FOREVER HOMES ARE NOT FOR EVER

You all know it all started with a random Sunday night with some online window shopping and google mapping some new places to live. What to live? Yeah, it was time. 20 years on the gold coast and there was nothing left for me anymore.

I had accepted that my sole mate had moved on and everyone else was drifting further away.

I picked a place I had never been before and with google images of stunning waterfalls and rolling green countryside’s. The tablelands was the place I picked.

I collected boxes from work and printed out all the checklists I could find on the internet about moving.

Finding a place was the hardest part. No lists or google could help me find a forever home. But social media was the answer. I got a pm and then a facetime of a converted dairy shed and seeing my dreams come true with the rolling greens and the cows in the fields.

Within 3 months from that random night, everything was ready to go on the truck and the car was packed to the brim for the 1800km journey. The goodbyes were hard but support that I was doing the right thing was comforting.

The drive up was the one of the stressful trips I’ve ever experienced.
Horrible camping spots. Phone calls for situations I had no control over and couldn’t fix. But was expected to do. I was still 7hrs away from my final destination.

As I finally drive down that dirt road and see my new house. I knew this is where I was meant to be. It was love at first sight.

As the boxes finally got unloaded from a different company in the dark of night. I was exhausted. But I was finally home.

Over the next few months, I watched the misty sunrises and the stunning sunsets. I made friends with the cows and wished them good morning every day. I told the horse I loved him each time I drove past. Everyone loved a pat with the bbq brush. I’d sit out the back with a cuppa coffee just starring at the wooden fence and soaking up the sun and just chatting to the grass puppies.
Getting up early and taking photos of the dew on spider webs, still in my pjs and wearing my pink glitter gumboots. Using my fire pit and watching the flames glow. Sooty and Shorty making friends through the windows. Sharing all the happy snaps on social media.
These things made this place just the happy home that I always dreamt of. This was pure love for my surroundings.

Then one day something happened.

My worst nightmare that I never thought would ever happen, my forever farm home was not going to be my happy place anymore.

I’m still not sure what triggered the catastrophe that followed. All I know is that things were never going to be the same ever again.

I used to wave and say my pleasantries to the people who live only metres away. Thank them for mowing the lawns and always thought everything was fine. Oh, how wrong was I.
The next few weeks that followed were the worst I have ever experience in my life, and shit, I’ve had some bad stuff happen to me.

In a world where everything is online, I was cyberbullied, harassed and abused every single day.

It has got to the the point where I have a real genuine fear for my safety and the wellbeing of my pets.
And the authorities could do nothing to protect me.
I live with curtains closed to protect myself from prying eyes, but also from any daylight and the view of the lush green pastures.
I am banned from going outside and interacting with the much-loved farm animals. There are now no new photos taken of the sunsets, the horse or the fireflies. I’ll never know how the dragon fruit developed. I am confined to my inside space.
This is not living.

With now nearly 2 months of harassment, I have finally stopped crying. Well for now.
Every single day the life was sucked out of me. I knew I had done nothing wrong, yet I was made out to be the bad one, when in fact I was the victim.
My sadness turned to anger and helplessness.

I am consumed with watching the cameras every time I get a notification. Every shadow that’s triggered could be them entering my home.

I never thought that one person could cause this much mental harm to someone for no reason. But then again, knowing this individual, I feel I’m not the first person she has done this too.
Sitting at home unemployed scheming on ways to hurt me. Taking away all my happiness for pure greed and hatred. Even jealousy could have been a reason. Maybe seeing me happy and surrounded by love, made her rage simply explode. And all I could do is accept her abuse over and over again.

I knew the only way for all this to end was to end it all.
I cried so much when no one could see me. I held back the sound of sobbing, but the tears still flowed while I stood in front of customers. People would look at me, but did nothing.
My social media was filled with reels that struck a chord and was living my horrid life. Nothing could pull me out of the despair I was dealing with.

No one knew how much pain I was going through. The stress is taking its toll on my health esp. my mental health.
I googled ways to end my life. I had nothing left anymore.
My happiness had been stripped away from me and my happy place was now my living hell.
I was so broken, I even called a helpline to talk too, talked for hours. But nothing was making this situation better.
Talking to family and friends they could hear my pain and the crackle in my voice as I try to be strong. As they reassure me things will get better soon and to be strong and brave. But for now, I had to accept the abuse I was receiving.
No one could help me. I was on my own. I am all alone.

