Friday, 28 February 2014

February 25th... Fraser Island Day 3

I was once again up at the crack of dawn this morning, and it was also raining on and off throughout the night. I was pretty glad I slept in the car whilst the majority of other people slept in tents, although the tents were covered by this big canvas thing. As I was once again up early I emerged to the morning after the night before if you know what I mean, I took a walk round the campsite whilst everyone was still asleep, not leaving to be dingo safe. I also secretly raided the last remaining cereal bars before everyone awoke.

Breakfast this morning was simply corn flakes and bread as to make toast you had to use the stove! Food was running thin by this point, and after packing up which was made difficult by the fact so few people had motivation to move, we set off for Lake Mackenzie. We were meant to leave at 8, but it wasn't until half 8 until all the plates were loaded on the trailer I loaded. It's funny that people seem to worry more about washing their dishes before eating than after eating!

After a drive back south along the beach we drove up, passing many of the places we visited and seeing some more wild dingoes, we arrived back at the Eulong resort. People frantically bought supplies here before we headed up the lake. After dumping the trailer we headed up this woodland track twisting our way past lots of unique plants. Our guide told the drivers that if they relaxed and let go of the steering wheel, the well used tracks would guide the wheels through. It kind of worked, but the frequent up and down made for a very bumpy ride.

Continuing through the forest, we entered an area classed as rainforest which you could tell by the sounds, and big trees with vines and exotic plants. There were tracks going in all directions, although each location was signposted very well. Before long we pulled into this car parking area and headed down to the large Lake McKenzie which at around 100m above sea level was a perched lake, a lake which is solely formed by rainwater.

After passing a busy beach area, we continued round through the bushes to a more secluded area. Like Lake Wabby the water was enriched by many natural oils, which made the water both fresh and good for the skin. Whilst there, there was a slight breeze which created waves to hit the inland sandy beach. Remember Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. Apparently when there is no wind the lake is just still, mainly because the only intake of water is rain.

After a good swim round the lake followed by a walk and relaxation session on the sheltered beach, we headed back to the 4wd vehicles ready for a bumpy return ride to the Eulong resort to collect the trailer. The tracks were different on the way back as they were constructed as a one way system. After reaching the resort we continued back along the beach passing the many sand dunes until the mainland finally came into sight. Upon reaching Inskip Point we had a late lunch after opting for longer at Lake McKenzie. It was only bread and jams by this time.

When completing the short barge crossing back to mainland, we stopped on the mainland beach for some group photos, heading back to Rainbow Beach by about 3. We had to sweep the sand filled cars and empty the trailer here before leaving, finding a whole bag of uneaten satsumas in the process! It was funny after leaving though because internet was once again the more important thing over a shower, heading to the travel bugs shop for the free internet and a good catch up.

Upon leaving the computer I had been craving, I decided to walk to the Carlo Sandblow, a massive sand dune with views of the local area. It was really nice to be wearing trainers here and give my feet stability after three days of sandals! After finding a couple of geocaches I wanted and taking in the amazing views, I relaxed and watched the sunset which was good here as it set over the wooded river area in the horizon.

When finally having a shower, I cooked dinner in the hostel for once which was simply noodles. I tempted to start cooking more in hostels now as it is so much cheaper. I spent the evening with the new people I had met, playing pool but simply drinking water after the two nights before. It was then off to bed which was made better the fact I had the bottom bunk!

No comments:

Post a Comment