We packed up the camper and boat and made our way to Vyrilia Point. The road was in pretty good nick, until we got to the Vyrilia Point turn off. The first point of excitment was a log bridge crossing, with steep entry and exit points. Due to Waza's impecible off road four wheel driving skills, and my clear and concise directing ability, we negoiated the crossing without incident.
30km of teeth rattling corrugations later we arrived at Vyrillia Point. A quick survey of beach conditions and we were on way north along the sandy beach to a bush camp we had heard about on the mouth of Crystal Creek. It was probably along a kilometer into the drive when Waz started to realize the reason why people deflate their tyres in soft sand - we got bogged. A quick deflation of all tyres, and a change to low range saw us out of the bog and on our way. After a second bogging incident (and a quick snatch out from our new friend Doug who had experienced similar grief) and we were setting up camp in paradise.
A number of the people whom we had met at Seisia had already arrived at Crystal Creek earlier that day. Apart from one other campsite - we had the place to ourselves. Steve and Chrissy who were also keen fisherpeople had informed us of the good fishing in Crystal Creek so we met over beers to discuss fishing strategies. The next day the boat was ready and fishing commenced. The following days were a blur of early morning espresso coffees, cooked Continental breakfasts, morning fishing sessions, midday seistas, afternoon fishing sessions, sunset drinks and cambert cheese around the camp fire with our new friends and rounded off with a satisfying fish meal cooked on the fire and on the odd occasion, maybe a bit too much red wine drank by Belle......
now this is what I call a bathroom with a view....
Highlights included the story we heard about the 16/18/20 foot croc that ate the 80/100/120kg wild bore that was shot by the crew from Rocky on the Northshore. Waza's highlight was his 42cm Jack and number of small beautifully coloured QLD grouper. Belle's highlight was her 45cm Jack (Waz says that fishing is not a competion), and finally getting a bloody decent sized cod. Another highlight (or some would say lowlight) was when an inquistive crocodile came to see what the commotion was about when we landed a GT. Waz was about to take a photo of Belle and her fish, when Belle spotted the croc 5 metres from the boat, and steadilly approaching. Some quick manouvering saw us out of harms way and watching and taking photos of the amazing creature from a relatively safe distance.
cranky croc
Belle's first Jack (45cm). He was dinner, served with crispy potatoes and a garlic and parmasen sauce....
Waza's slightly smaller Jack - we baked him whole in the coals with pumpkin and corn
Waz with a QLD Groupper
Unfortunately alcohol restrictions brought our fun to an end (not really - but we had run out of booze, ice, food and battery) so it was time to move on. We packed up and were on our way back to Weipa bright and early. Unfortunately the best laid plans..... while we were leaving the beach at Vyrillia Point we were waved down by a concerned fellow camper with smoke fuming from the right hand trailer tyre - we had done a bearing. Luckilly we were waved down by 7 tradies (a boiler maker, a couple of mechanics, a sparkie, a butcher, a baker - but no candle stick maker) from Rocky. Two hours of grease, grunt and groan saw us back on the road with a somewhat fixed bearing - we plan to get this fully fixed in Weipa.
We stopped in at Moreton Telegraph station for the evening and were severley ripped off - regardless we had a good sleep and we were not camping. We are now in Weipa for 2 days, we will get the trailer fixed, restock on the essentials (beer) and wash our clothes. Next stop is Pennyfather where Waz assures me that he will catch a 50cm Jack (even though fishing is not a competion).............
Change of planIt is now Wednesday, and we should be setting up camp at Pennyfather. However, there were some further issues with the trailer - we do not have any brakes. The part needs to be shipped from Brisbane, which means that we are going to be in Weipa for another week. There are worse places to be stuck.
The Weipa fishing competion is also on this weekend, so we are going to enter that..... looks like fishing is a competition after all...........
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