I made it safely back to Brisbane, but in reality it was one of the scariest of days. It was as if the scent of Brisbane had infiltrated my nostrils and I broke some of my own rules. It was some 800 kms to Brisbane and more than I would normally do in a day. I was tired but tired of driving and tired of being on my own, and the thought of seeing my family drove me on and on.
I did stop to take the occasional photo - oh, there were so many wonderful sights that I could have and perhaps should have taken the time to do so.
Of course it is all mining territory - and the huge trains full of ore rattle along the tracks beside the roadway headed for Port Alma mostly. It is a pretty awesome sight, and so is the scenery. And as you can see the skies were brilliant blue - I was so lucky all the time with the weather.
When I arrived at Gympie the sun was almost gone and I had to make a decision - do I find accommodation for the night or do I keep driving? I was tired, but the appeal of seeing family was too much and against my better judgement I chose to drive on.
As darkness hit I found I was in the midst of roadworks just south of Gympie and for a few moments I almost panicked as I couldn't see where to go. I do think it was fatigue - but I was committed and kept driving until soon I came accross places I recognised. I hadn't driven at night - it was something I chose not to do, other than short drives within towns. I was well out of my comfort zone and for the first time I was a little scared.
Luckily I was able to gight the fatigue in my usual way, but putting on music that I could sing loudly to. (Always I can only do this when no one can hear me for I have a voice that should not be heard attempting to sing!!!)
As I drove over the Gateway Bridge (Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge) I could feel my heart pumping faster and I drove along Wynnum Road, to a bottle shop and bought a bottle of bubbles to celebrate. I had made it. Home safe.
I did stop to take the occasional photo - oh, there were so many wonderful sights that I could have and perhaps should have taken the time to do so.
Of course it is all mining territory - and the huge trains full of ore rattle along the tracks beside the roadway headed for Port Alma mostly. It is a pretty awesome sight, and so is the scenery. And as you can see the skies were brilliant blue - I was so lucky all the time with the weather.
When I arrived at Gympie the sun was almost gone and I had to make a decision - do I find accommodation for the night or do I keep driving? I was tired, but the appeal of seeing family was too much and against my better judgement I chose to drive on.
As darkness hit I found I was in the midst of roadworks just south of Gympie and for a few moments I almost panicked as I couldn't see where to go. I do think it was fatigue - but I was committed and kept driving until soon I came accross places I recognised. I hadn't driven at night - it was something I chose not to do, other than short drives within towns. I was well out of my comfort zone and for the first time I was a little scared.
Luckily I was able to gight the fatigue in my usual way, but putting on music that I could sing loudly to. (Always I can only do this when no one can hear me for I have a voice that should not be heard attempting to sing!!!)
As I drove over the Gateway Bridge (Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge) I could feel my heart pumping faster and I drove along Wynnum Road, to a bottle shop and bought a bottle of bubbles to celebrate. I had made it. Home safe.
 |
| Old cattle yards |
 |
| Dululu Hotel |
 |
| Jambin Hotel |
I will remember April 30th - the date of my return from my journey around Australia. Would I do it again???? Yes, in a heart beat. But with some conditions this time. I would choose a slight different route - just for variety really and I would hope I had enough money and time to visit some of the special places that I just had to pass up on. I keep buying tickets, but don't think that will do it for me. I guess I can hope and dream.
Comments