Update Race 3...

We sailed Rce 3 in a light SW breeze - sailed the full course - breeze was just holding for us. Such tight racing. Here is a link to the regatta results  - it is updated daily. http://sa.sabre.org.au/?page_id=34
Race 4 was not held - there was insufficient wind.

During Race 3 I made sure I concentrated the whole time - focus, focus - remind myself of what to do - ask myself what I should do next. Any loss of concentration meant others came closer from behind. I was pleased with boat - had the mast straighter by half a hole on the shrouds.

Tomorrow will be a BIG day - Race 4 in the morning - 11.55am warning signal, then Race 5 & 6 after.

Morning Race 3 & 4

I spent some time in the shower thinking about today - I am pleased with my results yesterday - there were some risks I took - they paid off. BUT - I may have had some luck. The boat is only limited by ME - so if I can stay in the top third of the fleet I will be pleased - but to crack into the edge of the top 20% - that would be delightful. I feel scared about it actually. Getting the boat into the front row at the start is hard - and keeping it there is just as difficult.

My strategy today is - just sail the boat, get in the front row, don't have any infringements and sail a clean race - if anything special is to happen - it will happen. I hope we keep some wind though - the forecast is light and I don't find that as good for keeping focus out there - I focus best when I can feel the wind and the movement of the boat in the water and the effect of hiking and body position.

All that said - I am feeling more nervous today than yesterday.

Tomorrow we havae a dodge tide - check out the tide for 31 Dec to see what I mean!!! Only two places in the world where this happens - makes me feel kinda special.
http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/oceanography/tides/tide_predications.cgi

Race 1 and Race 2

Today saw 10-15k SW seabreeze which we all appreciated. Placings today for race 1 & race 2 for the Qld team were:

61, 37 Robyn Collins
66, 65 Anne Mussett
12, 22 Sue Hextell
9, 4 John Campbell
44, RET Peter Skinner
OCS, 44 John Nobbs
Here is a link to SA results page  http://sa.sabre.org.au/

The Nationals are great racing - but also socialising and having fun. Here is Jenny playing her piano at the '"Coffee Spot" - well its the cabin with a bunch of sailors who willing make coffee for anyone who drops in - which is what Anne and I did thid evening.

And ... here is a video of Jenny playing her piano .... sorry - my camera does not record sound

Invitation Race and Welcome BBQ

Here are some details about today's Invitation Race ...

- we had a very light SW breeze today (200 degrees was compass bearing to the top mark
- two general recalls before the fleet got underwy on the third attempt under a black fla
- the race was shortened, so we just had one triangle and one winward retur
- John Campbell finished 8th, best placed Qld sailo
- about 23 boats finished in the time limit
- John C was the only Qld entry to finish
- the rest of us were back in the fleet struggling against the tide and lightening wind
The forecast is for temperatures to rise progressively over the next few days - which may result in more light winds.

Pictures at the welcome dinner ...

Val and Peter

Anne and Robyn

John and Sue

Jacqui and John

Qld Sabre team all arrived

The last couple of days have been spent travelling.
All 6 Qld Sabre sailors at the Nationals have arrived her at Brighton-Seacliff SC, Adelaide.
I spent a very cold night last evening in Balranald.
It is cool here tonite at the beachside caravan park - I have a sleeping bag as well as blankets tonight.

Tomorrow is further registration and an Invitation race in the afternoon - 2.00pm start I think.
This afternoon was spent getting organised.

I am camping - typing this blog by torchlight. There is a band playing at the surf life saving club - which makes for a pleasant end to the evening.

Everyone has had some little incidents happen on their journeys - no injuries or serious damage.

the BIG drive

Flew Cairns to Bris on Thursday morning - first task once home was to get a renewal on my driving licence - all smooth - just took a bit of time.

Picked up Quicksand from Ian and Fran - great modification to my Sabre trolley so that the boat sits nicely. The boat/trolley has now done 1450km and still riding well. TY Ian.

Drove Bris to Gilgandra on Friday - slept in the car - no room at the inn!!
Today visited Janet and family at Warren, then Mum at Blayney.
Pressed on westward - in West Wyalong tonight.
980km to go - might get that done tomorrw.