My only way to escape all this chaos was to get out of here. Say goodbye to all the things I love and leave.

I never thought at 44 years old, that I was facing being homeless. And as I write this, it still is a real and raw possibility of happening. I could be living in my tent for the next few weeks or months. Living out of my car. All my belongings packed away in boxes that have no where to go.

As I pack the remaining items, something in the back of my mind must have known.
You see, I never unpacked all my items. This was meant to be my forever home, yet even everyday items were still in boxes.
So now as I panic pack, it’s made easier having everything prepacked for me. Maybe I’ll pack one of the calves and the frogs.

With only weeks left here, I have no where to go.
Almost everything ready to be moved to the next chapter, it’s to be continued…

 

 

 

FITTING IN IS HARDER THAN I THOUGHT

How does one fit in to a small town when being from a big city for so long. But it was also once, how does one fit in to a big city from a small town?

Its going to take time to find my way through the ups and downs of the hills.

I cant just slot into place when I don’t fit. I’m at very round peg in a tight knit square community.

The scenery might have changed from the sand to the the green grass, but the shit is the same no matter where you begin the day.

How does one meet new people when you start as the sun rises and take your shoes off as the sun has set. And I just want to wash away the dirt.

Who knows what's around the next bend. Will be the cows crossing the road heading to the dairy or a creek with crystal clear waters flowing over the waterfalls. 

Spending time exploring the hidden gems of this stunning countryside bring smiles, but then wondering if there will be a next time. Or will I have to go on my own like in the past.

The red dirt and grass are my new accessories. But still keeping the pink lippy to brighten my day. 

Walking around the markets and not seeing a familiar face but catching a hello or smile my way. 

Buying home grown fruits and non perfect veggies on the side of the road is my new norm. 

Knowing soon the sun will break through the trees and the wet mist dapples the skin as it makes droplets on the webs from the night before.

Where you can listen to music as loud as one wants and dance like no one can see you, cos they cant. The lounge is my dance floor.  With the twinkle of fairy lights outside. My own private silent disco.

Its so quiet – I think I can hear the grass grow.

The cows are asleep, and the horse was at the backdoor a minute ago. Possums on the roof scurrying around to my 90s remixes.

Knowing tomorrow is just around the corner as plans have changed, there is no reason to close my eyes.

 

 

NEW BEGINNINGS

It all started with a google search. Then within 48hrs it was all in motion.

Here I was going to pack up all my shit and moving 1753kms away.

20 years of memories. 100s of pens and bottles filled with sand, whiskers and feathers all getting packed in cardboard boxes, taped with colour coded rooms.

Weeks of endless googling a location I’ve never been too. Booking a flight to a destination unknown.

Walking around a town that is soon to be my home. And it felt like I belonged there. The rolling hills filled with avocado, banana and the all-important, coffee plantations. 

Job sorted, removalist booked, boxes already to be loaded. I still had months to go.

Now with only weeks until I say goodbye to this place, I have called home. I dream every night of my new “shed” farmhouse and how all my shit will fit into it. From looking out to the water, I can just see from my bedroom to lush green pastures filled with moos and whinnies.

I’ll miss sitting watching the derros wander past scabbing bottles out of the bins for the 10c. listening to the ocean when the wind is in the right direction. My cranky old neighbour putting my bins out/in every week for the past 15 years. I won’t get to see the random fireworks on a Wednesday night at 7:15pm for no apparent reason. I’ll miss uber eats.
I’ll miss double locking my car – cos you know, derros.

I will miss those who have made memories with me over these past 20 years. But it also because of those people that I have made this decision to move so far away.

I am so very grateful that I have made long lasting friendships, that are now only a Facebook message away.
I’ll miss coordinating my work breaks with people who genuinely care for me.
I will miss those who have made an effort to keep in contact with me, even through our busy and shit friendship – we both made time to say our goodbyes.

The ugly cries have already started, and they will certainly continue for the rest of my time while surrounded by blank walls, mountains of boxes and the bare minimum of cups and plates.

I’m starting my new beginning with so much positivity and happiness from the people who love me for me. Or maybe they don’t want me to change my mind, and I end up staying.
You know what’s worse than packing – unpacking!

