 |
| Beach complete with stinger free swim area |
 |
| Seaforth Beach |
 |
| Nathan - no broken leg this year... only a broken pinky finger |
Sunday, June 28, 2015
2015 Roadtrip - Calliope River to Seaforth
We said goodbye to Geoff and Sandra and made our way further north to Seaforth Camping Reserve. $25 for the night with beach views. Well, beach views if you book in for more than 1 night. Either way, any camp site is less than 100m walk to the waters edge - at high tide. There are no powered sites here so you can be certain that half the campers will run gen-sets until the 7pm curfew. The gen-set crew should be the ones camping farthest from the beach front. Dont get me started on Generators and camping.
The local markets were the place to be on the Sunday morning. We picked up some fresh local produce. We packed up and made plans to return here on our way South.
Posted with Blogsy
Saturday, June 27, 2015
2015 Roadtrip - Day 1 Bris to Calliope River
OUR LAST ROADTRIP in the EXPANDER 16 FOOTER.
We left home nice and early to get across Brisbane before the traffic got too bad. After the mandatory Gympie Maccas stop we pushed on North. We were quite happy to pass through Childers and wave as we passed HD Mechanical. Old mate there is unaware his helpful New Years Eve misdiagniosed repair has since failed costing us over $4000 so far this year. Lesson learnt.
Our first camp is at the Calliope River Free stay where we met up with friends Geoff and Sandra who were on their way to Longreach. Calliope River Free stay is in the Camps book. A popular spot with camp sites and toilets on both the North and South sides of the river. The North side is more grassy and looks like it could get quite busy. The South side is a mix of grass and dirt sites but gives the opportunity for water views.
We left home nice and early to get across Brisbane before the traffic got too bad. After the mandatory Gympie Maccas stop we pushed on North. We were quite happy to pass through Childers and wave as we passed HD Mechanical. Old mate there is unaware his helpful New Years Eve misdiagniosed repair has since failed costing us over $4000 so far this year. Lesson learnt.
Our first camp is at the Calliope River Free stay where we met up with friends Geoff and Sandra who were on their way to Longreach. Calliope River Free stay is in the Camps book. A popular spot with camp sites and toilets on both the North and South sides of the river. The North side is more grassy and looks like it could get quite busy. The South side is a mix of grass and dirt sites but gives the opportunity for water views.
 |
| TeamBray Camp - Calliope River |
 |
| Calliope River |
 |
| Calliope River |
 |
| Calliope River |
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Maroon Dam Camp - April 2015
After a few days at home we packed up again and headed to Maroon Dam for our first weekend away with the boat. I found enough courage to tow the boat behind the work ute and Colin followed with the van. After a nervous but uneventful trip we got to camp and were surprised to have the place to ourselves - after all it was Easter school holidays.
The camp ground is quite hilly with full grass cover and portaloos that seemed to get cleaned 3 times a day. The dogs loved being away again too.
On Friday morning we headed down to the dam access provided by the camp ground to launch the boat. It was a very muddy and shallow ramp (if you could call it that). Once we had the boat off the trailer the kids decided it was time to try the knee board. They made it look easy getting up on thier knees easily. Colin however made it look slightly more difficult but once on he carved it out over the wake.
A short lunch break back at the van and the kids were back at it again. We pretty much had the dam to ourselves with only a few boats out enjoying the sunshine and warm water.
It has to be said that we all had a great time - maybe not as relaxing as other camping weekends but the kids are keen to get back out on the water again.
