799682'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0KSDIb7pKMS-l9B7R-ik9AXSH6M8nIYV6WEJgSoIf7ACVaXa8ZUDXOkNqK-iDh5FE4Y71XdhLZAJIBIbKr5ZDvJygc3aCLC2_YQYoiqA2ifWx8XsO2Th0lBsdAfM4A0iko16pUnBZSbX/s288/109.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773882888373964450'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwycIUwTXRkRWn7TTOkfxAmzniROxPm4U1E2Sv0bliAesKOCqA9YPaDPloCGLVMIYoWcv0jYta4rPeEHqNVPhrLXxD6Qn0DfS9LU8OO5eUEJfoDHRJVyvW_sEPxXqLydo-yqMPHLVsBayw/s288/110.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='295' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The park is full of tame Wallabies which are smaller than Kangaroos.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773882998661337426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlx57eSGSP4v0zsh9pNLbN2xcF-8RP0VgUnyHuwMnUMKc0fjyjdAd98Fy2LYQqKIT-EzWyeFpfEnJ4-tJPwY6g8p4objqlXjlLqYMxWJe88B8_BgH4tVH_UgPLVgHhXOjhsEfmd_4kADp/s288/111.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773883214289131058'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwBvFW8OGMFxaHZw4PrtNAe2NDwykf_Yq9i-svTxHBr4HV-5A44VmeRW-S7YCCEzMLyUQ13gsDm8ddTroZlgKQKVhZiTheF6laZtaUlNwJ1qo4Zxm9MeQbB3JziYwdp3j0Iv7T0w8vcuoN/s288/112.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />There is a baby kangaroo with his mother.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773883398820839154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVLatxwyJhl1cSx0rB980KQfeaUyGtmO9hVhbnmRyRiCOYCknqUPTzIJS-KNPCEv4A_GsGCQjcXfAt_unUKNvNc17GKk5jKH2MHTJfRO8JnX7nlLg5PDbzt8QlUyAmSjObcSx6f9d_Epp/s288/113.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The love being hand fed by us. Many of them carry their children.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773883502772297090'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVqbnc_5o5npi_ThdLL_cvmArBm8HFJyvSTv3m6uq3bWMc5k9ckcd7hLDQ21p1XkAR2VKkWpCAYLRwOlhHJyPR7nKL14uNfl_VSuBJ-9LZ6dqdKMKO7PNdh9b7NeGVthAPNP4mvErGpoy/s288/114.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Then a tame Dingo girl can be touched. Quite astonishing she loves cuddling with everyone. Just thinking about the wild Dingos on Frazer Island...<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773883607215546834'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrQofsIH_NhvZ-ywxYmIdLq7pUSWr9BLipjGkTfTdvNAyu123R8ssziSXi7iKj5TN5X2mdDLRnmLJLWWvGdTXPhlL2vPKi_wdWGqAjWGULdoSq4P5aLvt4Sv42O9nEJKzNtfaGCX0y_uE/s288/115.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />However, the crocodiles are not tame ;)<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773883801801911426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvonVbSfLicF5W8gocS7DxIKwLg4PlQxT2YfW4c4DgjwYesSdPbwameKQPo1OcATQTFqJzWK1qB3FI4tnuCMWEh3NDItt7_ENykA5YVays_0b791p-Y0xgqZnqTdmaLFY1Wr5563XWfOo/s288/116.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The Australian saltwater crocodile enjoys "hunting" his meal.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773883972979350978'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIqyJusH0gQv-EQGpyfLxSLVjqkWZGVHmP7_rAH4rIRLCGyBcYt-nRYZ-9ylYEWuPetUJrqW-NjxPPmjtMps9EpelDluqb-S_MNvv22X1mKV-8VMmoMegBQnZKgHe1JTPILAC84k5Qh9S/s288/117.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The American Alligator even more.<br />Another 3 hours on the road and we reach the wonderful campground at Airlie Beach where we will stay for three nights.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773888442517920194'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKp6Xtkng_rtOGFvqfRWlErFKxWuOt9IzVQ8SI-_ODSzHczZPTO5sTGtdx0YDODujyJ2wjGAXfaMGxOk9uWzpHWo7AC9db7N2gve3dhFi4QXqrl_1agPJzvOVFPYVF09M_Fi703fWrjn5/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Billabong%20Sanctuary,%20Townsville,%20Australien&z=10'>Billabong Sanctuary, Townsville, Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-84036213188509510322012-08-07T03:45:00.001-07:002012-08-07T03:45:35.878-07:00Charters Towers to Townsville (05.08.2012)<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773877910737007154'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURKjKhC4L1K7qsI9E-esl378yF8h7I8RFpDQwbRorLf7pfAiU82aV5FA_adWvpexts1GaF2_Nh_TUdqOG-rompa3YFMZ8eQdrmDivTlRuz6DOF-3Z6X8hKwfMRJUu5uj2csCChA7ZC107/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='261' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After a quick fun on the jumping pillow, we drive to the Old Pioneers Graveyard.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773878174532734626'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8g6OI8DiiwkxR0jWHEaehN4wl2yV1z2S5PMtv7LrwoHYUq_5SFa9eU2wPEBRZozsgeAUIxjwYqYoCEqhG3CKtFEn8YJ7ZqUGpI3ARayqdB89nSDKddfpU3KtC1KvuISkQvxS2qs6xKbF/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Within 25 years of gold being discovered, Charters Towers had been growing from bush to a city of over 20.000 people. Over 5.000 of these pioneers died in these early days. Between 1872 and 1895 they were burried on the Pioneers Graveyard, then space was exhausted.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773878323283445234'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BUST87gmi4pCXuklvdQ-QNOvohDVlIOfrbvGZ18vTpTjZZdH0joyJ2ek5NZN4-yCx0d7aK7ljaQobbvyAVNZKuHgElfAF5RrMkkSlcF8dIvJvGXbqbW3btKF5nTwMsKC6QcZ6gie1HYu/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />In 2006 the population of Charters Towers was only 7,979 people, some 450 fewer than in the 2001 census. During the last quarter of the 19th century the town boomed as the rich gold deposits under the city were developed. After becoming uneconomic in the 20th century, profitable mining operations have commenced once again.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773878431062794418'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76s4gtLBrbrsQ7slGGExzBZpSAN2UxiuIGn7fWgRq-Xv0Ufa5ZbAwLPcw_w98a_fYU_jTpsv99dOJUulmRRE93yKU7KlhvDpXQ7PC-WVTaSMivBkcA5Y3oECModzRGuHPTFsaPBm19ASu/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The town was founded in the 1870s when gold was discovered by chance at Towers Hill on Christmas Eve 1871 by 12-year-old Aboriginal boy, Jupiter Mossman. Jupiter was with a small group of prospectors including Hugh Mosman, James Fraser and George Clarke. Their horses bolted after a flash of lightning. While he was searching Jupiter found both the horses and a nugget of gold in a creek at the base of Towers Hill. A total of ten major gold reefs were eventually mined.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773878551851803426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6i3WRtI2-1Os9F85KHMlG3hB_84zUHFJax729Z5XwKh8pnVFhN5K8ATG8txe-qbHP_VkVD-b3vzBkCqrSgjJ_FTCJR8WlTcZJS6D6Na8HYXIuwSYENWaCSvs8ls_kTMX4R6r0mc8UMTvI/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='266' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Such were the boom years, between 1872 and 1899, that Charters Towers hosted its own Stock Exchange. A railway between Charters Towers and the coastal port of Townsville was completed in December 1882. During this period, the population was approximately 30,000, making Charters Towers Queensland's largest city outside of Brisbane.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773878661092645426'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuTOaIFAqc0Pxtz_l8N7gqH9yw4XgEddJy38VpiZzwGhVXUFpXv6PfjbXPNaGxPv994-8p9jmWW9ES273QU9cvopUQWkjFxyPAZ7dFC5VCGpy6mdARJxRdsEuBD0gQhbGL_2L9Lz8AHHu/s288/88.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />By 1917 gold mining became uneconomic. During World War I labour was hard to find, and as the mines drove deeper, ventilation and water problems arose. This production decline was similar across Australian gold mines, with rising costs and a fixed gold price eroding profitability. The town entered a long period of relative stagnation and little further development has occurred since.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773878744638889906'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAAQOeFmI8kU8u9pU0vVtlDoEcC297g9rdrAvBhkEH0SLwjv7wvBCdt0gcpMu7yNCnFDyLCYKXtvVhJzF5TzvM4hUSUM63CmSfibw_NhccYkrX48SUoDlo8vcpm1lko8EdZFc3BGfbQCW/s288/89.