Areas around my Backyard (Lockhart River)

[Stacky]

Test.....
276
it worked........
That's Orchid Point and here comes some more...

[campdog]

sorry not enough time to figure out how to add photo's.
Standby.......i'll try again later
Just draw some mud maps, we will find it.

[Stacky]

That photo at Orchid point was a test and it came straight from my pc.
I have already downloaded photo's onto Photobucket but can't copy them to this forum.
I must be missing a simple step.......any suggestions, Pleeaase!

[MTpockets]

With photobucket you will see under you photo several lines of html code, or address's. There is one there that says IMG Code ............. click on the code and it will automatically hold it in memory, then in your post right click the message body and click "paste". If it doesnt hold it in memory, right click the code and select copy, then paste in the message body.
cheers
Les
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u155/B4WDC2/prado%20mods/pb.jpg

[Stacky]

Thanks Les,
here goes.......
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/IMGP2675.jpg

[Stacky]

it worked.....
here's another one that i am trying to reduce in size
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/IMGP1830.jpg

[Stacky]

Here's more
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/IMGP2810.jpg
Chili Beach
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/IMGP2873.jpg
May Reef, Cape Direction in background. How many tourists would get to see the water like this at Chili Beach in the dry season........
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/IMGP1830.jpg
on top of a mountain in Iron Range......thats Portland Roads down below

[campdog]

Mate thats one lovely back yard, Hope to return there for a visit soon.

[Nedly]

I wish my backyard looked like that, just have to satisfy myself with last years photo's.

Of course, I'll update those photo's this year and add some from a couple of new destinations :)

[Stacky]

Yes it is beautiful, my wife and i absolutely love this lifestyle.
Here's some more.......
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/Scenery/IMGP3111.jpg
The face in this rock is very spiritual to the Locals here. I should remind you all, that permission is needed from the locals to visit some of the places you might see in my pictures.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/Scenery/IMGP3084.jpg
Turtle tracks are commen on the beaches in nesting season. Croc tracks are common all the time. We love to go beach combing in very remote areas. It's amazing what you find washed up.

[campdog]

Man,I thought it was one big mud tyre track.

[xina]

Gee Stacky,
You're really making me homesick. At this rate, it won't be long before I sell up down here, and go back up there.
xina.

[Stacky]

Xina,
is that why you've been checking the real estate up ere?
sorry if i'd made you home sick..........just think of the negatives, like...uummm......oh, i don't know....just think of some if it makes you feel better.

[campdog]

Xina,
is that why you've been checking the real estate up ere?
sorry if i'd made you home sick..........just think of the negatives, like...uummm......oh, i don't know....just think of some if it makes you feel better.
Send me the name of the local real estate agent. Ill have a block at Portland Roads please.

[xina]

Hi Campdog & Stacky,
I do keep an eye on what's for sale up there. So far, the only 2 properties I've seen advertised are out of my price range unfortunately.
No 1. "Black Poles" is a 3 bedroom dwelling on top of a hill, overlooking Weighmouth Bay, and up the coast past Pigeon Island, and the mouth of the Pascoe River. $640,000. I lived in this for a while when it had only 1 bedroom, and an outside open air toilet. It has an internal bathroom now, and sattelite TV.

No 2. "King Park" 2,000 acres Freehold Pastoral Property adjoins Iron Range National Park. ( A group could pool resources, and create a great haven for like-minded people.) It's been done with leasehold land up there already----Wattle Hill. Anyone interested, the website is www.domain.com.au, or just Google Lockhart Real Estate, or Cape York Real Estate. I don't have a price for this one, but it will possibly be in the millions.
It does have tremendous potential though. It's on the road between Portland Roads and Lockhart River Mission. I could really do a lot with this if I had a bottomless pocket.
It's nice to dream,
xina.

[campdog]

Hi Campdog & Stacky,
I do keep an eye on what's for sale up there. So far, the only 2 properties I've seen advertised are out of my price range unfortunately.
No 1. "Black Poles" is a 3 bedroom dwelling on top of a hill, overlooking Weighmouth Bay, and up the coast past Pigeon Island, and the mouth of the Pascoe River. $640,000. I lived in this for a while when it had only 1 bedroom, and an outside open air toilet. It has an internal bathroom now, and sattelite TV.

