Up early this morning as it’s our trip to the Great Barrier Reef. All arrive at the Marina for 9.15am, get all checked in then all aboard the Quicksilver V1 at jetty number 4, it’s a big catamaran obviously in silver.

We set off at 10.00am and headed to the outer reef, it wasn’t too bad a trip as the weather was okay, still got my sea legs and wasn’t sick once.

Me and Craig had signed up for an introductory scuba dive (always wanted to try it) so when were called to a chat with our PADI instructor and to sign the consent forms we both forgot to mention certain issues (Ahem). I was a bit late because we had spotted a humpback whale in the distance. We arrived at the pontoon at the Agincourt Reef, at 11.30, we had to leave Neen, Bri, Summer and Micah as me and Craig were in the 1st group to dive. Stinger suit on then into our dive enclosure where we were fitted out with a ¾ wet suit, mask, weight belt and BA(breathing apparatus). Went through all the procedures for clearing mask off water, swapping to auxiliary mouthpiece etc. Whilst sat just under the surface. Then climb down the cable to a depth of about 15ft. Where Neen and Micah were at a underwater observation window waving. Little apprehensive at first with all the different sensations but we got used to it really quickly. Then out of the caged area from under the pontoon, there was 4 of us with the one instructor, two girls and us Farlams, the girls had to hold hands as did me and Craig then the instructor held our held hands. Out into the open sea, went down to about 25-30ft and it was brilliant, one of the best things I have ever done. We did a tour around the reef lasting about 30 minutes, found a few Nemo’s and Dory’s and a good variety of other reef fish(too numerous to mention). After a bit the instructor let go of me and Craig, obviously thought we were quite competent (he doesn’t know us very well).

All to soon we headed back to the pontoon, back to the surface. We both didn’t want it to end, it was one of the most relaxing things I have ever done. But climbing out of the water up the steps you suddenly remember you have a big weight strapped to your back. Neen, Bri and the 2 munchkin were waiting for us all in their stinger suits, the kids looks so cute.

A buffet lunch was served as we finished our dive, which was actually very nice,

then off for a snorkel, me and Neen had a good perusal around the reef then the rest of the clan piled in. Summer and Micah had their float vests on and a noodle float, they both just walked straight off the pontoon no fears didn’t even wait for Craig and Bri, daredevils the both of them. By this time the sea had got a bit rougher and they were caught by a couple of waves but they loved it. We all got out except Craig who went exploring the reef for a bit longer. All dried off and changed just in time for the trip back to Port Douglas which was somewhat more uncomfortable than the way out. The wind had picked up and the sea was a wee bit bouncier, quite a few people looked a bit green but us Farlams seemed unflustered and it didnt stop us enjoying some cheese and crackers with a glass of wine and a couple of beers(I did have to go up on deck for the last bit, because if I can see the sea and the horizon I’m fine). Arrived back at the jetty by 4.00pm then made our way back to the carpark when I asked Craig if he had picked up the pushchair we had gone onboard with, after a slight pause he said “I’ll be right back”. Back to the camp after a detour to the shops, Neen and I packed, then Bri suggested a Thai takeaway. What a top class idea, so kids in bed, an excellent curry with a few beers and glasses of wine another great end to a fantastic day. (SHIT, Craig, we forgot the whiskey and cigars, we’ll have to do it next time).

Awoke to our own personal railway alarm, but didn’t rush. It’s easy to pack up when you just need to put the folding chairs and table in the back of the camper. As we were going over the railway crossing back to the Bruce Highway, there was two kangaroos one either side of the railway tracks. That’s unusual to see two at the same place……………. it was actually one cut in half, Neen wouldn’t let me take a pic.

Uneventful trip to Townsville where me met up again with Craig, Bri, Summer and Micah at the Townsville Tourist and Lifestyle Park. We were lucky enough to get a pitch right next to them as their previous neighbours had vacated early(was it something they said?).

The park was nice, we had plenty of space – there were two pools, one was adults only and quite pristine before we arrived – Micah sat one night throwing rocks into the deep end, it was a while before anyone noticed, so there is quite an accumulation of them now! We used the camp kitchen to the full, cooking a bbq on the first night and spag bol the following night.

We ventured onto the Strand in Townsville- that’s where all the action is! It is basically the promenade with lots if activities such as water parks, children’s play areas, art and sculptures, a heated outdoor pool and lots of bars and cafes.

