(Tim looking from Mt Inkerman look out, our first stop.Never been here before either!)
Our oldest son and his fiance decided that 2009 would be the year of the wedding in our garden and so we decided that we wouldn't have a holiday this year...lots of work to be done and Mr Rudd's 'stimulation' didn't quite cover the costs of titivating and tidying but it did amply cover the expense of a weekend away or two. The idea was that one of us pick a place we've never been before and is only up to 4 or 5 hours drive away. It was my turn first seeing as it was my idea! Last year in Canada I wanted to do the Flying Fox tour at Whistler but due to my lack of determination I missed out. When I got home I Googled 'flying fox' and up came Finch Hatton near Mackay! Blimey...I went all the way to Canada to do something I could do in my own back yard. In the thirty years we have lived up here in the north we have never ventured off the highway. Always in too much of a hurry getting somewhere or going home. I thought he'd guess but he had no clue that what lay hidden behind the trail of the well beaten track was a beautiful mountain getaway. I have to say that all through our life together weather has always featured heavily in our holidays. Every time we packed the esky for a weekend away on the yacht clouds formed , even cyclones! So why should things change now? It wasn't too bad though...bearable ...good snuggling weather!
Our first night was The Chalet at Eungella. You 'can't' see it for the shrouds of fog. Surprises for no one! I find it exciting though. Something we don't see too often in Townsville and an excuse to light that fire.
Being out of touch with lighting a fire my hero came up with the idea of how to get the flames excited. All you need do is have a couple of rums and your breath sorts that! See his cheeks all billowed and the timber ignite! Don't try this at home kids!
I have to say that my well meaning friends and family have a lot to answer for as far as the success of the simple pleasures of a couple of oldies getting away for a 'naughty' weekend! We started our mini holiday with a cold schooner at the bar. We retreated to the cabin for a snort or two of rum and soda (medicinal purpose only , you understand, to warm us up and give us fortitude to brace the freezing weather and get back to the dinning room). At dinner we emptied a nice bottle of Merlot. It was quiet for a Friday so we were told. We didn't mind as we talked and talked and talked! YES TALKED!All the better books say that talking is a foundation for foreplay. We'll be right tonight then!
First my sister rang for a chat. Then my girl friend Gail rang to see if we were having a good time! We joked about her timing. I then received a text which I answered. Tim had disappeared ...gone for a smoke I thought. 'Gee he's a long time'. Found him...snoring his head off snuggled up in bed! I have a laugh as only a thirty year bride could!
Before heading off we checked out the Ute competition that was part of festivities being held this weekend.
The second night was at The Broken River Retreat . It was modern and fresh looking by comparison to The Chalet. Quieter too and absolutely nothing to do but walk and talk (yes talk!) and view the platypus which neither of us had ever seen in the wild before. I would have swam with them but brrrrr a little too chilly for me. They are very hard to photograph. I did my best...patience ran out as well as the batteries in my camera!
Sharing a coffee break with one of the locals. Funny old turkey. Didn't say much! This was at the kiosk in the National Park. It was very impressive and made me wonder why our Mt Elliot isn't up to scratch like this?Eungella National Park (pron: Youngella) 
Who said you can't take a Monaro off road!
Or through water.....
Entering the black portals of the rain forest...
A fan dancing faerie?
Babbling Brookness
Tarzan Tim...King of The Rainforest.
Back into the light......
Chatting with the locals at Finch Hatton
Strapped up and ready for the flight!
Through the tops of the forest we go.
This was really worth it 'Finch Hatton Gorge Flying Fox'. If you do go take cotton gloves with you to wear under the leather ones they loan you or plastic throw aways. Other than the creepy smelly hands you are left with it is an awesome experience flapping around at tree top height with all manner of Gods wonderful critters. Donna and David have total dedication to preservation of the reservation! Above is David myself and Clare a fellow tourist. She was one of the short listed applicants for the 'Worlds Best Job'.An ancient icon?
Bowenwood.... a modern one!
The mighty Burdekin Bridge
Home Sweet Home...
... Just in time to say Happy Mothers Day to Grandma and give her a handmade pressie from a local market in The Pioneer Valley.
It's Tim's turn next and he reckons that it will be hard to beat. I was pleased that he enjoyed the adventure and believe it or not we have plans to return it was that good!
