Looking back and doing my
calculations and flicking through my diary, slowly things started to
piece together. Now I am not a superstitious person but I think I may
become one now....... I left Sydney 1 year and 1 month ago on Friday
the 13th, and I believe that is why the terrible events happened. Well
we had been having a lovely trip up the East coast of New South Wales
in the Trusty troopy (a Toyota Landcruiser). The weather was sweet the
bird were singing and we were heading for paradise. Rainbow Beach was
our next stop (right near Fraser Island).
We arrived late at night and camped out in the Troopy. As day
dawned we headed for the little coastal town - upon arriving we were
told that we could drive the Troopy along the beach up to the other end
some 7 kms. We headed out when the sun was shining ... we stayed for a
few hours and did some surfing on the little break that was there
(about 1 metre) and went exploring around the beach and the headland
around to the lighthouse and to the other beach ... which had a huge
wreck of a ship and it is that image that later flashed before my eyes.
Our calculations had been a little out, due to the fact that
our tide chart was for NSW and not QLD!!... so when we arrived at the
last leg of the beach the passage to safer, drier lands had been
covered with the incoming tide - I'll just add that, my boyfriend said
"It doesn't look that deep Marie". So I said to him "Sweetie, darling,
I don't think we should drive through it" to which came the reply that
I have heard many times from the mouths of Aussie males Australia wide
... "She'll be right mate". And off the troopy rumbled towards the
rising waters ... well women are always right and from now on Chris
takes my advice on these kind of situations he he he!
The next minute we hit a huge rock and the diff of the Troopy
is balancing on the tip of it and we are swaying like no dingy in rough
waters has ever swayed before. The swell is getting bigger and with
each incoming set, the waves crash over the top of the Troopy - I'm
thinking this is the end and the Troopy is going down like a sinking
ship.
Chris tells me "Marie jump out and go get some help!" Water
is coming in and the footwells are full of salt water. I open the door
and jump out ... aarrrggghhhh it is waist deep as I stumble away from
the swaying Troopy. I run up to the Pub/Surf club ......my pants are
dripping wet and I am a little hysterical. I stumble to the guy behind
the bar my heart is pumping and has jumped into my throat as I croak
"My ... our car it is stuck on the rocks and the waves are crashing
over it. I need some help!" The response was pretty clear - he looked
at me, I stared at him "Come on mate!" I said. He chuckles and points
to the cork board behind him - I'll tell you what, after I looked at
what he was pointing to, never in my life have I felt like such a
tourist. On the board was about 30 - 40 photo's of a vast variety of
cars stuck in the same spot, some with water all the way up to the roof
... It was quite scary but enlightening (I'll always check tide charts
in future when mixing sand, water and cars). The guy at the Pub calls
his mate to come and help winch us out (The Pub guy: "He's really quite
expensive can you afford it?" - "Whatever! Just get the car out
alright!") But by the time I get back there are a group of about 10
people helping push the Troopy back onto dry sand YAY!!!! I cant
believe it is still running considering the muffler has been immersed
in water for the last 40 minutes. Good old Troopy! made of the sterner
stuff.
Well after all that, we were on dry sand but had to wait
until 10pm that was like 6 hours, until the tide went out ...it was a
long 6 hours. We drove out of town and camped in the bush and awaited
morning. I'll tell you what - Troopy had a hang-over for quite a while
and when we took it to the Car Doctor a lot of salt water ran out of
all places imaginable.
That is my tale of Rainbow Beach but I'll tell you
what that guy makes a fortune and they don't have signs on the way down
to the beach or along it about the dangers of the tide - But this was
an adventure and a great story to tell over a few bevies!
Happy Travels!
Marie & Chris
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