Lots of water laying around low areas and beside road - well - many of the areas I have travellled the last two days. HEAPS of mosquitoes.

down the range to Cairns

Finished at the medical centre about 5.30pm, had the car packed from this morning - drove down the range and have found motel accom in Nth Cairns - same place I stayed on the way up. It's helpful to stay at the same place - they don't ask for a drivers licence!! The first place I tried turned me away - lol - their loss.

Having a meal at the motel restaurant - just had a tropical storm pass thru - now its just the rain - so my table is dry again!! I am no longer getting a fine spray of rain on me.

Alarm set for 4am, so I can get my 6am departure from Cairns Airport.

It felt oddly strange driving down the range away from Kuranda knowing I will be away till 10 Jan. It's a good thing to not be too connected to a place - otherwise you mis out on all the others you could have visited.

is this normal?

I dozed off this afternoon whilst working on my literature review. Is this normal? Or do I have a tropical disease? Like sleeping sickness??

Here's me at Yorkeys Knob on Sunday. Lots of people disappointed the beaches are closed.

Tomorrow is last day at the medical centre - then fly to Brisbane - to start the journey to Adelaide (after I get a new licence - no licence - no drive)!!

have i found a venue for the next sabre states???

... yes i have - Yorkeys Knob Boating Club ....
... because of the stingers in summer, i think a winter timing would be best
... all i have to do is start a Sabre fleet up here and away we go
... now the logistics ..
Here's a link to the club website http://www.ykbc.com.au/

weekend relaxation and study

Yesterday I did a trip to Mareeba, some coffee plantations and outlets, then down to Tolga and Tinaroo (almost made it to Atherton but the detours along the way were enough).
The Coffee World at Mareeba was heaven.
The Australian Coffee Centre (Skybury) was more like a traditional plantation visit.
Interestingy the bushland on the tablelands could pass for the NSW south coast as you drive along - except when you get out and go walking - you realise that you are a lot further north!!

Sadly for somebody, one of the bags of chocolate coated coffee beans seemed to be spoiling - so I have eaten them!!

Tinaroo Sailing Club has a HUGE rigging area ...

This pic was taken from the waters edge. There was a nice Se breeze while I was there - but their sailing season is in its summer break - there were a few water skiers the other side of the point. More pics are on my fb photos for those interested.

On the way home I called into Togla - where there is a war memorial dedicated to those serving in the field hospital that was located there in WW2. Across the road there is the relic of the field hospital!! I managed to get this pic placing the camera lens thru a hole in the corrugated sheeting wall ...

Today - Sunday - well and truly into the uni stuff - research project - dementia patients and their oral health - not a good combination!! Plus I wantched Monty Halls (again) .... I am starting to like his 'expedition'.

Planning now to take a break over lunch - will go down the range to Cairns and take a look at some suburbs I hear people refer to - Freshwater, Redlynch and Ellis Beach (maybe) or Yorkey's Knob.

I feel like I have been here months - but it is only two weeks. Will be at the medical centre Mon, Tues, Wed - I fly to Brisbane this Thursday, and return 10 January for the second half of the nursing placement. I am looking forward to coming back.

orthopaedics in general practice and a trip up the mountain

Now I know why it's called GENERAL practice!!
Today I had - orthopaedic patient with swelling of her arm within 24 hours of orthopaedics ward hospital discharge, pregnancy testing, diabetic/insulin review, removal of sutures from a childs head and a lady's leg, vomiting toddler (had drunk laundry liquid), clean-up of waiting area following the vomiting :-), wart removal, finger stump dressing ....

This afternoon I did the trip Kuranda to Mona Mona and return with the QHealth Indigenous health workers - we were taking some gift grocery baskets from the Kurand neighbourhood Centre to residents at Mona Mona. It's only 18km one way - but dirt all the way - up Black Mountain Road. The Mona Mona community has been in the media recently with Qld gov't granting lease to the local residents. The area has had a sad history. Kuranda is the closest medical, shops, etc for these folk. I had provided nursing care to a resident earlier in the week. I am really thankful for the opportunity to visit Mona Mona.