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The Charters Towers gold field produced over 200 tonnes (6.6 million troy ounces) of gold from 1871-1917. The gold is concentrated into veins and was Australia's richest major field with an average grade of 34 grams per tonne. The grade was almost double that of Victorian mines and almost 75% higher than the grades of Western Australian (Kalgoorlie) gold fields of that time.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773878859297563794'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_54fTbES5-yWFkHuvkrVWH4IcBQRCte0CS3OFMt4ECzR73LAgSe85lqifIro-b6Kvip__tGKHKXt2QS3N0LMdqFFmgQqT7IoFDLwFAGdBhgWFHPqwCKp4nPDdYVyP7FrjL0hsssMCazjU/s288/91.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After 89 years the goldfields were reopened and gold was produced again from the Warrior Mine 4 km southeast of the town in November 2006 by Citigold Corporation Limited. Gold is mined from two deposits which are accessed by sloping tunnels. The extracted gold ore is trucked about 10 km south west of the city for processing into gold Doré bars. Citigold has announced plans to open three mines directly under the city to extract gold at a rate of 250,000 ounces per year.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773878953798152498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-18AQ_RVl3OEsIZRKFUz_Fwplwu6WD2Gruja4NlAEweshKVqD-tSXGCEnV0ngfT6xVGGgITLd-FBJand5pMwQMzk9o9Z5EkmPABLWs3kN_y2ezNkRghHre_qAPv_dWjng2cTPseqWI2L0/s288/92.jpg' border='0' width='326' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The Northern Miner newspaper was first published in August 1872, just eight months after the discovery of gold. Such was its strength in those gold mining days of the late 1880s that The Northern Miner installed a then revolutionary linotype slug casting machine before Brisbane's The Courier Mail. It was the only newspaper (of five published during the boom gold years) that survives today. In 2000, The Northern Miner was linked for the first time to the North Queensland Newspaper Company and therefore News Limited’s electronic layout system and website.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773879075377858978'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxKf99Kyo3ZkmTaXUCVNgJdmS_nC42Ai8xAvusuIvPFV3ugtOVJfrGskGqD0Hx-PD9C4Uwy1fUW5C46Ho6K8NUdzvXChR1J52xpAjEQU0zVqd1HBori3ylS7TnWx0yG0n_Rxpu_778G9R/s288/93.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />As we head on to Townsville we see the first clouds since a weeks time! It is funny that such a discovery becomes noticable after a full week of blue sky with not even a hint of a cloud.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773879209325118498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTSKsQQh2UF3-AgYyRoE_dIW_uLKBBOvKMGwfUw_irLuSlLhVgqV2wnxb1NlgTJAu9hyphenhyphend6dWW-Q885ZNXEIs4n8FcqK1dFK63Co3fs9AVrDNuuACSpffIXERNexb_hCQU7wi6rUrQBOGu/s288/96.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773879312641822258'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybXemjFYfGbqmMGXPK4slPgLoFUCLc5oL2a0Fh7PoUFVE3SMS_ZoNEc-bWjrK2qLhDwceet-mQSWDrkJ4audqzNGY8W7Her7U9gvlffX3IpRto9kPUuY7Dg8rxfa_6s-hJQnFYcIF9jgF/s288/94.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='307' style='margin:5px'></a><br />In Townsville we visit the Reef HQ aquarium. It is supposed to have the biggest reef in an aquarium.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773879407554580962'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-jHa99YtNoAoljHuKulaQmV6dUaXtZCJhjgzHV0JO2j8fdR-laqjrPu-IVsgGMSS2jbiFHZAwXF8eE1QuGd3WNacfpXQbto8pjKF8w_Wyp5QFY1s-pP02pa4tXC9460Wf8mdaet57d-1/s288/95.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='296' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Joshua experiences the old wear of a diver.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773879511084238162'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuKjK8RpZ_27jJXOgsbC4o77TncAtSKbGuhQbVzasz9i_SjwbqtyVN5sJ4oDdDgqHKgvqmlGBJdnUHbp9DasavibfXndf2_xcsAuZ8cf20KeA8Ulzng9rPzmqhWj7VNfXdDIg4Lv7XF-Z/s288/97.jpg' border='0' width='302' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Jonah enjoys touching a Rhino sea star.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773879613737373170'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSyqJjPGH7VjVYuPU-Qo5BlOA0csHxuSr2jDg3ydyDzfy63ooObvrj-FiDVoG3VfJ-1MYyDpq-uGtQWwrmE6MziRxcVy1jrjpGV9pymLb3FTPL_maV9dZDPZsv68jdgnj5RmYk5lOKnMW/s288/98.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Jeremia "swims" with the clown fishes.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773879766780437538'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHARH_RxLplnryaEddxw7A1tAZUQ-M635pIJLLlzSNeOTu9Avi0WfmPwfo8doMcP3ZhGzwAfVW4Vxxmg3rvnLxf26SbijbLADo7dXKPQ2-MDTqEJVNpd233DxyCRPBBB6xA3FDkhffCYFL/s288/99.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />And Jonah examins a shell.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773879881306950466'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtVLh_DV7RstqUqnOiUp7kX8Ku-I9NWaG_d3-5qchf_xLd5m2Pt9_OcTKhVHx0CFd7pFqLum3qZRX7WIppGWZdd7Duvya1213NMC6BSRKwHADfaL7NanJLuUFrobgGpomUIHbfsvVbO27/s288/100.jpg' border='0' width='326' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773880034864360066'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie6PJBa_X8KIsYYuzepjnYJuFNGUAYIbm9seQ7plMKkcdA9bgqwS1YWHD10QTzprU9KGhcumTcMfv80f3_OLmGAvtHJba25ayUlgGvSDoHwo-EhABxDrfrHYmqUsOLdArSj8uoDvHy3XS/s288/101.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Finally we arrive at the campground and the kids enjoy a swim in the pool before the sun sets.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773880142142424722'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLOY1OFTDeoTDKdA-GJig_21OskPi6q41uPtohkfDGmY2_EWj8QCzcEcr7_1m_sjSXrKJDcZ1FiFYsjRZWe5RZh8zfATf-nOkj78Aejqpk1c46PZNuacZpaFlVWaN3mozlTtyLjG51hUk/s288/102.jpg' border='0' width='286' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773880283983988402'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UUZL0yU2TD_2s97xSzTjI7mD_zhpCrXAGJMI_kQDfObHwEfHEG9hhsUQtgKc30WCwBXq1zlWlcLJ_gp7P26B7BrOys-J1BGaS9IyzPF691jjE5TArIzZ-ESO9YciULu5MB8a11zYHZip/s288/104.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5773880429985784258'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2cSVLfHbPjAXUQUeVHHst6geRV9KAN1PNsN1sCVYgJCKreKj_zzyNmpAwYlil4EHarOJjZGN1Qnhrgc6bjRUeucVhAGGbG3W4OtVj1t7DzU_MKyG9LbuxItm42ZK7Tk1P4r_yu57Clxp/s288/103.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='257' style='margin:5px'></a><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 - Text partly Wikipedia.org — published via iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Townsville,%20Australien%40-20.285569%2C148.679538&z=10'>Townsville, Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-77602220274091250052012-08-04T00:57:00.001-07:002012-08-04T01:18:36.542-07:00Winton to Charters Towers (480km)<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772729444595439346'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eWrAwNLOEFi-tzGJkb7u8zcONoOPJY5XeFIP-FtH3k3P-l5gLNdKbMXzbiZyOkfBrTPvxK3NpqHchk3HGN6ei0rG_3QCAEBIwm7_Q4B3RzsE4rjuTjC32lMxYiXkqd4cn8twVKoHwE1T/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='326' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another day on the road. In the morning we leave the very basic campground in Winton to the Big4 Aussie Outback Oasis campground in Charters Towers. The first part of the journey takes us onto the Kennedy Developmental road.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772723886907123522'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxbxhdmTuaEC0LigsC7ne6Yi6riJwItNFuQpPXGwwNjAuvFRPa9el38u0bYUqCU1lZxsyl3aFYe71nI3dtYgvrU7e-uFoEBBLVQYoPVjjM_QlfoIgMZNiEtL12Bg4pJWLQD3UL1lW1OFq/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />This is a narrow road (but tarmac) that we follow for 250km to Hughenden.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772724329452809298'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MqWnpXt-Z-qIC2tIDj0H-kpBZm0SRE4vIhnPCz1LZjX2V66M-CTXrJxU-cbCyRw_y3g9etMBE3WiV03-AQklKS5Lxwb6aIwDbzyUuVDsEYbx31ZMEGf0tFNeBZsmiU6PnEkG9UVnu9xR/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='250' style='margin:5px'></a><br />On our way there are Emus.