In the afternoon we went to the camp site pool with Summer while Micah was having his afternoon nap.
A quick trip to the shops on Friday morning, Bunnings to sort out C&B’s caravan bed, the pneumatic arm keeps coming off. Bri’s been on the Jayco forum page and found the video on how to sort it out. Now ready to set off on the next leg of our journey.

Garradunga Hotel
We had thought we might split up again today and go to different campsites. Gregg and I had booked into a National Park site called Tulleys Creek and Craig and Bri were going to wing it! – they had no idea where they were going to stay. About an hour into our journey we stopped at a watering hole just off the highway

Shortly after I get a message from Bri to say look at this site ( Garradunga Hotel) it was free to camp as long as you bought a beer in the hotel. The location was perfect and it had really good reviews so we abandoned our planned site (saved ourselves 100km off the Bruce) and headed on up to Garradunga to meet up with Craig and Bri. What a find! It was a fabulous place to camp- the field was enormous so there was plenty of space for the kids to run around.

The hotel was brilliant it was a real local pub with plenty of interesting characters run by a great guy, he took the p@#s out of me, so obviously a good judge of character. Met Craig doing his Uni work in the bar, beer in hand, “but its happy hour” he said. What else could I do…… “two more beers please”. I’ve never been to a bar before were everyone left their wallets on the bar, ever whilst playing the out of tune piano in the next room or playing darts. Everyone was so friendly.
We all had our evening meal in the pub – steak burger for Gregg and chicken schnitzel for me and Craig a sweet potato (this is a dessert dish if you ask me) soup for Bri and a small bowl of chips for Summer.

A couple of beers and a wine or two- we had a great night. It’s a shame really that we hadn’t discovered this place earlier, we could easily have spent a few nights there. It’s also a long time since we were the last to leave so the boss could lock up for the night. On the way out I noticed a rather unusual tree carving (don’t think trees normally grow like this).

This morning we were awoken to the sound of a train, again. This time a sugarcane train ( glad we’re not in Spain), it seems we have followed the railway for our entire trip, it’s just like being back on the canals at home.
Set off back on the Bruce, headed for Port Douglas.

As we have seen so many splattered Roos we thought we should count them on this leg of the trip. After 15 minutes of driving the count had reached 28, all in various stages of splattedness and decompositioness, the game was to easy( we had probably missed a few as well) so packed it in. Caught up with C & B just before Cairns so followed them to our new campsite, Glengarry holiday park, a big 4 site.
We set up in about 30 seconds, well we did have to get the cable out of the van and plug it into the mains and get the chairs and table out. After a quick trip into Port Douglas for a coffee and a look round we returned to the site then all went to try their pool (heated) and small water park. A good giggle was had by all especially when Me and Craig tried the big blue and red slide, managed to soak everyone. The kids loved the slide in the heated pool, it was just right for the kids, but bleedin quick for us bigger kids, came away with a few bruises.

We left the Auz contingent to fend for themselves in the evening and we escaped to Port Douglas for some nosebag. Tried the very busy Court house hotel, excellent fish & chips for me and Neen had a barramundi curry.

Great end to the day.

Today I licked an ants arse. But let’s start from the beginning.
A quiet day yesterday with Summer, Micah, Craig and Bri, in and around the pool in the camp and at Airlie Beach lagoon. Then a meal at Banjo’s Bar next to the camp. Decent food and a local character (after ordering his food sat at a table with his table number on his head).
After a bit of discussion we all decided to do a croc safari the next day.Picked up from reception by the bus and driven to the Proserpine River for the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari.

Met by our guides then off into the mangroves and flood plain in our wagons towed by a tractor.

Mark was very knowledgeable about the whole area. Stopped to show us a Green Ants nest after shaking it ended up wearing a handful.

They looked rather cool and he said the bites weren’t too bad on his hand but were painful on thinner skin. Then said they produce a form of formic acid which they squirt out of their rear ends for protection, he then proceeded to hold an ant by its head and rubbed its arse on his tongue it tastes a bit like lemon” he said. Who would like to try?
Me says Neen……… “It’s like sherbet” she says.

Someone in another seat says “did she just do that” so I thought I had better try it as well, so that’s how we came to lick an ants arse. It did taste like sherbet and it did slightly sting my tongue, but it wasn’t unpleasant.