I’m sad that I won’t get to visit my favourite camping spots again. But excited to make new albums filled with 100s photos.

I’m nervous on how Mr Panda Paws Sooty will cope with the 20hr drive up with 2 birds and a turtle.

I’m worried that I will feel the loss of the beach, being so far away.

I concerned that people won’t like me. I have pissed so many people off and alienated even more.

I am excited for this new beginning. I’m excited for being around a new bunch of people. I’m excited to maybe find happiness again, to find my smile.

 

 

I Suffer From Chronic Loneliness.

 

I can sit here in almost compete silence. Alone.

I’ll lock onto the neighbours’ hum of their car as they drive out of the driveway, to the end of the street, around the corner and up the next street and which direction they are going until I can no longer hear it.  

I’ll ask google what’s the weather tomorrow at least twice as I wasn’t listening the first time.

I walk around my home, looking at the mess that although seems to be getting smaller but is actually getting bigger.

I brush my teeth, do my hair, apply my lippy and head to work, where I plaster on a fake smile and pretend every single second that I am happy. The drive to work I cry. The drive home I am in too much pain to feel anything.

“Hey Google, play remixed 90s songs” “ok.. here is the playlist – remixed songs from the 90s” I walk around the growing mess. The unvacuumed floor, the pile of dishes in the sink and think about watering the plants.

Washing my face with cold water, or am I just wiping away the tears.

The feel of the shower as the hot slowly runs out pouring over my sunburnt skin.

The cool fan tingling the droplets as I lay on my fluffy sheets as I snuggle into my pillows.

I relive conversations from yesterday, today, October and what will be said tomorrow.

My eyes are heavy and want to close, but I don’t want to miss something that wont in reality happen.

Wanting to tell my stories too, my highs and the few lows that surround me.

I feel my sole has gone with my now ex best friend. Taken away my smile.

No matter how many times I look at social media, nothing makes me double tap. And the pages I want to see have been blocked by Facebook. And what I can see – upsets me.

I wish I could go for a walk, but it’s late and well… I don’t live in a safe environment. And to be honest – I wouldn’t go for a walk anyway. It would mean getting off the bed, dressed, putting on feet prisons and all of that is not worth the hassle.

So, I lay here in silence.

Looking at the moon and the shadows it casts through the night sky and clouds.  

I seek comfort in my pets. Knowing they love me practically unconditionally.

Knowing that I will be packing the car again for another adventure, but not knowing when.

I can hear the clock tick my life away.

Chronic loneliness - it is a thing and I have it, now. 

 

 

 

MEMORIES ARE OF THE PAST

 

Around 10 years of friendship, love and hate. A few downs but so many ups. With so much history, one would think that life is too short to just throw it all away.

The adventures to the to the middle, to the end and places in between. Travelling over the sand dunes and watching the sun go down on the border corners.

Looking for hidden gems and the oldest of minerals. Snorkelling with the fishies and introducing me to fishing shirts that now I cannot get enough of.

Laughing at stupid shit then can sit in silence just enjoying our surroundings as the fire crackles.

Being amazed by whales and the gorgeous beach puppies. Feeding the wildlife in Tassie and chasing wombats while birds steal your sandwiches.

Cooking homemade bread rolls and amazing dinners in the Q. Scoffing down sushi till our bellies were full.

Loving your family with all my heart, breaks as not only have I lost you. I have lost them too. The love from your family gave me. The love from my family for you. Who’s going to help clean out my pops shed now?

Filling your shed with bargains that I was always looking out for. Getting excited for when something new came along. Not needed but wanted anyway because .. well why not.

Doing your washing and folding. Making your home as my second. I slept so well in the spare room, even though the mozzies annoyed me.

Your baby girl loved me more that you – But you’d feed her, so she loved you too. Sooty loves his croc bed. But now you won’t see him grow and how he’s turning into the most beautiful little man.

I would always take your advice and ideas. Help me with things I just could not do on my own.

I would sit and watch you tinker away. it didn’t bore me – it made me more and more interested. Although I may have fallen asleep on the shed floor.

Late night drives to skids, day drives to waterfalls. Sitting on the couch doing fuck all.

Who’s going to get excited seeing a tow truck or another 60 now.

Listening to Git Up and doing the moves in the trucktor

I was so interested in your interests. Wanting to be involved and wanting to go exploring and swinging. I wish I got to go more. But that’s one more thing that’s gone from my life.

