Back at home…….

 again after a very different 4 months on the road and it was absolutely a case of Groundhog Day.  Victoria was still in lockdown though being in Regional Victoria we didn’t have the 5km limit.  After a leisurely breakfast we went down the street to buy a coffee and find a seat in the sun to drink it.  We did a bit of shopping and then went home to attack the washing.  The next few days were more of the same catching up with friends, socially distanced of course, and getting ready for Bill to hit the road again to see how the shops had fared.

The next week Bill started his rounds and over the next few weeks we had done trips to Yackandandah, Beechworth, Chiltern, Benalla, Bright, Glenrowan, Stanhope, Elmore, Alexander, Yea, Mansfield, Violet Town and of course the newsagents here in Euroa.  

Very soon after Bill and Melanie started to plan opening Pop Up Arts Euroa again for 2021.  As well as the people who joined them last year we welcomed two new people.  Carole with her jewelry made from vintage buttons and Carmel with her jewelry made from beads.  The next few weeks were very busy as they set up the shop and got ready to open in October.  We were able to hold an opening night event when we did open.  Jenny from Maygars Hill Vineyard came along with her award winning wines on the night and the money raised from the purchase of wine went to the local Fire Brigade.  A very successful and fun night was had by all who attended.

As well as preparing for the shop Bill also had to get ready for his new exhibition due to show at Bush Gatherings in November.  We had been hoping for a Covid free run this year but it was not to be.  Metropolitan Melbourne was still restrained by the 5 km limit so once again we started the month with just Regional Victoria being able to travel.  It was just the last week when the restrictions eased and we saw a few folk from further afield.  Once again Bill was happy with the exhibition and very happy that people are excited about buying his photography.

Of course now we were back at home it was time to get back to work at the markets.  Unfortunately due to the new Covid strain all but one of the October markets were cancelled so we had to wait until November to get back into the swing of things.  Once we did life became very busy again each weekend as we ran up to Christmas.

Before we went away Bill had been offered the chance to hold an exhibition in the gorgeous old Kyabram Town Hall.  There are four amazing spaces and he was looking forward to showing in another gallery a lot larger than he had done before.  It meant that more pieces had to be prepared and these were printed and framed in record time once he had the final pieces chosen.  With just one week between taking the Bush Gatherings exhibition down and the new one going up life was certainly hectic for a while.  

Opening at Kyabram on the 8th December the new exhibition looked amazing and we hoped that many people would stop by and see it.  Rather than host an opening event Bill was holding ‘A meet the artist’ day when the gallery reopened in January after a short recess for Christmas and New Year.  We were thrilled with all the publicity Bill received for both exhibitions.  Local radio stations interviewed Bill and local newspapers had run articles after seeing the exhibition and talking to him.  

While Bill was flat out with all his birds, I had returned to my activities once restrictions had eased.  I was enjoying Line Dancing and my indexing at the museum.  Trivia nights with our team brought mixed results as we had been out of practice for so long but we still did well and stayed off the bottom most of the time.  Family History was fun too as I attempted to trace both sides of our families.  It’s been very interesting.  Thankfully a couple of our Aunties had done a lot of work previously and shared this with us.

While we were busy with the shop and the markets we still found time to catch up with friends and spent some time enjoying delicious meals at the Butter Factory with Melanie and Simon.  I had a lovely lunch with the girls from the One World Shop, Sue, Genevieve and Ruth.  A dinner at the Seven Creeks Hotel with Judi and Peter and a fabulous afternoon of fun when Shelley, Darren, Kyan Julie and Craig came to visit and Connie opened our local Chinese Restaurant just for us to have lunch.

And then it was Christmas!  We made the usual drive down to Parkdale where we enjoyed Christmas lunch with the family.  Anne and Paul had decided to stay as the borders hadn’t been opened in time for them to get back to WA.  After living beside the Murray for two months they were now back in suburbia to enjoy Christmas with their grandchildren and family.  It was lovely for Mum to have her four children able to celebrate with her after so many years.

Bill and I opened the shop for it’s last three days in the week between Christmas and New Year and then it was time for everyone to collect any unsold items and say goodbye to Pop Up Arts Euroa for another year.  Once again it had been a very successful enterprise for all those concerned and we look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year.  

For now at least it’s time for a few days rest before we start the cycle all over again.  We wish you all the best for coming year and I’m sure we are all hoping for a much better year as far as the pandemic goes.

until next time…..