The camp ground is quite hilly with full grass cover and portaloos that seemed to get cleaned 3 times a day. The dogs loved being away again too.
 |
| Ready to roll |
 |
| Teambray Camp - Maroon Dam |
 |
| Tara at camp |
On Friday morning we headed down to the dam access provided by the camp ground to launch the boat. It was a very muddy and shallow ramp (if you could call it that). Once we had the boat off the trailer the kids decided it was time to try the knee board. They made it look easy getting up on thier knees easily. Colin however made it look slightly more difficult but once on he carved it out over the wake.
 |
| Going for a cruise |
 |
| Madilyn knee boarding |
 |
| Lauren being brave! |
 |
| Nathan working out how to knee board. |
A short lunch break back at the van and the kids were back at it again. We pretty much had the dam to ourselves with only a few boats out enjoying the sunshine and warm water.
 |
| Colin making a wake |
 |
| Sideways action |
On Saturday we drove around to the proper boat ramp and easily launched the boat from there. We started out on the tube with limited "whipping" much to the kids and Colin's disappointment. I had to get better at turns. More knee boarding followed up by more tubing and it was time to call it quits for the day.
 |
| Amanda and Nathan - all ok! |
 |
| Nathan making everyone laugh |
 |
| Nathan and Lauren |
 |
| Everyone together |
 |
| Lift off |
 |
| More tube action |
It has to be said that we all had a great time - maybe not as relaxing as other camping weekends but the kids are keen to get back out on the water again.
 |
| Maroon Dam |
 |
| Teambray camp |
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Easter at Levuka 2015
The forecast wasn't looking bright for the Easter long weekend but we headed off on Thursday afternoon with clouds looming overhead. This Easter was a one car affair with the Jeep staying clean at home. After an easy 2 hour drive we arrived at camp and quickly set up the van and cooked ourselves some dinner.
We woke up on Friday morning to what can only be descibed as the sky was dripping. It wasn't raining but there was mositure everywhere. Scattered showers in the morning turned heavier as the day progressed and continued into the night.
Despite the conditions we decided to headout for a drive around some well known tracks. The rainforest hadn't changed but Amanda was sceptecal about doing Rufus' Run along the fence line - she thought it would be too slippery. She was right. A slight loss in traction meant that we were headed sideways down the hill - the grass was no help either. Once we reached a fairly level spot we tried to turn around and go back up the hill but to no avail. The only way out was down - there was no track just a very steep hill - it was somewhat like a rollercoaster ride to the bottom.
Once all the way down we had to negotiate soft muddy tracks using the Maxtrax to help guide and give traction.
Eventually back at camp we spent the afternoon relaxing around the campfire which needed some help to keep alight. The umbrella didn't make it through the weekend.
On Saturday we took an easier path around and there was no slipping down hills. There was a bit of entertainment over at the playground with a few cars making it look very hard in the mud.
A night Tag Along Run saw us doing a recovery and trying out the rainforest in the opposite direction at night. Colin enjoyed this.
The sun finally made its way out on Sunday morning. The kids were not disappointed with thier Easter eggs however we had to put the egg hunt on hold until late in the afternoon. We tagged along with other Levuka regulars and tackled what are normally easy tracks.
We woke up on Friday morning to what can only be descibed as the sky was dripping. It wasn't raining but there was mositure everywhere. Scattered showers in the morning turned heavier as the day progressed and continued into the night.
 |
| Team Bray relaxing |
 |
| Team Bray Camp |
Despite the conditions we decided to headout for a drive around some well known tracks. The rainforest hadn't changed but Amanda was sceptecal about doing Rufus' Run along the fence line - she thought it would be too slippery. She was right. A slight loss in traction meant that we were headed sideways down the hill - the grass was no help either. Once we reached a fairly level spot we tried to turn around and go back up the hill but to no avail. The only way out was down - there was no track just a very steep hill - it was somewhat like a rollercoaster ride to the bottom.
Once all the way down we had to negotiate soft muddy tracks using the Maxtrax to help guide and give traction.