No 2. "King Park" 2,000 acres Freehold Pastoral Property adjoins Iron Range National Park. ( A group could pool resources, and create a great haven for like-minded people.) It's been done with leasehold land up there already----Wattle Hill. Anyone interested, the website is www.domain.com.au (http://www.domain.com.au), or just Google Lockhart Real Estate, or Cape York Real Estate. I don't have a price for this one, but it will possibly be in the millions.
It does have tremendous potential though. It's on the road between Portland Roads and Lockhart River Mission. I could really do a lot with this if I had a bottomless pocket.
It's nice to dream,
xina.
Id be in that,maybe a share of wattle hill.

[dann]

Hi Xina,

Can you point me in the direction of this 'Black Poles' sale..

Where do you find properties for sale on the cape?

[xina]

Hi Dann,
I've emailed you details for Black Poles. There are Two sites for Private Real Estate Sales that I've found so far. Black Poles is in www.owner.com.au
The other one is www.noagentproperty.com.au . Dale will email more photos to you on request. The only one on the website is just of the view north up the coast. Good hunting,
xina.

[Stacky]

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/IMGP2861.jpg
Sunrise at Quintel beach

[Stacky]

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/IMGP2018.jpg
I think this shot is the Archer River at the bridge. The water is just lipping the bottom of the bridge.

[Stacky]

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/Scenery/Lockhart060407008.jpg
This secret place is called 'The Waterfall' for some reason. It's in the Iron Range on a part of the west claudie. It's a 20 minute walk from the road through the dense rainforest.

[geoffjy]

Your last pic didnt show up either Stacky. The "Secret Place" remains secret.

[xina]

I can't get any of the last 3 pics. either Stacky. Mailed your maps today. Probably not what you're expecting, but hope they may be of some use.
Cheers,
xina.

[Stacky]

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/IMGP2882.jpg
Picnic lunch on a sandy coral reef

[Stacky]

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/IMGP1777.jpg
Pitcher plant (spelling?)Insect eater. Anyone will find these on the side of the road just before mount Tozer as you come in to the east coast.

[geoffjy]

Once again Stacky, nice pics. I am hanging out for when the ocean glasses out. I am almost foaming at the mouth just thinking about it.:D :D

[Stacky]

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/IMGP2011.jpg
Waterfall behind Coen, it's very close to where most tourists camp. Ask the publican at the Sexchange hotel where it is, it's a nice camp.

[Stacky]

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/IMGP2797.jpg
Full moon over Restoration Island, Chili Beach

[Stacky]

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/IMGP2782.jpg
This sand spit produces some awesome light gear fishing when the tide starts running over it. Queenies and trevors are the most of the catch. Lloyd Island

[Stacky]

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/BazaarroundCapeDirection.jpg
My mate took this of me coming around Cape Direction after a day of beach combing.

[Stacky]

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh107/Stacky74/P8160358.jpg
Watchee creek

[xina]

Woderful shots Stacky. Is Steph. Yeomans' hut still at Chillie Beach ? What about the "A" frame Kiwi Kim and Steph. Thuillier built and used as a restaurant for a while ? Does any-one use the Round-house at Portland Roads these days ?
Cheers,
xina.

[plucker]

Photos are all working today Stacky and they look great. Keep em coming, I am sure we all want more.

[ant]

Jeez,
If this sort of thing continues, there will be no need for a Cape Yorker magazine!!!
That may not be a bad thing. I could spend more time away from the office and just drive around the Cape instead.

Stacky, Geoff, Campdog: Keep em' coming.

[campdog]

Jeez,
If this sort of thing continues, there will be no need for a Cape Yorker magazine!!!
That may not be a bad thing. I could spend more time away from the office and just drive around the Cape instead.

Stacky, Geoff, Campdog: Keep em' coming.

Ant,Im out of my league here,I think Ill just move into the back seat and enjoy the ride,even if its in a toyota.
John

[geoffjy]

Jeez,
If this sort of thing continues, there will be no need for a Cape Yorker magazine!!!
That may not be a bad thing. I could spend more time away from the office and just drive around the Cape instead.

Stacky, Geoff, Campdog: Keep em' coming.

Wouldnt it just give you time to sleep at night Ant as you still have your other 2 jobs. lol

[xina]

Don't put yourself down Campdog. Yours really are great too. I wouldn't have said so if I didn't think so. Just from different places. We can't all live up there unfortunately.
Cheers,
xina.

