Innot Hot Springs

We headed to Innot Hot Springs, a small town west of Ravenshoe to detox after rollies and beer in Cairns. Ravenshoe is part of the Tableland region of North Queensland. Driving through it made us think of the green rolling hills of the UK.

Right, a little bit of history (if you are interested)...
"Here, natural underground water issues at a temperature of 78C (though temperatures vary). Up until 1900, the mineral water was bottled and sent to Europe - mules hauled the water over the Cardwell Range to Townsville for bottling at the Innot Cordial Factory. The spring is still known and recommended by European travellers for its healing qualities. Draw its magic power at swimming pools and soaking houses in the town. You can stay at a hotel and there's a camping ground set close to the hot springs."

All relaxed after a thermal bath

Looking hot next to the hot spring

Steam coming from the hot springs

Great Barrier Reef

Arnold's aunt Lana treated us both to a snorkelling trip to Moores Reef. A catamaran took us from Cairns to a pontoon about an hour and a half from the coast. It was a bit of a bumpy ride out and Arnold was busy looking after two seasick women!
We saw all sorts of beautiful and colourful fish - even reef sharks!!

Snorkelling with "noodles"

Melbourne to Sydney

Well after a few hiccups i'm finally on the road to Port Douglas! :) I set off from Melbourne at 1pm so only managed to get to a place called Holbrook over the New South Wales border. Found a wee campsite, but the time I got there it was dark and raining, so was a bit of a nightmare setting everything up. But I guess it was good practice!!

The Hume Highway...empty..as far as the eye can see!!

Rural Victoria is called Country Victora. Dunnyo why, but anyways it reminds me alot of the Scottish Borders..Rolling green hills and rain!!! :)

It's the road from Gala to Hawick!!! :)

After about 3 hours of driving into New South Wales the weather really started to pick up. It's amazing what going 700km north does to the temperture! It's also weird seeing all the british city and town names. Geographically they are all over the place!! :)

Blacktown!!??

I also have two travelling buddies.."Karma Cat" who waves at everybody and "Bender"!! I'm not too sure about his name...but anyways! Bender's party trick is that he does a full 360 degree rotation in 3 and half hours!! Must be something to do with the vibrations!! So I have invented a new measurement of time!!! :)

2 "Benders" from Sydney to Mebourne!!!

Must admit Sydney does look like a lovely city. Will have to come back and explore it properly!!

Sydney CBD

Surf's Up Dude!!

Decided to have a surf lesson today. It was great but I'm totally suffering now... :) My instructor Heather said i was very good, but she probably says that to everyone. I was out for nearly 4 hours. Managed to paddle out myself and get up on a wave and ride it in. The surf was about 3 to 4 ft so was a decent size.

So as expected I'm totally addicted now. I'll give it another try next week, once I fully recover. I know why surfers are all uber buff. I think I have discovered muscles I didn't think existed!!!

You can really tell the people that have surfed all their lives. Heather my instructor had the body of a 20 year old but the weather beaten face of a 50 year old. I have no idea how old she was...anything from 37 to 50!!!! So the rule is lots of sunscreen and moisturise after... :)

I couldn't take any pictures when I was surfing....maybe the next time.... :)

The board was fairly big...but not massive!

mmm nice cuppa tea after being out in the cold sea!

A stone in the works...

Well my plans have changed a wee but as I discovered after a BIG drinking session that I have a kidney stone that is lodged in my left kidney tube thingy... see below!!

So i'm off to the hospital next Tuesday to get an appointment for an operation!! It's keyhole surgery up the wrong way!! ouch!! and then they blast it with a laser. Very impressed with the medical service in Australia. The whole process has taken less than a week. You need to pay for it up front then you claim 60/70% back via Medicare. The actual operation is free!

So looks like i'm here in Victoria for another couple of weeks. So decided to start my holiday now!! I'm booking some surfing lessons and have a bought a mountain bike to do some off-road trails amd cycle along the beach at low tide :)

The Glitterama (Patent Pending)

Well here's my newest invention for inside and outside of the van. The Glitterama!!! I bought some LED lights thinking I would need them for additional lighting but turns out the lighting inside is great. So I found some old metal and made a housing for the lights...needs a wee bit more work but works a treat! ;-)

hmmm..need some lava lamps...

Whoooosh!!!

Fist attempt at assembling the Awning....

Well the Awning that comes with the van is seriously massive!!! It extands about 3 metres out from the van. You could have a big party in there, which obviously would be a shame no to try out! :) First attempt was ok, but it's still not right as its a bit lop-sided. ..Check it out... (pics are a wee bit blurry)

it's huuuuuge!!!

Check out the dancefloor with Glitter ball! ;-)

Nae bad first attempt....