Tuesday 26th July – Day 4
Up early again this morning as we had a fair way to go. Left the camp at about 8:15 and turned towards the north again. Emerald was the first port of call, with an aim of McDonalds for coffee. There weren’t too many exciting things on the road as it was basically going through unimproved country most of the way. We arrived late afternoon, at the caravan park at Belyando Crossing, which was our overnight stop.
Wednesday 27th July – Day 5
At Belyando Crossing we were all lined up in a row so that as many vehicles as possible could be squeezed in. Too bad if you were in the middle and wanted to get out early!
This place is quite remote and about 13 hrs drive north from Carnarvon Gorge, so was really the only place to stay overnight unless we could find a freecamp somewhere, which wasn’t successful. Had a chuckle in the cafe, as we were waiting for a coffee and some food. A well to do couple pulled up in a mercedes and the woman ordered a cappuccino and the guy wanted a latte. The young girl serving, looked a bit perplexed and went around to the food prep area, where I saw her spoon International Roast coffee powder into two mugs and bring them out to the couple. I had to leave before I burst out laughing.
We headed off north again, and the trip was pretty well the same as the previous day. The road was very hilly and with a strong headwind, the ‘cruiser was down to 2nd gear in places. Feels wrong to have to accelerate going downhill, into the teeth of the wind. We ended up staying at a large grassy area, next to a creek, 12 kms west of Ravenshoe. There were already about 15 vans there but we got in ok. It was a clear night and the stars were magnificent.
Next morning we met the rooster of Ravenshoe along with his harem. We thanked him for letting us stay the night, before heading off again.
Thursday 28th July – Day 6
Well today was supposed to be a short one – only 273kms. Anyway, we headed into Mareeba via Ravenshoe and Atherton. Every road seemed to go uphill, with some seriously steep bits.
The country was very up and down, with beautiful vistas and we finally came to the caravan’s final camp site – Lakeland Caravan Park, at the start of the dirt.
Tomorrow we head onto the corrugations and bull dust – that will be interesting.