Day 80 – Sunday 16 August - Gin Gin to Torquay - 133 km
Again we were on the road just after 8 am. Dark clouds turned into a few showers that cleared by the time we arrived at the Nikenbah Markets, just outside Hervey Bay. As we still had the caravan connected a park was difficult so we had to park about 250 metres away.
We have tried Darryl's donuts before. We bought fruit that was now in short supply, including a pineapple.
We were setting up on our site just after 12 noon. It took longer than usual as the site was much tighter than usual. The small crowd of onlookers were full of suggestions. I held my cool and showed how a Kelly backs in a caravan.
We mucked around for some time doing odd jobs and lunch. The southerly wind was annoying. The showers came and went on a regular basis.
We scored a short beach walk in between showers. Longer walks to come.
Shirley said pasta for dinner so the Weber was set up for herb damper. It was pretty good.
Day 81 – Monday 17 August - Hervey Bay
The day started with rain and that theme continued. Luckily we had let our food supplies run down, so it was a shopping day - maybe even for things that we do not need.
We went shopping. We did not buy anything that we did not need.
The day continued with rain and that theme continued. We survived and dined on home made pizzas for dinner.
I was still wearing shorts.
Day 82 – Tuesday 18 August - Hervey Bay
The same theme continued - rain, sun, rain, sun etc.
That theme changed mid morning and it turned into a superb day. Our first serious Hervey Bay beach walk (for 2 years) happened.
After lunch we headed to the Anembo Lakes area. It was a lovely spot with plenty of water birds and turtles.
The birds that we saw included Magpie Geese, Black Swans, Radjah Shelducks, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Darter, Little Black Cormorant, Pelicans, While Ibis, White Faced Heron, Great Egret, Swallows, Noisy Minor and Common Myna.
The Weber managed a piece of roast pork for dinner - as the rain returned.
Day 83 – Wednesday 19 August - Hervey Bay
The washing was left in the washing 'basket' as the rain tumbled down - as usual, in between short bursts of bright sunshine.
The 'Pier Market' was the attraction and off we went (with umbrella just in case), but it was a shadow of its former self. Maybe the weather was a factor.
The pier then became the focus and sea birds were around in numbers. We were able to get a few photos before (and after) a huge windy front swept in from the south east. Luckily it was a 'political' front - more wind than substance.
Two majestic Osprey were perched on the top of two poles before hovering over us for a photo in flight. The strong wind allowed them to virtually 'sit' motionless above us in flight for a short time.
Also present in numbers were Crested Terns, Silver Gulls and Pelicans, not to mention heaps of swallows and a few 'Tree Martins'.
On the way back to civilisation we passed Arkarra Lagoons where a Royal Spoonbill was chatting to mates.
Just after 5pm I headed to the beach for a possible sunset photo. While I waited a few dolphin frollicked not far from the beach.
Day 84 – Thursday 20 August - Hervey Bay
By the time the clothes came out of the washing machine a sun shower sent me inside. Shirley slept on. I progressed the photobook that will come from this blog.
The sun appeared and we looked set for a great day. Shirley appeared as the clothes hit the line.
We delayed a walk on the beach for a mid-morning coffee. It was lucky that we did as the heavens opened and our clothes got another rinse - we did not.
That was the theme for the day. Rain, sun, rain sun.
Our 2 km walk to lunch at 'Enzo's on the Beach' became a drive as we did not trust the weather - and that worked out to be a wise decision.
The lunch (courtesy of a birthday voucher) was superb.
Around mid afternoon we scored a walk - but along the shopping strip - just in case. Clothing shops slowed us down, as did the ice-cream parlour.
On our way back we passed a place called "The Salty Axe" where the core business is throwing tomahawks. Patrons are given some lessons then encouraged to throw a tomahawk at a target.
Day 85 – Friday 21 August - Hervey Bay
The start of our 13th week was a magnificent morning, and it looked like staying that way. It did and was our best day for some time. 😊
The morning was shared between exercises, coffee and walk on beach.
The afternoon was shared between reading, coffee, beach walk and reading.
Day 86 – Saturday 22 August - Hervey Bay
It was fresh and overcast and the 'Pier Market' was the first port of call. The Saturday version was much better than the Wednesday version. Fruit and veggies were purchased.
We drove back to camp and walked 300 metres to the Torquay market. The fresh food was just as good there. Shirley honed in on her favourite Hervey Bay (locally made) clothing stall. I was dismissed and headed back to camp.
On the way back I called into the Torquay Hotel to use the ATM. It was 9:55 am and the Mackay cricket test against Bangladesh was about to start. I decided to watch the first over and saw Mitch Starc get a wicket with his first ball.
Shirley arrived home 35 minutes after me with a grin from ear to ear. Success. By then Starc had 5 wickets. Wow.
It was not a brilliant day for beach walks so we tried two nature walks - looking for flora and fauna. We visited Vernon Conservation Park and Pir'ri Conservation Reserve We saw flora but not much fauna. We walked over 5 km.
Above: Some of the flowers on display
We celebrated Carlton's win over ladder-leader Fremantle with an ice-cream. Shirley conjured up some rissoles & veggies for dinner.
*** This chapter is now complete ***
Last updated at 9:15 pm on Saturday 22 August 2026
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