[geoffjy]

Thats very true Campdog. You have posted some great shots, info and advice on here.

[ant]

Wouldnt it just give you time to sleep at night Ant as you still have your other 2 jobs. lol

Sleep is highly over rated.

[ant]

Thats very true Campdog. You have posted some great shots, info and advice on here.

A lot of what Campdog has posted is excellent. It is a real shame he misleads us with his warped opinions on vehicles. I guess if he was actually living in Cape York that it would all change.

[xina]

Don't worry Ant,
There will always be bibliophiles like me who still love our books and magazines.
Couldn't live without the printed word too. What would we do when the power goes out. And don't get too smart here please. We all know how some minds work.
Cheers,
xina.

[campdog]

A lot of what Campdog has posted is excellent. It is a real shame he misleads us with his warped opinions on vehicles. I guess if he was actually living in Cape York that it would all change.
Change it certainly would.Just need a job and a place to live and my camera.

[campdog]

Heres a couple from on the way to work this morning.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k259/campdog_photos/QL2y.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k259/campdog_photos/BUNNy.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k259/campdog_photos/ImageCopy-1.jpg

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k259/campdog_photos/QLImageCopy.jpg

[plucker]

Good photos there campdog, you have certainly have some talent in that field.

[xina]

I still reckon you should seriously think about publishing Campdog. They really are lovely shots.
Cheers,
xina.

[geoffjy]

It is a real shame he misleads us with his warped opinions on vehicles. I guess if he was actually living in Cape York that it would all change.

I think it must be all those sealed roads and the mechanics that live on the next block always ready to fix a nissan.

More great pics by the way Campdog.

[yetti]

Campdog,

Great pics mate. The last one with the pink/purple hue is a cracker.
you should make that one a poster, could be some dollars in that.

Thing is with all these great shots, mine would pale to insignifigance.

Nice work mate,
cheers

[Nedly]

I hope I learn how to use my camera soon.
This is very frustrating.

Oh, yeah, great shots.

No, I'm not jealous, well maybe a little.

Campdog, I reckon you take the BEST sunrise/sunsets.
Still think your shot of the black cockatoos in the tree is awesome.

[campdog]

I think it must be all those sealed roads and the mechanics that live on the next block always ready to fix a nissan.

More great pics by the way Campdog.

Plenty of sealed roads thats for sure,as for mechanics, still havent needed one in 413,00ks.
I would buy a Toyota if I was living on the Cape though.

[campdog]

I hope I learn how to use my camera soon.
This is very frustrating.

Oh, yeah, great shots.

No, I'm not jealous, well maybe a little.

Campdog, I reckon you take the BEST sunrise/sunsets.
Still think your shot of the black cockatoos in the tree is awesome.
Thanks Nedly, I cant remember the photo of the cockatoos though.
I love sunsets and sunrises as well.I think thats what draws me to the Cape.I only got this camera last december and cant wait to let loose in the Cape.My three favorite things, The cape, my camera and wild turkey,

[Stacky]

Woderful shots Stacky. Is Steph. Yeomans' hut still at Chillie Beach ? What about the "A" frame Kiwi Kim and Steph. Thuillier built and used as a restaurant for a while ? Does any-one use the Round-house at Portland Roads these days ?
Cheers,
xina.

Hi Xina,
I am looking forward to your maps even if there not much they'll be more than i know at the moment in that country.

I think the hut you must be talking about is at the far north end of Chili before the rocks that go around to packers creek. Yes it's there, it appears to be empty most times. The a-frame has been refurbished into a big place i believe and not owned by Steph. Yes the round house is still in use, there is now a little cafe opened next door. In the house that used to be owned by Jeff's old man (forgot name) who recently passed away while visiting their. Jeff now lives next door to it. I hope this makes sense.

[xina]

Hi Stacky,
Are we talking about the same Roundhouse? First on the left as you go into Portland Roads. It's not really a house . You might be meaning the one that looks like a small Aircraft Hangar. The only Jeff I remember was Jeff Pope, whose father used to do the Mail run.
Cheers,
xina.

[Stacky]

Yeh, thats him. Jeff now does the mail run. Do you know Helen Clarke?

I get confused with the houses.

There is only one house on the left as you drive in. I don't know who's in that one.