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772724596653258882'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXI0fh9ZAKCdItyQc6ZY9Gwz4GDdFfriNX8EZGJyoqWcNqBIuDZNwJYoXjQWfghE_wbIlvdouLzqwjKfkWtlCt9206QG0qCnfK5qzEgf4ocEkSwbD2BcW-0XI5HNcc8ZVk1MkTKFFmyz6/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='234' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The outback landscape offers little change but is non the less impressive.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772725103048841506'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWHZQVljnmp1uj-pTyjKis0PW7sYp4VkaIVw6SgwiBoWutlrw4axf-qbFz3HR2AXFJv-f0mAYhvy6jotXgegpQzu-mqnQ8xrV3N79KBppiuecHcK6Mx_SGLhtGMD6xtGC4-S5ydQCw3jO/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Alongside the road there are the remains of a train track. From time to time there are the remains of a railway bridge.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772725745418950082'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHXaVpJLB8o6UC-4VKXlgfkg4OpDEJHFmGquhLicq3HmdDBR66jMEJewfgZOK9ok6emybsj8pxqBVMTLBOgAOAZdmGj1xV8H1Hu4XLJFOP20WJeNs0OJf019xIjhuaHlgVfq8AmwGh2e0/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772726228447984946'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvD5J50h3692M_-plyMRr5ia9oIlhrdObacqmv92JQmlJ1F4UmMfAVzWZbt2zGOK8_MJ_qB3gbj-tMJcbOM6sD96jY8cpOxg0oicyBq_ASsTRPqWgOWkdTTu1hdlr8-zds7Xkqe7cRbLw/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='244' style='margin:5px'></a><br />In the middle of nowhere is the small settlement Corfield where they have a horse race with 50.000 AUD price money. One wonders where the spectators will come from? By the way, the race was just onthe day when we came along. However, not much on, yet.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772727098168252242'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm84z4jpC68X2xJUCV8AVoZYzf0RTvulzvXq-owm1nnBaBbBdfxr_WlTia7FYRjFDZtTY7azJD0s_bI3ZD3IRCCTdhCoCZwZUix09d0g5AD_YoilkjgukeKg6N0_j1atMlPzx9abnaazg/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Another big road train on this narrow road.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772727642216700962'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Fgx5QPjgR0DwHqgyG5TLQfzs1a2bjIughz45S18iOUnWEJC44xqdqzyGROqsf-WAMfx3bou7Z7n4pdLScGaXhMmcaYeSIfmfiONjsG1nERG5e7p-Rkq-8jISdv3oaCvbLgqEgtNzZiVe/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />This is compared a small one, we had road trains with up to four trailors.<br />From the Kennedy Developmental road there are many gravel roads to small outback settlements and farms.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772728349204119554'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCZCXTLo5Y2duEC_V8AGaH4rwjzNeWbDhIU6rrVs-1XxPTyNMwPrJ0P8nlQx4HdGE5qArGbgB2Dl3r50FKinnKLPI6K0bmMEyOWVTkm-DrUA29ijQfu8rVlcJx904fnWBEUaRni8nq1rx/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Another three hours later driving on the Flinders Highway we reach our todays destination. The kids enjoy the jumping pillow and a bath in the pool. Later we have fresh made stone oven baked pizzas.<br /><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Dr%20George%20Ellis%20Dr,Richmond%20Hill,Australien%40-20.064415%2C146.282054&z=10'>Dr George Ellis Dr,Richmond Hill,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-75959632054640407912012-08-02T23:34:00.001-07:002012-08-03T00:35:38.228-07:00Longreach to Winton (180km)Only a short distance to travel today. In front of the campground at the highway there is a petrol station where we refill. On the other side of the road many road trains stop for a coffee at the station.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772335928056055506'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ey8egsTvt08LTg102XDnDAhinO8KT5akMPU7KNT0lVo9CoBXg-lmrKhX1P05tLsPujSNqOwLISyq7U7lzG5wtLwj2p8SEnIgN4mSFPF4rory1hbseEts47zei5ImYAeSrH-DY7cpP88p/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='194' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Before we leave, we have another stop at Longraches mainroad. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772336516211000546'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC08KAmIXgFPlT1rrhhznTy7Y5K126o4ECM7af9u9WLlbza-GE75FSZ2gMpwNvHjpBfn98hyphenhyphenJcHFRhi2tAsK0yAWz44RhgcnGHqzAFjmeI4k8K9LVkVoxbqmXd_znrAcBkVhr9xbNndmjn/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Jonah is so keen to get a real outback hat - so we go to a real outback wears store to get him one.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772336989994236850'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntG_39rdsdkBWPgqPEpwkd2QFbpXpbeY0IGI9FPHfjjm77fqe4sLi9FlKfJ-5B-o9Tv5TjzxDgULOI5ygMR3Ut84tnOAtoXspAZP6_MmmzH8OpuxxeQiVZQTvApJCIq2KrragPTlx5maT/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Jonah loves his new hat.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772337457321686706'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0rduzDlauPugzdeI476CaInRh5Ivoo2OV6Cs0DL_nVcL56dTdZnMMzKpyXmzrfYHdYpS0HoL_cmgRK2HV9ULgn2r35w9bG-gCb77SNQY5AXa8FJd0uN7qWyKMEZv7P-bbpnsXAa0_6AP/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='297' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />And now we are back on the road, the landscape gets again more boring.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772342714846869042'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWD1U-4pQ1UKohEYCObOpWdGwy94MLvHYIwcLEZAfr4pbx0fBpylgL2TZRJdPjMK6_9h7m9qGcWoA4JAwG4ZQv91jYvs5ZNirYr94birnmu6_6jIDyP7nIDQQg1svm4GXE8Ad5vsB5FU2B/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='214' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772343003147535794'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7EPkPInSUJsF5lKOmdKLFsLcrpbVUHFKEcTNeYdMUHTy6hAH7YrasatbU1nzEi0kpeJalN3YuhA10y2AUyWBe4VvtCO0Tqsq9L5d0n_CdZld44vqUiuFr3rqhyphenhyphenewIIi-0QOKWvfYPYN8/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='211' style='margin:5px'></a>On our way we see an Australian Greyhound bus - this is one for Jeremia ;)<br />Winton is another small Queensland outback settlement with two attractions. One are dinosaurs found in the region. However, to see the original footprints one would need to travel another 110km - on gravel road. Not an option for our motorhome.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772344570329912706'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO08CJ_8ibwDWi90FVqOiPL80xq-t0pDC4jdl0z9T-3sNx9hbD5_IEc5RH-p5-oPGNOlNpIO8SWyeyVdI5rP82wBRavt83jUbY7EDIfu6qEufUwDX86lfjVCn5uNRi4HAKDPw-_ikEovcE/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The other is the Waltzing Mathilda Heritage Museum. This is all about Australias famous national song. How it all began and started o bome popular.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772345246402239362'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRwyaW3ZZfW_3UzqqvS7Nb80sj7g6nXJ2mx5GG0i1ZBWgtwUH9JNPIQmgY3FFE3HNbN8zVM4op9YwsYuSN-x1JSW1gQnUd4Ynh6Uvvm2qIK4mLj4QGxBVhMx2ZBdNE3NRPw2hT2fIz2Lm/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772345453014465106'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUmCxTJB-uLVJf4dfhJRvmuJD7Hq8RojzBHVIFOJDA_42VA8b38Ie-Tkx48e7yKO1-HIL8A0wweEYSNPTGU1JplsmgLGljBZxP5uViQA0hv14nYYonvxEU9PB1c0F3zAu9CQB8febHWjJ/s288/iphone_photo.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='280' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The museum also displays a lot of heritage items from the region, similar to the Historical Museum in Gympie. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772345921358536082'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6Mcz6e3c3p_qeuJJ0Imskk3bmnUki_70sanEAl_PTgP__wLe0axmLKy0uZA7PJT9wTHU83mpwfE3bg_8JyV_ufgYMc30ph35_8YiYnQrXw51pbV86dMi6C6ppRUnkIwLI9naYXgUM9NP/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772347121005163858'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyAlAXnlUhxz72OXMxj71rVUZq_SKXbSZqGpbMFPvoirj8Cs7HM5yCs5-y7xWNlP1E1YPBSsVn5R9qqezPcGp6Ay3IHJ9WtBCUfxAPGWEWWRAEDF4pLyg9XsH6wmAKAIQVMpdjvO35MXN/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There is also a copy of the dinosaur footprints.