Flexibility Is The Key

Saturday night at Cania Gorge was fairly brisk and it took a while for things to get moving on the Sunday morning.  But, we had plans to move on.

Initially, we had thought about checking out Lake Callide, twelve klms east of Biloela and about 90 klms north of Cania.  The reports that we had heard from fellow travellers was not too inspiring - lots of muddy water, not a lot of fish, the access to it was closed and that you couldn't camp at the lake.  Twelve klms back and forth to a caravan park in town tends to put you off.

Because of these reasonably negative responses, we loaded Tuf Tinnie on top of the trailer and put The Rav into her travelling position in the trailer for a longish haul through to Rockhampton and thence onto Mackay.  So, by this time, we had warmed up considerably as it is not just a five minute task.

Team Turtle decided to stop at Biloela for lunch and to purchase groceries etc.  Whilst there, we called into the Visitors Info Centre and what great information they gave us.  The Captain enquired about Lake Callide and camping facilities and was informed that yes, the road was open and yes, there were camp spots along the edge of the lake - the locals camp there all of the time!

There is a coalmine and power station on the northern shores of Callide as the waters from the lake are used as cooling waters for the power station.  Therefore, we didn't have any worries as far as the condition of the road - one of the best roads so far.

Team Turtle headed out to the dam and even though there were numerous signs warning against camping, we ventured on.  Found a nice little road that headed towards the lake and as we came around the bend we noticed that there were another four camps in the bushes.  So much for no camping!!

This was where we were going to stay for a few days.  We then had to take Tuf Tinnie and The Rav off the trailer and organise ourselves for another few days.  If only we had known earlier....

Further Back From The Water This Time

After setting up camp and relaxing with a refreshing drink, we went out for a little exploration on the lake.  Took the Redclaw traps with us and found a nice spot to put them in.  Had a little bit of a fish but this lake was not going to be the same as the last one!

We had an early start the next morning just in case those elusive fish were on the bite.  Well, at least the sunrise was very promising.

Our First Sunrise At Lake Callide

Fishing expedition - not very good.  Redclaw expedition - more in our first overnight traps than we had caught in the previous couple of weeks.  Over the last few days, we have had to actually freeze the cooked redclaw we have caught so many of them.  We only had five traps out but one of the other camps have had forty traps set and they check them three times a day.  Now that is an awful lot of redclaw!!

Some of the ones that we caught were nearly the size of small lobsters - which is good as it makes it easier for The Captain to peel them.

Not Going Anywhere But The Pot

After checking our traps on Tuesday morning we decided to go out and do some sightseeing.  The major attraction for us was about 15 minutes south of Biloela, at a rock formation called Mount Scoria.  After all it was a great day for a walk.

From The Start Of The Walk

The Special Formations

Wednesday morning and we had one more shot at the fishing.  All those fish must have definitely gone over the wall at this dam and even some of the wildlife looked like they weren't fishing either.

Enjoying The Early Morning

Today has been a sort of relaxing and starting to pack up day as we are moving on again tomorrow.  Possibly heading to a place near Blackwater (yes, it is a town) but we will see how we go!