Mini TR.To MKY and back.

[drron]

Sunday 3/1 and driven to BNE by my granddaughter who needs a few extra hours to be able to sit her licence.Several storms and heavy rain-fortunately none on arrival at BNE.Have done OLCI assigning myself 23D so I will be amongst the first off by the rear door.Straight to bag drop and line moves quickly.They weigh my carryon though and just over 9KG and want to charge me extra.Whip out my laptop,bag is ~ 7kg and everything OK.I did think it would be total weight but there you go.
Now I am taking the last leftovers with me to MKY-chrissie pudding etc and all this is rerally confusing the security people who need to take a look.Thank goodness they are young and haven't heard the Goon show when Neddy etc bombard France with stale Christmas puddings!
As I get to the gate-the place is crowded an announcement coming over the PA apologising for the delays due to the airport closure for the storms-thank goodness I am not on QF who have just had the booking system fiasco and are really running late.
DJ613.BNE-MKY.ETD 1525.VH-VBI.
I note that on arrival of our plane at gate the last person off is a lady in her own wheelchair-not making the JQ mistakes!Boarding is only about 5 minutes late.Pushback 1534,Take off 1539.A bit of turbulence as we climb but a smooth flight after about the first 10 minutes.I really have to compliment the crew-Row 24 is unaccompanied kids-the FA does an absolutely fantastic job handling them,entertaining them and allaying their fears so they are as quiet as during the flight.I give her a big thank you as we deplane.
Arrive 1657-just 2 minutes late.First off.Straight to Avis desk and get car sorted.Then a very short wait for bag and off to the Clarion Marina which I will report next.

 

[drron]

In Mackay I stayed at the Clarion at the Marina-no Choice benefits as the rate did not qualify.Cheapskate Anna!However this was a good place to stay.I was put on the second floor-lowest for accommodation and at the back.However it was a 1 bedroom suite and well appointed.

The bedroom.

The bathroom.Shower only.

Dining/sitting room.

A more than adequate kitchenette.

View to the marina from the very large balcony.

And straight out to the Port.Funny concept-an upmarket area surrounded by industry.Yet convenient for day cruises,fishing charters etc for the tourist and a nice pool area.Did not try the restaurant but as is the norm for Mackay seemed expensive.Noisy on Sunday afternoons with a live band performing at the Sails Tavern.
Tried out Georges Thai at the Marina which I did not try last time.Gives itself a great wrap and runs a cooking school.The kitchen has a glass wall to the outside and you can see the curries etc have the sauces pre made and ladled on.Also no pork dishes-suggests they are from southern Thailand or possibly Malaysian.The only thing to reccomend it is they take DC and Amex without surcharge.
So in my humble opinion the only decent restaurant at the Marina is Satchmos.A tapas style restaurant where the food is very tasty and well presented-that was my stop for triple point wednesdays.
Also tried out the Curry Emporium for takeaway Indian curries and it was quite reasonable and cheap for Mackay..
Next back on DJ.

 

[drron]

Did my handover on monday morning.All easy so at MKY just over 2 hours before DJ606 departed at 1100.Checkin here only opens 90 minutes prior to departure.I took myself up to a deserted corner to read my book.it was opposite the deserted TT checkin.very soon a LOL comes up and asks me if I am travelling on TT.Certainly not.She tells me that she is waiting for her grandson who is due from MEL ~1200(she doesnt want to miss him).Just then her phone rings-yes a LOL up with 90s technology.It is her grandson saying TT have announced they wont be leaving until at least 2245.She is worried that MKY might be closed.Just then some official looking people with MKY badges walk past so i ask them if they have heard of TT being delayed-NO.What if they left MEL at 2245-probably wont be allowed to land-I havent reassured the LOL.Then DJ checkin opens-no one else there.given 8D.
Straight through security but have to head to the far wall of the terminal to pick up a signal for the wifi.The incoming flight is early so our boarding is early.Everyone is on so takeoff is 1045 against schedule of 1100!It is an E190-my first experience and i like it.The 2-2 seating is comfortable and my bag fits easily in the overhead.Off to our left as we head south are about 50 coal ships-Annas navy.
Very smooth flight and arrive about 5 minutes early-land on the short runway for my first time in a long time.Bags take some time but mine is in first third.very soon mrsdrron is picking me up for the pleasant drive back to the Coast.
So DJ really impressed.The flight up had a great crew who did a marvellous job.The E190 was pleasant and again an efficient crew and ground staff at MKY.First time I have had a flight leave 15 minutes early.