aug 1st - 14th
1st August
After breakie it was off to site to help resolve some issues we were having with a church with the new salesman from work, Steve.
Headed into the office for some more work before calling it a day and saying goodbye to all. It was then off to Leanne and Steve's for dinner.
Was greeted at the door by their lovely dog Coco who had definitely grown up since I'd last seen her but still had plenty of puppy like energy. Shared a lovely meal, some drinks and some great catching up with them. Am now up to speed on all the goings on in their lives and I'm sure they are with ours too.
Went back to the hotel for the night.
Meanwhile Bec goes to work for a regular day before crying herself to sleep whilst missing her dear husband!!
2nd August
Leanne joined me for breakie at the hotel before we headed off to Carousel to meet Nanny and Aunty Cheryl for morning tea.
Was great to catch up with them all and hear about swap meet and Repco for a change. Wasn't expecting a trip back to Perth to arise so it was great to be able to take advantage of it and see some of my family which I dearly miss.
Leanne dropped me at the airport and I boarded my flight to Sydney.
Arrived Safely in Sydney and checked into the Stanford Hotel.
Enjoyed a nice meal in their restaurant followed by a few beers all in the name of research at their bar with the Chief Engineer.
Meanwhile Bec goes to work for a regular day before crying herself to sleep whilst missing her dear husband!!
3rd August
Had breakie in the hotel and then reconvened in the bar to finalize the details of the quote we are doing for the sound system before packing up and heading back to the airport for my final flight on this trip back into Brisbane.
Arrived safely in Brisbane and took the airtrain back to the Switch.
Was home to greet Bec when she arrived after a hard day’s work and a week of missing me dearly.
Spent the night enjoying each other’s company.
4th August
Today Mark and Darryl are taking us up to Mt Tamborine which is in the Gold Coast Hinterlands.
After the windy ride to the top we visited a spectacular section of the National Park which was filled by rain forest. We went on a trail walk to the bottom of a water fall unfortunately due to the drought there wasn't too much water flowing. Had a laugh and got some amazing pictures.
Visited the local pub for a pub lunch and a few bevies. Whilst we were waiting for our meal a little girl in the play ground caught our eye as she was dragging her poor dog over and around the swings etc like it was an obstacle course. We all commented on how cruelly she was treating the dog only to find that she was the manager’s daughter and we think he'd heard what we'd said. Lunch arrived shortly after and where all hoping it hadn't been spat in!!
It was then off to town to visit numerous souvenir shops, antique shops and a German Cuckoo Clock shop.
A very enjoyable day.
5th August
An early rise for a fun filled day on the Gold Coast at Movie World!!
It was such a great day and well all had a ball. We're both fraidy cats and don't like the scary rides but Mark and Darryl having been there before tricked us into going on a few rides saying they weren't scary.
First it was off to the Scooby Coaster - After Mark told Bec it was a kids ride she asked if her and Mike could go in the front carriage only to find out a few minutes into the ride that they would be going down dips backwards and plummeting down a spiral roller coaster in the dark. It was scary but fun and soon became our favorite ride of the day which we probably went on about 10 times.
Other events for the day includes the Police Academy Stunt Show (which was amazing), 4D Shrek experience complete with moving chair, simulated snot sprayer and spiders, The Road Runner Roller Coaster (this can be found in kids land but suited Mike down to the ground), and a ride where you boarded a moving log which plummeted down a water slide.
Mark and Darryl where far more adventures and went on the Batman sling shot, Lethal Weapon Roller Coaster and the Superman Roller Coaster.
After a day of persuasion Bec finally agreed to go on the Superman Roller Coaster with the boys. They lined up for a few minutes and the safely movie which explained that there would be positive 4 g's and minus 2 g's of force on the body should have been Bec's warning to abort the ride. Stupidly she didn't and after being shot up a vertical incline at 4 g's she closed her eyes and hung on for dear life for the next 30 seconds which seem to her like eternity. Mark was in her ear the whole ride telling her to open her eyes but she just couldn't face it. She stumbled off the ride and saw her picture on the monitor with her eyes squeezed shut and then remained green for about the next few hours.
Heaps of fun but next time we'll just stick to Scooby!!
6th – 10th August - Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary Mum & Dad (Dawn & Jeff) - 6th August - Happy 1st Birthday Corey John - 7th August - Happy Birthday Steve - 8th August
Our final week of work before Mum and Dad arrive. The usual week with going away drinks for us both on Friday.
Mike picked up Mum and Dad's Camper on Friday night which made it all feel very real, we're all very excited to see them tomorrow.
After breakie it was off to site to help resolve some issues we were having with a church with the new salesman from work, Steve.
Headed into the office for some more work before calling it a day and saying goodbye to all. It was then off to Leanne and Steve's for dinner.
Was greeted at the door by their lovely dog Coco who had definitely grown up since I'd last seen her but still had plenty of puppy like energy. Shared a lovely meal, some drinks and some great catching up with them. Am now up to speed on all the goings on in their lives and I'm sure they are with ours too.
Went back to the hotel for the night.
