Car Up A Tree

Last night, we camped at Saunders Park, Saunders Beach, about twenty kilometres out of Townsville.

We decided to camp there rather than in Townsville itself thinking that it would be a nicer spot to camp.

The park was ninety nine percent full when we arrived early in the afternoon but we managed to find a nice spot away from all the other campers/caravaners in a little alcove type area at the start of the driveway.

We went for a walk along the beach after we'd set up.

After dinner we were enjoying a quite sojourn just after dark, marvelling at the fireflies (I've never seen fireflies  before), conversing with the possums, and then we were disturbed by a very loud party at the other end of the park.

Suddenly and with absolutely no warning, a four wheel drive truck came speeding, in reverse, straight for our camp spot.

In a panic, and in shock, I sprung out of my chair, expecting the truck to slam into the front of our vehicle.  Once more, luck was on our side and a straggly little eucalyptus sapling became jammed beneath the truck's back bumper bar, its back wheels about a metre off the ground.

The driver continued to rev the car motor, fortunately, the car remained stationary.

What to do?  All I could think of was to sound the horn of our car because it was obvious the driver had no idea we were parked behind.  In fact, it turned out that the driver was so blind drunk or stoned she had no idea of anything.

To cut a long story short, expletives flew back and forth all night, between the driver and her partner, someone called the police, but to no avail. The car was jammed up the tree and stuck there good and proper. 

Against the advice of the police officers, the car was eventually pulled out and we had a peaceful night after all!

Thank God everyone was safe.

This morning we drove to Townsville.  We bought some fruit and vegetables at the markets and then drove around for forty five minutes looking for public toilets!  Found some at The Strand.

What great facilities at The Strand.  Had some coffee and cake there too and went for a short walk before heading off again, towards Charters Towers, then continued travelling along  the Gregory Developmental Road.
Tonight, we're camped at Belyando Crossing Roadhouse, where we're preparing for a chilly night!
We have a few kilometres to travel over the next two days.
Plans have been made to catch up with some friends in Toowoomba on Tuesday afternoon, so we will need to travel about a thousand kilometres by Tuesday lunch to achieve that deadline.

Water sports at The Strand, Townsville.

The kids just loved this water equipment.  A huge bucket filled with water which tipped out over the kids.  Great fun!

I just love this photograph.  It well and truly reflects what The Strand is all about, spending time with loved ones!  
Behind these two, the parkland was a-buzz with hundreds of people yet they looked like they were miles away from anyone!