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772346170256558306'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzpBz9hW9OJm8h7XLTaKouauNAlC8bHVA4jiXDrKR4Qxunm51qPw1BG_WsN4dQdyC_hDuSbg4KM4GH5ifueVYAQ9l0iYOoi3QjQnfR9_4sSBbcgbGpQ9_vx2mL5MtElE4WtitTX3BQClA/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />At 3pm we are already on our quite dusty campground. The kids enjoy the pool for the rest of the day. I am bothered with uploading this blog for the last two days with very slow and instable 3G connection. Requires lots of patience...<br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Dump%20Rd,Corfield,Australien%40-22.379460%2C143.031782&z=10'>Dump Rd,Corfield,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-74100901512601160402012-08-02T22:57:00.001-07:002012-08-02T23:26:50.892-07:00Quantas Founders Museum (02.08.2012)Today we stay in Longreach with its 3200 population to do a full day visit to the Quantas Founders Museum. The airline Quantas was actually founded here in the outback.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772321909113764562'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGLQozm3S4BCK1W087NgLCP4UX_-RcDSahvj6Ij4lEdV7muJTbtAcOttnEgERFNkC7kkmMlK4xNl3NvkRHla1KXDPFFJ3NOcNccWVAE2ToW0FZfMrckG2uiEJdjutHxqtphUVCqWtAD3T/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />But first thing in the morning we go to the camp kitchen to see the almost tame Brolga - the Australian Cranes. They can be handfed.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772322127360305874'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOku56ubDmLS2T_Uvxz9cRi9nQJ8FbiriUb3JLUerX2dWITxeFwTOdQHPb7zpGP4QX7wW6q_Y5Voxfd1g3Re-fTKJ1x0Dk0RRY4Cd6t2opOcZ-fygaNfFg-heUs4dSaBr2KcwKFlmOdH6p/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772322394457330690'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8P5KV43EObUORzwRc9yVl6rbCAtupiafSe6hpL3wT7LC1tej05skVEGaZwKNrTNBjWQmK8fM65gzGWbXEGFZH_IQQYpDGu0fH8zdb7DnQDqTsYxwVvwmLgNmDQlr8C9A0sNO5uJardxJn/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The Quantas Founders Museum is right at Longreachs Airport.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772322993628362498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXlicekI1PyEVkGhZfLXnJMbl4nYOEakpP8cAq5pkz4t_ef-gzrjjK576f_J891FWoXWgi7JpjZt98a85htEqXoE1DUiH62BbGwC2YcZBfm2Ge5G2-JbN2pBwfgdshqTrzCXDTSOZQhqJ/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The museum consists of a big hall, the original Q.U.A.N.T.A.S. Hangar and an open space.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772322775803321170'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1D4wNVbRILe6gcKNcqYk7nJ64CdUvcVbNsfKnzSp86XL1EXMrASAdHxSoCm7eZTHyw0bHd4cn-r_O64vDqI3IKweIk-Ari163L-pGquthDutdYCYlKgqcCIeQGT3GrW66fovJNR8mfqy/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />In the hall there are various items on display including two 1:1 replica planes from the 1910-20th. <br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772323298332439538'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlSKChZjgTY6Io5Jd_iOy22TcNSfqOoNTQc1RfQDJPu1W4CQdXT1Gf-gIuoReRrmE0sIfAcNg4ynV6CKmSNgwn2B1BgY7teGo2iuwoZjvwjHWJgweuJ1WyIaeOLBwugn5QDg02HixOUA_/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />One is an AVRO the other one is the first plane Q.U.A.N.T.A.S. built on their own - they were the only airline building there own planes. It is an early licensed version of a De Havilland with a small passenger compartment.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772323759623568578'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPozSeA-LGQNnj8fUA_W_Ew42Wge7YiUQ9RZzNuoS0cy1tU4PnFcWzPCddHgGHD0hDVqwlbroOB8O90KmHwG6kBM87VCQKJi2d5ZnmTrzoD-AduCmD8BvGreet6W92x9eZW_gcTPJzjdc/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Outside ther are a 747 and a 707 which can both be visited with a tour guide.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772324201377823890'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaNIxpzBSRsvgotFLOdHnY1zsYz03BSUs3bv_N6GebVjnoYuKOnUDOkDWJiNOBRXBpXmMG_l9qH_9-R1QDUA4PC1_b-t1IGs8uXbp-_KtvN1imWIRXQhrA6UERgeVBtoDJqgqNSxpyoL_/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772324565447883026'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmTiB640odPKf84pNScsjmfx6I6DPzNq1V6nEP_QjRhPkNbt0OGlTe4HNlNsE4trYw-95jMDHBxt6a7poS2b3PF4yd-ufvsJfmX_b5mKO7PplDmLHWr8KbsojqXcgj9bRUhhI1PdMNVgL/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />They also offer wing tours on the 747.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772324799708581378'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDIQ6iZw_qVumKLKdvhb0zDU04Z5iXIEZIIEpRne3w4PDlyWY07e4W8kq-6-FQA2NLdtvESQO27Yog6G-1ljcAC3nbCzTY2fxV6qejv3JYkOsu8jCvwp0ED2sH0tsVUFlFuokFYA9Bhog/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />One can stand in one of the large engines of the 747.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772325694865759026'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrPaueNQ0E9Ilt4mK4dJ0TEHo90_718jnznAEBaV1whAlNmUbRL3UUH6hVe5s2j9oQcm9F3etb038di6MH4bhtQMh-6WKYEpiTubRxJu8XKOgRKFLl8aSMJc3fW54hyphenhyphen4cd274SWLTysVrO/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The 707 is painted in old Quantas colours but the interior is of a private jet of the 80th.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772325282715692706'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT21e41rb6-wSo8no5MckYNGILpLb5yN1SUNC8NROrlfnwzkqIpuJOySraaYQQVLDuOiRotIusy4sbU7NJ4DwJvxLC9CTiRvLWvGn35uXn_N_RWK5CSeXWxBGZj_3qiebyS1OaFmlYOjos/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The plane was used by The Jackson Five on one of their tours.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772326070314563490'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIs0WperrLa2DxaOhw3jucsU0hTmjCzwXdZFrjfAb3Mt3ZHS14Y-5uyGLqx88I5orVSXszfbT1TENa8cwOgR7Bd9MZcosQs2VfjSWrpNxsq-Bp-xSctlX46meLKlIbGwVYpuFlUqCUO-DU/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772329560029168434'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtwAgqwxgzDuYbT2QFPIvSd7RoAjWcA7LlSIsQHm92guxqE6jL9xSY06p5P_2aH6PjPDcRWjG-tDrw8qpAkbEwy-mdjqbUQNcJAgtyKy5MzvI3Wztp3ugPxeVxEh_VPQzja8IN9kg2pqZ/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772326729436957458'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziEqShv46DA97nL539cyrYszcUtoZYNjfnMQmX2tUZSzlfH5Bj7aj7FIJt7AZMR2Eh-UvwzV-jGCO_Id7N1kSo-oyHRgGKxDjgU9k3lV15EOFlkQsqH8BZObilhOSxMvhQ6ZWfiDUNh6D/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Cockpit of the 707.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772327007004547842'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPVny4A9mMu51ROTuFwzVRxEsdKbkAaX69_xTneCn2zPmDEiZ8h08BGJMbxR5HdcXJsbjEBJIkzLTofUx7XbXs-kK1472F6TQaFq_GXVUDQjacBzGCS7qU30PCXKcn6c_DPKMxgO9fOS8/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Joshua in a private compartment of the 707.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772327416431538146'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VCV4Qb7cWrR-3thbjyXGSMgNZR4mf3R4MYXLaG49l7_ehKNXsr_xliqoLNLyFIE8Sa-QBZLZklN1TqImtkOTvWgRnI-4jD4MtLn_2g9-x3Y8DUwoJ9bJPEPSx4i7OE0Y5vlR4BdzO8IR/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />A DC3.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772327763028001218'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3od6e6VuBZ7RetQZJ0uZqrdiowZKpg3Po7qwHwJHK22yZyljRWUenNH3UK9DOwLX90_vIzQtoIjSXkE_cBriHWXmr9Ecq27sYdx83Rxs3uVMvJT69gV7SLwZB44UcBq9GTXW5bXGVnQPf/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='290' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The first Quantas hangar.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772328335422217090'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9qZcty1MBKyS00yrC75TgU1B5e1OX0hJILDFz-GATRpiBFHkSSg0_zztv4vpr7ZdpnGs3LF_VK-bvSj5YaR4bqQi-0a7BMX61N0Gms_SPtdyy5l7De4q6G-Igf0LBxwEt1Ek7F9pgpR4/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />And another De Havilland in the hangar. This one has a cabin for 7 passengers with sliding windows for "aircondition" and the first plane ever ith a toilet.