I care for you more than you’d know or want. I know sometimes I wouldn’t be the best encourager for your health, but I appreciated you no matter what. Sometimes you need a burger with the lot inc beetroot. Making snow cones with Ribena was one of my greatest joys. 

Items are now left in boxes, wasted money. Objects kept, won’t be returned. Coins adding up in jars, cars not getting washed.

I’m sure you cared for me, and it did show but something changed, and you no longer do. Honest and open communication would be the key, but yelling and screaming wasn’t the way. I was so angry and upset, hurt with so much disbelief, I said horrible things. Things I regretted as soon as I drove away with the tears streaming down my face.

We tried being lovers and it worked for a while, then didn’t. We became strangers for an awfully long time and then we became friends again and so much more.

You were my best friend, my sole mate. Someone I could talk to, knowing you didn’t really give a shit, but listened anyway. Then changing the subject onto something you wanted to tell me about. My problems went away once we hung out.

You’d be the one I would call if I was in need of help – even if you were miles and miles away, you were the first person I needed.

I've tried so many times to to get a response – but nothing seems to be getting through. My apologies fall of deaf ears. There is only so much I can do.

So I have to give up and accept that things are no longer.

Memories are of the past, and no new ones being made.

OVER THE HILLS AND FAR FAR AWAY

Normally it’s a beach Christmas vacation for me, but due to the recent fires on the far north coast of New South Wales – a Plan B was needed.

The adoptive in-laws suggested I go visit them in the quaint town of Tenterfield. Only being there briefly in 2018 I decided to unpack the car of my camping gear and embrace the county township for the week.

It’s a 4hr drive from the Gold Coast to Tenterfield. Travelling through the hills - hills now scared by wild intense fires, past farm lands filled with skinny cows and sheep with their spring lambs. Passing the copious amounts of dried up dead roos on the side of the road.

Little townships consisting of a dodgy looking servo, a caravan park and a set of train lines that haven’t been in use for many years.

You’ll even see cool yet very wonky bridges. Deemed very unsafe and surrounded by fences.

Even the main town of Stanthorpe is bypassed. Which is also a hot spot for speed cameras -  pretty sure I’ll get my photo in the mail soon. 

When you see the random dinosaur – look up to the left and you’ll see a farmer was harvesting his magic mushies when he decided to make a pyramid out of granite.

Coming into Tenterfield the street is lined with lush green foliage trees. Currently in full bloom thanks to the heavy rains only a few weeks ago.

Passing by the well kept weatherboard old federation houses – typical of a little town in the middle of bum fuck nowhere yet on a major highway right through the middle of the main street where the speed limit is 40km/hr.

The smoke was so bad – you couldn’t see the hills or 100mtrs in front. Even the paddock across the road was hidden by low lying smoke. This lasted a few days and my throat wasn’t impressed.

Pulling into the folks place  - no one was home. I was greeted by the barking dogs who were very happy to see me and although I was busting for a wee, they couldn’t open the door to let me in.

Later that night with an empty bladder and having unpacked my snacks we all decided to go to the Christmas night markets. Seeing it on Facebook -  the market sounded like a good night out. Stalls, games, a band, dancers, face painters, food & bbq and so much more. I might put something nice on and do my hair. I love markets and this I was really looking forward too. 

Well the 25 mins we were there, it was umm.. disappointing to say the least.

9 stalls, a sausage bbq which reminded me of work, some over price homemade items and then the “band” - a DJ playing Dance Monkey. I think there would have been 20 people attending – including the 4 of us. So much for locals supporting locals. We came, we saw, we left. We tried.

   

As Tenterfield seem to be failing me – we decided to head out to the surrounding townships. Glenn Innes and the onto Emmaville. 

Emmaville became famous for its sightings of a black panther in 1958. 

It also has 2 pubs – one we had a nice lunch at – not the one with the demented panther on the sign.

But what this 2 horse town has is a Gem museum.
From the outside it’s a small shop -  nothing exciting and really didn’t excite me.. Then I went in. 

Its $2 each and WOW –they have 1000s of gems, stones, crystals and STUFF!
It just keeps going and going. Ron the old dude – who looks like he was a first settler there, owns most of the items here. He has heaps of info to give out and its keen for a chat. Room after room is filled with history and more and more sparkles. 

