Sam, Kevin and Kerry
Ian and Diana
Lyn and Justin
Andy, Debbie, Megan and Natasha

As a devoted fan of Survivor, I was a bit excited about this weekend. But not wanting to exactly imitate the contestants we needed to do some serious big time packing to survive for 4 days. As a result our departure time was a little on the other side of 8am. We also had to pick up another contestant passenger so we completely missed the meeting point. We drove up the Gillies via Gentle Annie meeting the rest of the group at Ravenshoe. Deciding to order food on a busy day like today was not a good idea as every man and his motorbike also had the same idea. Eventually we got our order and played catch-up again to Mt. Garnet, heading to our final destination for the weekend. The other group for O'Brien's gem fields also followed the same path as us. As we neared the property I noticed a red car travelling very close behind Ian & Diana, who was tail-end Charlie. They didn't know who they were just thought they were coming the same way and pretending to be a haemorrhoid. Ian was very worried as he hadn't bought any haemorrhoid cream. At the property Andy was asked by the red car driver, "Is this the way to O'Brien's gem fields?"……………………………………

So back he turned and drove another hour back towards Mt. Garnet.

On our left near the homestead a paddock full of termite mounds were fenced in and growing quite nicely. It is good to see farmers diversifying and adapting to drought conditions out here. Sam couldn't find the owner so we decided to setup camp and come back later to check-in. Only a short drive to the campsite of a large sandy expanse adjacent to the Herbert River with lots of shady trees for good campsites to choose from. Took advantage of a refreshing dip in the river before happy hour.

  Early morning risers were treated to a light mist covered campsite with accompanying bird-life emanating from the treetops. As soon as the sun rose so did the temperature only being relieved slightly by light to moderate southerly breezes. Sam invited us to try a spot of fishing showing us where the fish should be. We picked our way through a beautiful entangled maze of bottle brushes, which were also over-hanging the banks, large gums and she-oaks sprouted upwards and alcoves good for fishing were scattered  all along the rivers meandering course. As soon as Sam dropped a line in he had already caught the first fish of the day. Every spot he tried he had success catching brim. Meanwhile Andy, Megan and I only could look with amazement and hope Sam wouldn't catch them all. Final tally Sam- 9,   Us- 0 + no bites. Consolation prize was a beautiful cool and picturesque setting to while a way an hour or so. The walk back across the sand was very hot and the breeze warmed us even more. But the thought of a cooling swim on return was enticing and kept us going.

  Andy, Justin and the girls went for an afternoon drive exploring the other campsites and tracks. On return Andy and the boys cut and gathered wood for the evening fire and extra for camp oven cooking. Everybody else was having different versions of lamb for dinner.

I wondered if Tom would be popping in later, the girls hoped for the Easter Bunny. Late afternoon Sam couldn't help himself and decided to show Kevin and Kerry where he caught all the fish this morning. You wouldn't believe it, more FISH! Sam - 4, Kevin & Kerry - 0

The birdlife serenaded us awake and the thought of evening out the fishing score was tempting. Different bait was definitely the go. Before we set out Kerry tempted us with her camp oven damper and rosella jam. Ymmmmm! Sam felt pity for us and let us try first, still no luck. Finally success Andy pulled in a brim. Kerry was next, but no further gains. Kevin snared an unhappy turtle. Sam was also out of luck until he had almost given up, then bingo.

Moral of the story- get Sam to catch fish for you.

Andy went for another afternoon drive exploring, had more swims and conversations all day. Too busy to do the washing. At happy hour Diana showed us her woolly warmer, it was very warming. To bed early for me all tuckered out.

Packed up and headed first to view Herbert River Falls on neighbouring property. Ian and Diana decided to forgo and go straight home. Very long and wide gorge with water cascading down creating several falls. Had lunch here amongst the remains of some of the sets from Survivor. Used the food wheel to see if I have pita bread or an avocado shell for lunch. Thank goodness I landed on the pita bread. Went back to Mt. Garnet and headed home back at 5pm. The tribe has spoken.

Debbie Gierz.