Apparently it is used to flavour drinks, cheese and icecream amongst other things.
Back on the tractor train and into the wet lands (we are in the dry season) to see a couple of wallaby’s, a flock of spoonbills, Indian cattle (British cattle couldn’t survive the conditions) and a pair of dancing birds. Back to the ranch were we were introduced to Billy tea, chuck a load of tea into a big tin of boiling water over an open fire, you are then supposed to spin the whole lot in a circle.

Our guide didn’t do it because he said his shoulder was buggered. Then out came the Damper, basically huge scones done in a big cast iron casserole dish over the embers of a fire.

Got to say the damper was really good, didn’t try the tea as people know I wont touch the stuff, coz its shite………. Everyone else said it was a cracking cup of tea (your all mad).
After being fed and watered they lowered the boat into the river using a large crane.

This used to be the main inland port for moving the sugarcane out from the fields to the refineries. Until the usual happened, the railway arrived.
Onto the boat and we set off up river. Within 2 -3 minutes we sighted our first Crocodile a female about 3 metres (9 inches more than 3 yards, for those of a certain age) called Ruby. She disappeared into the water as we approached. We ended up getting really close to a number of the big beasties ranging in size from a little 2 year old nipper about 2 feet long, to Mudguts who is 4.5 metres long and built like a brick outhouse. As we’re sailing along and our guide is pointing out and naming the different crocs, Bri asked, who gives them their names? The guide replies “their parents “ (I think he must tell that one every trip). A few hundred yards further up the river I point’s to what appeared to be something moving through the water, “is that a snake” I enquired. “no it’s a stick” says our guide “ they’re not very dangerous”. That will teach me for laughing at Bri. There was quiet a number of Egrets and kingfishers along the river along with a multitude of other wildlife which was conveniently hiding. The most amazing sight was watching a croc move through the water and then slowly submerge without making a ripple in the water. You would never see it coming………. We were introduced to about 10 crocs in the end, some of the names were, Pearl, Lenny, and Lennys girlfriend. We got so close to some of them you could almost reach out and touch them, but that way lies death in a rather horrible fashion.

We all made it back safely to the jetty and off the boat.

Back to the ranch for an Auzzy bbq, steak, sausage, chicken and barramundi, followed by Lamington cake. All very good, but somewhat rushed as the bus had arrived to take us back to the camp.

 

Apart from that it was an excellent day, would recommend it.

After a very quiet night and no sightings of Duckbilled Platypus (they do live in the area). We set off for the short drive to Airlie Beach along the Kangeroo Death Avenue(Bruce Highway). After passing numerous splatted Roos we passed a live one stood at the side of the road looking like it was waiting to cross, I’ve never seen an animal praying before!!
Arrived about an hour later at our camp for the next 4 nights, Seabreeze Tourist Park. Parked next to the Auz Farlams caravan, but no Farlams. After a search of the site we found them at the pool.

A spot of lunch then left the kids with Craigo and walked along the sea front boardwalk( I didnt sing the song). Part way along we met up with Bri who was keen to show us where her brother and sister-in-law got married, Coral Sea Resort. Walk through the hotel, sat by the pool overlooking the sea and partook of a glass of wine each( Neen was shocked too, me drinking wine).

Bri headed off further into town to meet Craig and the kids whilst we wandered back along the boardwalk to the camp.
Went out for dinner to the Garden Bar Bistro, where we enjoyed a sharing platter of salt & pepper calamari, fish tacos, chicken wings, salad & chips with a prosecco and beer thrown in. By this time it was about 7.45pm so decided to make our way back to the camp via the shops(next to the camp) for a pack of beer. Unfortunately they shut at 8.00pm. Bugger.
Up bright and early as we had booked onto a trip around the Whitsundays on the Whitehaven Xpress which is run by a local family company. Were picked up from the site at 8.30am and taken to the marina. Just booking in with Braydon (top bloke) who said”so long as you have your hat, sunglasses and camera, it’ll be great”. Yes we had our hats, sunglasses, sun cream, OH EFFING BOLLOCKS, forgot the bloody camera/phone $#%$^$#/%#$.
A quick trip to shop just along the front where we purchase a disposable underwater camera (it works out at £1 a pic)
Onto the boat, 1st on with a chap from our camp by the name of John. Blagged 3 of only 8 seats on the top deck in the sun. Set off for our 1st stop Hill Inlet Lookout. Heading across Whitehaven Strait, ploughed into a wave which a split second later I was wearing! Oh how everyone else laughed! Dried out in calmer waters by the time we reached The Lookout, Walked up to the lookout, the view was breathtaking it was awesome.

