Tash's Van Life

08/12/2023

Day 41

Work done, van packed up and hooked on and off I go! Traffic horrible on the coast but three hours later I was home sweet home ❤️ and someone was happy to see me!!!

Washing done, van unpacked, showered and on the lounge with a beer (it is Friday).

What a great 6 weeks! Thanks for coming along for the ride …. Only about 11 weeks and we will head off again!!! But for now I’ve got to pack for the Fraser Island trip!! It’s tough 🤷🏻‍♀️

The stats:

3695 Klms $918 in fuel (435 litres)
2 family stays, 6 caravan parks, 1 motel $1291
7 golf courses $404

Lots of hours behind the wheel!!!!

07/12/2023

Homeward bound!

07/12/2023

Day 40

Last day. Looking forward to heading home, but my little Chateau has been just lovely. Seen some gorgeous places, caught up with beautiful people and relaxed. Definitely gained some caravanning experience and enjoyed this trip thoroughly. Still can’t play golf for s**t 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ but it was also really good to play some different courses.

Going to stretch out for my last night without coco the bed hog!

06/12/2023

Day 39

Two to go!!

This afternoon’s adventure saw me in butterfly heaven! Bribie butterfly park 🦋 is really small but really cute! Gorgeous butterfly’s everywhere. Cocoons growing and hatching and it was just beautiful! Lots of videos in the comments!

Walk along the river and yummy Thai takeaway for dinner. Feeling relaxed but ready to go home and see my babies 😍. Oh and some of you mad lot too ###

Night y’all

05/12/2023

Day 38

Well not too many days left now!

Raced out of the van as soon as work finished and out to bribie island golf club.

Originally booked for 9 holes - started on 10 and flew around so continued on and played the front as well (well less one hole that was being refurbished).

The course is lovely - greens still recovering from their recent maintenance but all in all it was pleasant afternoon …. But also the most expensive round I’ve played this trip ☹️

04/12/2023

Day 37

Got up early and wandered down the street in search of caffeine. Supposed to be a good coffee shop open at 5:30 …. But at 5:45 all dark. A couple of ladies wandered past and said they think it closes Mondays …. Ahhhh right …… bakery opens at six so sat and chatted with them while waiting for my caffeine fix.

Wish I could say it was worth the wait …… not the lovely ladies company ….. but s**t coffee …… and on a Monday 😞😞😞

Finished work and went for a drive around the island ….. over to Woorim Beach - pulled up in the carpark and three people were all staring across the road. 5 young guys …. Full of god knows what …. Two of them throwing punches left right and centre on the side of the road. The other three really not doing too much to stop anything ….. lucky one of them didn’t split their head open falling on the road. Went and checked out the beach - when I returned all but one guy were in the car trying to run the other one over 🤷🏻‍♀️. The guys watching said “pretty obvious where they are from”. I told them I wasn’t local so really had no idea (obviously the not so classy part of the island). He said well look at the fine entertainment we put on for you tourists! Oh dear 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

Passed the guy walking up the road when I left - scratches and cuts all over him - blood pi***ng out of his nose - not sure how the other guy ended up.

Drove over to the golf club and booked in 9 holes for after work tomorrow then took a drive past my grandparents old house. Lots of memories came back just sitting looking at their old home.

Drove down to Pacific Harbour ….. that area has really grown over the last 20 odd years!!

Back to have a wine and read in the shade - quite a pleasant afternoon here today. I passed a little Thai place this morning so I wandered off for a takeaway …. Hmmm not much movement here ….. yep ….. also closed Mondays!

Steak burger from a fish and chip shop and back to my nightly ritual of dinner and an episode of “How to get away with murder” (I’m getting clues …. Better stay on my good side 😉)

$15 burger hit the spot - sounds like shower, Bec and a few chapters time!

03/12/2023

03/12/2023

Day 36

Breakfast, car check, hugs and kisses to the Akers clan (extra kisses for Nuffa) and on the road again. Pretty good trip …. After 13 1/2 hours driving in the last three days I was pretty happy to reach my final destination.

Been a long time since I’ve been to Bribie - probably since Grandma and Pa left here approximately 20 years ago! Definitely a little emotional driving in.

By the time I set up I was hot and exhausted so beer in hand, aircon pumped up, golf on! And what a great finish to the Australian Open!

Wandered across the road to watch the sunset over the Pumicestone Passage. Gorgeous evening, couple of dolphins swimming around and a nice chat to a couple of other lady travellers.