[xina]

Hi Stacky,
Can't be sure about Helen. Was she Helen Pope? The Round-house I'm talking about was just a roof over a concreted circle. I think it had seats built in. I'm going back to the mid-80's here. Is Kirky still up there?
Cheers,
xina.
Ps. Thought you would have had the maps today.

[Stacky]

Hi Stacky,
Can't be sure about Helen. Was she Helen Pope? The Round-house I'm talking about was just a roof over a concreted circle. I think it had seats built in. I'm going back to the mid-80's here. Is Kirky still up there?
Cheers,
xina.
Ps. Thought you would have had the maps today.

Helen use to live on one of the islandsfurther north back then or maybe a bit after. The round house is completely built in now. I have not been inside.

The mail is very slow up here lately and our flight schedules have changed again which means we get last weeks mail this week. It doesn't help when nobody wants to work in the postoffice. I would but i'm struggling to find time for the 3 jobs i have at the moment and chatting on this forum.

[xina]

The only inhabited Island when I was up there was Haggerstone. Don't forget I'm going back about 20 odd years ago.
Cheers,
xina.

[geoffjy]

The only inhabited Island when I was up there was Haggerstone. Don't forget I'm going back about 20 odd years ago.
Cheers,
xina.


Hi xina,

Was access to Haggerstone Island just by sea back then or by airstrip on the island to north west then via boat?

[xina]

At that point in time, the only access was by sea Geoff. Mr.Turner (Can't remember his first name. Definitely need that brain transplant.) was in the process of building it at that stage. Met him once at Portland Roads, just before he went back up to Haggerstone. Never did get over to see it, though we were invited at the time.
Cheers,
xina.

[geoffjy]

At that point in time, the only access was by sea Geoff. Mr. Turner (can't remember his first name. Definitely need that brain transplant.) was in the process of building it at that stage. Met him once at Portland Roads, just before he went back up to Haggerstone. Never did get over to see it.
Cheers,
xina.

You should bring it up on the net xina. He has done a really great job in setting it up.

[xina]

Had a look a while back Geoff. Sent Ant a sunrise photo from the site, when he was flat out trying to get the last Cape Yorker issue out on time. Thought it might give his brain a rest. Must get back and have another look.
Cheers,
xina.

[geoffjy]

Had a look a while back Geoff. Sent Ant a sunrise photo from the site, when he was flat out tryin to get the last Cape Yorker issue out on time. Thought it might give his brain a rest. Must get back and have another look.
Cheers,
xina.

Probably would have distracted him for a bit. He would have been looking at it every 5 mins as he wouldnt even have seen sunlight for a few days.

I know a guy that takes fly fishing people from France in their every year. I would love to do a stint on there. Maybe they are after a chef.:p

[Stacky]

got your mail today Xina,
Thanks for the detail. I will have a good look around up there at the end of this month if it all works out. I'll laminate the maps and take em with me. Your croc and pig stories have got me pretty keen to get amongst it.
I'll take pics for you

[xina]

Like I said Stacky, please don't go on your own. Did I mention the cut-out a little way in from the mouth on the right hand side? Used to call it Sydneys' Harbour. Good place to tie up the tinny.
There should be (unless someone's swiped it ) a Golden Orchid with 5 - 6ft canes. There are some unusual Cycads there too. A scientific mob came up from Sydney in about the early '90's to get some seed, and check them out.
Made a real mess of at least one of them.
If you go up the hill on the first road, just over the top a little way, if you look over the creek to your left, you'll see the mud slide where Wendy and I saw "Sampson". That's also where "White Tip" used to lie under the mini waterfall. And where I saw 1ft. long babies.
Further down the beach towards the inlets, we used to find dozens of Sawfish Saws about 1ft long. There used to be a coconut palm with toe-holds cut into it down there too.
If you keep your eyes open, and know what you're looking for you might still find hand axes, or hammerstones. You probably already know you're not allowed to take them these days. There is still a bagfull hidden near our shed that I collected with permission from the Ranger from Bamaga at the time, as the guy we were buying a share of the property from used to sell whatever he found to any-one who came along.
The day I left, just as I was getting into the tinny, I picked up a Clay Pipe with a lot of carved decoration on it,and stupidly gave it to someone else.
As you will know, you never know what you're going to find.
Better stop this, or I won't be able to.
Cheers,
xina.
PS. Forgot to mention that the Orchid is low down, about 3 or 4 ft above the ground, and the canes are almost Horizontal. Just so you don't look too high.

