What with trucks rolling over and a bush fire we very nearly didnt make Tin Can Bay.

Thursday
Several unexpected things have happened over the past couple of days. One that was expected was our visit to Mon Repos turtle centre. It was an evening visit as the plan was to see the baby turtles make their bid to freedom. Plenty of people waiting when we arrived and with us being almost last in the queue, expected a long wait. Almost as soon as the centre opened an announcement was made to say one of the nests had turtles emerging. The first group would be allowed to see these and imagine our surprise when our names were called out to be in that first group. It was all to do with who booked in first and as we booked it by Internet over two days ago, we just made it. Over an hour watching them break free from the sand. They were all kept in a small holding cage, all 104 of them and we got to hold one and take photos. Then it was make a line to the sea, shine the torches to show them the way, release them from their cage and watch their dash for freedom. A thunderstorm happened to be in progress at the same time and we did get very wet but I wouldn't have missed it for anything.

Mon Repos beach. Turtles emerged from the dunes at 7pm.

Friday 10th,

First, it was a stop at Bundaberg to visit the distillery. Well, Ian did as I decided it was not my thing and those fumes were somewhat overpowering. He enjoyed it, especially the free samples at the end.

We then left for Hervey Bay, another long drive. Along the journey, we came across a sign, 'Snakes Down under reptile park. Had to go see and, although a very small affair, for $18 well worth the visit. Even got to see the crocs feeding and I got to hold a Python.

'Macca' the big 4-meter boy.

This is the female Alice. She was sitting on her nest.

Black-headed Python

So onwards to Hervey Bay. 30 years ago we visited the place and wanted to see if it had changed. Well, it sure has! Didn't recognise any part of it. What I remember was driving down one street to the beach, now it is a huge place. Still, I wanted to sit on the beach as I had all those years ago and of course a paddle was a must.

It was as we left for Tin Can Bay via Marlborough that we came upon our first unexpected event.

None of the emergency services had arrived so I assumed it had not long happened.

The truck almost blocked the road but Ian managed to squeeze the camper past the front end by going over the roundabout.

It was carrying refuse so you can imagine the smell.

Then our next unexpected occurrence. Heading on the Tin Can Bay road smoke seemed to suddenly appear. The nearer we got to our destination the worse the smoke. At the junction, we stopped and debated whether to turn back. Ian was all for going on and as the cars coming toward us were not flashing lights to warn us of danger we continued on our way. As we drew closer it looked to be one of those controlled burns the Aussies do to minimise the fire risk.

No not flames but a bright red sunset behind the smoke.

We did make Tin Can Bay. The reason for this stop is to see the Dolphins being fed at 7am. So a very early start as we are told the car park gets very busy!