Check out the “camp kitchen” at this place - fantastic setup and the view as well 👌🏼

Dinner, Netflix and a shower and hopefully a good nights sleep coming up!

02/12/2023

Day 35

Early morning start at Rockhampton Golf Club …. I know it was hot everywhere …. But it was Rocky ….. so sweltering. But what a beautiful course …. Really enjoyed my morning ….. played with three guys that were fun and friendly! If you don’t count my 2nd and 3rd holes, I even played pretty good!

Back to the van for a cold shower —- well after waiting a few minutes for the piping hot water to clear through the hose!!

Got packed up and hit the road to Bargara …. Greeted by the little kids on arrival and then my beautiful Nuffa boy was happy to see his aunty Tash back 😍😍😍

Dean and Rosie looked after me A+ as usual —-Deano still telling me I drink too slow 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

Just falling into bed now —- exhausted and another long road trip in the morning.

01/12/2023

Day 34

Tried to do my 2 hour work day / but the computers were not having it. 1 1/2 hours later I gave up and packed up. Left the computers on til the last minute in case the IT guys called, which they did, just as I finished unplugging everything!

Oh well - 3 1/2 hours later I arrived in very hot Rockhampton. Not the easiest of sites to get into , but I eventually got the van lined up and parked. Plugged everything in and then had to hang around the van for three hours until the IT guys finally sorted my computer out. Oh well I’m ready for Monday I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️.

Went for a drive and saw a lovely looking park, Kershaw Gardens, so pulled in and wandered around the path that goes around the gardens. Water spouts and wading pool area was full of mums and kids in their school uniforms drenched and trying to cool off. The place was really beautiful, other than the sweat up I had I enjoyed my walk around. There’s even a free 48 hr caravan parking area …. Maybe I should have given that a go?

Went for a drive into the main part of town and spotted a target sign - first place I’ve stopped that had one. And probably the best target store I’ve seen - Jacki Kenney it was sooo good!!!

Parked along the river and went for a stroll, an old heritage building caught my eye, it was a pub …. Ok then! The Criterion Hotel was so lovely, grabbed a wine and sat and enjoyed the view ….. and a bit if golf that was showing on the outdoor tv.

Headed back to the van and a little Thai caravan had set up out the front, which looked really good, but I had done some reading about an old pub that did steaks cooked on a hot stone, so that’s where I headed. The reviews were right about not judging a book by its cover (the ladies toilets were even padlocked due to people using them to do drugs in …. Guess I wasn’t in the classier part of Rocky) …. But they were also right about the amazing steaks they served! It was bloody good!

Well down to my last week, this time next week I will be tucked up in my bed at home ….. til tomorrow …..night.

(Videos of gardens and my sizzling steak in comments)

30/11/2023

Day 33

Lovely morning watching the sun come up - it’s amazing how a picture can change depending on your focal point. Sort of like life and perspectives 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

Anyway, stinker of a hot day meant aircon on in the afternoon and staying cool until the outside weather settles down. Packed up the annex - trying to dodge those big MFING ants that appeared to have made a home in one of the arms!

Big weekend ahead- but first time to finish book number 90 for the year …… looks like I’ll hit the 100 before the years out at this rate!

30/11/2023

Tad warm today

29/11/2023

Good morning from Clairview

29/11/2023

Day 32

Walked down to the beach before work … the tide was way out …. So went back at lunchtime at high tide to compare the difference. Amazing! Saw a turtle and a couple of dugong’s popping their heads up! (Half a glimpse in the video in the comments)

Quiet sit enjoying the view after work ….. resting up before a busy weekend!

28/11/2023

Day 31

Another busy day working while the rain continued. Once work was over the blue skies came out so I went for trip to see Clairview. It didn’t take too long - it is basically one road a few klm long with mainly old beach shacks - lots of new big sheds, a park and a rural fire brigade building! I assume a lot of the homes are probably weekend/holiday homes for people that come here and love to fish. The outlook is sooo pretty though - but today’s videos and pics are probably all the sight-seeing there is to do here! Looks like I will get a few books read over the next few days!

Settled outside on my chair with a snack and my book but kept catching these big MFKR ants crawling up my legs. Not sure if they bite but I wasn’t going to find out! Doors and windows shut, air con on, book in hand!

Dinner, Netflix, book and bed. And listening to the neighbours 🤷🏻‍♀️. Unfortunately the biggest problem with this park is you don’t have the car space as well on your lot so your neighbours are really close.
(Videos in comments)

27/11/2023

Day 30

Rain rain rain! On and off all day …. But steady rain all late arvo. Ducked out at lunchtime to see the high tide / it’s a massive difference here!