Almost home……..

 After leaving Renmark we made our way to Mildura, where after a visit to the chemist to top up the scripts, we made our way to find a campsite for the night.  We were joining Anne and Paul beside the Murray River at Kings Billabong Park.  They have been there for 3 weeks as they cannot cross the border into SA as they are in Victoria during this lockdown period.  Pretty crazy as though they are both double vaccinated and haven’t been near any hotspots for weeks they still can’t get an exemption.  

We spent the afternoon catching up and enjoyed the mild night around the campfire.  As it cooled down we employed our friend, Bobs, idea of a bum warmer.  Hot coals in an enamel bowl and place it under your chair makes for a half hour of cosy warmth.  Change the coals when cool and stay warm as toast.  Great fun.  The spot beside the river was lovely and I guess if they had to be trapped anywhere it wasn’t a bad spot.

The next morning we said goodbye after breakfast.  It was lovely watching the river come to life and we enjoyed the pelicans, swans with cygnets and a family of butcherbirds all checking us out as we did them. A mid morning departure saw us stop for lunch at Ouyen and coffee at Wycheproof in the afternoon.  

The Boomerang Memorial caught my interest and we found that it was to commemorate Bernard ‘Bunny’ Read who won the World Boomerang Throwing Championship 4 times.  From here we continued on stopping just on dark at Dingee Railway Station where there is a 72 hour camp stop.  We only needed 12 so we stayed.  A tiny town with just a general store and a pub.

The next morning was a very chilly 3 deg outside and not much warmer inside until we put the heater on.  We left here at 9am and had a coffee break at Elmore continuing on through Tatura and Murchison and soon after were backing the van in the driveway.

It has been a very emotional and up and down trip with illness, surgery and Covid lockdowns and restrictions along the way.  We had some great times as well as the medical surprises but right now it’s good to be home.  

During the afternoon we unpacked the van, Judi and Peter dropped in for half an hour but with restrictions in place it was talk at 20 paces in the backyard.  Eggs on toast for tea and long hot showers before bed made for a perfect evening.

Until next time…….

6 days in SA………..

 We left Alice Springs and drove on hoping we would make it to Marla and get through the border without any issues.  We did and stopped soon after at the Wintinna Rest Area.  Along the way we stopped a few times to exercise and I was taken with this quirky artwork at Erldunda Roadhouse.

The next day we set off early and stopped for our first break at Cadney Park Homestead.  We had a coffee and a loo break before continuing on to Coober Pedy.  This morning the wind was very strong and by the time we reached Coober Pedy it seemed like gale force.  Just opening the car door was a challenge to hold it safely.  We did some shopping here and had lunch but with the wind showing no signs of abating we decided to stay here as it was difficult to drive in it.

We woke early the next morning to the sound of rain on the roof.  It was only light and dried as it landed but at least it kept the sand from swirling in the wind.  It lasted about an hour and the wind had abated so we decided to head off early too.  We stopped at Glendambo for lunch and continued on to camp for the night just past Pimba at the Island Lagoon Rest Area.  A great view of the island in the salt lake at sunset.

The wind was back and the forecast was for 5 deg overnight so it wasn’t long before the heater was on.  It was a little hard to believe that the overnights had been 17 deg just a few days ago.  The wind was gone the next morning but boy was it cold.  We put the heater on until after breakfast and soon after left to drive to Port Augusta.  Along the way we stopped for a break and found this interesting artwork here.

The Kokatha Country artwork has a work across the top of each panel.  It says One People, One Country, One Dreamtime.  If only it were that simple!  We had been going to stop overnight at Port Augusta but as we drove in we heard that there had been Covid cases recorded there so we just stopped for fuel and drove straight through.  We didn’t want anything to prevent us from crossing into Victoria without quarantine.

We stopped for lunch at Orroroo and then drove on to Peterborough where we booked into the caravan park for the night.  There was no sun here and it was freezing so we plugged in for the night to make sure we had sufficient battery to continue on tomorrow.  Plenty of diesel though kept the heater going as it dropped to 1 deg that night.

It was a chilly start to the next day but the heater went on before we got up so it wasn’t too bad.  It was Father’s Day and David rang early to talk to Bill, Gareth called a little later in the day.  We left at 10am and drove on to Burra, then Morgan where we had lunch beside the Murray River.  

