Ravenshoe the tallest town in Queensland

You know you are on an outback road when the trucks get longer and the road gets narrower.  These road rains are a common sight and it is best to move right off the road to allow them to pass. We camped in such a remote area even the GPS got confused. There is nothing out here but red dust, gazillions of anthills, (Richo calls 'em sand dunes) empty creeks, dams and water holes. Some farms are so heavily stocked in this drought I really don't know what the cattle eat. Erosion everywhere where cattle criss cross the terrain in search for food and water. Some places are just bare dirt with rock piles and the cattle freely roaming the road, there is ample evidence of vehicles connecting with wild life and stock. The shop keeper at Bluewater Springs said they have had no rain in 2 years.  The pretty spring fed creek has since dried up and they are nearly out of water for personal use. We spent some money in her shop, we try to patronise people who are supplying a service to the public in less than ideal circumstances. She is the only shop for over 100kms, she was friendly, upbeat and helpful.

We had already driven out of our way to visit the last roadhouse. We didn't need anything, just to buy something and support the local community. There were signs everywhere, "no Dogs", "pay for fuel first!!!" "Don't leave your manners in the car " on the front door etc etc. We found the signage obnoxious and offensive. Most travellers are polite, respectful  and well behaved, to be welcomed with such "greetings" would surely put them off too. We turned around and walked out without spending a cent.

Millstream Falls are the Widest single fall waterfalls in Australia, a steep well made path to the Falls from the car park stopped me from being able to enjoy the view. 370m of steep winding bitumen pathway stood between me and the falls. I headed off on my knee scooter full of confidence and before halfway I realised I wouldn't get back so I turned around and made a difficult ascent back to the car and sent Richo on with the camera. Such a shame because I have made it a bit of a hobby to see the biggest, longest, tallest or best of its kind landmarks whether it be natural or manmade.

We headed up the highest Road in  Queensland  to the Highest Pub, bought a loaf of bread at the highest bakery and suspect we used the highest public toilet too! The country side here is rich red soil, steep hills, fat cattle and potatoes being harvested as we drove between the farms. The scenery was so different to the coast and air was much cooler. For the first time in more than 2 weeks we broke out our jumpers. We camped on a little used developmental road after a BBQ tea of steak, eggs, basil stuffed mushrooms( which reminds me I must show you guys that recipe) salad and garlic bread. The dogs had BBQ lamb chops and have been in a coma ever since. Long walks, full bellies and mountain air will do that to them every time.

Cairns and the accident on the Kuranda Range

Here is the salt water pool on the Cairns Esplanade, open every day from 6am until 9 pm except Wed Am for cleaner and maintenance. 1.5m at the deepest point a pebble fete pool with stainless entry rails for the elderly and disabled. There are lifeguards on duty, sandy beaches waterfeatures, boardwalks, babas, warm showers, sculptures, shade tress and seating. It is very pretty and although it doesn't have an actual wet edge to the Cairns a Harbour from this shot it appears to. We had 4 swims in total here and it was wonderful, as usual I can swim further than I can walk and the cool water on my swollen ankle was very therapeutic. We tried to teach a young Japanese couple to swim. They were attempting to use a stupid life ring which was an oval shape, it went over the head and around the arms. It served to push their heads under water every time their feet left the ground. The girl took in so much water up her nose I bet it's still dripping next week. We saw them the next day and am pleased to say they ditched the non life saving device and were having a ball. They had a phone in an underwater case and if they don't have a thousand photos of themselves clowning in the pool I'm a bad judge.

after numerous mis communications with a girlfriend we intended to meet we headed off up the Kuranda Range to meet up. Richo got his watch repaired, after he broke the glass bumping it in the baths and bought some new sun glasses after breaking them too. He reckons the arm just fell off. It was funny watching him trying to wear them with one arm. We had Korean again and Richo the chilli sook decides he likes Kimchi and said I should make some. I have already made a video recipe of it a long time ago. I told him there are at least 2 jars left at home and if he had tried it when I made it he would have known sooner how good it was. We bought a tub of gourmet Macadamia honey caramel ice cream and ate it with spoons looking out over the harbour.