Trip to Smithfield

Sadly there was a drowning yesterday on the river - a kayaker from Atherton. Heard the helicopter last night and read about the incident in local news blog.

I went down to Smithfield yesterday afternoon/evening - restocked the food shelves.
The trip down and back up the range reminds me so much of the journey from Lithgow to Mt Victoria - via Victoria Pass. Happy thoughts.

Community clinic and a treat

This morning I joined the Kuranda Medical staff (dr, nurse, health worker) at Kowrowa a small community about 15km NW from Kuranda. QHealth child health nurse was also part of the clinic service to the community. Lots of people arrived, and even more children. Children and teens who were due for follow-up health assessments attended, plus some adults for their own health assessments. Most of these are delivered as part of Closing the Gap initiatives.

As a student nurse, this provided a first hand opportunity to see the adult health effects of alcohol and smoking. Many children have low haemoglobin - making them vulnerable to colds and infections. Gained some more experience listening to children's apical pulse.

The clinic was held in a community hall - only has one power outlet - so lots of extension cords to run the laptops. I didn't take any photos - it would not be appropriate for me as a new person. The Indigenous health worker visits the community on a regular basis - maintaining relationships and making sure follow-up of medical care happens. She is fantastic how she does her job.

My treat ... the car key arrived, and one of the staff has loaned me a steering lock - so if the thief returns with the car key that was stolen - the vehicle will be a little bit harder to get out of the driveway. Another treat - I bought some lasagne at a takeaway on the village, and had it for dinner with some salad. Made a change from rice!!

Babies and a walk around the village

Whilst my placement is with Kuranda Medical Service, the building is shared with allied health professionals ans QHealth community health. This morning i spent time with the community nurse and child health nurses at their immunisation clinic. I conclude that blowing bubles doesn't create much distraction when a kid is getting a vaccination.

Anyway - here is a picture of the building ... yes - it is just like the google earth images ...

This afternoon I went for a walk around the village. Would this be a bush turkey? Maybe it is too small ...

I have had a couple of items returned - my stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, a couple of cards (not the critical ones), and a video I borrowed from the medical centre. Unfortunately I cannot get another driving licence - I don't have any Category A Evidence of Identity documents up here!! So I will have to do that on 23 or 24 Dec - it is critical - as I cannot set off for Adelaide without a driving licence!



Sunday evening

I went for a walk this afternoon - around the village and down to the river - along the river back to the highway then up through the markets. Along the river I saw a lizard about a meter long - it was as scared as I was when I first saw it - then I wished I had my camera with me - darn - so I must take the camera on all walks. Sat and watched people for a while. - locals at a gathering in the park and tourists making their way about the shops.

The things you do when you cannot driver your car!!

Late thunderstorm has just come through - heavy rain - the only kind I think here in Kuranda - interesting - rain smells the same here as in Brisbane.

Diet of can two fruits and boiled rice today - saving my bread for breakfast and lunch tomorrow :-)
I had brought 5 tins of two fruits in the car from Brisbane - I had thrown them in the boot in case I was isolated by flooding on the journey - so glad I brought them into the unit when I unpacked - otherwise I would not be able to get at them during this little predicament!!

a quiet Sunday

Last night was quite noisy - in the streets anyway - but this morning is quiet and back to the regular tourist bus traffic. It's still a jungle here ... I think another Jungle Walk would be in order ...

end of week 1

WOW - end of week 1 - Friday we had an emergency at the medical centre - that gave me an opportunity to apply some different skills :-)

Friday afternoon/evening I went for a walk around the village - did the Jungle Walk via Jum Rum Creek, then along the Barron River. Here is some pretty growth. The rainforest is so lush. I didn't see the tiger that walks along my verandah - but I was very vigilant.

Here is the Jum Rum Creek crossing - it flows into the Barron River not far from here.

And - of course - here is the Barron River .. upstream from the falls, Kuranda

I wasn't so vigilant at 4am this morning! I and other houses along the road were robbed - I am now without ID, money, mobile phone and car keys!! Alas, also my stethoscope, some uni papers etc are also gone. Police notified - I was about to embark on a walk to the police station - but they passed me on their way to the house opposite where the resident had phoned.

