Zelma’s Trip

I checked out of Kookaburra park in Cardwell and drove up the A1 (Bruce Highway) to South Mission Beach.  I had a look round and also went to Mission Beach itself to check it out.  From Mission Beach I took the coast road to Bingil Bay which was great.  Once I had rejoined the A1 I headed the short distance North to Kurrimine Beach where I checked into Kurrimine Beach holiday park.  The park itself was lovely with a huge pool and friendly staff.  The manager was Australian and his wife Philippino.  They had lots of comedy arguments which always seemed to result in her in absolute stitches with him saying things like, “What am I gonna do with ya?”.  He also walked around with a cockatiel on his shoulder which apparently flew in through the office window. 

From the caravan park I headed down to the boat ramp as I had been told that this was the place where the reef was closest to the shore.  I didn’t snorkel, however, for three reasons.  The first, and perhaps the most important one, being that I didn’t have a snorkel and mask.  The second reason was that, although sunny, it was very windy and the thought of getting out of the sea into the wind didn’t really appeal.  The final reason was that there were crocodile signs everwhere.  I decided to opt for lunch instead and had the amazingly healthy chocolate milkshake, chips and a pluto pup.  A plutp pup is essentially a hot dog sausage, covered in batter and on a stick.  Yes, very healthy, very vegetarian and -very- tasty!

After filling my guts I headed back to the caravan park where I discovered that the electric cable I had was not long enough to reach the socket in the park.  There was always something, Bernie was a trier!  So I went to the office only to be given a non-compatible extension prior to some neighbouring campers, or rather caravaners if that’s a word, lending a hand and an extension cable. 

I spent the rest of the day doing washing and headed down to the beach for a lovely walk.  As I wondered along the beach I saw several stinger stations with advice about jellyfish stings and vinegar in case you did get stung.  Back at the park I settled into Bernie with a glass of wine and finally finished S21.  Although I have moaned about the book something chronic it really was a very good account of the atrocities which went on.  So if anyone feels like a really happy, light, holiday read try “Voices from S21 – terror and history in Pol Pot’s secret prison” by David Chandler.