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772328590638540194'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V5I313HKq7JqMynXhQG_9eTMMRU1rV6uTx1VSTlg9DAPtbZ7E3pfN6-U24nBVtiAqYywvo8NvZou6FEeqD1PgM0GCRAOicm0tla_MsuwqXcKLNl0IMZGk5TKJvQonlLHVKetmLdSYSus/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772328861497647698'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YZbf5rj4t6iFkHgeNSAyjeq6KxUQ57xXupWtN-hfdKFKIy5jqUiCLDAPD_FRJ2xnWprV4WM-OjlEAW2xnf9-mBwd90ADpEZYvPDuBpP1TstvpMmSsWpFeN4sQmB6MZzBLUdvmmH21IcQ/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />G'day Longreach!<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772329234936284354'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTLcWQ5FjwqhuISzExp_lOgkG7dOb4PhfNJGbN9ezRJKowYS5gu5wMae1GLy3XJOVAK9PITH_aUEdDhu83tZbGFVoXv1CKNpE7llsROn6nrisCiy7wmD_k1mO0a2W_VyCOTTxFFIZSZom/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Airport,Longreach,Australien%40-22.379460%2C143.031782&z=10'>Airport,Longreach,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-53917900834521700452012-08-02T19:24:00.001-07:002012-08-02T22:52:40.201-07:00Alpha to Longreach (01.08.2012)<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772315302381411570'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcrTmbbq_bmsNp4xAoN2QbyqE1fzkBpGXkDI-Po65qhnaJ_R5oNXxSzYUxOCltQHmLtkzRn9b-MbzDMnpt_p1jOVy1slMV-uculr8GnktLqyMfihPQ2yLqjvGWzZr_wsMyb4tQtiOpbrj/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='292' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After breakfast we are back on the road in direction of Longreach where we will stay for two nights. On the highway we decide to ignore the small petrol station in Alpha and instead refill in Jericho - a wrong decision.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772265771538966146'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-fyPRSVoyPmg8Hu67bG4LTYKVNFNCNuOHnSsGcE0fyUcMWHb8qTszvz_nNS5C2A1ZgvGRiuddkGH7wQHdB4W7z9O9mRV9tV5KhKLEW1VJbjdu4cTNC75619t8VilWG9loGaRJ9GTsz71/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='292' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Jericho is a small town of less than 500 population and has a small train station. Just, we have not seen a running train in the past 3 days - although the rails were always alongside the road.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772316513310061586'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-Q8MB5M9kImBXg5DqYtO0H7AVqpPhOYmMKeJ3Ulcasf6LkHzWxYSe2PISbL4gxyGoDfSukuEfE_x3Cf4U1vpZZaOICU0zXZA844Q1k7jvTmse4TJQ3Ns3yhTnXQDCcJICW1NmSRhUIEd/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The only petrol station we found was a single pump in front of the general store. No diesel! Mhhh, now we will run short on diesel...<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772265854529826530'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQ-2v8PXpHFUvFGlbrHE7b8k-NDUOeLi7YnxYWEHrDVtu-hLDCBrJuxlTkcgpN1pB8YKJwNm7NETdtaz4_NZM_J_7NyNS1UGWSay1-jA0CDF-xIHHP92kTZSV7-SfM0vDuWZriSyQW1tx/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />...with less than 5 litres remining we reach the next settlement, Barcaldine.<br />Here we take the first of two stations. The cattle truck driver was lucily almost finished - he filled more than 200 litres.He explains that Jericho had another pump at a garage on a side road - no signs directing there, though.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772316993274167250'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlNrDPkeztaTFSXzNuoylfw8ZG-wPhyphenhyphenPrBIcP-61gRUDPMDLMcRRFR9Dq7tsF0AHXpJn_RKOQb68uLX1-HQOdem530TX6_11gpcIivYkwbTY1wbgBfnhX3H4G0H4fO2Z2-TKrpPszo6KF/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='257' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Barcaldine is a town with a population of 1000. Next to the station there is the "tree of wisdom", some small shops and a hotel. No supermarket since Emerald.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772317465754492898'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Gq7N78Nypr3oGKrw00V_ctubgfiB1__2lK9wDoBKz0-f_XPLSqU3DHpgirbfQOLaeVzNbScFtZ58hePNLWxp3S-J8eaqQ1NlHSQTKiiLZsruGxkKT99p7_bXe4kV8jTVoMoWg2OhexVI/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The landscape now changes from forest with small trees...<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772317932131225042'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWknQf8lTtwyqCxIwEBhwYys9yE0gb-D9hVoB9uJMzvdDPk0chTUL9uwmdR5jUy-RsjZa_h5hUx_TjeUHDLBHVShTBJMU1CAsLa4OC4rE_vNCbv4UWqRtafw-v-vPUrvx2CEHgHerAQDNH/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='204' style='margin:5px'></a><br />To the typical outback vegetation. Between April and October there is little to no rain at all.<br />With 150 killed kangaroos along the road we arrive at our campground in Longreach at lunchtime.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772318259218192754'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3iO2LyCyU3HTpFOv4FKA27S3f5QiKtnjzi4-ZLKXzQEWO8g8VhIBfi2TxfC_8Av2lVB47MM797q7I1BGUqjUB2ZHOvNLp4mT4q20ReEUVaCqAe2H3w-XqaMS7GNq9ifYd-ZkPQuLkyP4/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />We all enjoy the heated spas.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772318669141394770'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZHkl6pRRzGC1HBJOT5f_Quqdc09dL1m_oIva4mwXhipaWWhg5yJIBjglNUx0rgL1X7XYOQABEGKm7xcIt_FOTlFizACeZ27PdvsxTzEUAXPcCkaV3KOTeBK-ceueO6bu0TrMYkQ6yKkY/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />While the next day they were freezing cold.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772319059764323698'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2E8xNQ-yqLFzCVHSyjwwhkANU3gwOe1ya0FFvhgRTi2_rrcSEIjPZ8lnISc-mB9DhZTiRPKgVPYQMTBVhSv_8YQgB8UOhZlA14L1Ix9X_fG5RrtCv_XOFp1fa-lrriLGlWKN78bLhO5kC/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='293' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />In the afternoon we visit The Australian Stockmen's Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Center. Here the history of the white mens settlement in Australias outback is displayed. Besides the vitae of famous explorers of the country, there are many histories of 'normal' individual settlers being told.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772319644821305170'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisK2rhvzccLIiGp6QsrMyAvsj-b8MO6y5pGixYNh5z9aCps14YtuiUkzwOV6EEfBMdU1sOuZaW2y5slj0SD_dKurBSw82KvUW8YEu99gETLfiIw2zgouqSDSyMkksEGPGbzyYMi5txdXIv/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Also the history of the Flying Doctors is explained - Josh and Jonah "flying" a flying doctors plane.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772319908269295778'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZOlsuFTwnBNLIC0uZhbXKcRxhyueD5ldKUgL4bTW672wENF5peM53DwZKya7cWJNTRWeni28zassjjCXJGhfv7ZvwGAREnjYwLvsc5s3lgyntDIhPNj0fb-tsJjLD6OuHwODEJhZmc3G/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='344' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a><br />On our way back to the campground we have a quick look at Longreachs train station. It contains one of the smallest museums I have ever seen - one tiny small room.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772320196248356082'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhAzZ0kv5pEXBCtdjiK1eERq1c9RZoEwXwbAfHRlDQADEmTa6X9_hwKU3RHkMsGnhdsMhYgNu3JiExn88wQv7cQnPbW7qq6KTMUiFaBiNmsmmHJ7DKr2WW52rLJ12UrtuW_5XxQ7R490i/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />At 6pm the sun is down and a wonderful moon is out.