The Road Trip, Day Three, 1770 to Airlie Beach

We decided last night to make Tuesday (day three) a driving day, so that we could spend two nights at Airlie Beach: a much reputed place for backpackers and fun. In theory this plan is fine, in practice though it is a boring long day: 720kms in one day means about 9hrs on the road.

So me and Natalie got up at 5am, prepped Bessy and then left at 5.20am, to get a early start. Whilst this was going on, we left the others in bed to rest and it seemed pointless that all of us loose sleep when only two had to get up. And the theory was that they would take over later on in the day and me and Nat could then catch up on some sleep. Of course this didn't quite happen because after the antics of and 'experiences' of driving yesterday, neither me or Nat was very interested in them driving, so we each did about 4.5hrs each. I did the first shift and the first few hours were hard, but after that the mixture of company, random conversations and my music made the time fly by!!

We were hoping to arrive at Airlie Beach around 3.30pm, so we could at least enjoy the weather and beach before thinking about dinner/drinks. We got in about 4.30pm which was quite good and especially as we had manage to stay on the left hand side of the road this time!!!!

The only interesting thing we came across during the day was when the road was close due to a wide load. Now in most countries this would be a slightly oversized wide load: but not in Australia....they are bloody huge....!!!!!

Big Truck Picture

Location:Airlie Beach, Queensland

The Road Trip, Day Two, Tin Can Bay To 1770

So, the second day of the trip and all seems to be going quiet well. Everyone seems to be getting on well enough, even though there has been a few 'spanglish' language problems (wrong beds, cushions, dinner).

Speaking of food, one thing hay I did not even consider was the different 'food times' we would be one: us Brits are on the usual Breky (8am), lunch (1pm) and dinner (7pm), but of course the Spanish are on their normal routine of Breky (9am), a late lunch (3pm) and a very late dinner (10pm)!!!! It was quiet a surprise when this came up, as the camper is no way big enough to have people sleeping and others trying to sleep. But we sorted out a compromise (brining dinner forwards to 9pm) and all should be fine in the future.

On the matter of driving, let's say it is interesting. Natalie drove yesterday and was fine, once she got over the nerves. Lucy drove this morning and altho she was a lot more nervous (and so was I!!) she got the hang of it quickly enough. Antonio managed to get used to the size of the vehicle, but at his first junction turning right (90deg) he took it at almost 50 km/h AND then went on to the wrong side of the road (right) and proceeded to go head first towards oncoming traffic!!!! It was scary enough going that quick round a corner (his missus flew of the chair into the door!!) but to then look straight on at an oncoming 4x4 ute.....that was scary.

Still, I don't think he will do that again, I hope!!!!

On the way to 1770 we stopped at Bundaberg the town, but only for the rum distillery. The rum is very well known throughout Australia and is very much loved as a 'Australian' drink. Personally I think it is good, but their Ginger Beer and Sarsaparilla bottle pops are brilliant and remind me of living up north in Jordie land (Sunderland/Newcastle area) with my nana.

Bundy Pictures

Location:The Town of 1770