It was a bloody hot day there and some of the exhibits were just too hot to spend time looking at – but we promised him and the volunteer that we will be back again. Wont by buying another $6 sticker for the car though. This place was just unreal and worth a drive to visit this.

Still nothing was happening in Tenterfield, so I put on my brand new boots and headed with my snacks and copious amounts of blackcurrant juice water out and about to the granite belt towards Drake, fossicking for some gold and treasures. 

Along the fire ravished roads were massive boulders just perched there, tinkering in precarious ways. Little rock wallabies sit in the shade. Cows walking along with their new born and just standing in the middle of the gravel road letting out longful moos. Groups of horses looking like they haven’t had a decent feed in weeks wandering up to the truck looking for a pat and some snacks.  

All we wanted was to find some water – but the area has been in a drought for so long, there was only stagnate rock pools with algae and a dead smell lingering. 

We cleared out some crevices and filled the bucket with some dirt and made our way back exploring the country side and seeing the regrowth of eucalyptus leaves sprouting through the charred bark. 

Since the fire went through, you can see so many new things and you never know what you might find when you get out and trek through the bush. Just mind your step!

It’s the day before Christmas and the town was a buzz. Coles car park was full as people rushed to get their last snacks for the day. All of the shops were open till “late” some even open to 6pm. The fairy lights were on and we had beers in hand while listening to Christmas carols from a time before I was born. 

The temp was dropping and it was starting to rain. Lucky I took my trackies and a hoodie.

Christmas day had arrived. I was surrounded by friends and family. Everyone got gifts they all loved. I got a snack bag and powdered milk! 2 things I love!!
Spending this time with them was wonderful and so glad I spent this Christmas with them and not alone. 

The smell of the meats cooking away in the bbq – even the vegans would have been converted. 

I ate so much I went into a food coma for 3hrs – best nap I’ve had in a long time – once the dog stopped annoying me at the door.

Then it was Boxing Day. Also known as my home time day. 

But first my other mummy suggested we head into town and check out the shops. As everyone knows – Boxing Day is known across Australia for its bargain sales. 

Once again I did my hair and put on some lippy. Grabbed some cash and headed down the street.

As we drove down the Bruxner Highway aka Main Street, we saw people walking around and then it became apparent that only 2 shops were open. Umm wait what... Only 2 shops open??

A cafe and a clothing store. That’s it. 

Not the bakery. Not the chemist. Not the newsagency. Not the other 4 cafes. No other clothing stores. No restaurants. Hairdressers, hardware stores all closed. Sure the 2 pubs and the servos were open. But not a single shop open on one of the busiest retail days of the year. Coles was open – because they have to be. The cheap shop next-door was open and had all their Christmas items 50% off. 

I have cash to spend I WANT to support this struggling township.

Even their website says “The Tenterfield Region offers a unique shopping experience. Browse through gorgeous boutiques and giftware stores in the main street of Tenterfield. There is also a fabulous range of speciality stores where you never know what you might find. There are ample opportunities to find that unique souvenir or gift....”

Ok – then maybe OPEN for us tourists to shop there. I wanted a souvo and to look at the pretty dresses I see in the windows. 

But you know what I did find – a town that has the opportunity to embrace their visitors, but doesn't. 

A town that is struggling with a major water crisis and recent fires.
A town that has pretty much nothing to offer.
A town that people are forced to drive through as there is no bypass - yet.

This town has beautiful parks and heritage buildings. It has the oldest and biggest known cork tree in Australia. It also has the biggest un-shorn sheep in Australia. Poor thing would have been dying in that heat.

The locals are friendly – but don't give the wave back when driving past.

It also has my family there. They are the biggest draw-card for this town. And for that reason I will be going back later next year when they’ve had some decent rain to fill the streams and the fruit trees are laden. Maybe then the water will be safe to drink. I’d also like to try that dress on I saw in the window and have a coffee and cake at the cafes. Lucky I have my snacks.

Tenterfield CAN have lots to offer – it just doesn’t.

ONE ISLAND, TWO PEOPLE, THREE CORNERS AND FOUR STATES. PART 1 Fraser Island.

July 1^st the truck - a 60 Series Sahara Landcruiser which was later known as the Trucktor, was packed to the roof and the roof was also chockers.

