Author: travellingpigeon

To The Stars

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When the stars align and weather cooperates you can be lucky to see something magical when you look up towards the heavens. With a new moon forecasted but weather looking dicey it was left too last minute whether or not viewing the meteorite shower given off from Halley’s Comet was going to be seen. I had the location sorted, time to leave set,  batteries charged and ready to go. All that was left was warm clothes and blankets to pack in the car ( when the rain stops ) and just hope that when midnight comes around the clouds would leave and let this adventure begin.

Sometimes you can be lucky, as my girl friend and I looked out from my balcony as midnight rolled around there they were. Not a cloud in the sky and being able to see some stars so close too city lights the night was looking good. What felt like a mad dash trying not to forget anything and making sure we had enough warm clothes, the excitement and wonder of what we were about to see made time go by fast. With three hours until the meteorite shower was predicted to start, a coffee was needed and the hope that the location I have chosen will work.

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I chose to head to a lookout at Mt Mee just an hours drive from Brisbane CBD, this should be far enough away from any light pollution. Arriving on location and seeing no other car in the car park two thoughts crossed my mind. First I hope I have the right night and second I hope this is the right spot. As soon as we arrived and looked up we saw the most amazing view of the milky way and I can say the best I have ever seen it with just a naked eye. On taking the first photo and seeing the stars mixed with the milkyway I knew I could stop thinking about my second thought I had on arrival. It was just beautiful. With my camera set it was time to let the waiting game begin.

 

The anticipation of where the meteorites would come from and which view would look best to photograph was all I could think about. What felt like forever waiting until 2:30am when the first meteorite flew over. I jumped out the car to start taking photos I had my finger on the trigger for another 30 minutes until the reel show started. Yes I was a bit too eager. 3am came around and the site of the meteorites started to fill up the sky. Playing around with a few angles made me realise the easiest way to capture a lot of the faint metorites was to look directly up. This gave the best chance of capturing the most meteorites  in a shot and with the view of the milkyway it was just spectacular.

Over the two hours I was taking photos, there was one moment of absolute amazement. When a meteorite flew over burning up towards the ocean. This meteorite light up the whole night sky with a bluey, green flash. Of course this flew in a direction where my camera wasn’t pointing, but in that moment I felt so humble to be able to experience it with my amazing girlfriend who sat up wit me, as we kept each other warm under our blanket. As the morning grew later and sunlight started creeping into the sky from the horizon it was time to call it a night. The drive home I can say was interesting to say the least, having someone there to help keep me awake was key.

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I must say this night was such a humbling experience and to shear it with someone I love  was amazing. In 60 years time when the stars align again I know that I am more then ready for this experience again. One thing I will do different though, I will be camping out under the stars so no sketchy driving will occur on the way home.

Fun In The Sun

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With now quiet a few fishing trips completed for this year I can say I am happy with the boats performance and with my conferdence on the water growing each day I feel the bug coming on stronger and stronger with each trip. I would like to take a break now to let my body rest up before work tomorrow, so for now these fishing stories will have too wait.

 

From the Bay to two amazing beaches Brisbane and the greater Queensland has it all. What an amazing place too think an hour from your home you are at some of the best beaches in the world. For a change of scenery and a different type of adventure over the holidays I managed to get a little group together to head to Bribie Island. A day out four wheel driving and exploring a new destination was just what the doctor ordered and being able to share it with some friends made the journey complete.

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Bribie Island is a easy hour drive drive North on the Bruce Highway but until your adventure can really start allow an hour an twenty minutes until you hit sand. I have been to beach side of bribie before with friends that have had four wheel drives so this trip i wanted to do something different. With minimal 4×4 experience to my name I thought it would be a good idea to warm up on the inland track to test the nerves and vehicles and boy was that a great decision.

 

The inland track also know as Northern Access Track is found by driving to the end of White Patch Esplanade. Coming off the Bribie Bridge, turn left at the first big round-about will find you onto Sunderland drive. Follow this till until it turns to White Patch Espl once past Banksia Beach you are almost there. MAKE SURE! as I found out, when four wheel driving your tire pressure must be lowered to make traction through the sand easier.

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Turning the first few corners and getting through some soft parts in the sand all conformed my great decision in purchasing my four wheel drive. Along The Northern Access Track there are two camping sites, If you are thinking of staying the night make sure you check park rules and always make sure you have a camping and 4×4 permit. Once past Poverty Creek camp grounds, this will be your last opportunity for any toilet and rest stops so if your feeling like stretching the legs after the first bit of track I would highly recommend stopping in here. Following the Access Track allow another 40-50 min to get to The Fort Bribie day-use area, with a lot of bumpy tracks too follow through the centre of the island it make it a fun, slow trip that will get everyone in the car going. Once at Fort Bribie day-use are, get out and check the entry onto the beach just to make sure there are no hidden surprises waiting. Heading left and further up the beach you can only take you so far but with old remittences of buildings from World War ll scattered along the way it is a great way to see a little bit of history.