Our trip up the range was interrupted by a serious motor cycle accident. We were caught in a 20km stopped traffic jam while the road was cleared and the police forensic investigators recorded the scene. I fear the rider lost his life today on that scenic mountain road. We turned on the UHF radio to monitor the progress of the road closure as the road was too narrow, winding and filled with blind curves for us to turn around. We were saddened to hear the banter on the radio. Mostly talk about 6 packs of beer and bourbon being requested to drink in the stopped traffic, far too much speculation by people without a clue of the current conditions or situation and one big mouthed idiot female who was furious because this delay would stop her from watching some irrelevant tv show tonight. Another listener voiced our sentiments and told her to shut up, reminding her this inconvenience to her, was as a result of some poor person dying. Some people should never use a microphone and she is definitely one of those people. 

The police were busy tring to control traffic, safely record the accident scene and deal with serious prolonged delays and problems. This section of road is a notorious accident black spot with frequent incidents reported.

Waterfall way Atherton

Millaa Millaa Falls is a beautiful setting, people swim here away from crocs, we were here early and the weather was quite cool and misty. 

We headed inland from Tully to retrace a route I took 15 years ago. First stop a local fruit stall to buy some bananas and papaya then on to Elijah Falls. They really should fix the car park. One of the potholes was the full length of the road and so deep we bottomed out hitting the exit hose on our hot water tank rupturing it. Lost a fair bit of our fresh water and all our hot water. Stuck in the car park at Zilly Falls overnight before we could repair it. No water on tap luckily we had spare water in a drum.

Cowley Beach

Cowley Beach is the home of a Military training camp. I couldn't think of a more ideal place to camp and train. The sandy beach has these gorgeous islands on the horizon. The weather can be wet but when we were there it was fantastic. I doubt this area would condition you to work in hot arid dessert conditions but if a war in the jungle seems imminent this place would provide perfect conditions to prepare you.

I Love Townsville!!!

The view of Townsville and Magnetic Island from the Castle Hill Lookout in the dead centre of town, breathtaking, spectacular, scenic!

We saw a man catch a large flathead and huge golden trevally off this wharf. Judging by the number of photos his wife took I don't think he does it that often. We was pretty proud of his catch.

The foreshore is filled with sparkling bbqs, play equipment, excercise equipment, water entertainment, jetty, showers, bins, grassy areas, nice wide meandering pathways and tropical gardens. It is a paradise to be enjoyed for free and it's spotlessly clean and an absolute credit to the city if Townsville. It's the finest foreshore development I have ever seen.

We arrived in Townsville late in the day on a Sunday. The Strand is a foreshore precinct  that has won numerous Cleanest Beach in Queendland awards. We took the dogs on leads for long walks along the strand and Tilly met a plethora of new friends! We ate moist tender corned beef with potatoes, carrots, kumera, cabbage, beans and white sauce on the ocean front and watched the hundreds of visitors and locals walk, run and ride past. The after dinner walk (well I couldn't walk but I did ride my knee scooter for miles) was fun as we enjoyed an ice cream and after a terrific nights sleep. Another long walk was on the menu, we had cereal and yoghurt with fruit and grapefruit juice and we had a swim in the sea pool. Richo came to sooking all the while about the cold but I loved it I swam 6 laps which is around 600 m and I'd still be in that pool if he hadn't wanted to get going. I can swim but I can't walk at the moment so the cool water and swimming excercise  was  very helpful for my ankle recovery. A quick rinse off the get rid of the salt and by 10.40am I was starving and craving spicy food so we had a Yeeros with extra hot chili sauce and salad with tsaziki and for the life of me I can't think why I haven't showed you how to make this refreshing cucumber Greek dip. Don't worry, I'm into it! Another quick walk and up to Castle Hill which is a lookout in the centre of town giving the most amazing views of the ocean , Islands, mountains, farms and City. I do love Townsville and was sorry to leave.

On the way out of town we stopped a motor wreckers and bought a folding drink table for the van. A cup holder and tray has been sadly lacking and our friends in Mackay had a Honda crv with one such table, we thought it was such a great idea we will be adapting this one we bought to fit the front of the Fiat.