[campdog]

xina, I would love just to spend a month in your old stomping ground.
John

[xina]

Hi Campdog,
Believe me, all you guys would love it . I always wanted Syd. to start some sort of controlled eco-tourism thing going while we were there, but he didn't have enough vision. As soon as I got there I couldn't believe the place. When he picked me up at Moreton,(I'd come up on the Mail Plane) we went to Temple Bay by the southern road, which he and the nearest neighbour had put through a couple of years earlier. (Approximately 1982). On the way, we stopped at the top of an escarpment, and I looked to the north, and saw through a gap in the trees, miles and miles of beach. About 60 miles of it, with nobody else around. From that moment on, I BELONGED TO THAT COUNTRY.
I'll never lose that feeling, and I'm still angry that we left. I didn't want to go.
Better stop this too.
Cheers,
xina.

[campdog]

xina I know that feeling.I met a man at a bbq in Cairns after a Cape trip,I cant remember his name but his family came from wattle hill,he said that everybody has a place in the world of their own where they belonged and would know when they found it.I found my place and longing to get their one day and stay.
I have done a few trips to the cape looking around a day here and a day there.I really want to be able to spend a few days or a week at each spot I like.It would be great to do the tagalong but circumstances stop me from going.So I will have to wait for the big trip.
John

[xina]

Thought you might understand Campdog. You just know you've come home.
Nowhere else ever is good enough. I now live in a house I'd dreamed of for years, ( A lovely Geodesic Dome ), but I'd jump at the chance to live up there again with just a tin roof, and no walls. 2 walls at Temple Bay, hill as back wall only, at Wattle Hill. Gotta stop this. Get too depressed thinking I probably won't ever live up there again. Shame you can't remember the guy's name.
Cheers,
xina.

[Stacky]

I'm going to T up a couple of mates from around here and see if we can get a couple of boats go up that way and make it ongoing weekend trips, leave our boats at Portlands anchored during the week.

[xina]

Hi Stacky,
Unless you have some-one absolutely reliable to keep an eye on your boats, I wouldn't leave them anchored. Be better to drag them up on the beach a bit.
Ours nearly sank once there, when a Cyclone was brewing, and I was up to my neck in the water right beside the Mangroves, ( yes, I know there are plenty of crocs. right there, I'd watched them often enough from Black Poles), but I had to try and get the tinney up on the sand.(16 ft. Quintrex, with a very low transome, which was the problem). My partner at the time was in Cairns.
If you can picture it, I was trying to somehow get into the thing, to pull in the rear anchor, and haul it a bit closer to the beach with the forward anchor rope, then jump out, and try to drag it up onto the beach. While I was trying to do this, I was screaming out for some-one to come and help me, but with a howling wind, it was a very long time before any-one heard me. I probably should have just left it to chance whether it sank or not, but I didn't want to be responsible for that happening.
Some-one finally came, and we got it out all-right, but I might think twice before doing that again. Much as I love Crocs., I don't really want to be a meal for one until I'm already dead.
Cheers,
xina.

[geoffjy]

I agree with xina on this Stacky. I wouldnt be leaving my boat unattended like that. I dont like my boat out od site most times depending on the circumstances because if something happened to it, it would cost thousands to replace.

[xina]

THat's also why I told you about Sydneys' Harbour at Temple Bay Stacky. Better to have it in there at night, or when you're just exploring. There's only one cut-out, but any more could be tied up close by in there too.
Cheers,
xina.

[xina]

The Cycad I mentioned, is called Cycas silvestris. Discovered (By Science) in 1986? and named in 1992. I'd question the discovery date, as to the best of my knowledge, my ex. only told them where to find it after I had left him, which was in early 1993. I know he had no contact with anyone about them before then, and the remains of the ones they chopped into were still reasonably fresh in 1995, which was the last time I was at that site. If we do get in on the Tagalong, you'll be able to see them for yourselves. You'll probably see them before that Stacky, as they're close to the beach we used.
If you're interested, there is a Morinda (NONI) just at the foot of the Point there too. If there is any fruit on when you go up, you'll know it by the smell. It's like very overpowering cheese. The (Domestic) pigs used to love the fruit.
Cheers,
xina.