Back on board and headed for our next stop, Whitehaven beach. We dropped anchor about 50 metres from the beach and were ferried across in a little motorised dinghy. Once at the beach we were told to swing our legs over, leap out, and wade the last few feet onto the shore. A simple enough task for most. Swing legs over started to step off, one leg caught in rope, face plant into 2 feet of water whilst holding backpack. Both fully submerged. Stands up to see entire beach in hysterics. So took a bow and smiled, what more could one do. Dumped our stuff on the beach and as I was already wet Neen said we may aswell go for swim. The water was so clear it was brilliant, a bit cool for the Nancy’s but not us hardy brits. Then a walk down the pristine white sands and back in time for our beach bbq. Steak, chilli burgers, sausages and rice with a bit of that green stuff. Excellent scoff enjoyed with beer and some wine. Dont worry about the lizards says Braydon, they are only mildly poisonous, it shouldn’t be to bad, as a 4 foot Goanna monitor lizard walked over my foot. I nearly shat myself, and because I jumped and swore, I think everyone else had a bit of a panic. Did I learn, no, it licked my foot about 5 minutes later (I obviously wasn’t tasty enough) then wandered under the table again.
Made it back to the boat dry then we set off for Hook Island about 40 minutes away for a snorkel.
A quick lesson from Braydon and Chris our other deck hand then into the water we went. This time Neen remembered to close her mouth over the snorkel so she didnt drown…. very enjoyable, lots of fish, coral and goats (they where on the cliffs overlooking the bay) such a random thing to see whilst snorkeling.
Back onboard for the trip home, cheese and biscuits served en route. Watched the sun setting as sailed into Airlie harbour. Such a memorable day. Would highly recommend Whitehaven Xpress to anyone visiting the Whitsundays. Arrived back to a fantastic greeting from Summer and Micah. Now Knackered.

Did the hire company phone me at 8.00am…….. NO
Gave them till 9.00am then phoned them, took my details and asked “what can we do for you”, what does it say on your computer says I. “Oh I see says he, you have a fault on your vehicle”. After 10 minutes he finally tells me there isn’t any garages they can use in Sarina and sends us off up the road (about 45 km) to Mackay. Dinos Mechanical, garage.
So off we go, get there at 9.30,

A really friendly owner tells us it will take 3 hours. He advised a circular walk to the beach and back through the City centre. Which is exactly what we did.
The beach was fantastic and totally deserted, wandered along to the point through the mangrove trees

Just as we got off the beach we were reading one of the information boards, when we were approached by Gloria, a very nice lady in her 80’s who stopped for a chat on her way for her daily swim. Asked about our travels then handed Neen a religious pamphlet and asked if she could pray for us. Then off she goes, now I was expecting a short something on the lines of safe travels. 10 minutes later (it wasn’t quite that long) we escaped. She even told us if we waited a half hour till she had completed her swim, she would show us the best Op shop (charity shop) in town. I had told her I only had a thin jumper with me. What a nice lady. We then headed up to the centre of town. Here we found Oscar’s on Sydney cafe and bar where we stopped for coffee and lunch. Most excellent choice, my fish and chips and Neens poached egg(covered in dukkah) and salmon was so good.

Suitably nourished we set off at a leisurely pace through the shops back to Dino’s. The van was just coming off the ramp as we arrived his timing was impeccable. Great service, would definitely recommend him. 5 minutes later we set off.

70 odd km later we arrive at Hold It Flats campground, bagged a plot right on the river. What a camp, not much to it, toilets, showers and fire pits. Just the sound of running water.

Top location. Sat with a beer and Neen with a wine watching the cormorants fishing in the river. Who could ask for anything more. Just as the sun goes down fire lit it’s going to be a cold one.

Not a bad place to stop, surprisingly quiet. Only 2 problems, no fires and toilets shut when petrol station closes for the night, didnt find out till 10.00pm. Luckily the Bush loo was still open.
Another cool night but another sunny start to the day. Craig looks and sounds a bit better so maybe Bri won’t have drive another full day( she might even become a trucker after this).
Decided to take a different route to Sarina to stay off the A1 Bruce Highway (the Monty Python Bruce sketch came flooding back) and head up the Malborough Rd. What a great choice, such a quiet road, only passed 3 trucks and about 15 other vehicles the whole 207 km. The scenery was ever changing heading around the Blue Mountain and the Sarina range.

