After our last three days beside the family from hell. We were both very ready to find a nice secluded spot to sit back and relax. Tim found a private property on Hipcamps in the direction we wanted to go out in the Atherton Tablelands so we booked that and off we went.
Our journey took us back up through the rainforest to Kuranda where we stopped for a smoothie before continuing on our way. I will give the vegans one thing: they make a bloody good smoothie!
The road very quickly went from lush rainforest to dry scrub which we were a little surprised about. I though the Tablelands were a lush farming area high in the hills. It might just be because we are at the northern end but will have to wait and see if that is correct when we start to head south.
We made it to the campsite that ticked all the boxes in that it was secluded and the only challenge was finding a flat spot for the camper. It didn’t help that it was about 35degrees outside and the place was dry as can be. Congratulations must be given to both Tim and I for not losing our shit and yelling at each other as we tried to navigate the trailer between two trees and tight corner. A few backwards and forwards and some tense discussions later we made it through and found a level spot. So secluded were we that our shower was completely open.
It cooled down substantially once the sun set and we had a pleasant evening cooking steak over the fire. The peace and serenity were just lovely.
Day two saw a very late start but with a lunch packed we decided to go for a little day trip to Emerald Creek Falls. Fortunately this walk was dog friendly which was great so after a quick lunch on one of the pick if tables along the creek we all headed off up the path to see the falls.
The walk was only a 2 km round trip but considering it was the middle of the day in dry conditions it was probably the limit of Griffys endurance. Especially considering there were a few sets of steps which he has started to really struggle with. But we all made it up and the view was pretty special. The deep blue of the cloudless sky was spectacular.
On the way back we stopped off along with way for a swim to cool us off and I don’t think I have ever seen Griff so happy to go for a swim.
Back home we had a relaxing afternoon followed by some delicious lamb and veggie souvlaki wraps cooked over the fire.
We caught up on some rest the next day and I managed to finish off my first ever knitting project which was a scarf. I started this over a year ago so not the greatest achievement. But looking forward to starting my next knitting project. I am thinking a beanie but in 30+ degree temps it is a little hard to get started. I have also downloaded a how to crochet and drawing for beginners which I can add to my yoga, skipping and book reading hobbies. So feel as if I will be a well rounded starter of lots but master of none 😁.
My fascination with trying to eat all the unusual Asian vegetables I could find at Rusty’s market culminated in me cooking a Bitter Melon stir fry on our last night. I probably should have read a little more about it before purchasing but you only live once! The final product looked delicious and it would have been if it didn’t have any bitter melon in it. The vegetable is as its name states is BITTER and has a consistency similar to a zucchini. Fortunately the pork mince, fermented black bean and sauce were yum so you just had to stuff the bitter melon in first and you were left with a delicious dish. S