Renmark was our next stop where we camped beside the river.  Still freezing but not as bad as last night and the next morning the heater went on until after breakfast when we left again to cross our final border of this trip.  Once again armed with a border pass we were able to cross with no issues and no quarantine requirements.

It’s been a long drive but at last we are back in our home state.

until next time………

A week in the Northern Territory……….

 Waking up at Camooweel was very peaceful as usual but we had no time to relax and linger today as we were wanting to get across the border as soon as possible.  We left straight after breakfast and about 20 mins later were at the border.  It was manned and we prepared to stop when asked to.  The lovely young lady took our details and checked our border passes and then sent us on our way.  We had finally left Qld and were in NT.  A relief but still a long way to go.

We continued on stopping at Barkly Homestead for lunch and then that night at a site we found on wiki camps about 30 km short of the Stuart Highway.  Another old communication tower but they make great sites to stay overnight.  And being on a hill meant we actually had a signal.

Another early morning and we were on the road again, this time a straight run down the never ending Stuart Highway.  We stopped at Tennant Creek and had a coffee at the Red Centre Cafe and then a few hours later stopped to make lunch along the way.  We stayed overnight at Prowse Gap Rest Area with 4 or 5 other vans but not as busy as we have seen in the past.  Since leaving Normanton the weather has changed and we now have slightly cooler days and very chilly nights.  

We left early the next morning and drove straight into Alice Springs where we found a home at Watersun Caravan Park.  We are staying for two nights as it’s time to wash and shop again.  A never ending cycle for the traveler.  During the afternoon we visited the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens before coming home to take care of the chores and relax in the shade.

The next day was to be a day of work but before we got started I found I was bleeding after a visit to the loo.  Not knowing if something had happened to the surgery site I thought it best if I go to emergency and check it out.  We really didn’t want another hospital visit but we also didn’t want to drive on again without knowing.  And so the day was spent in the emergency department of the Alice Springs Hospital.  They were very thorough and after an ultrasound and a CT it was determined that all was well and that I had a UTI.  I was given antibiotics and allowed to go home that night.  I must say that a Sunday in ED in Alice was a very enlightening experience.  The staff all deserve medals for coping with some of their interesting patients.  

Now I could relax a bit we had a leisurely morning the next day and went into town for a coffee.  Stumps was our cafe of choice and it was very nice.  We had a walk through the Mall and into the Plaza for a look around.  We found this interesting car there advertising the Red Centre Nats which were coming next week.  Back at home I chilled out in the shade while Bill took the car back into town to finally get the windscreen replaced.

The next morning it was back to town to shop for the next few days, had coffee, got fuel and had a walk around checking out some of the murals that had appeared since we were last there.  

Finally it was time to say goodbye to Alice Springs and we hope we can cross the SA border with no problems.  We have our permit and hope it is easy as the NT one was.  The checkpoint is not at the border but a couple of hundred km down the road at Marla.  We’ll have to wait and see.

until next time…….

An unwanted hiccup………

 We had left Mareeba a week ago and all had gone well until today.  I woke at 4 am with an urgent call of nature and knew immediately something had changed.  This continued for the next few hours and by morning I had deteriorated enough for Bill to suggest we stay for one more day.  By now it seemed that I had picked up a gastro bug though not sure where from.  With temperatures in the high 30’s I needed water but couldn’t keep any in.  I slept the morning away but as I was no better in the afternoon Bill rang Normanton Hospital and they suggested he bring me in.   After seeing the Dr in emergency I was admitted with severe dehydration and here I am again.  Another little NQ town and another outback hospital.

I improved overnight but was still considered dehydrated so I was on a clear fluid diet and a saline drip.  Lots of time to read and doze as I recover.  The next day I was still here with a few issues with BP again so I’m here for another day at least.  Upgraded to real food again to see how I go.  I had a shower in the morning and got a huge shock when I discovered it was cold.  It might be 38 deg outside but a cold shower is not what the Dr ordered I’m sure.  I had to laugh when I saw my feet.  I promise they are clean, just a bit much time spent in thongs in the sun.

The next morning the Dr told me I could go home so I let Bill know he could come and get me.  I was feeling much better and hope this is the last hospital visit I have.  Once I was discharged we drove across to Karumba to pick up some shopping at the supermarket.  Bill had been to both of the stores in Normanton and said there was not much there.  While there we had a quick look at The Barramundi Discovery Centre and though it was interesting we didn’t linger.