Passed 2 live kangaroos and loads of Roo roadkill, some still being feasted on by crows and a possible buzzard or some sort of a large hawk. Not sure of Auz bird life.

Nowhere to buy a coffee, all derelict so found a lay by with an Olympic torch monument. Apparently the torch relay for the 1956 games in Melbourne was passed from one district to another, Mackay, St Lawrence and Rockhampton on this spot 12th November under unique conditions. (Doesn’t say what those conditions were). What a random find.

As we descended towards Sarina the view were fantastic, unfortunately we have no pics because Neen wouldn’t look out the window because of the sheer drop on her side of the road.
About 15 km to go the battery warning light came on in our little Hippy Campervan so after booking into our camp for the night Sarina Palms caravan park I had to call the hire company Apollo. They sent out an RACQ ( RAC Queensland for those nine Auzzies) chap who checked the van and said “batteries not charging mate, you need an auto electrician “. Back onto the hire company, 10 minutes waiting, to be told it would be sorted out and will be back in touch within the hour. My arse, nothing after 1hour and 10 minutes, so I’m back on the phone, 40 bleeding minutes, cut off 3 times, finally get through, was told everywhere is closed now, no shit sherlock, (as it’s now 6.00pm.) Someone will call you in the morning. WE SHALL SEE, WATCH THIS SPACE.
As this is another camp that we can’t have fires, we decided to make use of the onsite bbq, whilst incineration some chicken legs and roo burgers Neen informed me that we had run out of gas in the van. Bugger that’s our only source of heat at night. Who could I blame, no one, I thought I would see if I could get another night out of the cylinder. After eating our scoff (we stayed by the bbq because it was warmer ) we wandered back to the van, there is a couple of gas stations not far from the site so I thought we could take an evening stroll through town with an empty gas bottle and perform a swap for a full one at one of aforementioned gas stations. (Couldn’t drive as no charge going into battery, it could die at anytime).
Just about to disconnect the bottle when I remembered I had turned the gas off whilst driving……………. turned the valve, heard the hiss of gas going through the pipes…… what a dick head.

Up at stupid o’clock for the flight to Brisbane to start the road trip. Back in the cheap seats,

flight delayed, some sort of cover fell of one of the engines. Then a couple of people got off the flight so then they had to take their bags off. An hour and a half later we set off, uneventful hour and a half later we land, pick up bags minus one of the straps was missing. A nice baggage handler(yes they do exist ) went to look for it, apparently it was last seen on a baggage trolley disappearing back onto the airport to who knows where.
A quick taxi ride to pick up our little camper van.

Chuck bags in get given a map to the nearest supermarket, first direction turn south, as we didn’t have a compass, we turned right so had to do a u turn and head back in the right direction.
Massive place, so stock up on supplies and an Auz sim card. Finally we’re on our way, next stop the glass mountains. Rain hits again and again and again, I think its followed us from Sydney. Not a bad campground except for the huge puddles all along the track, grass is sodden so only just get the van on the pitch. Get changed into shorts and thongs coz we got no wellies, feet dry quicker than trainers and out for beer and wine. And 5.30 PM pitch black…… a bit of a curry and a couple of drinks in our hippy camper for a quiet night.

Rained in the night, raining in the morning but decided to have a chilled out day to recover from all the travelling and checked out the glass mountains, basically lava plugs that are left over from eroded volcanoes.

Another rainy night then set off to Rainbow beach to meet up with the Auzzy Farlams. Set the crap nav for Noosa (for a coffee) and off we go, did we end up in Noosa, did we bollocks, it looks like we missed Noosa by about 10 miles, never mind life’s an adventure, try again, this time we head for Rainbow beach. About 5 miles further on we find ourselves on a gravel road driving through the corner of Toolara National park, rather cool road but eventually made it to a proper road.

Found a great place to stop for a coffee and a scone also a bit of live music, Cooloola Berries

Pull into the campground book in then park up next to the intrepid campers, big Summer and Micah smiles, we’re here.

