Midge Point to Hydeaway Bay

We left Midge point and travelled North with our W.A. friends and another couple Peter and Janice followed us as well. All leaving camp at the same time rather than travelling together, if you know what I mean. Pete and Janice left us at Proserpine and we shopped in preparation for Hydeaway bay. We had heard that there are no shops there. While in proserpine, we could see that the mill had started up and thats a significant in this heavily sugar growing area. The sugar crop has been affected by the rain as has the tourist industry. Moved on to Hydeaway bay and settled in. Great atmosphere here, fire pit, quiet park and lots of fisherman.Next day Ivan (WA) asked us to join them on an exploring trip. This isn't gonna take long, but it did.After lunch we went to Monte's resort which is only a couple of klms away and it was there for drinkies. On to Eco resort and another drink, outlook at both of these places is outstanding. Azure blue seas backed by smoky blue islands and topped by whiter than white beaches. The road goes a little further than Eco, a boom gate stops any further progress as it is a private residence. Small rough tracks towards the beach reveals fishing and swimming spots along the coast.Next day another exploratory trip to Dingo beach. There is a pub there and another settlement, but the pub is the only business there. Outlook across a stretch of shaded sand once again to a brilliant white  beach with those smoky blue islands in the background. This time we had the coral trout fish and chips for lunch and it was great. Met Mark at the fire who claims he has a Seniors escort service.... he is about our age and it's wide loads. Next day off to Airlie beach. Hydeaway bay was described to us as Airlie without the backpackers. Yeah, well thats about right. The years since we were here has seen a dramatic change to tourism as well as Airlie. The backpacker market is well catered for here and the Grey nomad not so well. Cannon Vale was more to our liking with a bit more variety of shopping and not that "surfie" clientele...Probably the same reason we don't feel all that comfortable in Lorne any more. Shute harbour used to be the departure point for all the island ferries, quickcat services etc. That has changed and what used to be a thriving departure point, is no more. Island cruises leave from Abel point, Airlie beach and thats about to change again after someone has spent a gazillion dollars on the development of new Port Airlie where the cruise boats will depart from in the future.  Day ended by going back to Proserpine and home.At a meeting with our WA friends it was decided that lunch at Eco resort was appropriate and delicious as this would see them depart tomorrow. The ten days we have been together has been great fun, we have seen a lot, tasted a lot and laughed a lot. We have decided to stay on for another two nights. This has given me a chance to explore some of the great beaches, wet a line in the vague hope of catching a feed and chilling in this great area. The lack of mobile service and Internet as well has been a bit of a problem for me as I like to be able to source info when and where I like it but we are realising more and more the vastness and also the remoteness of this wonderful country.