Elusive Fish and Internet

Ahh, the wonders of modern technology!  Team Turtle definitely has the knack of finding that very small percentage of the countryside that the major telecommunication companies do not service.  But, never fear, we eventually come back into civilisation.

During our stay at Lake Callide, one of the locals recommended that we visit Bedford Weir, on the Mackenzie River about 30 klms north of Blackwater.  Blackwater is the "coal capital of Queensland" and is on the Capricorn Highway, west of Rockhampton.  The major consensus was "why not" and when we packed up (again) that is where we headed to.  Team Turtle took the normal two days to do the trip (we don't need to tire ourselves out) and found a lovely camp spot.  Unfortunately, it wasn't right on the river bank and we couldn't leave Tuf Tinnie in the water but it was still a very pleasant spot.

Away From The Crowds

As far as the fishing went - non-existent!!  We may have to come back later in the year or even next year as the local fish stocking group had released 10,000 barramundi fingerlings the previous week and our lures were bigger than what they were!

It was a pleasant river - lots of trees that the fish should have been hiding in - but just not biting.  Even the redclaw were on holidays!

The River From The Camp Spot

The weir itself was quite interesting and, once more, the aftermath of the recent flooding was amazing.

Bedford Weir

Downstream Of The Weir

After a few days Team Turtle repacked itself and headed back to Blackwater - mainly because there wasn't any other way to go!

Morning Tea at Blackwater Maccas (we spoilt ourselves) and then we checked out the Blackwater International Coal Centre and strolled through the Botanical and Japanese Gardens that were attached to it.

The Bottle Tree

Part Of The Japanese Gardens

Over our morning tea, Team Turtle had discussed which direction we should go in.   Turning west to Emerald was the choice for the day.  We did stay the night in Emerald but as the bigger plans are to come back through that way we did not do too much of the touristy stuff.  Just restocked the pantry and fridge and caught up on the washing.  After Emerald, north was the way to go - as far as Clermont and then turning south-west to Theresa Creek Dam.

This Dam was on our list of "Dams To Do" so it was either now or later on.  A very nice place, another great camp spot - right on the water - but a lot of the water was covered with water lilies.  Quite pretty when the flowers come out but it hides all of the fish and if you do happen to catch one, the fish can get back in amongst the lilies and it is very difficult to get it out again.  Oh well, we gave the fishing a good try again.  We did get some redclaw this time but then we heard that the were some rotten ferals that were going around of a night time and cutting the traps from their floats and pinching them.  That was when we decided to move on again.

A New Style Of Boat Ramp

The wildlife at Theresa Creek Dam was rather diverse and interesting.  The local herd of cattle seemed to prefer the water lilies than grass -

Up To Their Tummies In Water and Lilies

The lorikeets had a fascination for The Captain as he fixed up the redclaw traps -

Like A Scene From "The Birds"

And the White Cranes and Ducks enjoyed the smorgasbord of the water lilies -

The Evening Meal And Dance

But still no fish......

Oh well, all Team Turtle can do is to move on and try another place.

This time we headed for Proserpine on the coast of Queensland - perhaps we might actually see some blue water.  Now that would be something very different!