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5772320642151340114'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zxlkmNsyuLKT1RATYvZUFRekxZFPnU8rhbLPCYu2DICmPWP_Z5jhbGsmwaDD0DQS9hvXym44hpDHpand4LFHbGoLn5eN5jhykV77Fc-91ME91cfoNE1sHI2cuIHcDcfGo4fp9Jiu5gtQ/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='267' style='margin:5px'></a><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Longreach%20Tocal%20Rd,Longreach,Australien%40-23.458633%2C144.232762&z=10'>Longreach Tocal Rd,Longreach,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-66378595047144763612012-07-31T04:26:00.001-07:002012-07-31T04:26:15.329-07:00Alpha - LongreachThis is our starting point, the campground in Alpha:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771293420171467730'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIxpF5u1-hXiFvU9HH3RhaJr0WoQiQbNjQCXk1FKYw8BqttW5RX-IF0Pzsp8yKUPawbACho4d7moGqHHlgK_8IjKfUnLAMS5_MVQKCN8Vw0cpejNsNquaicyz1PZx7R1j3CCGn1e8Xpy5/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='700' height='469' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And our route to Longreach where we will stay for two nights.<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771293465797460802'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaRIcIZq6k-7ksIaEHQPFIVBLOGRuV0K1eCKP61Dhu0NQQtFCicWcjbjcbzFVKg0o8yJ0OB3dH0VlO8TKjtrjsZ_BOUqtJtElBWLJxsLXrJzMs-WVXI4l5pHj-OJr_aGzfWLzb_V9lZsO/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='270' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Hooper%20St,Alpha,Australien%40-23.653783%2C146.637111&z=10'>Hooper St,Alpha,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-22842880765199137582012-07-31T03:15:00.001-07:002012-07-31T04:39:48.251-07:00Emerald - Sapphire - Alpha<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771296959703625746'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWNDUhhslMw4a46jNyiXgkGyXgX0WLN38blavT9bppB513SMAB1s1usN1UwcSBH3Q4UHieqaUec_JwKtwVlEY6c45juKmczyEw4SnQXM4Lplm1F6OcuvdzwJYiZecIu0f2WgaA4MG_KxG/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='700' height='511' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Our start this morning was slowed down by the lorikeets that we fed last night. They now asked for their breakfast ;)<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771275118978479442'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHw9kFhBjJrnc9sUqVCawHouTxSxwH2hEXEuaV5882xhARRHUl7k4FE54i1Xtodx32OTUZQXPrXGVR0muNcvBOTyPcDCiua60lP5DTz5ctM82PpV__rT5t0bIz6-_ZiDEqJCEPxhlbICCI/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='216' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The Rainbow Lorikeet, (Trichoglossus haematodus) is a species of Australasian parrot found in Australia, eastern Indonesia (Maluku and Western New Guinea), Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. In Australia, it is common along the eastern seaboard, from Queensland to South Australia and northwest Tasmania. Its habitat is rainforest, coastal bush and woodland areas. Several taxa traditionally listed as subspecies of the Rainbow Lorikeet are increasingly treated as separate species.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771275856806416146'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwg0f1apITLmzT6baf6xN1UWVWZz_dUPoZHRWy9JafvZgZIwwtABxPwFJw_KkSkYM0L_f4XJ1Gw6DYvH2W2aY4yai0FNFgoAk5JPjqSEfnjvG30ZHiLYRdytPwM1h5B1Dgv7wuwpah3fNk/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='191' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Rainbow Lorikeets are true parrots, within the Psittacoidea superfamily in the order Psittaciformes.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771276355915641250'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fGxI5X0OnV0/UBexRKb2caI/AAAAAAAAYYs/dX58IfXvcs0/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='220' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The Rainbow Lorikeet is a medium sized parrot, with the length ranging from 25–30 cm (9.8-11.8 in) in size, and has a wingspan of about 17 cm (6.7 in). The weight varies from 75–157 g (2.6–5.5 oz).<br />Rainbow Lorikeets often travel together in pairs and occasionally respond to calls to fly as a flock, then disperse again into pairs. Rainbow Lorikeet pairs defend their feeding and nesting areas aggressively against other Rainbow Lorikeets and other bird species. They chase off not only smaller birds such as the Noisy Miner, but also larger and more powerful birds such as the Australian Magpie.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771276859742062674'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgUovSnwv9OGN4mne2txCAWZ4i26o-bxC9Jq8bEsGGBl8uIWntkuDIvqBRHAr7VhE5-0kFLrGOA8LBJf4mVB_TK7-BHVbLEgb2OTN9oveAXLuACqtn6duvMDws5ywf8hXfSvKJ5YHi1Mk/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='278' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Rainbow Lorikeets feed mainly on fruit, pollen and nectar, and possess a tongue adapted especially for their particular diet. In many places, including campsites and suburban gardens, wild lorikeets are so used to humans that they can be hand-fed. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Queensland, Australia, is noted for its thousands of lorikeets. Around 8am and 4pm each day the birds gather in a huge, noisy flock in the park's main area. Visitors are encouraged to feed them a specially prepared nectar, and the birds will happily settle on people's arms and heads to consume it. Wild Rainbow Lorikeets can also be hand-fed by visitors at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771277289590125074'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3GUmqnksdbQM0XVfVsbxOWYiGPNUQHVvVpf8fGc61g_iGHZhrFmGMkHb1utUxkRnnC1ByTfv3Bj6tA5sMcZsix7iJkf3bO7fKWOVC7kOJEfy4rLCw4X8_iHQjptTM6wSVQV7qw5Rho2Hi/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />There was also a Kingfisher at the campground.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771277401980972882'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05spSH-HGDbYFA3aVbr-maEaAK66fPSIc0ctFFU_4E2mAVKaZDBQ9_qteiWda1IDLipGAk5mv4EFwQHHp-XFe_ASa55z8EbLsPpJ0Jeso_eHys_Bk7uTyH4AwusVjugWxsFFAo6r9Hitr/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='177' style='margin:5px'></a><br />We then took the Capricorn Highway in the direction of Longreach. After about 40km we take the junction to Sapphire, a village named after the gems found here.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771278529148987090'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHro-iaWtoTOcdMBPRZSqBGnEHHIXYuj8xiVJA9WEk0jOoFpKBOA-ntxjGi7dGQBDZI2cKszBt3AH3CCoPa3YqLyeQ9GHwZbfwY3K25vqPswyVf95zofixKZfWsD8_TYBrl3j4odn4cjw/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />There are many claims around Sapphire and Rubyvale.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771278644629866498'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOnydeYn8ufvRwQmDt9DBrl8L8XmuLf_bBp79aZqlAejeaclgNPsod0-sTdaSbzzfAeWqaJgWpm6lLxE7U7uS5R7-kYaJ3gC-9D0hWhTFHzQ3lW5McINd4uIULfX6lYgDVDrMj4059AE2/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Sapphire is situated in a region called the Gemfields, sapphires are mined extensively in the area. At the 2006 census, Sapphire had a population of 550.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771280531971029922'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bWIHB7yJOc_2tjaSvbAfWbmzDy6yFdsax8owVBWGkLA26ZAzDa8_Ax-DDAzvNc4fVlN1Njbn5jk0b2EM-0KX1DWRArm9h879QlvN6TyjzUtiWZeyOOThW35bwpTcx_L1t95HEXTGMhEA/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771279689353502002'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4W-4gO7qB9dwOKiHIRgmsitkPiUknpjkA7xOTjtdKx80IJmQxOJ7ooz8bN5jPfr0UWh2k_MezDEuZG4yW_kp3A7e8f9xTBHh03CbANxjbTYd7M3yBnYWxbbXogSPmX1A3B4qoj02DpJp9/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />However, there are a lot people coming here only in winter to dig for sapphires.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771280635083191122'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr0mosopEHP5sioSY5jG9Zf-aNI_EGFZWuJrPGdBhmYh1Th2p3M8aBY4_rYFgxitde79CkG9_BYWKonZW8iESuwHIAP-8HWE288zp_TUnjRwuOFeCZFaaUMto7qJwvAEhk3LzBbeCPzwA/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771279756657129874'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5W7v0OAZoYcLSvs9LEkAIyc9ioWDbizd_EaYTWaBXeeCoGaxW4nEvZuG3f-S48c_D_JZ1JEaNyjOhbzjg6S-tdXVa0TdF6uGFbLY5WeBA9iOS2VKKq_4_oRbSoLUiFca9d__xNj7ntO5t/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />In Rubyvale we visit the Miners Heritage Center.