A call to the mechanic this morning left us all deflated. They were unable to source the correct alternator. After some confirmations with Brookvale Spares in Sydney we were able to organise the correct part and secure overnight transport, this means the part should arrive tomorrow mid morning, a few hours to fit it and with any luck we may be back on the road tomorrow afternoon. We’re now two days behind schedule.
Sadly team Dmax was unable to hang back any longer and it was with much disappointment we waved them off this morning. It really was an awful feeling watching the group split into two. The plan was to drive back into the riff together after our big adventure.
Rather than sit around moping about the Prado all day we hired a car and headed up to Port Douglas for a look around. What a beautiful place. I’ve never seen so many resorts! Everywhere you turned there was a place to stay, a place to eat, straw hats, thongs and flowing dresses for sale.
The drive took us about an hour each way and the drive was really picturesque. We were literally driving beside the ocean (the ocean was at some points only a matter of three metres from the road.
Once we arrived we wandered along the main street and treated ourselves to an ice cream before heading back to our camp. After dropping us back Anthony headed to the supermarket for some supplies while Ethan, Harper and I enjoyed a swim.
It sure is lonely without the Dmax crew. We did however catch up with them on the phone. Our original plan was to camp at Bowen tonight but after a later start for them this morning they have pulled up at Ayr, about an hour short of Bowen. Brooke made the comment that it just isn’t the same without us all together and team Prado (temporarily team Mitsubishi ASX) agree. They will be filling us in at the end of each day and sending through some photos so we can keep you all up to date with the travels of both groups.
Fingers crossed we’re back on the road tomorrow. While we’re all ok and staying at the lovely Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort we are all looking forward to heading home. Ethan is missing his Dad…but not school…..and I’m starting to miss my cupboards and bench space and our bed and running water and…..
Interesting fact of the day – When does Queensland become Far North Queensland? Government Departments and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have different definitions (of course). The ABS defines the region as containing most of the Cape York Peninsula (excluding the south western quarter) and the Torres Strait Islands and extending as far south as Hinchinbrook Island and the town of Cardwell but it excludes the city of Townsville.
Riff to Tip 2014 