Emerald to Kinka Beach

The last few days have been very busy. Just before leaving Emerald I happened to visit an art gallery displaying the paintings of John Morrison.  He features the life of Harry Readford, better known for cattle duffing  in the 1800s. Hope you like some of the paintings. Unfortunately, my photography doesn't do justice to this very fine artist.

Travelling east to Rockhampton, I called in to Blackwater which is a very big area for coal mining. I was able to join a tour of the Curragh Mine. Too many details to remember, though.

I found Rockhampton to be a very interesting place and stayed in a caravan park right on the river's edge. Mind you, I kept a wary eye on the river banks after reading the signs warning of crocodiles in the area. Thankfully, the banks are quite high. The Botanical Gardens are really worth a visit with a huge variety of plants and also birdlife on the lake. I was a little too late to see the zoo but heard the dingoes from afar.

Today I went driving up Mt Archer and ended up doing a couple of the bushwalks. Despite the cold morning I soon warmed up. Seems everyone is experiencing  cool temperatures these last few mornings. Emu Park is a pretty little town with magnificent views of the Keppel Islands. The Singing Ship is a monument to Captain Cook.

Rosslyn Bay is home to Keppel Bay Marina, the largest marina in Northern Queensland. One can only marvel at the luxurious boats moored in the 400 floating marina berths. Before I leave I must be sure to stop off at the Fisherman's Co-op and sample some locally caught seafood.

The caravan park at nearby Kinka Beach is very busy and there was quite a crowd at the Bush Poet session, which was held around a camp fire in the park this evening. He certainly kept everyone amused along with the guitar player too. Can anyone recognise Chad Morgan in the photos?

Saturday and the weather continues to be cold and wet. Despite this I met up with another friend and we went driving into Yeppoon to visit yet another lovely little art gallery with many local artists' work featured. From there it was on towards Byfield, through the National Park and State Forest. The small village of Byfield is a haven for craft and nature lovers and a visit wouldn't be complete without calling in to Nob Creek Pottery. I had to keep my hands tied behind my back to stop from having a "spend-up" there. So many beautiful and unusual pieces of pottery. Then it was off to the Byfield General Store and Cafe to enjoy a hearty pie and coffee to warm up.  The weather didn't seem to brighten up much so it was a good opportunity to spend the afternoon catching up on some correspondence and visit some friends I'd met a couple of days ago. Cheers!

Emerald

I'm getting behind in my blogs. My, how time flies when you're having fun! I don't know how I found time when I was working full time.

Well I've been in Emerald in the Central Highlands for a few days visiting friends who are ex Gold Coast Rockers. The weather continues to be beautiful with clear blue skies and sunny days. The town is very busy and there's evidence of the flooding which occurred earlier, with plenty of repairs happening and the Coles complex has just reopened after all these months.

 I was here for the show on Tuesday and Wednesday and enjoyed looking at all the displays including the photographic competition which drew some 600 entries of a very high standard. Both Ann-Marie and Wayne and another friend are into cameras in a very big way and picked up prizes, so it was interesting to tag along with them and learn a bit about photography. The rest of the time we watched the log sawing, ate junk food, checked out the displays, watched a juggler, watched the fireworks and yakked.

Wednesday we went out to Rubyvale where they mine sapphires – too expensive for me though! We had a meal at the old pub which has been restored to its former character and style. Needless to say it has a few “characters” in there too, as many of the locals are people working on their claims. 

The van is going well with a few minor hiccups but I love driving it and living in it.

Today is Sunday so Ann and Wayne are at their dance class until lunch time. Then they’re coming home and after we eat we’ll go back to the classes. The afternoon session is Old Time and New Vogue so I hope I can remember some of the routines, because it’s been such a long time since I have done any of them. I’ve certainly been getting in a little bit of dancing, with 2 sessions already at line dancing. It’s a struggle doing anything other than  "Beginners”, mind you.

That's all to report for now so until next time, cheers. From Julianne.