Forest Beach and Taylor's Beach Queensland

We were told by friends to visit Lucinda but our curiosity got the better of us before the turn off and much to our delight we ended up at a gorgeous little town called Forrest a Beach. The sea was flatter than a pancake, bright blue and dotted with Islands. Happy hour in the evening on the beach turned into a nights stay and Richo made me get up yo watch the sunrise over the water. The cool morning air made billowing puffs of rolling mist over the entire bay. It was really spectacular. The barbecues on the beachfront provided a hearty breakfast of bacon eggs and fried toast. These pictures were taken from the bbqs and that's where I did the washing up. Anyone would have jumped at the chance to wipe up for me in such an idyllic outdoor kitchen. 

Tilly had a quick dip in the surf before a shampoo in the park to get rid of some of red outback dust she had collected. Then it was off to the cold showers in the amenities block. Brisk but refreshing and onto another fantastic brand new day.

Queensland Sugar Trade

Queensland is cross hatched with thousands of cane train tracks,traveling along narrow gauge rail tracks these cute little toy like trains dawdle along from the farm to the sugar mills. Some level crossings have flashing red lights, others have give way signs and others have train crossing cameras that record your vehicles details and prosecute you for disobeying the signage. Lucinda has the longest bulk sugar ship loader in the world and it reaches 6km out into the bay. There would be excellent diving around the many pylons supporting the jetty but the crocodiles!! There is always something to spoil your fun.

Home Hill to Ayr

What a delightful town is Home Hill, perfect for the traveller with a well equipped comfort stop and plenty of facilities for replenishing supplies. There is Camping at the show ground. Unfortunately it was a bit early for us to go to the shops so on to Ayr and we called into a local market where we bought some pickles boiled eggs and beetroot with roast capsicum relish. We had toasted sandwiches under the trees and started the Dreampot cooking Corned Beef For Tea. It was a large piece and I cooked it for 30 minutes before continuing the cooking process in the Dreampot Dinner in Townsville is going to be Delicious.

Richo eats boiled eggs drizzled with vinegar  with a salad. I have never seen that done before so you can imagine his delight at finding Pickled eggs.  They keep for 6 months and it's the first thing I have to learn to make when we get home. Our homemade beetroot relish didn't last long on this trip and silly me only brought one jar so I bought some different varieties on the trip. We love to patronize local markets and get quite a few ideas from home produced preserves from old fashioned cooks like us. Next to try on my toast is some carrot and ginger jam. Also an interesting Lime and Basil Sorbet. That was a great idea but I think they were a bit heavy handed with the citric acid because it tasted a little bit like frozen  alkaseltzer. Going to shake my lime tree and basil bush when I get home and make this refreshing palate cleansing little number. Ahh so many recipes so little time!!!

Hideaway Bay and Dingo Beach.

After leaving Airley Beach we headed to Hydeaway Bay and Dingo  Beach. Oceanfront homes are for sale 650-800k one road in and out. The beaches are beautiful with Azure blue water dark golden sand that reminded me of cheesecake crumbs and islands dotted off the coast.we had a choc paddle pop for morning tea because it was quite hot. Richo got a dog tick crawled up his shirt and he discovered it before it made him very ill. Richo is allergic to ticks and this is a fine time to remember he forgot his medication for tick bites.

Dingo Beach is an older settlement with plenty of shade trees, a netted swimming enclosure to protect you from box jellyfish. Picnic areas, boat ramp and gorgeous beach views. The Mountains surrounding these areas are very steep and high, yet the road in is relatively flat. Crossing creeks full of fast running clear water. The Brahman cattle are fat and lazy lying in the sun. On to Home hill.

Graham was taken to hospital

We arrived at Mackay to stay with friends and Richo had been looking forward to going fishing with his old mate Graham. Graham has had both knees replaced in recent years and can't get around too easily. This fishing trip has been in the planning for years and both men were like children looking forward to Christmas. Upon arrival it became apparent Graham wasn't in good shape, his left leg was easily twice the size of his right leg, wouldn't bend at the knee and was very painful. In typical male fashion he refused to seek medical attention until the following morning when an amunlance had to be summoned. His pain level had become intolerable and there were grave concerns he may have a life threatening blood clot in the leg. 3 ambulance officers were in attendance and off he went to hospital for a barrage of tests including a MRI. The conclusion was a Bakers Cyst had erupted behind the knee and caused significant tissue swelling the full length of his leg. No treatment other than mild analgesics and wait 6 weeks for it to heal itself. Inconvenient and uncomfortable but not life threatening thank heavens. The following day after discharge from hospital they got to go fishing and caught 11 various reef fish. They had a wonderful time and everyone was happy. They didn't see any crocodiles this outing which is always a good thing too.

