Gulmarrad

Back on the road we had an enjoyable drive on the new Motorway and turned off to Evans Heads for a much needed coffee.  Back on Motorway travelled to Gulmarrad and set up van in Mike and Chris' driveway.  After a late lunch we drove to our acre block and viewed it in person for the first time.  

Our first footsteps on our land, 23rd October 2020

We both liked the area and even with our block being cleared we have views of bushland in front and behind us as they have allocated land for a wild life corridor.  Certainly has a rural atmosphere and has services close by in Maclean - quite excited to build and settle in Gulmarrad.  Celebrated Helen's birthday with lunch at Ballina RSL with Briony, Todd & Tenelle and Mike & Chris getting home in time to experience a thunderstorm with plenty of lightning, thunder and rain. A couple of days later Briony drove down to see the block and stay the night in Maclean before heading back home after a great coffee at Botero Cafe (our new favourite coffee shop!).  During the two weeks stay with Chris and Mike we were able to meet with various Builders and obtain quotes for plans.  Our heads were spinning with all the different options and what started off as a reasonable price increased quickly as we added items that we thought should have been standard.  Appreciated staying with Chris and Mike during this time as was able to run things by them for another opinion.  We took Mike and Chris to Grafton one day however had to stop at a  Garage Sale - we all purchased items and had to drive back home to drop them off before heading off to Grafton again. I arranged for a storage unit in Gulmarrad so was able to unload some items out of the van and car that we will not need, and was handy to store garage sale items like ladder, rake, storage containers and hose fittings.

Finally received all quotes from 4 Builders and appoint Campbell Constructions to build our home - they built Chris and Mikes home and we were impressed with the quality finish. Once decision was made seemed as though a great weight was lifted.  Before we left we took Chris and Mike to lunch at Yamba Tavern and visited the block for the last time before we headed to Tweed Heads for Santa duties.

Little Tern Court, our land is on the LHS at the end of the bitumen

A display home, Helen thought this would be ok.

Back to the big smoke

Time to get back into the 'big smoke' and was not long before we were travelling down the Bruce Highway with plenty of traffic and trucks.  Intended to have lunch at Eumundi however forgot it was Market Day so had to drive through car park in order to head back onto Bruce Highway.  Plan B was to stop for lunch at Forrest Glen as we have previously had a nice lunch at the Cafe and knew we could park the van across the road in the bush.  It was a while since we last called in and were shocked to see all the vacant land now being developed into housing estates.  Could not find anywhere to park so decided to continue on a narrow busy road looking for somewhere to pull off .  Kept going until we came to Buderim where we found a park big enough for the van and had much needed coffee and lunch. Drove to our friends Terry and Joan home where I backed van into their drive and maneuvered into a snug area in between house gutters and fence!!  

Only a few km's on the Bruce Hwy and the traffic was stationary!

 Had a great catch up for a couple of nights and met with a Builder to discuss house plans.  Headed off into traffic again however came to a stand still approx 20km down the Bruce Highway where we stayed for approx 45min.  A car towing a caravan had rolled and was blocking both lanes and listening to the UHF radio, the truckies were not impressed!!  Eventually pulled into Todd & Tenelle's home at Tugun where we parked and levelled the van right outside their gate.  Briony came over and we had a wonderful family gathering.  The next day Briony took us to Pasture and Co Cafe at Currumbin Valley for coffee, which was a great spot.  Went for a swim with Todd and Tenelle before heading off to Kirra Beach where we booked in for 5 nights.  