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771280724530257650'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWvORnroepJBF-fDi-0ctwzzE2SL6OK9RQ2nkAqfbdES74loOWlWPw0NYS_aeIYqq24hjPkE4YLPdcvStraincGdSzmjQBpkhIk-OCo5aPnrG8GcqOANfTb72mnTai0nfpz3x-LoE5yI2/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Here one can visit an underground mine.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771281369720822626'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2ZLmjnswWJeKwmblRRRu7xp2v1UcUYDuMuFD3cOhrS5nalxpuqbgKPq3WbpQ3dl_43ssQ7gsefwoWP8FlMDSUtyZXbBFwwPiJIXfWAZKxU458yg1mv3eMa4A2ADokkZFMhZdajEEwa09/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />More than 400m of underground can be explored.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771281465409372002'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid14fR0kUrlRe_YEEgRi095T43nfnBQkOy2gRYY9Sl5CoKgxBU7PwRukvyUTzRk_lVC0PKd8_TqsQpXxtTBJEXVgbbrsX5ZVjckbYSmWl8ETqgke0YAVKH2vrLW-LJFJQAHajk3HC_jOds/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />With some displays<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771281582095302706'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbLHEY4oqFRpqnGEITtXVRrEgWTaLVcWtdnADdSJtUzKgdcK6j5Gsov558GYFCzQCh5TxT_JJw-rsKPAYem9-R1UQju5dxRKlgR24t93WnL3xAJfd51N_dHi-Bs-yCSv3nGG9Y6CBqZWm/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771281692650205234'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGNFtGUcRORWMK-YoN0W8LO4EmZkTmARIUEl1R6TgXzwUAgRKPukfJTNc5HK2SJxeVTgG0ut6nPV7k8h0wXTARIepH6LV_L6TmUzryByNAS9J6M1dr0boZgziY6nU2FuZrXgMJLGLAxzX/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After the underground walk, we were up for a bucket of dirt to be washed.<br />Jonah fills it into the sieve.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771283097828188818'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDcxhTau_lkVVXW1iUFfuEJGUif6ONVcraBKiOEcFPiS9kN6XCTURSEcAvVLodaFwYF4ENcPdjpoJWs_GYovhYIhP_Dj7tL6CxhG5Nqz7kaII-qYEtnQ_crfGVnAKTt2sFcK3yQofC_9H/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Jeremia starts filtering the sand.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771283198450898034'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivo0IDgeEaT6mFqJNuE2kEzCfm9w_OUB5gpmUWxJW72Iyb16tCziJLPi3IXTJOY3Ha-Znjg2paI36j2daUM2wV0cFiQ-HsB319v0mKoivDaIxfPa5lksOkHu6DAfMl4f2D8cPiPcGpmu-v/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After washing we all look out for sapphires.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771283279194380802'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVXzsppwG9aZcRyUmpJoxsHj4vOOzkifSflnTsGe0HMIVO2yC10Ri1RhVdEKXC2IHZR75hyphenhyphenEBoZt5CoDOF1a7T4zOa0ebD4_OJPxsN9d57Aoa0xC_i6guoJjzSZlIvvjcyE2wA5_GvkUE/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />These are some example sapphires we found, we also found some zircon.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771286675505473090'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBs5kgpHfoNQS0fF9mUTQgAv49HKtWaeuvGHH4Xn0gDGhHZVErl1Vl8Zt54CrIgjQbC-zG-MrZ-h0Wl06FWGYPwtbbyyH8lGx0ECM4TpsyBA3CKU6NR3_cqAIzNWg1VPPyXM5gidUEj_M5/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='127' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Jonah posing as a real Aussi sapphire miner.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771286811113235218'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWFSsnP5X8yKPxuk104ZqISLQu2a4UvPHCDrQQFOL3Jh1f6BUJEXRVEQHkT11q1CjHxISYQMRIdtSN6gCOQwISZw2aWrLjABKrCWOvPAd4UISW1SH_nfLG0S88Z9Oa8KW9UqPMgSmez8S/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='246' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771286899234830242'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6qKEYzJYIz5YS_janB-t3wN4z7ONwlLnPihTtM8mV-bGpFT3DIKWnAhqAu28FxsRsiMKrPtzj4UPPPzCWezH6yXt8vfqr_8YD4jwrL8Q-H2EMmtEcBuW3Hz_-WZ1HdaC6Jm_zWEYNRkU/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='175' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Another gemfield are the Willows.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771287055039710386'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLr1AiG5AkWbclthmzmf2xFcTYiodDZRykb8HCHHYxPZLGwLNoXdB2PYPkE1uiMHWUYdxsrxHqDhtdLarvt7xDqfiNCypnqLqVm90HqYJTQoyGPRP4R4vWAs5-k2H3JonWQ3fQcxHPUMX5/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The Central Queensland Gemfields, formerly known as the Anakie Gemfields, have become legendary amongst tourists, miners, and gem buyers alike, having gained worldwide recognition for their top quality golden yellow Sapphires. Some of the largest gem quality Sapphires have been found in the Gemfields and many a fortunes where made and lost. To this day, miners and fossickers alike come up with the most outstanding finds and many Australians have a story or two to tell about the "Fields".<br />Because the Gemfields attract so many tourists, visitors will find general information easy to come by out here, and plenty of people willing and able to advise how and where to find gems. The best time to visit the Gemfields is in winter, or at least between March and October. During summer the area is very hot and also can be very wet. Armed with a Department of Minerals & Energy fossicking license and a camping permit, you are allowed to camp in a number of areas on the fields. These permits are readily available on the fields when you arrive, or beforehand from the Department's offices in Brisbane or Emerald. Camping is allowed at Big Bessie and Graves Hill, near Sapphire; at Reward and Middle Ridge, near Rubyvale; at Glenalva, just south of the highway 22 km west of Anakie; and at Tomahawk Creek, 70 km north west of Anakie. None of these areas has any man-made facilities, so you must be self-contained. fields when you arrive, or beforehand from the Department's offices in Brisbane or Emerald. Camping is allowed at Big Bessie and Graves Hill, near Sapphire; at Reward and Middle Ridge, near Rubyvale; at Glenalva, just south of the highway 22 km west of Anakie; and at Tomahawk Creek, 70 km north west of Anakie. None of these areas has any man-made facilities, so you must be self-contained.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771287093935367538'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWdtMkrhHHowPDpB4lCeWoqaolgWzRcjX8ukvUFphi1D-KWbxrm3YB2b_f1muaGgOZXvkRLu8B-T2CWtctdswFLLBwpoJQ4ZVZDKMYe7v5he1_uHvVjBr5MOooWvYph_8Hyq1UyU_ZUZP/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='278' height='227' style='margin:5px'></a>Sapphire, is one of the six areas of Designated Fossicking Land on the central Queensland sapphire fields where recreational and tourist fossicking is possible under simple Fossickers Licences without the need to contact the relevant landowners.<br />Sapphire occurences - A diagonal strip of wash extends across the area from southwest to northeast. Shallow surface wash is best developed from the town towards the northern boundary. It is a red clayey gravel, with fragments of metamorphics and rare billy in a red-orange-brown sandy clay. It has produced large quantities of fine blue stones, although greens and yellows are not uncommon. Much of the area has been extensively mined by both old machine operations and small-scale workings. Although many have been abandoned, the area is still extensively held under mining claims and there are numerous residential tenures, limiting opportunities for fossickers.<br />Camping is allowed for a maximum period of 3 months on any one area, except within 1.5km of the Sapphire and Rubyvale Post Offices. A camping permit is required, which can be obtained for the payment of a small fee from the Emerald, Rockhampton, Mackay and Brisbane offices of the Department or the local businesses that issue the Fossickers Licences.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771287216140133906'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHISHXfKIDd0S2JN1rloPAHVUdY0SS95JznuJ-MNArcU2R6TT48vWjM3YpqF4pnPnOOVr3TxlUFbE7bHyZHn_oYwO0mb-mG1XSwT3HSRkq0fgDsBx44zBYdk0eNq31KTZRvBuO-hYklT-i/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='151' style='margin:5px'></a><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Hooper%20St,Alpha,Australien%40-23.653723%2C146.636996&z=10'>Hooper St,Alpha,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8899158158165252416.post-89464504649969252202012-07-30T05:04:00.001-07:002012-07-31T04:44:00.596-07:00Agnes Water to Emerald (500km)<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5770933521139099074'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS70L9B5_z8R6SFMNFQxRRDqpsSRXV8dWDmf0xN4Y5RK3r8JXyMHvN4uvj9O00PGDJr7nuKMLePAcgrb1hhNv3TpaYSfMTntPtsc0DQoqEwWud_VOQTh9w_V9JJexhrjVPBZZh5n0AB1K9/s288/81.