The ambulance had to drive around the house through the sugar cane paddock to load a very unhappy Graham into the rear. As you can see it was a beautiful day without a breath of wind and not too hot. You couldn't ask for better fishing weather, it was certainly too nice a day to be carted off to hospital!

Choc Caramel Gluten Free 5 ingredients No Bowl cheekyricho YouTubevideo recipe

This is the worlds easiest slice. No Bowl, you tip it into a baking paper lined tray, so there is absolutely no washing up, no mixing bowl and even the tray stays clean , it magically mats together into an unbelievably delicious slice that is so moreish and decadently delightful you will want to make it time and time again. Make sure you have these ingredients in the pantry and you will be ready to make this exceptional tea time treat at a moments notice. We have made it with maccas, almonds, cashews and peanuts, simply perfect every time. Use you own favourite nut or combination of nuts to customise this easy biscuit to your own personal preference. Check it out on our cheekyricho YouTube channel http://youtu.be/sCfLrO8MAIk and don't forget to like, subscribe and share. ;-))

Cedar Falls to Hideaway Bay Witsundays

Woke up to the sound of gently running water over an almost dry waterfall into a milky green pool and bubbling over rocks. This is Cedar Falls, a very quiet spot 25 minutes drive from Airlie Beach.I imagine this would be a delightful place to spend the day in summer. The water is clean but coloured from minerals collected as it travels over rocks on its way down the creek.

The creek was very clear and Tilly was on the lookout for yabbies.

Plains Turkeys Sighting

Driving down this desolate country road I saw in the distance what at first seemed to a clutch of baby emus. As we got closer Richo got very excited explaining these are Plains Turkeys or Bustards. Very rare to see them at such close quarters and there was a flock of them. They wandered about taking their own sweet time to let us through. They are tall with a small head and pointy beak. They have long skinny legs which have them very mobile, if they choose.richo tells me "they supposed to be good eating and kept many a settler and traveller from going hungry!" I told him "we will never know, as I won't be eating something so cute!"

Billabong Camp McKenzie River

We camped at a Billabong on the McKenzie River and Richo put out some yabbie traps and had a fish. No yabbies but he caught a Slippy Cod. A beautiful eating fish and another first of the species for him. We free camped and at 6.30am had to vacate the site in a scurry as a water tanker needed to get access to the waters edge (our campsite) to refill his huge water carrier. So we pottered on down the very dusty dirt road until we came to this beautiful peaceful setting. Obviously a very popular campsite given the remains of numerous campfire, animal and wheel tracks. Richo had a fruitless fish, while I cooked a hearty breakfast and Tilly ran crazy boy around the mini river sand dunes. Portia kept wandering off in an aimless fashion,  that little dog definitely has dementia. After breakfast and it was on the road again.

Banana pudding

Gone are the days if a tin of fruit and a scoop of Icecream for dessert. We just devoured a delicious roast chicken dinner and while the meat was resting and the meal was being served I popped this Delicious Banana Pudding into the oven. I am rein owned for despising that over ripe repeat on you all day flavour of really ripe bananas. I will make you a banana cake or muffin with really ripe bananas but I certainly won't be eating it. This is moist and delicious, quite a dense pudding and the bananas just nestled  through the batter comfortably in the oven. We served it with steaming hot custard for a fitting end to a fun filled family meal. Lots of eating, laughing and jibing. Plenty of "mmmm that's sooo good" and "what is that flavour, it's there, I can't identify it!!"  "I got banana and lemon" "no it's not lemon, what is that, orange yes is that it??" Subtle, just a hint running from one side of the tongue to the other playing taste hide and go seek!  Another budget friendly homely baked comfort dessert pudding from the cheekyricho YouTube kitchen.

http://youtu.be/pi8gl8zbDQQ

North west Queensland

Stopped for Morning Tea at Mundubbera and the local show was on.  We decided up have a look. They had a clown and highland dancing with bagpipes. No agricultural displays more like a weekend market really with a blow up slide and a couple of stalls with fairy floss, clowns you throw balls in their mouths and a well patronised bar. 

Minus 4 degrees this morning but no frost because the air is so incredibly dry.

I opened a jar of moisturiser and my face skin nearly sucked it out of the jar as soon as I took off the lid.