We called into the pub and shared a bowl of chips for lunch, admired the view of the Gulf of Carpenteria and then made our way home for our last night at Leichhardt Lagoon.  The next morning we packed up and set off on our way to Cloncurry.   We had a few short stops along the way as I couldn’t sit for too long and had a longer break at Burke and Wills Roadhouse where we had lunch.  We then continued on and arrived at Oasis Caravan Park in Cloncurry later in the afternoon.  

We left the next morning and drove onto Mt Isa where we did some shopping and had coffee at a favorite cafe which we were pleased to see was still there.  The Xtra Mile Cafe has good coffee, good food and quirky decor.  One sign caught my eye and once upon a time I might have agreed with this.  Thankfully life has changed a little.

Once finished it was back on the road again for the drive to Camooweel where we camped beside the billabong and relaxed for the evening.  We have our border passes and it’s time to cross the border in NT tomorrow.

until next time………

The long road home……….

We said farewell to Trevor the next morning as he opened the improvised gateway to the orchard where we had been camped.  The backhoe had become a running joke as he checked each day whether Bill needed him to dig a hole for me - a bit rude I think - and thankfully not an offer we had to take up!

To get home we had to travel across to NT but because of our day in Cairns we can’t cross the border until the 24th August.  4600 km to get home this way but it’s better than 2 weeks quarantine if we come through NSW.  Fingers crossed there are no hiccups along the way.

We stopped at Ravenshoe for lunch and then made our way to a favorite gravel pit/campsite at Minamooka.  The next morning we stopped at Mt Surprise where we found a quirky coffee shop set in a shed and enjoyed a drink and a scone there.

Next stop was Georgetown for bread before stopping for a couple of nights at Cumberland Chimney.   After a couple of days where Bill enjoyed some time with the birds we left early and set off to Croydon.  Not far out the sealed road gave way to a single strip of bitumen which we are quite used to out here.  Since last time we drove along this route all the unsealed sections have been sealed so hopefully it won’t be too long before these narrow sections are replaced as well.

Unfortunately not soon enough for us as our pleasant drive soon took a turn for the worse as a car came speeding towards us.  Both of us moved over to the shoulder as you have to out here but he did not slow down and the next moment we heard a huge thump and yet another windscreen was damaged.  We hope it lasts until we can get somewhere to replace it.

We made it to Croydon and stayed in the caravan park there for a couple of days to fill in time and to do the necessary washing etc.  The night before we left we had dinner at the pub and while it was delicious it was just so big.  I guess they are used to feeding big burly blokes but it would be nice if the serves were a bit smaller for some of us.

The inside of old veranda has been painted in 2012 as a gift to Croydon by artist Rod Lucas.  It is a compilation of old and new and there are some lovely scenes there.  I loved that I even got some sunset in the picture of the Male Ward from the old hospital.  Originally built in 1894 this building was moved to make way for the new hospital and is still used for community purposes.

Leaving the next day we made our way towards Normanton and our next stop was Leichhardt Lagoon where another couple of nights will be spent.  Unlike last time there was hardly anyone here and we got a prime spot at the waters edge.  We enjoyed an afternoon of just lazing by the water watching the birds and reading.  I am loving this part of the journey as we have to go slow to fill in time.  Known for its lovely sunsets here we were not disappointed that evening.

Bill rose early and spent the morning with his camera and the birds.  There are Brolgas, Sarus Cranes, Jabirus, Pelicans, Green Pygmy Geese, Jacanas, Ibis, Magpie Geese, Egrets, Herons, Blue Winged Kookaburras, Kingfishers, Rainbow Bee Eaters, little Rufous Throated Honeyeaters, Yellow Honeyeaters, lots of Apostle Birds and many different types of raptors flying around.  Bill is in heaven and goodness only knows how long it will to take to sort out the 1000’s of photos he has taken.  

We’ll be off in the morning but look forward to visiting next time we pass by.

until next time……..

Vaccines, Doctors and Lockdowns…………..

 We had only been going to stay in Mareeba for a week but with all that had happened we had three more weeks to fill in.  Trevor was happy for us to stay where we were and both he and Linda were very kind to us.  I had to return to the hospital in Mareeba to get the staples removed in two weeks and then a visit to Cairns to see the surgeon for a post op visit in three weeks.  But first we had to get our Covid vaccines.