Parked for a few nights in front of Todd and Tenelle's

On arrival the site we were allocated had a big bus parked on it, so were allocated another site which had big tree roots which we could not park on.  We chose another spot and started to set up when neighbour asked Helen why we parked next to him when there were other sites!!!  By this time Helen was not a happy vegemite -  however after a couple of days the neighbour's wife came to apologize for her husband's tone, explaining he wondered why the office had directed us to the site when there were other empty ones around the park.  Whilst at Kirra we drove to Jimboomba for a look at a couple of display homes at Greenbank however the more we look at the more confused we become.  Had lunch at Canungra then drove around their Canungra Rise estate looking at larger blocks.  Way too steep for us and good to have a look so we can cross off our list!  I had been enjoying riding the bike early morning however one morning the bike was missing.  Probably the first time I did not lock it to the caravan wheel and someone came and helped themselves while were sleeping.  Even had the chairs stacked in front of the bike but believe people wander around the parks and grab whatever they can.  Reported to Police, our son put message on social media and I kept an eye on Gumtree and visited Cash Converters.  Was just saying to Helen that the bike was getting a bit rusty and had had a hard life being stuck on the car and out in the elements most of the time.  Instead of riding I went walking and saw people riding their bikes - Helen said I came home grumpy.  Went out to get fuel and called into a couple of bike shops however both had sold out of the hybrid bikes I would have liked (people were buying during COVID) and were waiting on new stock.  Just happened to call into one more shop and there was a Merida 21 Crossway Hybrid Bike, which is what I was looking for.  Sent Helen a photo asking what she thought - she knew full well I was buying it!!  Was able to go to Todd's home to watch Bathurst on the big screen - great race this year as was a sprint to the end and great result with Holden winning.  Had a long day driving up to the Sunny Coast - stopped for great coffee at Nicky's Cafe, Little Mountain.  Viewed a GJ Gardner display home at Palmview before heading back down the M1 before peak hour.  I attended Santa Training for a day at Mermaid Waters before we packed up and drove to Ballina where we stayed 2 nights free thanks to New Age for a photo I had taken and submitted for a competition.  Ballina Big 4, Skinnershead Road is a nice Caravan Park and once again we were busy visiting display homes.  I had a great bike ride to Lennox Heads on the bike path - glad I had the new bike as had to negotiate quite a steep hill. Had a drive to Bangalow where Helen purchased another 'hippy mat' for the van, visited the Op Shop before driving back to Ballina and cruised down the very busy main street before stopping for a great lunch at Salvatore Cafe in the Shopping Centre. 

The new bike, firmly secured to the caravan!!

Sorry, not sorry for the bike spam.

Found a great bike track along the coast from Lennon Head to Ballina

Boulder Beach

Pat Morton Lookout with Lennox Head in the distance

Skennars Beach

Leaving the Top End

Morning stop King River rest area

We left the Top End on 23rd September when the humidity had returned.  Called into Emerald Springs Roadhouse for coffee - they were just starting to have a few customers after the border re-opened.  Unfortunately due to the lateness of this opening, and the uncertainty of COVID,  a lot of southerners decided to stay at home this year. Outside temperature travelling today was 48 degrees so drove to Highway Inn Daly Waters where we stayed the night - van temperature when we stopped at 4.20pm was 40 degrees!  Had a cool drink at the pub where we met up with another couple who were just starting their adventure and had been on the road 3 months. Next morning was a bit cooler however wind was quite strong.  Called into Renner Springs for morning tea - lot more people around than when we were here in April.  Nice to see a lot more vans on the road so owners of these Roadhouses will once again have some money coming in.  Had lunch at Tennant Creek at the Top of Town Café which supplied us with food while we were in Quarantine.  Had a quick chat with Nic before heading off into a head wind across the Barkly Highway, staying the night at the Barkly Homestead.

Heading back east across the Barkly Hwy

As we approached the NT/Qld border
we had to pass back through the check point into Qld,
with the appropriate border passes.
No quarantine this time!!

This sign welcomed us back into Qld at Camooweal Road house.

More traffic on the roads now as heading across Qld
into the mining areas you come across the occasional wide load.

Had an early start and stopped for morning tea at Soudan Bore (130kms west of Qld border) before crossing the NT/Qld Border and having no hassles with Border Passes (I had them downloaded on Tablet).  Police were happy with this and after a bit of a chat we were on our way, stopping for lunch at Monument (100kms west of Mt Isa).  Continued on to Cloncurry where we stayed the night at Oasis Caravan Park which was the same one we stayed on our way up to Darwin.  Once again there were a lot more people in the Park.  Next day we had to contend with a strong head wind, stopping for morning tea in McKinlay. The countryside is so dry particularly on the stretch between McKinlay and Winton and the road is so bumpy.  Approx. 50km before Winton I noticed the outdoor shower door flapping in the wind, the lock had broken away from the plastic, so pulled over and taped it up with 100 mile an hour tape.  Drove on further and found a shady spot to stop and when checking out the inside of the van the clock on the wall (we have had for years), was on the floor!  It had put a small dent in the cupboard and on the floor - something always happens to us when nearing Winton!!  Travelled to Ilfracome where we stayed the night - weather had cooled down and we were looking for our track pants!  Once again this park was nearly full - great to see people out and about again,