[Stacky]

I can't get up there this weekend.

It's the last weekend for Barra season and i have all day tommorrow booked out in the Lockhart System. I'm bringing a mate who doesn't get out much due to his work commitments so i'm hoping to put him onto a few nice fish.

Tides are good and it's coming onto a new moon........so here's hoping.


Next friday is a day off for us up here and i have plans to swag it up in your old stomping grounds.

[Stacky]

I have been out exploring the countryside again,

We headed down to 'Nundah' which may show up on some of the HEMA maps of Cape York. Its an old cattle outstation ran by the Indigenous, it has never been re-astablished after a cyclone belted into it.

After a spell we continued southwards on to 'Pin Pin'. Pin Pin is another version of Nundah but even better, after you cross another dry river bed (atm) you come out onto an amazing flat rich green grassland. We slowly cruised through all this country as the track begins to dissapear and dry water channels pop up before you see them. Hundreds of wild bullocks and brumbies call this country home. We stopped and watched some 30 brumbies in full gallop run across the grass plains (got photo's). The ground was thundering and they ran straight across the road in front of us. It looked as if something out of 'Man from Snowy River' but noone was chasing them, or Melbourne Cup without jockies.

We then continued south east through a gap in the range (Night Island Gap), the road was not good from here on. With hundreds of steep dry valleys to cross and winding in and out of small bony hills it was slow going. Some hours later we finally came across an old busted up 'outstation' that again had never been restored from the last cyclone. The trees were all standing through here although they were all dead and leafless also from the last cyclone.
Another hour or so, we came out onto a beach with no name. We set up camp and started beach combing with some amazing finds including a rare glass bouy.

There was 2 small creeks to the south with 'no names' and i quickly got amongst the fishing. The first day i walked through mangroves and fished any little opening amongst the trees for about 2 k's or more. I didn't have much luck as the tide was out and there was only 2ft of water in the whole creek. A croc of about 9ft shot through the mangroves in front of me which kept me very concious and alert. There were so many big thick mullet, i could have walked across their heads. Unfortunately i got no photo's of the creek as fishing was the only thing on my mind when i grabbed my stuff.

The next day i was still recovering from slugging 2k's each way through mangroves and decided to fish the mouth of the creek on the beach. The mouth was less than 6m wide and 4ft deep on high tide and crystal clear. I didn't think i'd have much luck. I pulled some elbow slapper size whiting from there and when i ran out of prawns i started casting little lures with a handline. Gt's and Queenies of a good size were there in full force right through the slow big tide and i fished until my arms were to tired to have another throw or pull another fish. While fishing there i had to contend with reef sharks trying to get an easy meal of a distressed hooked fish. I watched a turtle swim through this small mouth of the creek and go upstream, stingrays and i also watched hundreds of schools of mullet come through as well. I was also told that on the really low tides you walk out on the beach and you are reef fishing as you can see it run along the front of the beach.

While sitting there seriously sun burning on my own, i wondered if the whole coast of Australia was this rich in fish once. It would have been so easy to get a meal with a spear, the hardest part would be deciding what type you feel like eating. This area truly had the untouched, isolated feeling and i loved it. The problem is there is only a small window of time to drive through all this country.

I am planning on being better prepared for another trip down there in a week or 2 as i know what i need now. Cast net, spot light, rifle, heavy live bait runners, trusty light spinner, shade, lots of water, serious recovery equipment and lots of fuel as i plan to go a lot further.

Sorry about no pics as i am gathering up for the next Cape Yorker, so you'll all have to hang out till then (good sales pitch hey Ant).

[xina]

You've got me crying Stacky. When we had the fishing camp on Night Island we only went over to the mainland once. I would love to have done more exploring down there, but we were there to work, so I wasn't allowed any more time there.

The day we did go 'though, I found a dug-out canoe, among other things, and believe it or not, an unopened bottle of 2 in 1 Palmolive Shampoo and Conditioner, which I badly needed at the time, as the Mother-ship hadn't yet been to pick up product, and deliver supplies.

Torres Straight Pigeons used to nest on the Island, and if you went walking anywhere, apart from where we were camped, you had to watch where you put your feet, as they nest on the ground as well. The adults would go to the mainland during the day to feed, and come back in clouds just before dark every night. They make a haunting sound all through the night.