Thought I would get out of the van and check out the bar …. Had a wine and snack …. Then it was pouring …. So I had another wine 🤷🏻‍♀️

Back in the van trying to listen to Netflix over the rain pouring on the roof!

Supposed to be one more day of this then fine weather 🤞🏻

26/11/2023

Day 29

Up early and finished packing up - nice neighbour helped me back onto the van and I was pulling out of Bowen by 8:30.

Rained on and off for my 5 hour trip to Clairview and just as I walked out of reception more rain came down. The lovely Dale from the park assisted me parking the van … one go …. and in his words “nailed it”!

Rain eased long enough for me to get everything setup, within about half hour I had a cold beer in hand, enjoying the view and nice breeze watching the golf!

My beachfront spot is beautiful, ocean blue, just gorgeous.

Once Min Woo Lee cleaned them up (👏👏👏) it was time for a check of the beach and a shower. Decided I’d shout myself dinner at the café but it was a bit early so thought I’d lie down and read for awhile as a light shower of rain yet again passed over.

Well that was the end of that! Almost nodded off and now don’t even have the energy to eat. Think I’ll throw the PJ’s on and crawl under the covers ….. cause that bloody horrible M word happens tomorrow. At least I should be fresh and ready to battle her!

26/11/2023

Yeah OK - if I must!

25/11/2023

Day 28

Last full day in Bowen - quiet morning then off to golf. Played with some lovely ladies, could not hit a fairway to save myself and scored awful, but enjoyed the day and the course is lovely running along the oceanfront.

Grabbed a few groceries to get me through the week and an early dinner and hopefully a good nights sleep ready for moving day tomorrow !

24/11/2023

Day 27

So I did a silly thing today. Once work was done I wanted to move the computer to the side table and clear the main table for the weekend. So I thought - better give the side table a wipe down first. Then noticed a couple of marks on the wall. Glanced up - the whole roof had marks. Now all the women reading this knows exactly where this is going …… yep, I spent the next hour or so wiping literally every surface in the van - top to bottom. Don’t know how a roof can get so dirty, but I now have the cleanest van on site! And no mum ….. I didn’t feel great afterwards ….. I was tired hot and sweaty!

Then I spotted the bag of shells I got the morning I left Armstrong Beach …. So another half hour washing and rinsing them - wow there were way more than I realised!

Van looking spotless, time for a cold shower and then a little rest before my treat to myself.

So I have now found Bowens best kept secret. It’s not a restaurant, beach or amazing view. It’s a tiny little Thai lady! This woman gave me the best massage of my life. Yes at times I was almost crying out in pain, but OMG …… amazingly good! I wish I had known about her last week / and she was moving to Tweed!!! She did some stuff I’ve never had before in a massage and when she walked on me I felt like I was going to crack like a glow stick. Almost worth flying up here just for the treatment!! She has also had to put signs up telling people not to ask for “happy endings” - the local paper ran an article and she had to install cameras. Bit sad for her really.

The research I did before I came said if you are in Bowen, you must have the mango sorbet from The Big Mango. So since it was treat yourself day …. Out I went. And they were not wrong! Delicious 😋 How I managed to grab a sorbet and spend $68 is a bit of a mystery though 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

Grabbed a late lunch and headed back to the immaculately clean van to eat, rest and shower. Full body and face scrub, hair washed, cremes applied! I feel like a new woman!!

The neighbours are having a party - lucky for them there’s a few country songs and some good old songs - looks like a street party has moved to the park! Happy to read, have a couple of beers and listen to the afternoon entertainment!

Well dinners done and dusted - think I’ll crawl into bed with my book and look at my clean ceiling!!

23/11/2023

Day 26

Another quiet one with more mundane chores ….. today was grocery shopping 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

But went for a little drive around the corner to Rose Bay / more beaches rocks and water!

Now I just have to decide what to do with my day off tomorrow 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

22/11/2023

Day 25

Quiet day today - no pics.

It was washing day and I learnt one thing ….. washing day in Bali is better than washing day in Bowen 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Did have a little bright side to the day …. my niece called me …. She said I just tried to ring mum but she didn’t answer so Ruby (great-niece) said …. “Well let’s call Aunty Tash then” 😍😍😍

And told me three times how’s she’s cheering for the sharks!! 🖤🤍🩵. Just so there’s a pic here …. Little Ruby 😍

21/11/2023

Day 24

Hot one today - aircon was on by 8!