When we left Euroa our clinic was only doing the over 70’s so we figured we’d get ours along the way.  The next day we drove down to Cairns to get done at the hub but found out once there we needed an appointment.  We were given a phone number to call and 20 mins later had appointments organised at Mareeba hospital the next day.  It was a big day out for me but it was nice to get out again.

The next day we presented to the clinic and received our first vaccine.  Neither of us had any side effects so we were very pleased about that.  I did love the artwork in the hospital corridor, must be near the childrens wing.  

The next few days saw us staying close to home, just popping out for a coffee before relaxing in the garden.  Before we knew it the time had come to return to the hospital to get my staples out.  It was a long wait in the outpatients as dressings etc are no longer an emergency.  Once I was called in the nurse got all but one of the staples out.  The last one proved a bit stubborn and she had to call the Dr in to get it out.  It certainly feels more comfortable with them removed and I only have to wait another week to see the surgeon and we can be on our way.

The next day we had a bit of an adventure as we drove down to Cairns for Bill to checkout a new radio for the car.  Ours is pretty terrible and it’s time to upgrade.  From there we drove home via the Gillies Range.  A very long and winding road and once up we drove across to Milla Milla where we had lunch at Mungalli Creek Dairy.  Very delicious and stunning scenery as we ate.  We brought a picnic bag home for dinner that night.  Back at home I was well and truly exhausted after such a big day out.  A little over 200 km round trip. 

The next few days saw us play tourist as I felt a little better.  We had a trip to Port Douglas to visit a mid week market held at the marina.  It was very disappointing with hardly any stalls there and what was there was really only the retailers putting stuff out the front of their shop.  The shopping precinct was very quiet compared to the weekend a while ago.  They are definitely missing the tourists.

While in Mareeba we took advantage of the coffee plantations and visited Jacques, Skybury Coffee, Gallo Dairyland and Coffee Works in town.  I think Jacques was our favorite with Coffee Works a close second though I loved the wall art at Gallo Dairyland.

Another day saw us visit Lake Barrine and enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea at the historic Teahouse there.  The weather had turned and it was freezing both inside and outside there.  The view was lovely though and it was well worth the visit.  On the way home we stopped at Yungaburra to check out the platypus again and Bill took many photos as the cute little guy was not the least bit perturbed by him or the camera.

A trip to Atherton the next day to check out an indoor market was yet another disappointment with mainly trash and treasure type stalls and I really don’t know why people even bother attending.  There really was nothing appealing about it at all.  We are definitely spoiled with all our local markets here in North East Victoria.  

On the way back home we heard on the news that there had been a Covid case breach the borders and Cairns was going into a three day lockdown.  My appointment with the surgeon was on day two of the lockdown.  We decided to drive down anyway as it was a necessary medical service and with masks on I visited the hospital and saw the Dr one last time.  He was very happy with my progress and gave me the all clear to set off towards home at last.   We had to stay in Cairns for a few hours as Bill had booked the car in for the new radio to be fitted and they were still working despite the lockdown.  While he walked back to get it I sat on a street corner and read.  It was a very eerie feeling, as just like I imagine Melbourne was, Cairns was like a ghost town with no one around.  As the time wore on a few people were having their hour of exercise, all doing the right thing with masks etc.  No one questioned what I was doing but I was glad when Bill arrived to pick me up and head back up the range.

And so now all that is left is to do is prepare to leave.  A day spent washing and another day spent shopping and a final coffee at Coffee Works.  We had a farewell dinner with Linda and Trevor at the Gateway Hotel and then it was just one more sleep and we were to be on our way.

until next time…….

Rest and recuperation………..

 The next morning was a bit of a challenge as I was in recovery for 5 hours.  To start with I wouldn’t wake up.  I guess 8 hours of anesthesia really convinces you it’s time to sleep.  When I did start to wake up I wouldn’t breathe.  Eventually everything came together and I was finally taken to a ward at about 2.30pm.  Bill was there and was pleased to see that I was ok at last.  He was very tired after his night of car parks and phone calls so I convinced him to return home and rest as I was still drifting in and out of sleep too.  I settled in for day 1 of my 8 day stay.

