Mount Surprise

14 - 15 August 2014

The Crazy Woman (GPS) strikes again! 

We had thought about taking the "back roads" from Cobbold Gorge, through Einasleigh to The Lynd Junction, but because Mick was feeling unwell, and had both had enough of unsealed roads for a while, we decided that we would stop for the night at Mount Surprise, and follow that with the long drive back home to Townsville in the morning. After stopping in Georgetown to visit the Op Shop I set the GPS for Mount Surprise and she told me it was only 52 kms away, despite the road signs saying it was 90km. Not to worry, it's straight along the Savannah Way, so we headed off, and surprise, surprise, the Crazy Woman was spectacularly wrong - she had the town of Mount Surprise smack bang in the middle of the Einasleigh River!

We arrived in this little village and were able to get a cabin for the night so the patient could rest in the afternoon, which he did! Later in the afternoon we went for the walk that leaves from the back of the caravan park, and goes down to the creek. Unlike the creek walk in Julia Creek, this one was well described in the literature, and well marked. It was an easy walk down to, and along the creek. Quite a pretty spot where it would be very nice to have a picnic.

Red-winged Parrot are common in these parts

Seen on the walk... stone stacking appears to be a thing now

 The walk to the creek is along a narrow track that winds through open bushland and through a couple of fences. The ground is scattered with countless basalt rocks that are testament to the volcanic history of the area. Not far away are the Undara Lava Tubes, great long caves formed by the passage of lava, tens of thousands of years ago. Undara has become a popular tourist destination and Mount Surprise is often a base for travelers wishing to see the tubes.

For us, there were more birds around the van park than on the walk to the creek. We only saw a couple of Grey Fantails. I suspect that this would vary with the time of day. I was not well enough to sit quietly  waiting for birds to come in to drink that day.

Lucky I didn't as the temperature dropped and some light rain moved in not long after we returned to the cabin.

Squatter pigeon in the van park

This caravan park was fairly full, and we were glad we hadn't opted to camp in the tent - the 2 tent camping areas were full to overflowing due to the presence of a school tour group. Enthusiastic, giggling teenagers - but they did remain quiet later in the evening. The caravan sites are all set out with trees and shrubs between sites - very thoughtful. We would be happy to stay in one of those when we visit next.

An early start in the morning and then home.....

Karumba

8 - 10 August 2014

We had intended to stay at the same caravan park at Karumba Point we stayed at last time we were there but realised we had booked in to the other one which is further from the point beach. We checked in and were shown to a camping sport wedged between two caravans and a fence separating us from the clothes lines. It was then we decided we really don't like caravan parks! Too many people, too close together. Having said that, the people at the park were very friendly. For dinner we made the obligatory visit to the Sunset Tavern to see the sunset over the water. It is a beautiful way to spend an evening. 

On Saturday we spent the day visiting various "birdy" spots - well Mick did, I was the taxi driver, dropping him off and picking him up later. I can now add the Karumba dump to the list of beautiful spots Mick has taken me to! We joined other travellers - and many who had set up fairly permanent camps - at the caravan park for the Saturday Night Free Fish BBQ. You take your own salad, plates etc and they provide fillets of fresh fish. It's well organised and there was a generous serving for a free event - and the opportunity for seconds. We only stayed a little while for the home grown entertainment.

On Sunday morning we rose early and packed ready to leave. A quick visit to the beach and then the markets (at the tavern) and then into Karumba for a specialist birdwatching cruise with the Karumba Ferryman. Unfortunately there weren't many birds about but the skipper kept looking and looking to get as many for us (Mick) as he could. 

Mangrove Gerygone

Mangrove Grey Fantail

Rufous-banded Honeyeater

Female White-breasted Whistler

Wilma the Black-necked Stork

Red-headed Honeyeater

The expected two hour cruise turned into almost three hours. We stopped at the park for an early lunch and then moved on to Leichhardt Lagoon.