Finished work and settled in with my book … but realised I really needed to get outside. Threw the joggers on and walked along the beach path. If you ever need rocks or coral …. Bowen is your place! Some lovely places backing onto the water with big open backyards …. So lovely! See video in comments.

Took my last steak out … opened her up …. Nope no nada. Off to the shops for supplies!

Time for a shower and try and get this book finished …. It’s getting interesting!!! 📖.

20/11/2023

Day 23

Tired as all hell - work dragged, steak didn’t smell good so chips only for dinner. Sounds like a Monday to me!

Pretty sunset though!

19/11/2023

Day 22

Up and packed up and grabbed coffees and off to catch up with Cass and the kids. Was a lovely time with such a beautiful family 🥰.

Thought we would check out the museum - Em the big kid just had to do the jigsaw! Out to the bro’s house to catch up with them for the arvo and see my nephew. Was a great few hours spent with my family ….. even if Baxter did smother us in saliva!!! He looks like a demon but is a teddy bear ….. who loves carrots 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

Dropped Em off to the airport and headed back to Bowen - was very grateful to arrive back at the van fully exhausted.

18/11/2023

Day 21

Morning drive up to Castle hill. So many people walk up here - a few even run it! I call these people ….. idiots. So Em and I drive to the top …. While people spent an hour or more walking all uphill …. I was pooped doing the stairs to the higher lookout!!!

But the views were absolutely amazing!

Another day in Townsville - another shopping centre! Then left Em to her own devices while hitting Rowse bay for a game of golf with my brother. First 6 holes were Ambrose - he teed up on the first and straight out of bounds. That pretty much set the scene for the day! So he bought the losers beers and I had to buy the losers 100 club ticket 😔😔😔😔. But still an enjoyable day 😍

There was a lot of commotion around the clubhouse at the end of the day - a scenario that I could not partake in ….. but one of those slimy things were running across the 18th green when a goanna decided to go after it …. Then a plover decided it would chase the goanna and save the slimy thing ….. plovers are obviously stupid …. But it was one of those “only in Australia” moments!

Home and showered and dinner with Matt and Jodie - food was lovely …. Cocktails and wine equally so.

17/11/2023

Day 20

Early start to the day …. Did the chores and locked the van up and headed up to Townsville. You know your in Australia when the gps says travel along this road for 105 klm then turn left, then travel along this road for 130 klm!!!

Arrived at the airport ten minutes after Emily landed for a weekend visit 💜

We went for a coffee then took a drive checking out the sights of Townsville and added in a little retail therapy.

Headed to the Centenary Hotel to see the big bro. Been there two minutes and broke one of their poker machines - finally sorted it so I thought it must of been lucky and about to pay out big time…… nope 🙅🏼‍♀️.

Matt shouted us lunch …. Then threatened to give us shifts cause he was understaffed … that was enough to see us run out! 🤣🤣🤣

Little rest then off to the casino for dinner. Lovely place, nice views. Emily’s gorgeous friend had sent a voucher for us so we ordered up big! Now when we eat out the number of times we look at each other after a meal and say we should of just shared a main is up around 90%. So how on earth we thought we could attack the tasting tower is beyond us. The menu said it feeds two …… yeah two sumo wrestlers!!!!!

Townsville obviously knew we were in town and turned on a lovely fireworks display as we left the casino ….. I told them we really didn’t need special treatment …. But what can ya do 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

Time to rest up …. I’m a little fearful that Matt’s been telling these blokes we are playing tomorrow that we are gonna kick their ass …. He obviously hasn’t seen my latest scores!!!!

16/11/2023

Day 19

Both neighbours moved out this morning …. Had a really extra big yard and view ….. for about an hour 🙄. Now two massive vans moved in and can’t see s**t! Oh well …. I’m on the road to Townsville tomorrow so I don’t care!

Went for a walk down to the beach and climbed over some rocks to a little beach with no one on it. So cute - collected some more shells - and for those closely watching the video ….. no I did not follow the signs!

Wasn’t game enough to go in over my knees but went and dived in the pool to cool off from the heat.

Car half packed, rest at the doorway ready for my early road trip …. And my little visitor coming for some mummy time 💜💜💜💜💜

15/11/2023

Day 18

Ooops I forgot. But probably cause there wasn’t much to tell! Neighbours left, I just got to enjoying my new extra large front yard with a view ….. neighbours arrived.

Just had a chill afternoon with a wine and my book.

Also going to bring out wine stay-cool glasses that fit in camping chairs!