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Today we had a rather long drive from the coast to Queenslands outback.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5770933635841729090'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmq_2txbm20tOyhwAx3SgmAQG7jxduYjELczEvXaaiZu6cZB2E4hsz_7bdUZcaNLg0x3WG8NUXcmPmP4uYM3uTujuExskEXAjTxePZXFIB1MsX1Ta8vQ5tE-0vq0IrOr_3Z36tCIgVNpWJ/s288/77.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The morning started with a visit from some kangaroos on our campground near Agnes Water.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5770933788965854562'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4SPAplEIFuv_xng8BJ9YyHiZqfbQTP_HMwSh5ozJMk9a7X-IOC6Vvf-zd0mW3hya7DTs6UJdibYboalRDvJAyHh2u67-AqI0ZPkeu4F3XZxsXgnD8y9ihQmuTafDOLh8yQ6ej-n-booGa/s288/78.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='205' style='margin:5px'></a><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5770933937891275794'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXo4I9PUxTcdUmltDHqu4a1cSkB9YJ6M4qwj0He0btZjbC9oegzPv0q-nzmspFkuHU-DcMQULIg-OVZgBsHrGOutTr2WmS0zvZH2BfHFV5b1vGiqjyC4sEhNc3_CEq6PZPa5ZOmOY5RnHg/s288/79.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />After a more than 5 hours drive with only one break we reach our campground on the shores of lake Maraboon.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5770934016858425842'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSL420Mgxjceo9dEtAgLS0p9K37MciahzjSAFrNfdP4pt7vvA3MZQu39Jmbu-gNTl0DSeF5CrlV7c8pTXaUQtFAUHl60f7A2O-HdmAsy1zH_ZVecd1Hoa3Y2dtkO4MQb5T64-rszCbTBiY/s288/80.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='190' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Fairbairn Dam is located 25 kilometres southwest of Emerald, in Central Queensland, almost on top of the Tropic of Capricorn line. Fairbairn Dam was constructed in 1972 across the Nogoa River "Gap" creating Lake Maraboon and is Queensland's second largest lake. Maraboon is the Aboriginal for "where the black ducks fly".<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5770934098421413746'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JFnlq_rjwkFloCQV-aWwaRsIqcn73aUrhyphenhyphenE8PJO8uyNb51msGDLI3is_WBYcZk5sI9u850oMEyKWO1a7-48Yi4joPUHRAIS-giKsovV8yJq5Jsg0PEbzz_zajhnWUm_roT7dnpoK3THz/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The primary purpose of Fairbairn Dam is for irrigation. About 300 irrigators are supplied with water for cotton, citrus and other horticulture operations. The dam is relatively shallow with large areas of standing timber. There are no boating restrictions and one concrete boat ramp.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5770934167646803330'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wdUJYoxILgS-gSgzGk2tpnf-quXz1VoHOLAy5PlhVHekdWG9PN0Fs36-yHCxqoD2DkXhvelx-2rMwMjoJV3cS1stESDCUGfmeTIDHTvsHByj7KMvjRS_RNfWsBFIjzbstvC5mrKHlTVE/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='207' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Emerald is a town located in the Central Highlands district of Central Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 census, Emerald had a population of 10,999. The town is the business centre for the Central Highlands Regional Council.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5770934258038081538'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfEMOcKeg6oxGmZjWFtCFe5L5LZPXAzks03AwTxgTOJccaY9mHsvXNhQaACC6fC30JeaqrFcD3Arpoh1MmtYbNRBAAkfhnVr0KdqEkKx1JGqCqartjO7OE5F7hG0nYAjGwCN_KU0ja0qE/s288/84.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='266' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Emerald lies on the Nogoa River, a tributary of the Fitzroy River. The town lies almost 300 kilometres from the coast and approximately 270 kilometres west of the city of Rockhampton on the junction of the Capricorn and Gregory highways. The Tropic of Capricorn intersects the Gregory Highway just north of Emerald.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5770934324360948082'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPHNSDf0l3avuTul2go6SDdq_qZByLyIotipH6z5WKjPs5LEm74y8LDXOdjimJwfvmSrET3LalkgAlaXywhJB5gxdvTajMsPihHKjEwDfBFO_E4ijsmTK6R9YRgX38e0TReZPpds3q2rZ/s288/85.jpg' border='0' width='174' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The area was first explored by the European Ludwig Leichhardt. Emerald was established in 1879 as a base for the Central Line from Rockhampton.<br />Fairbairn Dam overflowed for the first time in 17 years on the 19 January 2008. Major flooding in Emerald occurred a few days after as the Nogoa River broke its banks. The floods, resulted in 1,000 houses being affected and more than 2,500 people being evacuated. The 2008 floods did not reach the heights of flooding in previous years.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5770934433708261442'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNarsFOQdzM8I8hCm2ysg91xmeLMBkQormfyGVwhMNrCOMuCiIg7N0kK_-80E-cpXvqZhyphenhyphenOIKk_iIsK74hz6-4G5D-i-3k5QPumukXBo2-aZOQH3QhbfcxQ8S5UjA_huVV1_UiB3U4lmhW/s288/86.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a><br />Emerald is a service town for a large number of industries in the area. Extensive coal mining operations are carried out in the district. Cotton is grown in the area, and is processed at the Yamala Cotton Gin, while other agricultural activities include grape, citrus and grain growing.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5770934631052111762'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR85BNmg_Di7RC5Oycgaj8xP0taPItv8hL2O7ApAhDenyqcb5SIqhhh2mEl6-fcry_KjfcNJVAVAXWYeDHivRUjfACEPWscDN-iR4QCi5vjhY8cHhA3HOC1uWjtOf2v_Jc4eNCWcEmyqv/s288/87.jpg' border='0' width='221' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a><br />The citrus industry was severely affected by a citrus canker outbreak that started in 2004 and was declared over in early 2009. More than half a million citrus trees located around Emerald had to be destroyed.<br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5770934814868214370'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhZwVS2PEd6isFxcI2ZvVbzBGyrv0vw8tKQeHMgWtaiIbhcjE_GuDSYr-SHCSF3LqRJPtFdENFlSqsQi3x3HIzzbI0OAH5Vbdq20ABYAFaIf_FpGXV2k0ysbRGbFLlZ3TEe6DOCfGyzUk/s288/88.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='233' style='margin:5px'></a><br />To the west of the town is an area known as The Gemfields, with small towns such as Sapphire and Rubyvale indicating the type of gems found there. The sapphire fields located here are the largest in the southern hemisphere.<br />Tomorrow we will visit the gemfields.<br />Location of the campground on the shores of Lake Maraboon:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771297999097548818'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQImqBLjrkL-kEwW-ycFrTzkxAoD-MRgDufllWEQNjRGGmN27SpVkhnmja55qhJt4hoD0v-m9X2vGlYLjYKSdxHKeZfzV1V8RgTDfczizkgWkdrY7rA2OoEoRIQrvEKRdFNT_LtpeA9yB/s288/82.jpg' border='0' width='600' height='384' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/110624251482136837753/Australia2012?authkey=Gv1sRgCI3ZjKn3r8rtxAE#5771298040210135218'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyBBLeEA6neN7A_fUQx5Cnl6Xp9c8p3N-CgQi3QtWQGvoyXHnwn8akm75iWETEs_4BqGOK63jOWL0yOLAnnWDIZM9tN0DdVvV9aBuUlrKNPgXKeP5aw26u0aS73hekcBVstePxAyb_DrGm/s288/83.jpg' border='0' width='700' height='465' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />(c) Dirk Frantzen 2012 — published via iPad<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Position:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Fairbairn%20Dam%20Rd,Gindie,Australien%40-23.660499%2C148.079931&z=10'>Fairbairn Dam Rd,Gindie,Australien</a></p>Dirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01643873564934721227noreply@blogger.com0