Friday, March 14, 2008

Mackay to Rockhampton



We continue to make our way southward along the east coast of Australia. Tonight brings us to Rockhampton, Queensland... We stopped this morning at a place called the Sugar Shack. It is a working example on a very small scale of how sugar cane is processed into raw sugar. We walked around and looked at the equipment used to cut and bring the cane to the train. From there is goes to the processing plant where it is squeezed, boiled, separated and somehow dried into the product we know as raw sugar. We learned that the first crop was brought to north-east side of Australia by the famous Captain Cook. He is thought to have brought it from Hawaii or some Pacific Island. The rest of the day was a pleasant drive. It was through a bit of sugar cane this morning, turning to eucalyptus trees and a more plains look of cattle country. This area of Australia is known for the beef it raises. The road kill count today was at least a dozen Kangaroos; a couple of Echidnas, a few birds, no Koalas, but lots of beware signs. We are staying in a really beautiful RV park, part a large RV park chain. We continue to meet very friendly Australians along our trip. Thanks for following us. Tomorrow is Bundaberg and a rum distillery.

2 comments:

Char said...

Rum? Rum, you say? SIGN ME UP! That sounds like a very worthwhile touristy thing to do. I cannot wait to hear about it, and see the pictures! I hope you don't have to drive the RV for French afterwards, Cleave!

Have one or two chugs on my behalf,

Char

TheAndersons said...

Hi guys, Really enjoy reading about your adventures on a regular basis. Sounds like the trip is turning out to be everything you had hoped. We're all doing great. So, tell us what Petrol is going for over there these days. We are looking at $4.00 for Diesel. Yikes! Thanks again for showing us your adventures. Love ya, Eric, Carol and Katie too!