Monday, October 17, 2011

Fraser Island, QLD


Waiting at River Heads for the barge to take us to Fraser Island
I can see dolphins!
Celbrating with a little drink on the barge
Back again! This time we have a new laptop, so there are some teething problems on learning how to use it. Have also collected the camera from the Post Office and learning how to use that. So it's been a bit of an uphill challenge trying to put things up on the blog with the pictures if you can imagine that.

Where are we now? We've just completed a five day trip to Fraser Island, under tent. It was a fabulous trip, to add that the photos from this camera are great. The shots are really sharp, in focus. We had a couple of good days with good sun for fishing, sunbaking, reading, moving along the Eastern beach length North to South each day to pitch camp some place else. However, on Saturday, I was listening to the radio for the weather forecast which was not going to be good for that night. In the end I said to Daniel that dinner would be early, everything to be packed up, stowed in the car. The tent could stay but in the event we had to evacuate we would sleep in the car! Well the lightning show was amazing to say the least. The flashes came one after another within seconds of each other. We had never seen or experienced anything like it before. Yes it rained, rained and rained all night. I don't know how we managed to stay dry in our little tent, but we did. On rising the next morning I can only say that I was happy to know that all that I had decided to pack and put into the car was dry!

Weather starting to break up but still managing an early start, Daniel and I packed our gear up at 6.00 in the morning heading out to Lake Wabby. As we walked out on to the outlook, which was incredible, we got hit by a rainstorm. It poured, couldn't take a photo with the new camera for fear it would get wet! I only hope that I can remember the sight from the platform. The lake below was magnificent freshwater, the surrounding tree forests, sand dunes just spectacular. Perfect vista even though it was raining. By the time we got back to the car, I was soaked. It has to be said that my man, Daniel, came to my rescue as he raced ahead to the car to return with an umbrella. Who says 'knights in shining armour' don't exist??????

Lake Mackenzie was just as awesome. We only dipped our feet into it....raining still. Yesterday we swam in the largest freshwater creek on the Island....Eli Creek. It was magic. We also did get the opportunity to spot a few dingoes roaming the beach at odd times. One morning as we were packing I turned around and there was this dingo just standing not more than a metre from me. I tried to reach for the camera but wasn't quick enough to get her shot. Daniel did catch a reef shark which we did have for dinner one night. That was the extent of his catch!! There were other keen sea fishermen who swayed around the swirls of the beach hitched up to their huge rods. Daniel looked pretty funny with his little rod! One thing about Fraser Island is that you cannot swim in the ocean....sharks!!!! What beautiful weather for roasting, with waters beckoning but no go!!!

I shall leave this place now with fond memories as we cross back to River Heads on the barge. I have to add that we were fortunate to have seen dolphins, turtles and of course the odd whale or two on this part of our adventure. Fraser Island
is truly a wonderful place but be prepared for tenting conditions, roughing it. It's like a timewarp! ...... a land so pristine that you expect to see a dinosaur!

For now bye as we head back to base to WASH everything as we head down to Noosa National Park to catch up with Les and Stew at Teewah beach, their place of relaxation when at home in lovely Queensland. Now to try and load some of the pics for this and the previous blog!!!
Getting off the barge to the island

The sign says it all

Fire a fortnight ago evacuated 200 people

Reaching the other side of the island..Eastern beach

The Eastern Beach Sandy highway

Anyone for coffee this morning?

Our campsite at Lake Boojimanin


Yes.....time to fish!

Another campsite at One Tree camp zone

Checking water level at Eli Creek before crossing


The Maheno shipwreck after cyclone in the early 30s

Checking out the local shop

Another coffee on another beautiful morning


Sunrise at 5.30am on a beach

Just one more fish before we pack up...please!

Who needs work....when you can do this!!


Oh my it looks like a front is coming in...

There's a storm on its way.....

Another 4wheel drive overpass

......then there are fishermen .....and mad fishermen!

...then there are Dingos

...what a pretty face (but don't touch!)

A picture of the Pinnacles in the background

Another Dingo sighting

Very pretty to watch........

Now time to get bogged!

......now time to dig us out!

......now time for a cuppa!


our site for the night just over the sand dune


Just wandering the beach in search of food...(not allowed to feed them)

Eli Creek...the largest freshwater creek on Fraser Island

It has to be seen to be believed how clear the water is

...have I still got it?

...yes it was very refreshing on a hot day!

The deep part!

Afternoon tea by Eli Creek
Dingo with a tracking device around it's neck

Another image of the fire

A day of wet weather...umbrella in hand at Lake Mackenzie

The lake is a beautiful picnic spot and for swimming

....but it was tooooo cold!

........well how about a cuppa instead??

......don't take photos when I'm not ready!!






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