Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Hi again, managing to get another post onto the blog.

We have been very busy still and yet to get busier.

We have our full compliment of staff now, however,
a couple of the tour guides are still waiting for
drivers authorisation from dept of transport.

we had our first "staff meeting last night round the campfire,
with most having had a few drinks already, so was
full of laughs as the night went on. Susan
worked in the kitchen till about 8.00 so she arrived as we
were starting the meeting, but hadn't had a drink
at that stage.
They run some fund raising activities during the season
to raise some money for us to use at the end for a trip/party
to finish off, the meeting was started to decide what
activities we would be doing after hours etc to rope in
the tourists to spend their money.

We were at the post office the other day and
noticed a sign at the school for a cleaner.
We went in and asked about it and when Susan
said she has school experience, child care,
blue card etc, they nearly fell over themselves
to get Susan to start work.

So Susan has 2 hours a day cleaing the one teacher,
8 student school. At the moment it is 3-5 pm, but once
Susan's shifts change next week,
she will probably do the cleaining in the
morning before her shift starts here.

Had to put this photo of Susan on the camp scooter
which she has now learned to ride:)


This is one of the Undara lava tubes
Les is conducting tour guides into.
This one is known as "Mikoshi"


This one is known as "The Arch"
quite spectacular once inside.
Note the reflection below the boardwalk.


This the Savannahlander which
travels from Cairns thru Mt Surprise
to Forsayth and return.


Cheers for now post again soon




Monday, 14 May 2012

All settled in

Hi everyone, finally an update from Mt Surprise.


Well, we have both been into work from 1st May
Les has been training with the owner Joe
doing tours to Undara Lava Tubes
Einasleigh and the Cattle Station.
Susan has been continuing with a mix of
reception, cleaning and kitchen hand.

We have now been in camp for two weeks
and having a great time. Learning heaps of stuff
and meeting new people. We still have another two couples coming in for work, one couple will be doing
cleaning and the other couple,
just the husband will be tour guiding.

We had our first fruit and veg run Sunday, Mother's Day
into Atherton which is a five hour round trip,
so we won't be going there too often.
Having said that, now that we are more settled,
we can order groceries through a delivery
service out here each week, so depending on our
four day breaks, (work 10 on and 4 off),
 we may be able to avoid the groceries.

The tours run from here will be most days as the
park will be close to full capacity very shortly.

There is a variety of tours to Undara,
including half day, short trips, full day.
Les has been flying solo running tours
to Undara for a week now.

The tours take in a variety of lava tubes and one
volcano crater which we climb and walk around the rim.
The views from the rim are quite spectacular when
you relise all the hills and peaks around it
are volcanoes of one type or another.

Susan has learnt heaps about the park and running
various aspects, so the experiences we have gained will
be of great benefit to us in the future, (should we decide
to continue doing this past October).

Les will have to decide by end of October whether he
goes back to work for a while/ resigns / or stays on
at Council, that will be a big decision .

Below are some photos of our time to date.

Bedrock Village entrance


There are hundreds of butterflies all around the village


Les in his Tour Guide uniform
preparing to send some customers off on the
Savannahlander train fom Mt Surprise
to Einasleigh, where he will then meet
them again and bring them back to Mt Surprise.
Susan was also sent on the train to allow her
to get a feel for the tour so she
can sell it at the counter.



View through the front of the train



Copperfield Gorge at Einasleigh

The road and rail bridges can be seen in the distance



Einasleigh Pub, "GulpCountry"




Billy Tea beside the Einasleigh River


Entrance to one of the lava tubes at Undarra



Boss/owner Joe with a customer
in the "Wind Tunnel" lava
tube complex









Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Surprise Surprise

Yes Surprise alright, we are at Mt Surprise and settled.

We left Emerald Sun 22nd and took our time heading north.

Our first stop was at Les's nephews place in Rockhampton to leave the bike to ship back to Brissie.

then left the next day for Mackay, no big travel days
just taking our time.

Then headed for Townsville where we spent
four nights as we headed to the dawn service for ANZAC day then had a look around a bit. Went up to Castle Hill
for a view of the city.
The next day we spent on Magnetic Island nice and quiet
not too many tourists! Mainly backpackers.

Friday we had booked in for hair cuts, colours etc as it would be some time before we got a chance to have it done.

Saturday headed off to Innisfail for the the night, then
off to Mt Surprise on Sunday.
Some great scenery up the north, especially around the tablelands and out from there.
Had a nice lunch at Mt Garnet pub on the way out

Arrived at Mt Surprise around 3.30 met the owners
and a couple of the staff. we were allocated our
site and began getting our home in Bedrock Village
organised for the next few  months.

Here is a selection of photos from our travels and our new home.

Castle Hill


Townsville


Short stop in Mackay







Susans new found friend



Townsville set up, beside the lake, had our own ensuite



Stinger net at
Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Isl



Old Command Post on Magnetic Isl
Built during WWII
This is situated on a 2hr round trip walk we did



This is from the Comms Tower, highest point

we went topless  on the island