Crikey!!!

Part of the tribute to Steve Irwin.

This looks like a tiger eating a bloke; tiger was actually licking the bloke's head!

Tigers; pic taken through tall glass wall I am trying to be short enough to qualify for a pony ride. LOL Croc at Australia Zoo.

Sunday we joined our niece and family for a visit to Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo. Though expensive, it was worth the visit. The young boys ran all day; don't know where they get the energy! We bade our goodbyes from the carpark, as we were already north of Caboolture, and found a free camp just off the Bruce Highway a bit further on, rather than back-track to niece's house. It was wonderful catching up with them, and we hope to stop by again on our way back down south later in the year.

Later that evening at the campsite........

"What's that funny noise" I asked.....................RAIN, said Rick. We woke up to more rain in the morning; set off at 9am northbound on the Bruce Highway, passing through Gympie & Maryborough. Stopped at Childers to re-fuel etc. I would have liked to stop here for longer as it seemed like an interesting town, and felt like we were quite high in the mountains. Actually, we have been surrounded by mountains all the way up here in Queensland; they must like mountains here............hahaha

We found a free camp at Gin Gin, where we needed a boat, as the rain was so heavy. When we woke in the morning it was still raining.

We left camp at 9am, another early start for us. Travelled north through towns Miriam Vale, Calliope, Mount Larcom, towards Rockhampton, where we decided to Go West (young man), towards Emerald along the Capricorn Highway, leaving Bruce behind.

I drove Winny for the first time today!!! About ??kms of winding and hilly roads to Duaringa. She wasn't as difficult as I had thought, so I will have another shot tomorrow. :)

Tonight we are free camped at a sports ground in the small town of Bluff, not too far from Emerald. The local lads are doing their footy training right now.

The coal trains are chuffing back and forth right across the road, and we hope to see the mines tomorrow, after seeing these trains all along our route today.

When we reach Emerald, and neighbouring towns, we hope to do some gem fossicking, as sapphires and other stones are commonly found in this area.

Still a long way from Cairns, but we hope to get there soon.

So far, we are enjoying this lifestyle, even though I would like to stop more often at places of interest. But we need to get to Rick's sister's place so we can help with his Mum, and sort out some other stuff.

Thanks for reading. :)