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Our trip to Bribie island was purely for a drive and just to get out in the sun. We headed right as we got onto the beach and with high tide happening as we got on the beach it was a slow trip down the beach dogging in between waves as they rushed onto the sand. No need to fear, there are places you can pull into along the beach to get a way from the surf if it does get too high just always be sure that you can make it too the next spot JUST IN CASE! Managing to do our best too dodge the surf a stop in at one of the fresh water lagoons along the beach is the best place for a final stop before the trip home. These lagoons are great places for young and old a cool down if the surf is too ruff just be aware, with the murky water created by the tea tree it is hard too see the bottom. When walking through the water tread slowly, while we were there a girl had cut her foot on something sharp and left her with stopping the day early. I know it may seam funny to say, but if you want to be extra cautious take a old pair of shoes in with you, you might not be the most stylish on the beach but they can save you if you are worried.

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Always remember once coming off the beach if you do not have a compressor on board, make the slow trip to the service station to add pressure back to your tires. With tires right too go and maybe a fresh drink or ice cream from the servo you can start your trip home or if your lucky enough you have camp spot on the island you don’t need to come back and face reality just yet. We had fun on our little trip around Bribie and i hope you do too. I hope to see you on the beach next time I’m at Bribie, till then…

 

 

 

 

A new year

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The plan to go fishing is spoiled by wind. A thought arises when plans fail at 3am to have a sleep in on new years day. As expected another 3 hours sleep and thats all i can do. So time to start the new year, time to get final things in order and lest see where this year goes.

Im EXCITED! to gt this year underway, with a new car, boat back in working order this year for me will be full of adventures and exploring my amazing area of Queensland, Australia. I hope that all have had wonderful new years celebrations. and hope heads aren’t feeling to bad.

Have a wonderful day all, rest well and lest all see what this yer brings.

 

New Year And Positive Vibes!!

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With My birthday over the weekend and the end too my half a year on night shift work it was a fitting way too spend the weekend away camping with mates. Even tho it was two short days it was still good to get away and I could not think of any better way too start my 27th year on this earth.

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This First half of the year has not given me much of an opportunity to get out and explore something new or do much in general. With working hours from 9pm – 5am and starting every Sunday since christmas the motivation and and energy to do something on your one day off is just not there.  Now that we have had the final tick of approval too be off site this second half of the year is now looking exciting.

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With many adventures planned, a few to show someone special something special. I am excited too see and play in the sun again. I think having my birthday this year has really given me some good reflection on everything that has led me up too this point so far in life. I am excited to push forward and achieve some amazing things and I am of course excited for… New adventure, New stories and a new journey in life.

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The Gorge

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The Christmas holidays is a time for friends and family to get together and celebrate the special time of year. With time off from your usual routine of working life it is nice to sit around eat too much food and just relax for a while.  It’s what your mind, body and soul needs to get ready for the next year ahead. Nearing the end of my holidays the adventure bug started itching and with a quick and easy phone call to a good mate a trip was planned for a few days camping to a new location. The place we decided on is called The Gorge and is located in the upper reaches of the Clarence River.

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Flight Path

With the destination picked and route planned a 4.5-hour drive seemed like nothing once underway. The route we chose took us both by surprise as we were not expecting to see the sites that we saw along the way. There are two ways of heading down to our destination, first is along the coast and second takes you more inland. For something different and extra special we chose the inland route and I can say I’m glad we did. From Brisbane’s CBD you need to head out of the city along Ipswich Road till you reach Beaudesert Road. Beaudesert Road turns into Mt Lindesay Highway (13) and with this transition you are around 64km way from your next turn. Turning off Mt Lindesay Highway will see you onto Innisplain road and this is where the magic of the drive starts. Driving through valleys, over many river crossing (its ok there are bridges at all of them) and even look out for the old train bridges that you drive under, you can only marvel at the old steal work and height that some of them are at.

Innisplain Road changes its name four times, but no need to fear as long as you stay on the main section of road it will lead you to a T intersection, turn left onto Summerland Way (B91) and then stay on this road all the way to Grafton. Along this road you drive through Kyogle and Casino, two great places to stop and stretch the legs or have a bite to eat along your journey. Kyogle was my favourite town with all the old buildings it is a photographer’s dream. From Casino it’s around a 1.5-hour drive to Grafton where you can get your last supplies, and then form there another hour drive to the homestead. Head back from Grafton and follow Summerland Way (B91) till you reach Grafton-Tabulam Road. Stay on this road till it takes you over the rushing Clarence River this will put you onto an unsealed road, turn right, this is Grafton road and follow for around 40 min till you see the house at the homestead.