No one ever sleeps properly in hospital and I was no different as I was was monitored constantly throughout the night.  I was encouraged to get up for a shower the next morning which I did though I was hardly capable.  Must admit I did feel better afterwards.  The physio visited next and then I dozed the next 12 hours away.  There was no way I was waking up any time soon.  Bill came in for a quick visit and once he knew all was going well he returned home for another early night.

More of the same the next day, Bill came and went again as I still couldn’t stay awake for long.  The surgeon visited and told me how long and complicated the surgery had been.  He was pleased with my progress so all was well I guess.  The physio visited again and got me up and walking out in the corridor.

A huge milestone the next morning when after 4 days on nil by mouth and saline fluids I was allowed to to have clear fluids.  I can’t tell you how wonderful beef broth and then this jelly tasted even though I could only eat half of it.  The next morning I was upgraded to full fluids and the highlight of my day was a little tub of ice cream.  A soft diet was up for the next day and chopped up chicken and mashed potato was a bit of a treat.  Bill was pleased to see that I was improving and at last able to stay awake for his visits.

Sunday morning brought a bit of a surprise when the Dr came by and said if I took it easy I could go home.  I was a bit nervous but the physio had given me the all clear with walking and managing stairs so there was no reason to stay.  I rang Bill and let him know and then I just wandered the corridors until he came to get me.  As our car is so far off the ground Bill had to stop at Bunnings on the way to buy a set of steps so I could get in and out of the car.  I’m sure I’ll get a few funny looks but at least I won’t hurt myself.

While I waited I took one more look at view from the lounge window and then it was goodbye to all and Bill drove me back up the range and home to the caravan.  I was a bit uncertain and overwhelmed that evening but came good and was glad to be home again.  

I had a better nights sleep than if I’d been at the hospital but until the staples are out I imagine it won’t be perfect.  Bill looked after me beautifully and I know I’ll recover quickly with his help.  My steps work perfectly to get in and out of the car though right now we’re not going anywhere.

The next night I slept a little better and while Bill went shopping in the morning I caught up with some phone calls and enjoyed another lovely day in the orchard.  With regular walks around the trees it won’t be long before I’m feeling ready to get amongst it again.

until next time……..

An unexpected turn of events………

 The next morning Bill got up early and went off to Mt Lewis.  I stayed home and enjoyed a day with the birds and the palm trees.  The sky was grey all day but the rain held off though Bill said he had the wipers on all the way up the mountain.  Once up there he said it was too dark to get anything reasonable so he came back mid afternoon.

The next morning was more miserable than the day before.  The rain drizzled on and off all day.  We spent the day at home but not too many birds felt like braving the weather.  We decided to head back to Mareeba the next morning as the rain was continuing and it was getting soggier all the time.  So we packed up and headed off mid morning.  We had lunch in town and then made our way to Birds on Barron where Trevor had our spot all organized.  We set up and spent the afternoon enjoying the blue skies and sunshine.  What a difference from where we started the day.  We caught up with Linda that evening when she returned from work.  It was a cheery reunion.

The next morning we drove over to Yungaburra where we took a walk along Petersen Creek.  We were hoping to see the platypus again and we weren’t disappointed.  Just a short way along the creek we found a little one just enjoying life along the edges of the bank.  There were quite a few people gathered there watching it but at no time did it seem bothered by them.  So much for being a shy creature.  As we walked along the creek I saw this unusual tree where the pretty little flowers grow out of the trunk.  

Once we left we continued on to Lake Eacham where we did the 3 km walk around the lake.  The very grey day combined with the heat made for a very hot and humid walk but we survived the experience.  No birds to speak of or to photograph as it was very dark in the rainforest walk.

Back at home we had a lovely meal out with Linda and Trevor at a fabulous Thai Restaurant called Secret Recipe.  A fun night out but way too much to eat.

The next morning we headed out to Jaques Coffee Plantation to have morning tea.  We enjoyed coffee and lemonade scones before continuing on to Kuranda to visit the market.  Not sure how they will fare without all the international tourists but we’ll have a look.  We had a good look around though there are many shops/stalls which have closed and then decided to have lunch a little later.  Of course Petit Crepes was our lunch stop and we enjoyed the yummy crepes.  One of us was a little more restrained than the other.

Now here’s where the story changes.  On the way home I developed severe stomach pains.  These continued on all afternoon so I took myself off to bed at 5.30 hoping they would subside during the night.  This was not to be and I passed an awful night in agony trying hard not to disturb Bill.  The next morning when Bill could see that I was a lot worse he decided he was taking me to the hospital.  Mareeba has a small hospital and I’m very grateful for that.  