Out into the dull, damp day and down to the station, plenty of eating places so called into the Renegade cafe for a breakfast. Most excellent choice,

Neen had scrambled egg on toast and splashed out an extra couple of dollars for some smoked salmon to go with it. I went with the creamed mushrooms on toast with bacon and eggs. Coffee’s for both. Coffee very good, but the breakies were fantastic and huge portions. Can highly recommend this place. (Sorry forgot to take pics of the food, rookie mistake).
Next a train ride into the Quay

ticket purchased for the city bus tour. Rain still on and off. Got to the bus all downstairs(dry) was full, so decided to take a chance and take a seat in the empty open top seats.

Luckily the rain stayed off whilst we did the first half. Sydney is one huge building site, high rise towers going up everywhere.

Swapped buses at Central station for the tour to the famous Bondi beach. I had always imagined that it was a massive beach going on for miles, its tiny, nice, but tiny. A few surfers were enjoying the waves. We got off for a short walk, 5 minutes end to end then popped in a cafe for a coffee and back on the bus

. The trip back to Central station was just like a bus route anywhere, not very exiting. Back onto the main tour back to the Quay via Darling bay and under the little bridge.

Time was getting on so we decided to head back to the hotel for a wash and brush up get changed then back out for our night at the opera. Had diner at an Italian restaurant on the Quay

then off to the famous Sydney opera house to see Madam Butterfly. It is a most iconic building well worth a visit. Enjoyed a drink at the bar then settled into our seats for the performance.

Now I’m not a massive opera fan, I’ve been to a couple before and quite enjoyed it. Oh my God, Madam Butterfly was SHITE!!!!!! I actually nodded off in parts, no good belting tunes like , Just one cornetto (got to be the right age for that one) it really did drone on.
Story, American sailor visits Japan, gets given a house so long as he marries a Japanese girl( does it for a laugh), gets her pregnant then knobs off back to the US. Girls waits three years for him to come back, when he does he brings his new wife so he can take his son back, bit of an argument old wife kills herself ( not a proper opera as that bit was over in 10 seconds) arsehole of husband has a bit of a whinge The End.
That was two and a half hours of my life lost, it was two hours twenty eight minutes to long. Walking back to the station a mother and six year old son(who was wearing a dinner jacket) walked past us, Mother “Oh darling wasn’t that so fantastic”. I bit my tongue.
At least that’s the worst of it over……..
Half the station shut so had to get a different train back changing at two stations…….
Emerge fro our station, heaven opened and it p$%##@d down. Arrived back at the hotel……..bar shut.
And it’s all bleedin Madame Butterflies fault.

So landed in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City at 5.30am. Couldn’t see much on landing as it was very overcast with low cloud( didn’t help that it was only just starting to get light. Tried to watch the plane taxiing to the terminal but the window steamed up, somewhat humid.
Not a massive airport so quite quick to our parking spot. Off the plane really quickly, good choice this premier economy, we are let off first. Short walk through the terminal to immigration ( nows the time to see if our research on visas is correct). Low and behold straight through, no Visa required.
Hook up to the free wi-fi Ibis hotel 8 minute walk. Always game for a laugh so off we go. 2 minutes then we’re out of the airport and onto the roads…… Kin chaos, we can see the hotel across the huge expanse of tarmac, even with a version of a zebra crossing. It looked a tad dramatic, we found out later there are 9 million scooters in the city and they all appeared to be on this one street. There is no gaps you just have to step out and walk at a slow steady pace. Neen shut her eyes, I stopped trying to see if we were about to be smeared across the road, and carried on with a stiff upper lip (also trembling upper lip and an imminent possibility of some very damaged underwear). After 30 to 40 minutes of terror, probably more in the region 30 seconds we stepped on to the opposite kerb. Looking behind us and looking once again across the sea of bikes and cars, SHIT, did we just get across that in one piece. It looked like a simple walk the rest of the way, maybe 200 yards until we looked properly, 50 yards of pavement and 150 yards of seething death. We fell into the lobby of the hotel, both clinging to the doors till the tremors diminished.

We had a day room booked but couldn’t get in till 12noon, so we left our bags and had a coffee, couldn’t get anything stronger……
We had a food tour booked for 10.00am which was quiet a way off, about 40 minutes in a taxi, time now 06.15am, bollocks too bleeding early, so we hung around for a bit, change into shorts to try and get some air circulating, then a taxi into armageddon. It is somewhat worse to be constantly surrounded by buzzing scooters of all shapes and sizes all trying to fit into a 3 ½ inch gap plus a whole host of cars and buses, I thought Sri Lanka was bad, but this is worse. I still can’t believe what can be carried on a little 39cc scooter, from whole families to the entire contents of you house or farm.

