Tag: Australia

Places, Qld8 Comments

Yarn Bombing

Itching for Hitching

One must not always think of Queensland as being warm. In winter inland nights are icy and in August in Warwick we find ourselves diving into the caravan for a quick change into long pants and jumpers just so that we can buy some lunch. And for those who know Woody and his love of shorts, that is seriously cold. But the good folks of Warwick have been hard at work to ensure that old Tom Byrnes here is kept warm in his striking scarf and beanie. Thanks to Margaret From Pyrenees to Pennines for the prompt. Continue reading Yarn Bombing

Why Caravanning9 Comments

Are We There Yet?

Itching for Hitching

I must apologise to regular non Australian readers as I failed to explain some of the local terminology in the last two posts, excited as I was about being in The Outback. Here’s a few explanations: Yowah, an opal fossicking town in Western Queensland. The prize there being Yowah nuts, boulders with opal inside. Donga, an accommodation room in a purpose-built shipping type container, usually three dongas to a container. Often used in mining camps, is it any wonder the occupants of these fly home every month, not to see their families but to experience a real bedroom. Gidgee, a … Continue reading Are We There Yet?

Qld, The Pubs11 Comments

Toompine

Itching for Hitching

May 2018 From Yowah we hit the road again and for another one and a half hours of red dirt and mulga, though at one point we are arrested, as we crest a ridge, by a fabulous view of hundreds of kilometres of …wait for it… red dirt and mulga. (sorry no photo, I was driving) Around lunchtime we pull into Toompine Hotel known as “The pub without a town”. A corrugated classic with an old tennis court out front and a row of accommodation dongas happily labelled Toompine Terraces. Built in 1893 The Toompine was once a Cobb & … Continue reading Toompine

Why Caravanning18 Comments

Compare the days

Itching for Hitching

We always mix our accommodation and rarely choose the cheapest for the sake of cost. We tend to choose the best option available for the location. Be it Caravan Parks, Showgrounds, Camp Grounds, Pubs, Clubs, Farm Stays, National Parks or Freedom Camps. Friends who choose only to stay in caravan parks often ask why we stay in other places. This comparison of two consecutive days when pressing on to get home may help to explain our logic. Long distance, tired, pull into a depressing rundown highway caravan park where half the toilets have been locked to save on cleaning, have … Continue reading Compare the days

Overheard6 Comments

Mixed metaphors and cool coffee

Itching for Hitching

We’re driving down from Nanango (Bunya country) to Toowoomba on Queensland’s Darling Downs. The sun is shining but it’s only 12 degrees outside. Ew and we’re still in shorts. Woody loves listening to Sydney’s John Laws on talkback radio as we don’t get it in Melbourne. I’m so over it that I threaten that I’ll neck myself if we listen to it one more morning! …On John Laws morning show a woman is mixing her metaphors “This can of worms is going to hit the fan!” I’m laughing so much that I miss out on hearing what the can of … Continue reading Mixed metaphors and cool coffee

Overheard, Qld4 Comments

The Regulars

Itching for Hitching

Did you hear the one about the bunch of regulars who meet at the same caravan park every year? When they heard that their mates, let’s call them The Smiths, had bought a big new van they had a word with the park manager. The Smiths were the last of the group to arrive and were shocked to find a tap in the middle of their favourite camp site. After much head scratching by The Smiths, Mick the somewhat laid back and cheeky manager strolled over, picked up the fake tap and strolled away amidst roars of laughter. Continue reading The Regulars