So my Saturday outing to Atherton etc has been cancelled. Instead - well - my washing is now up to date!! God bless the front loader!! I will make some toast and then get into the uni work - some uni stuff was also in the stolen bag - so I will have to redo some work - bugga. TY Bron for helping with mailing some stuff to me.

Coffee drinkers - you know who you are - no stress - I will get out and buy some yet - maybe next weekend - by then I will have money and car keys!!

Another wonderful aqua session

Met some new people - plus a few came from Tuesday  - we start at 6.15pm - so its still light but quite shady - the clouds hid the sunset - but the 1/4 moon broke through the clouds and was obviuous in the sky by the end of the session.

GP nursing is the bread n butter of health.

a morning thunderstorm

Another thunderstorm - came through this morning - being light now I had a peek outside - well I stood on the verandah in my PJs - to watch the toads hopping from their hideaways under the bushes out onto the road and driveway!!

This morning - I am glad my accommodation is in Kuranda - so I don't have to drive up the range.

Tropical Thunderstorm

It's 9.30pm and we are having a thunderstorm here - surprising how cool it feels - I will have to turn the fan off!!

First exposure to ATSI health assessments today. Starting to apply some basic skills.
Went to the local shop on my way home - enjoyed an icecream on the stroll home.
Cooked a delicious warm lamb salad for dinner.

BOM forecast is 24-32 tomorrow, chance of thunderstorm.
Planning to go to aqua tomorrow evening.

Aquaerobics at Kuranda in great

the pool is on the side of a hill, and when in the water you look across to adjacent hills - and then the clouds roll over and the sun starts to set and it all looks magnificent - and we continue with the class - wow. I will be back again on Thursday evening and Saturday morning - so apart from the wonderful outlook - I will be getting some exercise.

Maybe Kuranda is not like Katoomba - depends how close you look!!

Good day at the centre - new learnings - I almost feel proficient with the steriliser, and am moving onto cold chain!!

Day 1 at medical centre

Already have a feel for the nurse role here - very wide range of wounds come for dressings, spirometry, diabetic patients, mental health (depot admin) - plus nurse function with maintining procedur room, sterilisation of equipment and follow-up tasks with patients. The medical centre also has pathology, dental, visiting allied and QHealth community health incl weekly child health clinic - it is a busy place - lots of variety.

Today after my shift I am going to aqua with one of the staff. Apparently the pool has a view to die for.

it's the little things ..

... Kuranda is now reminding me of Katoomba ... its just hotter and more humid
... my poached eggs were much better this morning for the inclusion of white wine vinegar ion the water and a touch of olive oil for the mushrooms
... just up to date with uni work
... not much exercise has been happening the last two days (bad Sue)

... first day at the medical centre today

Noises in the jungle & Sunday morning in Kuranda

... I thought when the sun went down all would be quiet - but oh no - very noisy here - wildlife running around - I thought there was someone on the veranda!! Pleasant this morning. Cooked my fav breakfast - poached eggs and mushrooms - alas - no mango chutney for the eggs !! How ironic!

... I would like to take this opportunity to thank Julia Gillard for her donation to this practicum.

... the village will come alive when the first train arrives, the train impressively signals its presence on arrival and departure - so I will know the time then

Cairns to Kuranda - the final leg !!

... slept in this morning - I needed it - my internal alarm was getting earlier and earlier knowing it had to get me up and driving - so this morning when it rang (in my head) at 4.30am - I gave it a good talking to, looked at the hint of light on the horizon - and told myself to go back to sleep - which I did - and didn't wake till 6.30am ... fantastic

... brunch on Esplanade at an Italian restaurant - nice coffee, eggs, tomato and mushrooms - unfortunately - there was no puppy at my feet waiting to have my crusts .....

... Cairns Central for a haircut and shopping, then up to Kuranda and unpacked into the villa.

