Because we both had different weeks, we have done a his and hers sytle blog.
The next post will be a joint post....
HIS BLOG......
3 - 14 May
Context: up to 7 guys, a couple of weeks, too many cartons of beer to count, a bit of fishing, a houseboat, some spirits, a bit more fishing and quite a few fish!!! The boys went to Weipa which was the start of our 6 month Australia adventure.
The Trip up - Left Narangba bright and early (except for half an our late due to Rossi sleeping in). Planned on making Bowen by dusk but were held up by a bad accident south of Sarina. Settled for staying in Sarina which was not too bad. Early start next day with the plan being to meet up with Wallsy and Bones along the way. Ended up in Bowen for the night finally and met the boys. Quick fish for no result and dinner and the pub and a bit of a pub crawl.
Next day the driving started in ernest. Made it from Bowen to the foot of the Peninsular Development Road (PDR - where it gets fun). As it was getting dark we started to look for places to stay. First place was deserted and had definate Wolf Creek vibes to it. Decided to move on. Found the Mount Carbine Pub where part time publican and full time drunk Nick looked after us for a meal and a bed bug infested bed. What a character - some awesome quotes and interesting conversation. The drivers and Rossi kept it on a level (Nick - "are you guys soft or on a budget?"), while Daz drank on with Nick and wife and played pool till all hours.
Hit the PDR early the next day and had some adventures and good natured banter on the 2-way (great investment). Road had only opened a few days earlier and was not in great condition. Highlight was a decent water crossing which got us pumped for the rest of the drive. Was slow going and made it to Archer River where the decision was made to get a room for the night. After having a wallets lightened booking in we decided to go for a walk along the river (awesome) a few beers and dinner. Dinner was the road gangs as they werent actually doing meals so early in the season. Rossi slept particularly well wrapped in plastic
Next day (Friday) we made the last slow three hours to Weipa. I hit a couple of really good ruts that left us checking to see if everthing was in place afterwards. Set up camp and had a couple of beers. Had a couple more beers and hit the heritage for a few beers and dinner.
The next week is a blur of fishing and drinking. Lots of different species caught and everyone had a great time. Some minor technical issues with my boat which are now sorted were a bit frustrating. Pictures tell a better story. Darren "Darryl" Essex had a rough trot breaking a couple of rods (one on fish other on rod locker) as well as sustaining a number of minor injuries. Everyone went for a swim in the beautiful crocodile infested waters (Rossi fell out of the boat and the rest of pushing the boat of mud flats and rock bars to avoid getting stuck). I particularly love getting in the water up here hahaha. Saw enough crocs, sharks and sea snakes to make it hard to get it.
15 - 21st MayFishing on the boat....
Had an aweomse time with the crew on the boat. The crew went under the "Essex Family" anbd those present include:
Warwick "Warren Essex" Squire - Captain and barista
Darren "Darrell" Essex" - Designated drinker and gear tester
Andrew "Andre Essex" Walls - Barra legend
Mat "Pat Essex" Kroll - general insanity and shark fishing
Ben "Gavin Essex" Marshell - swearing and oysters
Kevin "Kelvin Essex" McCosker - sea sickness, journalling, sensible but funny
Michael "Michelle Essex" Ross - tackle maintenance and generally vulnerability.
Days dissapeared very quickly and here are a few photos. Some highlights were fishing the 3 mile and donating lots of tackle to large fish and sharks; tuna fishing and sharks; Roberts Creek barra, jacks, fingermark and cod; tuna sushimi; tuna steaks, wasabi and soy sandwiches; Darrells thai green fish curry, jack entre, oysters fresh from the tap root and many more. Blew all week so weather wasnt great but we caught a heap of fantasic fish and the crew are a fantastic mob.
43 species caught which was pretty good!!! Cant wait for next year already!!!
Waz and his 109cm GT
Darrell pushing his gear beyond the limit
Nice cod
HER BLOG
The adventure begins.....
After a drunken leaving do at Kerbside, I finally got on the plane and flew to Cairns. I took a boat out to Green Island and met up with Syd Rock (aka Lagwagon). Syd and his girlfriend Ming both work on the island, and his grandparents own the crocodile farm. The croc farm is home to Callius - the largest crocodile in captivity in the world, he measures in at 5.5metres. I didn't do a whole lot on the island. I treated myself to a facial and a cocktail or five while lazing on the beach. I thought that I should enjoy a bit of luxury before I arrived in Weipa, I wasn't expecting the staff from the Weipa Hilton to meet me the Weipa airport with a frosty Lychee Caprioska.................
Before the red dust settles on my face....
One of many.......................
The Acoustics Kanga-Nuts also enjoyed Green Island
Transporting some crocs to the mainland....
OUR BLOG
Weipa
21st - 23rd May
After a short flight from Cairns, I arrived in Weipa. I was a little concerned because I couldn't see Waz waiting for me, but on closer inspection I realised that the hairy Alby Mangal lookalike was actually Waz. He is now sporting a rather large beard and his skin has darkened by a few shades.
There were two things that I wanted to do while in Weipa. I wanted to see a crocodile and catch a barramundi. We went out in Wallsy' boat yesterday and I did both!!!! Waz, Daz and Wallsy all caught lots of fish too (Barramundi, Cod and Mangrove Jack).
Today we are packing up all of the gear, buying some groceries and beer and in the morning we will drive up the Penisula Development Road to Seisa, we plan to stay for about a week.
I have to say that life is pretty good at the moment, and we are both very relaxed. In fact - if we were any more relaxed we may forget to breathe...................
Life is sooooooooooooooo tough
Bara-bel or Isa-mundi????
It's a double hook-up (note the matching shirts too)
Wallsy and his friend Jack