Sunday morning at 8.00am was not busy and I got seen straight away and was soon all wired up and a cannula put in my arm.  My blood pressure and heart rate were not right and would not settle and the pains while not so bad would not subside.  I saw a lovely young Dr from Melbourne called Casey and she decided that I needed a CT Scan.  Once done she didn’t know what to make of it so called in the senior Dr who looked like he was about 12 years old.  He was also bamboozled and contacted a surgeon in Cairns who diagnosed an internal hernia and a blockage of the small bowel.  No going home for me, I had to be sent down to Cairns to be assessed and decide what to do.

I went down the range by ambulance at 8.30pm and once seen by the surgeon was told I was going into surgery straight away.  I had told Bill not to come down until I let him know what was happening and now tried to tell him to stay home until the morning but of course he didn’t listen and came anyway.  By the time he got there I was in surgery which took 8 hours.  He couldn’t wait in the hospital so spent many worried hours in the car park before returning home until the morning.  He rang the hospital every hour to see if I was out.  It seems that the small bowel was herniated and twisted and in a couple of spots had died so it had to be resected.  It took Dr Chong and his team all night to sort it out.  

So once again I’m in a tropical location inside a hospital minus more of my bowel.

until next time……..

Ride ‘em cowboy………….

 We booked into the Rodeo grounds and stayed four days.  This allowed us to take in all the fun and excitement of the Rodeo.  There were 100’s of vans, campers, and motor homes here with us so a new experience this certainly will be.  Sideshow Alley was being set up as we arrived and by the next morning it was all ready to go.

The next morning we drove down to Cairns as we had to pick up some bits to repair one of the cupboards in the van.  We also needed a new battery for the car fridge.  After lunch we checked out the boardwalk but with the tide right out there were no birds to keep Bill interested.  We returned to Mareeba and found that many more caravans and campers had arrived at the Rodeo grounds and the action was about to start in Sideshow Alley.  

Saturday morning and all the fun was about to begin.  As well as all people staying at the grounds there were 1000’s of others who came in through the gate.  The rides were all in full swing and all the food vendors were busy though whoever thinks a Dagwood dog is a good idea in the morning is just a little crazy!  We made our way through the crowds and found a seat in the arena and were well entertained for the next couple of hours.  Bull Riding in all age groups, the youngest being 8-14 years.  Barrel Racing, Steer Wrangling and Buck Jumping all made for a super exciting time.

We wandered back to the van for a rest and some lunch and returned a while later to watch some more.  Sideshow Alley got busier as the day wore on and the bar was certainly well patronized.  We returned to the van for a late afternoon break and then made our way back to watch the final events for the evening.  The young cowboys on the mini bulls were amazing and the adults on the big bulls just plain terrifying to watch.  I can’t think why anyone would want to do this and how they survive is beyond me. 

 Still we loved the whole event and would happily return again.  This years Rodeo was only one day as it had been cut short due to Covid restrictions but it was an extremely well run event and the papers said there were about 10,000 people there.  Back at home that evening it was straight to sleep and we didn’t even hear the concert on later. A great fun day.

The next morning we expected to see weary people packing up all the rides but were surprised to see it was all done and most of them had gone already.  They certainly didn’t hang around but I guess they had to be somewhere else fairly soon.  They must have worked all night.  After breakfast we drove down to Port Douglas via Mount Molloy and Julatten to visit the market there.  It was pretty busy but nowhere near as busy as it was when we were here two years ago when we were here last.  I loved the old ‘Iron Bar’ along the Main Street.

We found a cafe to have coffee before we hit the market.  I was fascinated by the glassblower and watched him making some items.  I fell in love with a Cassowary he had just finished and called back to pick it up before we drove home.  

The next morning it was time to pack up and head off to Feathers and Friends at Julatten where we were staying for a few days.  We had a coffee in Mareeba before we headed off and called in to see if Linda was home as we passed.  She was at work but we caught up with Trevor and organised to return in a few days and stay for a week.  Next stop was a quick one at Mount Malloy where I took this picture of the Jack Newell shopfront.

From there it was just a short drive to our final destination and soon after Bill was wandering the grounds with his camera.  A happy man again.

until next time……..