Food

While you are camping at the gorge all last bits and pieces you need for your time there has to be purchased in Grafton.  We found this the most convenient stop and with the long trip down it gives you plenty of time to work out what your menu will be for your stay. With fires allowed for cooking purposes it is also a good idea to bring a gas cooker just in case it rains, like it did for us on the first night. With all our experience camping we have found simplicity to be the best and thus an arrangement of butterflied chicken, steak, lamb roast, bacon and eggs and traditional sausages on bread is all that we need to eat like kings while camping. One handy trick we did this time was taking a can or two of stew. Great to take in a backpack if you’re going out for the day on an adventure or while fishing.

Location

Driving along the road to the homestead a four-wheel drive is preferable due to if there has been some rain in the area the roads can be washed out and low lying vehicles will not make it all the way. Reaching the homestead you are greeted by Neil and Sue, a lovely couple who will help tell you about the area and places where you can make camp. With a fee of $20 per night per car it is a small price to pay while camping, and for a location that has toilets and showers available. While driving in and around the property be mindful of the cows and horses that are freely walking around as the property is still used as a cattle station. When choosing a location to set up camp be careful if you would like to camp close to the river, with the amount of rain that can come down in the area the river can rise quite dramatically. As one story Sue told us of the day before our arrival, where a guy was out in his boat picking up bits from his camp that were floating down the river.

Once a campsite has been chosen it’s time to unpack and settle down and start enjoying your time here. Going for a walk to get to know your surroundings and to collect kindling is not hard, with all the trees that are about and with wood being provided for your fires there is not much more work to be done. While walking around it is recommended to have closed in shoes on at all times due to there are some interesting animals around that you wouldn’t like to run into with bare feet like we did. Half an hour into being there we ran into a red belly black snake, being the first time I have ever seen one of these in the wild it was an amazing experience but put the thought in the back of our minds to be careful while you are walking around. With the Clarence River right in front of camp, kayak, and even boats are able to be used on the water whether it is for fishing for bass or estuary cod, or just getting on the water to explore up or down the river. The property is dog friendly just watch out for in the mornings you could be woken to the barks of your dogs as the cows wonder into your camp spot eating the grass as they pass by.

Rainbow Falls

A must do while on the property at The Gorge is to take a walk up the gorge section of the Clarence River to what is called Rainbow Falls. The name given to these falls comes from the way the sunlight hits the spray of the constant flow of water that is seen over the falls. Unfortunately while I was there I was unable to see the rainbow but it was as good of a place as any to have a rest and take in the power of the river system after an interesting walk up to the falls.

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Leaving from your campsite near the homestead I would allow up to 2.5-hours to walk up to the falls. With so many interesting sites to see on the way it is best to look at them on the way to the falls while you have lots of energy, the journey home could see you a bit tired and just wanting to get back to camp for a rest and a cold drink of water. I would recommend leaving for the falls as early as you can in the morning, as temperatures can get very warm through the day it can make adventuring around interesting. Making your way from the homestead follow the car tracks that head up river until they turn into little goat tracks, these will then be your route all the way to the falls. A must item that YOU NEED! To take to the falls is a lot of water, sunscreen and hat because you have a long journey back to your camp and you need to stay hydrated and as comfortable as you can while being out in the sun. Good hiking shoes is also recommended for the walk, with some rock sections that you need to climb over you just never know what can be lying in some of the holes you step over. With these rock sections, part of the way you need to make your own track but with some of the flatter sections you can see the different colour of the rocks where people have been walking on over the years.

 The constant echo of crickets, cicadas and grasshoppers fill your ears the whole trip up, the only time this sound changes is as you start to approach the falls. Coming closer to Rainbow Falls it is a good idea to find a nice high rock that you would be able to climb up, to view over the trees to find a path over to the falls. Once reaching the falls always be careful being close to the edge of the river if you would like to take a photo or two. With some loose rocks, you do not want to be falling in as the water rushes so fast, it’s a situation you don’t want to see yourself in. For the ultimate cool off after your hike up I would recommend walking further up past the falls to where you can find some nice still water to have a dip in. I wouldn’t recommend doing this with small children as the water does rush past very quickly making it very dangerous for small children.

With the main attraction of the area ticked off, there are still many other things to do while you stay on the property. As I have said before the river is the main attraction for people looking for some excellent fresh water fishing.  This can be done by kayak or boat, just remember it is a catch and release area so please do the right thing. If fishing isn’t your thing there are many walks that you can do around the property that can lead you up to great lookouts and with many little river run offs that come down through the mountains there are also a lot of awesome places to have a dip in and cool off. These rock pools are a much safer way to have dip if you have small children or feel uneasy getting into the Clarence River.

 

With your time finished at The Gorge you are left with some amazing memories of the landscape, people and even some of the animals you may have got friendly with over your stay. Before you leave for home, make sure you clean up your campsite and leave it the way you found it, and with bins on site there is no trouble cleaning up and making it nice for the next people coming to spend time there. With your last stop at the homestead before you drive home, it’s good so say goodbye to Neil and Sue and thank them for such a special place they have along the Clarence River. I hope you have enjoyed my account of my time in this special location. It has defiantly sparked my urge to come back to this area and see what else the place has to offer. Till next time see you then.

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