Started our journey in jumpers as weather had cooled considerably.  Noticed heaps of kangaroo road kill for quite a few kilometers. Morning tea was at Jericho and by then we had lovely blue sky and sun shining, around 25 degrees.  Stopped for lunch at Aneke Road Stop/Info area, approx 43kms west of Emerald, before driving onto Emerald where we pulled into Emerald Cabin and Caravan Park.  The Receptionist was quite grumpy and we were put out the back which was not the best site however would be OK for 2 nights.  When looking around the Park we had a good site as no one was near us however the front sites were packed in like sardines and the drive through sites were equally very close. Nice to have a rest day and was able to catch up on washing, shopping and resting up.

Moving on we travelling on another undulating road stopping at Blackwater for morning tea and having the caravan door handle snap off ! Think the van is getting very weary and wants a rest!  Experienced a couple of Wide Loads travelling west accompanied by 2 Police cars so we pulled off the road until they passed. Called into Aldi at Duaringa and Helen had a smile as apparently I was like a little kid looking at the centre isle 'goodies' as we had not seen Aldi for over 5 months!  Stopped at RTM and bought a handle, called into Spotlight for a new clock and drove to Ally and Buck's property near Yepoon where we stayed for 3 nights. 

We have put a holding deposit on an acre block of land at Gulmarrad NSW (near Yamba) so planned to call into some display homes along the coast as we make our way south, the first being at Yepoon.  After a couple of days rest we travelled to Gin Gin, where we stayed a couple of nights with Greg and Deb on their property about 20 kms west.  Had a great catch up at happy hour around the camp fire and enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the bushland. Went to leave but battery was flat so had to use my Jump Start kit which worked a treat.  Had a stop at Childers Peanut Van and purchased a couple bags of peanuts then drove onto Harvey Bay, where we stayed with friends on their property at Susan River for 3 nights.  Once again we had great catch ups with people and also visited a couple of Display Homes in Hervey Bay.  

Childers Peanut Van

Camped at Greg & Debs

Fire pit when needed for happy hour

Last few weeks in Darwin

Early July the house went on the Market and we got out and about a bit while inspections were being carried out.  Had a couple of drives out to Gunn Point where we met up with a few people and enjoyed lunch. Also had a great day out with these friends to Wagait Beach and enjoyed catching up with friends from SA who had waited at the NT Border when it opened up on 17th July (not open to Victorians).  We both visited our doctor for skin checks and it was Helen this year who had to have a couple of spots cut out.  Helen seemed to think I needed to go to a Hearing Centre (don't know why!) and now have hearing aids, which I quietly agree have helped me hear so much more!  Persuaded Helen to have an annual blood check as she had not had one for some years and resulted in being diagnosed with Diabetes 2.  She is on medication and controlling her diet which has resulted in the blood sugar level dropping, which is great.

A few early morning rides out to Howard Springs

Had drinks and watched the sunset at Nightcliff

While in Darwin a new Bunnings was opened
on the Stuart Hwy on the old Finlay's site.

Enjoyed a couple of evening walks around the Wharf area, finishing with a meal overlooking the bay, joined by many seagulls.

Having  a meal at the Wharf

Wharf with the Seagulls

Also a couple of day trips out to Gunn Point Beach, during the week days was quite and enjoyed a luch under the shade of a tree.

Gunn Point Beach

Nice shady spot at Gunn Point Beach

Gunn Point Beach

Gunn Point Beach

Submerged car at Gunn Point

Made the most of a spare day and checked out Casuarina Beach

Had time for a walk on the beach, had trouble deciding which way to go!!

Casuarina Beach

Casuarina Beach

Made a day trip and drove around to Cox Peninsular and had a picnic lunch on the West Wagait Beach 

West Wagait Beach, Darwin is across the bay on the horizon

Another day trip to West Wagait Beach

Always good to visit the Mindil Beach markets, the best way to enjoy the evening is to take a chair and some refreshments to enjoy while people watching.

A couple of trips to the Mindil Beach markets

Mindil Beach Market Sunset

Some of the wall art around darwin CBD

The house was sold and time to pack up and move out.