... the villa is very comfortable, and the temp is a bit lower here than in Cairns. No aircon, but I have ceiling fans in all rooms. Plenty of space for my gear - and the car has a carport. I have only forgotten one thing - a USB cable for the printer - so back to Cairns tomorrow to get one at Harvey Norman. With the small laptop screen - I need to print my uni materials.

... just been for a stroll around the village - it is deserted once the last train has gone, apart from a few locals packing up. Wandered to the railway and across to the Barron River - quite cool down there - but warming for the walk back - there are lots of little hills in Kuranda :-(

... continuing the mango theme

... the coast starts to look different north of Townsville - and when I came into Cardwell I just went AAAHHHHH - this is another place on my list of "i have to come back here" places!! I stopped in Cardwell, it was time for some breakfast - the bakery looked welcoming - and I HAD to have a prawn pie and coffee. Delicious.

... then to the toilet ... which one ...

or

I chose NO MANGOES, and then found this delightful toilet seat ...

... inlayed with shells but rest assured, the seat was smooth!!

Arrived cairns about 1.00pm, founnd an exhaist repair shop, guy diagnosed which part of exhaust has a hole - I then went up to Kuranda Medical Centre to say hi to my preceptor RN for next week, cam back to Cairns for the exhaust repair then found some accommodation in Cairns for tonight. (Kuranda accom starts tomorrow - I had spare time in the schedule in case of delays).

Bit of luxury tonight - 5th floor, ocean view in Cairns. I could put a photo in here - but I know you believe me. Check out is 10am in the morning - I think I will have an easy start to the day after the early mornings the last few days.

NOt idle however - getting into the uni subjects - I have some work to be done there.

the final leg to Cairns

... 4 to 5 hours drive Townsville to Cairns - heavy rain/thunderstorm here overnight and more forecast all the way up the coast - overcast this morning - roads appear to be ok at this stage.

...  answer to quiz question from yesterday ... the floral emblem of Queensland is ...... the Cooktown Orchid!

Why didn't anyone tell me about the BIG MANGO?

This is a serious question - I had never heard of it - till today - so I pulled in - took a picture - then scooted off again ,,,,

Rain again most of the day - finally got a break from a bit north of Bowen to Townsville - threatening low clouds in the west all the way and thunderstorm brewing here for tonight. It's not really that much hotter - but it is more humid - ahh - the tropics.

Just north of Bowen the road was cut northbound due to water - bit of a wait for traffic to get around using a traffic light system. Other areas had a lot of water beside the road - an added incentive to stay ON the road.

I think I have developed a hole in my exhaust system - I took off from Proserpine and thought - gee that vehicle beside me sounds like a hoon ,,, it is me - well the Subaru!!! Will see what it is like by the time I get to Cairns - otherwise all good.

Quiz question ... what is the floral emblem of Queensland?
Accommodation tonight - on The Strand, Townsville!! Plan to get a meal at the Sea View Hotel. So I am off there now for a well deserved cool one.

Rockhampton!

OK here's an outline fo today .. packed the car ... back seat has luggage bag, two plastic cubes (books etc, one for each subject) ... computer and electrical cords on the floor.

 

.. then in the boot ... I have the printer (it is still in its box), umbrella, and some fishing gear. So there is some " white space" in the vehicle. weight is all loaded forward.

 
Heaps of rain from north Brisbane to gee, just before Gladstone - then it cleared - so I pressed on to Rockhampton. The roads don't drain well in some places and water was laying in depression in the tar caused by vehicles - so I had to make sure I was driving on the ridges - not in the tyre depressions.

Here's a shot - about to totally lose visibility!!

Coming into Rockhampton I was driving beside the rail line - realised I was gradually passing a train travelling in the same direction. And as you can see - it was FINALLY sunny.

I stopped for food at a Hungry jacks - been a while I thought .... well .... when I went to the counter after my meal to get something to have with my coffee.... one of the staff cleared my table .... I looked back ... there was a little kid sitting there - no coffee and no book that I was reading - eeekkk - I had to recover the book - it had been placed with the newspapers and a man had his hands on it ... the book - Prevention of Oral Disease - the staff were concerned for my coffee - I was concerned for my $70- book!!!!
Alas - the dangers of dining alone!

Big day.... now for some relaxation.