Yachties use the Island as a safe anchorage, and would often come ashore to watch us filleting the catch, and have a chat. We had a croc. who used to come and lay out on the little beach sometimes. He [or she ] was never a problem. We were there for a few months, 'till my husbands' partner went to Cairns on the mother-ship and never came back. He went for a medical check-up, and it turned out he died down there.

It wasn't feasible for just the 2 of us to work the camp, so we had to pack everything up, and go back to Portland Roads. We'd just started getting organised, when a cyclone started brewing, [still a few days away from our area ] and none of the trawlers in the area at the time would stop and give us a hand, so that made life interesting. We had 2 large freezers, large gas bottles, Marquee type tent, plus all the other gear, to fit into two 16ft tinnies. We had to refuel both boats at Old Site. That day was the first time I ever drove a boat. It took us about 8 hours.

There was a 3 seater Rustic Style lounge caught in the mangroves that the boys wouldn't get for me, so that might still be there. Even if they had, it probably would have been sold to the old guy from Cooktown who used to come up the coast every year to buy things for his souvenier shop, with all the bottles etc., and my canoe and a lovely big Helmet Shell I had found stashed in a bag in the mangrove roots.
There is good fishing out around Waterwytch Stacky. Lots of bommies in that area.
Cheers,
xina.

[xina]

Forgot to say there are Manta Rays down there close to shore too Stacky. They're something to see. That's also where I had my first taste of Maori Wrasse, which spoiled me for other fish. That's still the one that I find has the best flavour. Buggers to fillet though. They slip around too much, like Cod. Plenty of nice Coral Trout down there.
Cheers,
xina.

[plucker]

Dont know if you are aware xina but the maori wrasse is now off limits. So too is the barramundi cod amongst others.

[xina]

Dont know if you are aware xina but the maori wrasse is now off limits. So too is the barramundi cod amongst others.

Didn't know that Plucker, but I'm going back 21 years, so I don't think I'll get into trouble about that. [I hope.] I don't remember anything about them being off-limits then, and we always made sure we never took anything we shouldn't have size-wise.
Cheers,
xina.

[barney]

Hey Stacky - thanks for posting that, what a great weekend - was trying to locate on the map where you might have been - on the coast across from Night Island, or further south? Were you still on indigenous land - you are so lucky to be in the postion to travel so freely through there, all with the right permission. Would have loved some photos - sure you don't have some you can share now!!!??
On a different note - do you know anything about Orchid Creek Station - the Moons write about it in their book, but think this out of date. Is it still operating and do they still do camping there?
Cheers

[plucker]

Dont know if you are aware xina but the maori wrasse is now off limits. So too is the barramundi cod amongst others.


These limits were introduced only a couple of years ago and included QLD groper which could affect anyone heading to the tip. They are quite common in the creeks the further north you go and are probably more common than cod in places.

[xina]

Are you sure it isn't Olive Vale Barney? Haven't heard of the other one, and it's not in my Moon book, but it's a first edition, and I haven't go updates for it yet. It doesn't Google either. Some-one else might know it though.
Cheers,
xina.

[barney]

Are you sure it isn't Olive Vale Barney? Haven't heard of the other one, and it's not in my Moon book, but it's a first edition, and I haven't go updates for it yet. It doesn't Google either. Some-one else might know it though.
Cheers,
xina.
Thanks for that Xina - should have been Orchid Creek - supposed to be near the headwaters of the Wenlock, west of Wolverton.

Loved your post describing Night Island - what were you and the ex doing there?

[xina]

Thanks for that Xina - should have been Orchid Creek - supposed to be near the headwaters of the Wenlock, west of Wolverton.

Loved your post describing Night Island - what were you and the ex doing there?

Hi Barney,
After we left Temple Bay, he went into partnership in a fishing venture with the guy who used to run the Fuel Barge which was permanently moored at Portland Roads to service the Trawlers. Ken Underwood. He used to own Black Poles. They set up a fishing camp on the Island, and I went down a couple of weeks later. We were doing OK 'till Ken died. We'd even introduced a new product package to the market. Twin-pack whole Coral Trout of a certain size. Legal and gutted, of course, but a bit fiddly to fillet. Guess who'd been stuck with ALL the filleting?

Cheers,
xina.