We eventually made it to Chợ Bến Thành market in
District 1, shaken and stirred. 2 ½ hours early so let’s go and explore some local culture. As we are ambling around it soon became obvious that we were they only westerners there, surprisingly not hassled too much, then we decided to actually stop at a stall to look at something, then they pounced, they were all still smiling but you could see the determination in their eyes ( we will part you from your money). We did buy a couple of things, but no matter how good or clever you think you have been, as your walking away you know you have lost. Eventually 10.00am arrived along with our tour guide Susan(obviously not her real name, just something for us aliens to understand and be comfortable with). She was very nice and started us off with a bowl of a spicy soup and a variety of different lumps of rice, corn, tapioca dough balls and a flat sausage, the soup was nice but some very strange textures, washed down with a sugar cane cold drink. Then off on a 15 minute walk through the valley of death to another eatery, this is supposed to be a very well known street food place, we got a baguette with pork and a sort of salad in a bag, across the road to a very small cafe for some Vietnamese coffee and tea. Coffee is strong I did try the tea, Neen said it okay, but I think all tea once brewed should be immediately poured straight down the drain. So a couple of mouthfuls into the baguette, bit down on something very crunchy, hmm a bit a crackling, no my filling has fallen out again!!!!
Onwards across varying roads of mass destruction to a stall, basically on a bike on the pavement where we tried another soup type dish with papaya, sliced radish beef jerky and a chilli sauce, rather nice. Another wander across seas of scooter doom to a cool looking street cafe serving a type of prawn omelette cooked over open charcoal fires. It came with a variety of lettuce, basil and a few other leaves which you wrapped bits of the omelette in then dipped in a sauce which you seasoned to your own taste with chilli. All washed down with a couple of local beers. All very tasty. Then to the final stop to a very local market( a bit Royston Vasey) to try to local dessert, corn paste, tapioca and a bean paste with sweetened coconut milk poured over. This one not to my liking textures all wrong an too sweet for me. But you have to try these things, can’t see the point of travelling to far flung exotic places to eat in a pizza hut or mc bloody Donald’s.

Waved goodbye to our guide then back to the hotel by taxi. You know I’m getting used to this traffic its quiet mesmerising in a macabre way. Hotel room shower bed zzzzzzzzz knackered.
Up again at 5.30pm after a couple of hours kip for me, unfortunately Neen didn’t sleep at all (might get a bit of shut eye on the plane, overnighter to Sydney)
Offered a free hotel shuttle bus back to the airport, gratefully accepted as its raining. 5 minutes later heading back through immigration and security, a wander through duty free (not cheap anymore) a stop for beer and a coffee and down to the departure lounge. Again priority boarding, all seated and settled to feel smug as the economy class all walked through to their seats at the back, we could get used to this.
Supper arrives, we both go for the beef and rice, oh look there’s a sachet of chilli sauce to go with it, open the sachet, then I appear to be wearing most of it , the sodding thing split down the whole length

At least Neen turned away before i saw her shoulders shacking and a gaffaw escape from her lips… Bugger…
Cleaned up as best i could , settled down for a few films, Neen curls up on the seat. As i write this no one is sleeping except the bloke next to Neen who is snoring his head off. Me thinks he may be trying to breath through a pair of my socks shortly, which will be stuffed into his mouth.

After a clear night

Another rainy start to the day but no worries may as well get under way as Neen is working in her floating office today.

A slow meander up to Marple junction

and hang a left onto the Peak Forrest Canal(no locks today). But I have to ring the bell a couple of times to get Neen up on deck for a bit of extra duties(swing and lift bridges).

Its not many miles to our destination so can take it nice and steady, and give myself a chance to take in the surroundings.  A couple of heavy showers but nothing lasts for to long. Find a nice spot for lunch just before Furnace Vale. Neen joined me at the helm for a bit after the stop.

Then decisions, right to Whaley Bridge or left to Bugsworth Basin. Left it is, had to dodge a load of kids in canoes ( didn’t hit any) a 1/4mile along the cut and we arrive. Avoided another party of kids in canoes in the upper basin so  decided to moor in the lower basin out of the way. Very quiet only a couple of other boats here. So a peaceful evening.