Denise and Barry's Caravan Travels: Lara Wetlands

I think I must have relaxed too much at Lara Wetlands as I have found it hard to get around to updating my blog. Now need to rely on my memory!

It was certainly a tranquil camping spot surrounded by Wetlands abundant with Birds & Wildlife, we were able to enjoy the clear nights star gazing sitting around our campfire. On our last night we had a communal campfire with our neighbours from either side of us, it started out as just a drink or two but after two bottles of bubbles that Fay & I drank, then Baz raided our van bringing out the White Port also the bottle of Bundy Royal Liqueur we were all feeling a little happy if not a little sad to be moving on. Baz accidentally brushed against the fire pot and burnt his leg, he said at the time it didn't hurt, I say no sense no feeling! Will elaborate more later in the blog............

We left Lara on Sunday 11th June after a very enjoyable 5 nights, we travelled just 41 klms back to Barcaldine, I think this is the shortest ever journey we have done. Baz was determined to clean the van & car as we were feeling a little dusty and dirty after the road leading to and from the campground. The showgrounds had taps accessible that we were able to use to wash the van, it was great to see it reappearing from under the red dust. We then headed to the Barcaldine Tourist Park where I was able to strip the bed and catch up on our washing as this was the first opportunity I had since before heading out to Birdsville. Baz was also able to give the Paj a spruce up, we were again feeling a little more human with all our smokey clothes washed, a clean bed, van & car washed, also extra long hot showers for us.

Leaving Barcaldine we headed to Saphire for an overnight stop before our next stop Mt Morgan. This is the third time we have called into the Silver Wattle Caravan Park and each year we see the improvements Sarah & Mark have made. We were so looking forward to the free range eggs that you receive when checking in, I was being ever so careful transferring them from the car to the van when I tripped and smashed all four, a big disappointment no fresh eggs for breakfast. We had two nights here resting up before heading to the coast to two very excited grandchildren.

We have now been at Tannum Sands for a week, a very busy week with many activities to attend to see what Liv and Arhie have achieved in the 9 months since we last saw them.

Friday we had a big day Jase, Baz, Archie & myself left home at 7.30 am to meet up with Jason/s friends Dave & Lisa to head out to Kroombit National Park about 100 klms from Tannum Sands to see the crash site of an American Liberty Bomber. The Bomber came to grief in 1943 and wasn't discovered until 45 years later, laying to rest the mystery of The Beautiful Betsy and her crew. You walk amongst the wreckage that is strewn over a large area, it is only accessible by 4WD. The 35km (2 hrs) 4WD loop road has a few creek crossings, it is steep & rocky in places with some spectacular views along the way from approx 900 metres above sea level. It was a great day enjoying a bbq lunch along the way and not getting back home until 6 pm, some very tired people.

Saturday night I found myself in the Emergency Dept at the Gladstone Hospital as my daughter in law Anita became worried about my blood pressure, upon arrival at the Hospital it was 212/110 I was soon whisked off for a CT Scan and ECG. Some four hours later with all tests being OK and the blood pressure coming down after popping a pill, I was able to go home. It seems the anti inflammatory tablets I was taking for my sore foot had caused the spike in the BP, still having follow up with the local GP.
Anita has once again had to use her persuasion skills as the burn on Baz's leg was starting to look mighty unhealthy, with a phone call to the local Dr's and a shove in the right direction Baz has now been receiving treatment on his leg which requires daily dressings. Poor Anita has a couple of old crocks for in laws.