1.5 fridges, 1 freezer, 2 swags, 2 stretches, a WebberQ, 2 gas bottles, solar panel, spare tyre, utensil box, dry food box, clothes bags, pillows, beach bags, hot water bottle, “washing machine”, chairs, tables, all Kevys truck stuff, lolly box, cameras, 2 drawers chockers and so much more. Even the drinks were tetris’d into the spaces.

Thankfully I like lists and we didn’t forget anything.

Leaving the Gold Coast behind at 7am we headed up the M1 towards Fraser Island.  We let the tyres down and had a light lunch at Inskip Point before boarding the barge. 

Within 30 seconds of landing on the island – there was my first beach puppy (dingo)! I was so excited. What a way to start day one! It was only going to get better.

We found this perfect campsite within the sand dunes at Winnam, which looked over the ocean and the airstrip for the light aircrafts. This would be our home for the next 8 nights. 

Although we were right on the beach – it was slightly hidden from beach level for some privacy. It didn’t stop the wind from the ocean though.

Nights were freezing and as soon as dinner was done and I had played a few games of solitaire – I was in my swag getting warm.

It was the first time I had ever slept in a swag – and I LOVED it. My bright pink swag as just perfect. It was warm and so comfy! And now being home writing this – gee I miss sleeping in it.
Some nights I had to use my “electric blankie” – hot water bottle. It was so cold every night of our trip I slept in 2 trackies, 3 t-shirts, a hoodie and socks. I don't do the cold. 

Kev didn’t feel the cold as much and only had jocks and his beanie on in his swag. I don't know how he did it.

We placed our camp chairs on the edge of our lookout, cracked open our beer & ciders and watched the whales breach right in front of us.

Around 100 whales over the next week were absolutely spectacular! At one stage 1 whale was beaching so many times, we gave up counting after 10 breaches and left him to it. We were so blessed to see such an amazing sight.

We waved at the buses and other campers as they came and went – everyone was so friendly.
One day we drove passed a bus who was bogged in the sand on the beach, its passengers were out trying to push. It was so funny to watch.

A few days later, we caught up with the driver who recognised our truck at Eli Creek, had a good chat and a laugh.

Although the weather during the day was sunny, the wind was so cold and on some nights it rained. It was winter after all. I still wore my hoodie and snow jacket everyday. My snow boots came in so handy and super glad I bought them along.

There were stunning sunrises and the even better sunsets. Every night there was a orange star in the sky to our south-west. He would be our guiding light throughout our trip. We made sure we saw him every night.  

We toured almost the whole island averaging 100+kms. Every day was something different. The crystal clear waters of Eli Creek for breakfast one day, at the tip of Sandy Point for lunch another. There we saw a Shovelnose shark in the water while Kev was fishing. Which was annoying as I really wanted to go into the warm-ish, crystal clear waters off Fraser Island while waiting for the tide to drop.  

Stopped at Indian Head for breakfast another day – where 2 beach puppies were also enjoying a fish they had caught.
Champagne Pools was so pretty. If it wasn’t so cold and packed full of people, I would have gone in. Next time!  
Indian Head was also a great spot to climb and sit while the sun set behind us and while looking for whales.

Ngkala rocks wasn’t a challenge at all. Especially when Kev is driving. He just went flat out. And I mean as fast as he could go. I had to hold on. But apparently you have to go fast so not to get bogged. And watching others go through slow – I now know that he was right!

Driving through the Land of the Giants and seeing the massive Tallowwood trees was awesome. The scenery of the whole island differed so much every few mtrs. From beach scrub with Banksia trees and kangaroo tail bushes, then moss growing on the tracks and the temperature dropping dramatically with the sun barley being seen through the dense scrub. Then striking shaped Squiggly Gum Eucalyptus trees. 

At Central Station the water was so clear, you can not determine the depth of it. Massive trees and Staghorns. Great history about the logging and sand mining on the island.  

The sand dunes, pillars at Red Canyon shaped from the wind and the colours of each layer. Photos just didn’t do them justice. 

The coffee rock is just as its name is. It rubs off just like instant coffee. It is super soft. You are not allowed to drive on it and watching stupid P Platers driving their shitbox Jeeps on it was so disrespectful to the island.