Sold time to move out

Sold the house with Settlement Date on 27th August - in 12 weeks we had moved into the house, bought all furniture we required, painted and cleaned up the garden, put the house on the Market, sold the house and sold all the furniture!   Unfortunately, after many changes of heart, I sold 'Bluey' the ute. We left 'Charlies' at Marlow Lagoon where we had the van and moved out to Gary and Jeans property at Darwin River enjoying the quiet surrounds in lieu of our stint in suburbia.  Caught up with a few people I use to work with when living in Darwin and generally relaxed after selling the house. The weather was very strange for Darwin as we were experiencing high temperatures, even reaching 40 degrees, but no humidity.  Reminded us of southern summer days where it was so hot and dry.  

Bluey was sold

Time to get everything back in the van 
camped at Charlies,  Marlow Lagoon

A bit of day-sha-vew

Our last camp at Gary and Jeans before heading south

Was nice to have a pool to cool down as the humidity was starting to arrive.

Settling back into Darwin lifestyle

Extremely happy to see our house was left clean and tidy by our tenants.  Cleared our Mail Box, picked up the house keys from Real Estate Office and had lunch at the Gateway Shopping Centre, Palmerston.  Had ladies on Roller Skates and a person dressed up as a Crocodile celebrating the opening up of pubs, stores, hairdressers etc.  There is a certain amount of social distancing however most of the time life is as normal in the NT.  Very hard to stop the hand shaking when greeting people.

Our first Croc spotted since arriving back in Darwin, at the Gateway shopping centre.

For the next few days we were busy buying second hand Fridge, Washing Machine via Buy/Sell/Swap, entertainment unit and coffee table from a lad who was returning to WA.  Darwin is still a transient place so people are always buying and selling anything.  Weather is still a bit humid (around 25 degrees at night) so had air conditioning on in the van until we went to bed which was also good as van was shut up so no midgies came in (previous nights we had been inundated with them). Found a second hand outdoor setting and hinted to Helen that I need a ute so I can transport it to our house.  Helen's idea of a ute to take palm fronds to the dump and transport furniture etc around was very different to what I had in mind.  She thought an old farm ute would be perfect however when I purchased a red SS Holden Ute she just shook her head! She believes I am going through a phase in my life - I'm just enjoying driving "Bluey" (Helen chose the name) and it has certainly come in handy with picking up furniture etc.

After 7 years back in the house!!

"Bluey" loaded for a dump run

Fronds unloaded

Purchased new QS bed and mattress, couch and dining table so were ready to move into the house. Took everything out of the van and packed into the house - can't believe what we had in the van!!  Felt a bit sad when we finally left the van - will store at Charlies as he has no other clients until the border opens on the 17th July and will have to re-asses after that.

Both had a good first night sleep in the house although Helen prefers the Vans mattress as it is a bit softer than our new one.  Finding it hard getting used to suburbia living as our neighbours are very close and we can hear conversations when out on the back patio.  It feels like we are the only people in our suburb without a dog!  The Dry weather has set in now and are enjoying the cooler nights - actually got down to 19 degrees which is cold for Darwin!  I am bike riding in the morning although the bike is a little worse for wear as it has been travelling with us for 4 years!!  Helen and I have been going for a walk around the lake late afternoon, which has been nice.

Spent a few days painting the inside to freshen up.

Territory Day on 1st July was extremely quiet as no fireworks celebrations this year due to COVID-19.

Helen has done a lot of cleaning up of the garden and was impressed with how much fitted in the ute for taking to the dump.  I took it as a thumbs up for my decision to purchase "Bluey". I have completed painting the inside of the house so we have both been kept busy.  Appointed Cate Killiner Real Estate to put the house on the Market and have just had photos taken in readiness to advertise.

Evening walks around Santcuary Lake

Early morning bike ride to Howard Springs.

We have been busy getting the house ready that have not ventured out and about much yet.  We are enjoying the weather as night time temp is around 21 degrees so nice for sleeping.  Now the wait begins and hopefully someone will buy the house and we will move onto our next adventure, whatever that will be.  Unfortunately travel is not the same at the moment and there is no telling when the 'normal' living will return. We are certainly experiencing some lovely warm weather and enjoying the Territory lifestyle.  We will remain in the house until it is sold so there is no time limits - could be months or a year, so our posts may be limited until we get back on the road again.