[Stacky]

Hey Stacky - thanks for posting that, what a great weekend - was trying to locate on the map where you might have been - on the coast across from Night Island, or further south? Were you still on indigenous land - you are so lucky to be in the postion to travel so freely through there, all with the right permission. Would have loved some photos - sure you don't have some you can share now!!!??
On a different note - do you know anything about Orchid Creek Station - the Moons write about it in their book, but think this out of date. Is it still operating and do they still do camping there?
Cheers

Hi Barney,
We were on the mainland coast from the south end of Night Island and a bit further south. Next time we are heading further south again (Angkuum) and just might even link up with the another track that now comes out at Coen.

All this land is Indigenous land even back out to Coen and further south to the Silverton boundary.

Orchid creek station is on a branch of the upper reaches of the Wenlock. You might have seen some new signs just after crossing the Wenlock when you came over the other week. It's a camping ground where permission is needed to enter called Kaanju Ngaachi. You can google this place, David Claudie and Jen run this place, some tour bus operators use this place for camping. I have stayed there and it is beautiful country with the Wenlock near camp, i even heard baby crocs calling through the night there, well worth it for spotlighting too (i think i posted a thread on this country with pics already, i might have called it upper upper upper Wenlock). Sorry i'm off the track....

A road that leads into this campground turns to a track and crosses the Wenlock and goes around a hill and onto Orchid Creek station and then onto Wolverton. Orchid creek is a part of Wolverton and i think they could be brothers that live in either place. I do not think Orchid Creek is used for camping anymore but thats not saying you couldn't seek permission off all landowners and go through this beautiful country. Its well worth it and pull up for a night at Kaanju Ngaachi, i don't know what he charges to camp there as it's all free when you know the right people. David is a very sensible qiuet man that loves his land and takes great pride and care in looking after it all for the Wuthathi mob. No hunting is permitted on any of this country.
I hope i could help.

[Stacky]

As for some pics,
I will put them on this site as my new camera has taking crappy blurry photo's and they will be no good for the mag next year. You all will have to wait though till i find time at night.

[barney]

Thanks for this Stacky - sounds like a trip we should definitely plan, maybe for the dry next year - might be pushing it for this year with our kids - we had an inch of rain here Friday night. Word is the crocodiles are building their nests high which is a sign of a big wet. We are staying fairly close to home with our camping now - heading up to Pennefather tomorrow for a couple of nights.
Cheers

[xina]

Are the Jackson family still at Wolverton any-one ?
Cheers,
xina.

[dann]

Hi guys,

Orchid Creek is not run by David Claudie. The site you speak of Stacky is actually still on the Lockhart DOGIT. The Jacksons are still at Wolverton. The Ambhursts (spelling?) used to be at Orchid Creek, however this has been sold and bought by the Qld EPA. They have closed the station off to the public and you would need to obtains permits to enter that country (research permits). Not a great place to go anyway as you can't get very far in a car since the last cyclone (unless someone has been through with a dozer, however I highly doubt it).

[xina]

Thanks Dann,
Cheers,
xina.

[plucker]

Hi guys,

Orchid Creek is not run by David Claudie. The site you speak of Stacky is actually still on the Lockhart DOGIT. The Jacksons are still at Wolverton. The Ambhursts (spelling?) used to be at Orchid Creek, however this has been sold and bought by the Qld EPA. They have closed the station off to the public and you would need to obtains permits to enter that country (research permits). Not a great place to go anyway as you can't get very far in a car since the last cyclone (unless someone has been through with a dozer, however I highly doubt it).

My mates the EPA. Surely they must owe us Townsville people something by now.:rolleyes:

[Stacky]

EPA...Eliminate Peoples Access

Dann,
I thought Orchid creek was part of Wolverton not Dogit, was this ever the case once?
Is someone living in Orchid creek now? I know you said the tracks blocked but what about entering from David place and crossing the Wenlock.

[dann]

Hi Stacky,

Apologies for the confusing post. Orchid Creek is south of the Wenlock, whilst everything north is DOGIT. David's place is on DOGIT.

Orchid Creek may have been part of Wolverton, however this hasn't been the case for the past 50 years or so since Bill and John started there.

I do not know the road though David's place. Your best bet would be to get permission from Bill Jackson to go through Wolverton, as this road I know is good. Whichever access you take, once in that top country it is pretty slow going - ideally quad bike stuff.