come on let's crawl, to the ugly bug ball...

After we had taken possession of the “Hippee Camper” we went straight to K Mart & Woolworths  to stock up on provisions (which definitely did not include kaftans or flowers for our hair) then headed north. Why north you might ask given that our destination is in fact Sydney. Well so many people had recommended Port Douglas & Mossman Gorge that we had to take that short detour to see what it was all about. En route we stopped at Hartley’s crocodile Park where we saw lots of koalas & kangaroos & plenty of crocs. We went on a boat trip around the park & watched  some being fed. The speed at which they move left us in no doubt as to how dangerous they are. Returning to the van we discovered our windscreen had been infested by huge green ants that seemed to be indestructible (we were still finding them days later),  before heading to our first campsite. There are essentially 3 types of campsites; 1. Caravan parks – these have plenty of amenities &  are also expensive; 2. low cost sites – these have a few facilities like washing machines/cooking  area; 3. free camping areas - these have toilets, cold showers & that’s pretty much it. Our first site was low a cost site & apart from it being v hot in the van,  our first night went ok. The following morning, Mr L's birthday, we were up and on the road early to the gorge. We followed a 3k trail walk in the rain forest which was v peaceful with some amazing trees but the swimming not recommended due to high water levels. Then we drove to Port Douglas, which is a v sleepy seaside town out of season but v pretty. It had the loveliest church with a window behind the alter that gave  a great view out across the sea. 
On the road we headed South,  back past Cairns to a small town called Babinda. We stopped at the tourist information office where we interrupted a group of locals practising  the ukulele. What is is with us and Ukuleles! We headed about 7k out of town to a  free campsite on the edge of a nature reserve where we had a refreshing  swim in the river. Don't worry it was crocodile free! Back at the van we had just finished eating when it started to rain some serious rain. It was so heavy that we were trapped under our makeshift canopy at the back of the van for over an hour before it eased off enough for us to move the few feet to the side door so we could get in. It didn't stop all night.  After a v disturbed sleep,  I woke at 5.45am & the rain had eased enough for me to venture to the loo.
My friend A says I'm made of tough stuff but I'm not. I'm pretty much terrified of most bugs & ‘things’! As I stepped from the van a dog (which had obviously wandered off from its owner) came over to me & I jumped out of my skin. I was not expecting that. On my walk to the bathroom I had to take a detour around a huge toad & inside I gave a wide berth to a huge green cricket type bug & a moth the size of my foot – I kid you not – I have photographic evidence – as well as any  number of flying insects & of course the demon geckos. I was pretty freaked out by it all but I managed a shower. A v quick one!  On the way back as well as the encounters on the outward journey I had to avoid an odd chicken type bird with a red head &  3 large squawky birds who I definitely didn't like the look of. Then the rain came back with a vengeance. We didn't bother with breakfast- we got out of there!
Our aim was to head to Mission Bay, spend time there then camp in Cardwell but when we got to each of them the rain was still so heavy with no sign of a let up, we could only give them a cursory glance through the window. We made the decision to keep driving until we  arrived somewhere dry. In this case Crystal Creek (fabulous name)! We parked, put our clothes in the washing machine,  went for a swim, a shower then cooked. It was lovely. But nothing is perfect &, as we were the only transient campers on site, the mosquitoes were v happy to see us & whilst it was nice to be out of the rain, the heat  meant it was a very hot and humid night not ideal conditions for sleeping in a camper van.