The walk up to the lighthouse nearly killed us, however the views were impressive. I wouldn’t do it again – getting too old for that steep climb.

The drive across to the other side of the island was an experience.

The tracks are soft and bumpy, like you are in a washing machine. You just go with the flow. But again the scenery is completely different. The water looks over to Hervey Bay and is so calm and peaceful. Urangie Wharf was so pretty. Although the wharf is no longer there, you can still see where the ferry once moored. Moon Point was at low tide and we got slaughtered by sand flies. Another great place for lunch.

Kev got a bit of damage to the trucktor on the tracks, breaking off a front wheel guard and a mirror cover. But no other damage to it.
Kingfisher Bay was really pretty walking along the wharf.

The SS Maheno was just like you see on Google. The sand had washed out a far bit so a lot of the “tinny” was on show for us. Different times of the day really made this boat stand out. Loved driving past so many times and seeing her. It was a very popular tourist spot. Always someone there taking photos.

The Beach Puppies are very inquisitive animals. Yes I agree with the hundreds of unnecessary signs that you do need to be wary of these dogs, HOWEVER I strongly do not agree that scare mongering visitors to the island about the dingoes is necessary.

Almost every day we encountered a dingo. Not at any stage of our whole trip were these animals aggressive. If anything – they were scared of humans. 

We did have one beach puppy with an ear tag (which means they have been reported as a nuisance) come very close to everyone while we were fishing or standing around. He was not aggressive in any way and was only attracted to the smell of dead fish around. But he did not pose a threat to anyone!

On one night I didn’t do the dishes – during the night a resident dingo decided they wanted a new food bowl and tried to take off with one of Kevys’ dishes. It was quiet funny really. Cheeky things!
I still would not ever recommend trying to feed or pat them. You can get close enough to take a photo without harming them and yourself. We even made up a shadow puppet for the beach puppy LOL

As we were leaving the island we came across a beach puppy howling. It was the most incredible experience ever. Both of us have never seen one doing this and was in ore.  

Lake McKenzie was so pretty. And the water was freezing bloody cold! Not as many people there as normal Kev said, I still thought there was a fair few. Not many in the icy cold waters though. Although it took a bit of convincing, I finally got in.  I thought – I’ve come this far.. I have to go in. Once in, it was ok. I think my body was so numb it got used to it.

There are signs everywhere staying no food or drink at the lake – I think this is crap and didn’t take notice of the signs. I enjoyed my V at the water’s edge.

Went up to a lake in the middle of the island – Lake Allom, and saw the turtles. I wish we had taken some food for them. Just sitting there watching them was so peaceful and great to see so many of them just swimming around. Hint -  Tapping your foot in the water attracts them closer.

As we were camping in the dunes, there were no facilities. Yep we had to dig a hole for our toilet. No biggy as we were bush camping.. But after a few days of not having a shower.. I was hanging to wash the salt out of my hair and I had sand everywhere.. We drove up to Dundubara, it was the best $6 I have ever spent. HOT showers. Felt so clean afterwards. I knew it was going to be another few days until our next hot shower. 

We washed our clothes in a makeshift washing machine. In a plastic screw on lid container, we tied it to the spare wheel and by the end of the day, it had washed our clothes perfectly, thanks to the roughness of the tracks.

Kev went fishing most days catching nothing. One day he got lucky and caught a Flathead and something so small I don't know what it was, then a big Tailor. We kept that one and had it for breakfast the next day. Something different but was nice. A group of young guys were on a role and each cast out – they caught a fish and each catch they yelled out “Legend!!” it was funny to watch.

Now here’s a tip for everyone.
We have all seen the washed up coconuts on the beaches. I don't think anyone has ever thought -  lets open one up. Until now.
Kevy decided that he would try it. I could smell a “dog poo” stench coming from it as he cut away the husk. And then he cracked into the shell letting the coconut water spill out. Well OMFG I instantly threw up all over the sand. The smell was beyond anything I have smelt before. I would say it would be like a decomposing human body. And yes it was that bad.
He couldn’t get the smell off this hands for a while. I would have set my skin on fire to remove that stench. I think he learnt his lesson.

It was time to pack up our site and onto our next massive adventure. Wash the salt off the truck and fill up the tank.

Fraser Island -  what can I say.. This was my first trip here and I will definitely return. You were everything and so much more.

3 Corners.. Here we come.