Eventually back at camp we spent the afternoon relaxing around the campfire which needed some help to keep alight. The umbrella didn't make it through the weekend.
 |
| We had to have a fire! |
 |
| Team Bray breakfast |
On Saturday we took an easier path around and there was no slipping down hills. There was a bit of entertainment over at the playground with a few cars making it look very hard in the mud.
 |
| Nathan feeling strong |
 |
| Mud at the Playground |
The sun finally made its way out on Sunday morning. The kids were not disappointed with thier Easter eggs however we had to put the egg hunt on hold until late in the afternoon. We tagged along with other Levuka regulars and tackled what are normally easy tracks.
 |
| View from the Shed - no neighbours for miles |
 |
| Fun in the mud |
After some more sideways action and a few recoveries we were on our way back to camp to participate in the Inaugural Damper Cook Off. Gluten Free damper wasn't a crowd favourite but there was none left to take home. Another delicious meal cooked on the fire and we were out to watch the fireworks. An amazing display of colour enjoyed by everyone.
 |
| Damper Cook off |
 |
| Damper taste test |
 |
| Fire works |
 |
| Madi having a drive |
Friday, January 9, 2015
Woodgate 2014 - Part 3
As our 2014/2015 Woodgate holiday drew closer to an end we still had plenty to do. More fishing, eating, swimming, eating, drinking, fishing :) Even after 3 weeks we all wish we could do it all over again ... now !!
There was time for one more 'meal' at the Caravan Park Cafe. Definitely the Best Burgers in town.
The jellies were washed out to sea and the surf was up for most of the last week. The rougher the better according to the kids. Everyone also enjoyed spending time with Woodgate friends - we hope they all come back next year too.
| Crazy Loz loves her chips |
 |
| TeamBray Lunch |
 |
| TeacherMum napping after lunch |
If, once the sun goes down, you have eaten dinner and still have some energy you can venture back to the beach with torches. It wont be long until you spot some Ghost Crabs. Kids love catching these little guys. It doesn't take long until you have nice little collection. Once we're done we just let them go .. with a few being stuck down each other's shirts.
 |
| Woodgate Beach Ghost Crabs |
 |
| Woodgate Beach Ghost Crabs |
On the incoming tide the conditions looked great for one more Woodgate beach fish. Team Bray hooked up with Team Fitzgerald with some bait from Theodolite Creek and we hit the beach. Team Fitzgerald took in the next haul with some nice dart which they kindly donated to Team Bray's dinner. Once again TeacherMum did a fine job of cutting some nice fillets from the Dart.
 |
| Lauren Fishing Woodgate Beach |
 |
| Woodgate Beach Dart |
 |
| TeacherMum has taken over this trip. BBQ Queen !! |
 |
| TeamBray Camp Breakfast |
 |
| NO NO PLEASE DONT KISS ME |
 |
| 55cm Flathead from Theodolite Creek |
 |
| ActionDad and his Flathead |
After another great year at Woodgate we packed up early to head to Mudgee. This weekend we needed to be at Colin's parent's for his Dad's 65th Birthday party. This new Turbo was going to get a workout !! On the Friday morning we left camp and headed South - 800km to Glen Riddle Reserve just North of Manilla NSW.
The drivers door of the Patrol - the essential stuff handy. Just missing the toilet paper :)
 |
| TeamBray Roadtrip essentials |
We had been to Glen Riddle reserve before. It was around Oct 2012 we were here last. There was a large water reserve here. People had lauched boats and were fishing. Now, you can barealy see a puddle. You can see the tide lines clearly in a photo below. What happened to the water? The area is not that dry surely??
 |
| TeamBray Glen Riddle Reserve |
 |
| Glen Riddle Reserve - without water |
 |
| Glen Riddle Reserve |
PATROL UPDATE
We blew the Turbo in our 2010 GU Patrol. HD Mechanical David Fritz diagnosed the fault on New Years Eve. Our good friend Paul from Nissan arranged the new Turbo which we picked up from Bundaberg. HD Mechanical had the Turbo back in and noticed the Exhaust manifold was leaking - also making noise. Back apart again for some more work. All up $3000 including the new genuine Turbo. Once back home we'll see what we can do to try and prevent surprises like these.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)