Week 6 June 18th – 23rd
We moved from Lake Tinaroo to Walkamin, a bush camp next door to the Rocky Creek War Memorial. The Atherton Tablelands became the largest military base and largest field hospital in Australia 1943-1945. It has a very dedicated group of people and Council that bring the history to us today. “Well done” There are about 50 camps and would you believe we meet a couple from Toowoomba.
Tuesday saw us getting out of the van. We took a drive through the Danbulla State Forest. We saw the Cathedral Fig Tree, which just had to be seen to be believed. A 44 metre girth, 500 years old and a hundred metres high, just amazing.
We had lunch a Lake Barrine, an old crater that filled with water hundreds of years ago. Among the rainforest that surrounds the lake are twin Kauri pines that are believed to be over one thousand years old.
After lunch we drove through Yungburra, where we walked Peterson creek hoping to spot the resident platypus, but no luck. On return we had to cross Lloyd’s suspension bridge. It took John back to his childhood days when he would swing the bridge to scare his sisters.
On the outskirts of Yungburra we visited the Afganistan Aveune of Honour. An amazing modern memorial to young Australian all under 40 years of age, that made the ultimate sacrifice, for whatever was asked of them. Through Atherton, Togla and back to the van and another cool night.
June 18th “State of Origin all the flags are out. “Oops well done Ian and Max”
We are about 70 km from Cairns so Thursday went for a drive to the big smoke. Because we are in the Tableland the drive down was all lush rainforest and single lane so was slow going. We picked up mail, did some washing and shopping, then headed back to the van.
The weekend was spent sitting in the SUN, going through the mail, reading and doing craft.