Dead cows lying paddocks NO grass. The countryside is so drought stricken it's a very desperate situation for farmers.

Called into Yarraman and bought some award winning sausages. Honey Pork Sausages on crusty fresh bread rolls with just cooked onion. Richo cooked them in the BBQ at Middlemount, a fairly new mining town in the middle of nowhere. Brand new homes and all the facilities the young families could wish for. 

Richo decided to take a dirt road down to the coast. He is keen to go fishing with his mate.

Cheekyricho Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding

This warming sticky moist absolutely delightful Butterscotch Self Saucing Pudding is so easy and budget friendly it's bound to be one of your families most requested winter dessert.

With a fluffy sponge topping and oodles of rich tasting sticky sweet sauce perfect served with ice cream,  custard, cream or yoghurt. If you're lucky enough to have left overs it reheats beautifully in the microwave. This recipe easily feeds a family of 4-6 people.

Richo wanted his with cheekyricho White Chocolate Raspberry Ripple Ice cream. Hot pudding with rich cold fruity Icecream.

My fave is a dollop of thickened unsweetened cream. Check it out and a host of hearty warming winter desserts on our cheekyricho YouTube channel. http://youtu.be/eKqX9EENHxA

Chicken Charlotte, Apple Charlottes under achieving little brother.

So it's mid week. You have some left overs and that delicious soft fluffy weekend bread is starting to morph into cardbread, you know the sort, you fold it in half and it cracks, well anyway. What can I do with a bit of cooked chicken, seriously how can I feed all of them with a couple if handfuls of chicken breast meat, it is the most boring part of the chook after all. It's gotta be good and I gotta hear " I dont know how you do it every time, Cheeky!" After dinner or else it's a fail. 

This Chicken Charlotte was just that sort of meal, neighbour tried it and messages YUMMMM back to me,  guess she couldn't ring cos her mouth was full!

This is one of those "Richo get out of that, I said you could have seconds not fourths!! "

Yep you are really going to have to try this. Feed a hoard on shoestring, you won't be calling them for dinner the smell from the oven will!!

http://youtu.be/FLa5LUUmLe8 

Roast Leg Of Lamb in a Pressure Cooker

Moist Sticky succulent Lamb with all the nutrients retained cooked in a pressure cooker. The vegetables have had a bathe in some rich stock and then browned in the Actifry you won't believe the tenderness and intense flavour imparted by this moist method cooking.

Works with beef and pork although you won't get the crackling on the pork.

Check out our new Pressure Cooker Playlist.

http://youtu.be/HGvIV7ZCK5k

Collarenebri Weir over the Barwon River

Travelling through town we stopped to stretch our legs with a population of just under 400 is renowned for having some of the best inland fishing in NSW.

The weir was the first weir constructed here and there are Aboriginal Rock Fish Traps still in use today. With great cultural and historical significance they can be viewed from the bank when the water is low.

We took the dirt road from here to Lightning Ridge. This is definitely not an all weather road and whilst shorter in length it will take a lot longer to travel.

It is possible to see the native rock fish trap formations on the far bank below the weir. Still used by modern Aboriginals.

Day 4 Walgett Bore Baths

Day 4 and it was off to Walgett. These baths are not open on weekends and only open during business hours in winter. The water was warm, there was seating inside the pool and outside as well. No undercover seating or cover over the pool and the water entered and exited from the top meaning the lower water had some cool spots. Cold showers and no camping facilities. The street was actually closed off for roadworks so it was a bit difficult to get to, due to the detour. Time to cut our time short as we had matters to attend to back home and many hundreds of kilometres to travel back to the coast. It has been good to walk around in warm water. The trip was fairly uneventful, there are places we would visit again and others we wouldn't bother with but the experience has been worthwhile. The days have been warm and sunny, the nights very cold and the inclusion of my knee scooter in the van meant some things  had to be left back home. It's not as easy to prepare meals in the van on crutches and we had 3 take away meals on the trip. The Pilliga Burger, an over priced and over rated mcdonalds breakfast and a Chinese meal from a Chinese restaurant in the Main Street of Inverell which was probably one of the nicest Chinese take outs we have ever had. Will definitely go there again on our travels. Time to make some miles, with more time we would have stopped at Moree but it was getting late and it was time to head for home.