Meanwhile Bec goes to work for a regular day before crying herself to sleep whilst missing her dear husband!!
2nd August
Leanne joined me for breakie at the hotel before we headed off to Carousel to meet Nanny and Aunty Cheryl for morning tea.
Was great to catch up with them all and hear about swap meet and Repco for a change. Wasn't expecting a trip back to Perth to arise so it was great to be able to take advantage of it and see some of my family which I dearly miss.
Leanne dropped me at the airport and I boarded my flight to Sydney.
Arrived Safely in Sydney and checked into the Stanford Hotel.
Enjoyed a nice meal in their restaurant followed by a few beers all in the name of research at their bar with the Chief Engineer.
Meanwhile Bec goes to work for a regular day before crying herself to sleep whilst missing her dear husband!!
3rd August
Had breakie in the hotel and then reconvened in the bar to finalize the details of the quote we are doing for the sound system before packing up and heading back to the airport for my final flight on this trip back into Brisbane.
Arrived safely in Brisbane and took the airtrain back to the Switch.
Was home to greet Bec when she arrived after a hard day’s work and a week of missing me dearly.
Spent the night enjoying each other’s company.
4th August
Today Mark and Darryl are taking us up to Mt Tamborine which is in the Gold Coast Hinterlands.
After the windy ride to the top we visited a spectacular section of the National Park which was filled by rain forest. We went on a trail walk to the bottom of a water fall unfortunately due to the drought there wasn't too much water flowing. Had a laugh and got some amazing pictures.
Visited the local pub for a pub lunch and a few bevies. Whilst we were waiting for our meal a little girl in the play ground caught our eye as she was dragging her poor dog over and around the swings etc like it was an obstacle course. We all commented on how cruelly she was treating the dog only to find that she was the manager’s daughter and we think he'd heard what we'd said. Lunch arrived shortly after and where all hoping it hadn't been spat in!!
It was then off to town to visit numerous souvenir shops, antique shops and a German Cuckoo Clock shop.
A very enjoyable day.
5th August
An early rise for a fun filled day on the Gold Coast at Movie World!!
It was such a great day and well all had a ball. We're both fraidy cats and don't like the scary rides but Mark and Darryl having been there before tricked us into going on a few rides saying they weren't scary.
First it was off to the Scooby Coaster - After Mark told Bec it was a kids ride she asked if her and Mike could go in the front carriage only to find out a few minutes into the ride that they would be going down dips backwards and plummeting down a spiral roller coaster in the dark. It was scary but fun and soon became our favorite ride of the day which we probably went on about 10 times.
Other events for the day includes the Police Academy Stunt Show (which was amazing), 4D Shrek experience complete with moving chair, simulated snot sprayer and spiders, The Road Runner Roller Coaster (this can be found in kids land but suited Mike down to the ground), and a ride where you boarded a moving log which plummeted down a water slide.
Mark and Darryl where far more adventures and went on the Batman sling shot, Lethal Weapon Roller Coaster and the Superman Roller Coaster.
After a day of persuasion Bec finally agreed to go on the Superman Roller Coaster with the boys. They lined up for a few minutes and the safely movie which explained that there would be positive 4 g's and minus 2 g's of force on the body should have been Bec's warning to abort the ride. Stupidly she didn't and after being shot up a vertical incline at 4 g's she closed her eyes and hung on for dear life for the next 30 seconds which seem to her like eternity. Mark was in her ear the whole ride telling her to open her eyes but she just couldn't face it. She stumbled off the ride and saw her picture on the monitor with her eyes squeezed shut and then remained green for about the next few hours.
Heaps of fun but next time we'll just stick to Scooby!!
6th – 10th August - Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary Mum & Dad (Dawn & Jeff) - 6th August - Happy 1st Birthday Corey John - 7th August - Happy Birthday Steve - 8th August
Our final week of work before Mum and Dad arrive. The usual week with going away drinks for us both on Friday.
Mike picked up Mum and Dad's Camper on Friday night which made it all feel very real, we're all very excited to see them tomorrow.
11th August
Woke very early (4am) to reach Brisbane airport by 5.30 when Mum and Dad's flight is due to arrive.
It was delayed but only by 40 minutes or so, so we used the time to drink large coffees and wake up before their arrival. When they arrived they were quite sprightly for people who had been on the red eye so we decided to go to South Bank for Breakie.
It was all very still when we arrived as most people where in bed so we showed them around the river bank area before choosing a cafe for breakie. It was a nice was to catch up and fill the bellies before heading back to Mark and Darryl's for a rest.
Mum, Mark, Darryl and Bec all had a rest whilst Dad and Mike went shopping and stocked up on the essentials before the big voyage starting tomorrow.
After our rest we drove to Toowong (Two Wongs don't make a right!!) and caught the River Cat to New Farm for a walk along the river and a few drinks and art gallery at the Old Powerhouse.
It was then back to Toowong to pick the cars up and then Thai takeaway at home and an early night.
12th August
An early start was had by all in order to get to Australia Zoo near Beerwa at a reasonable hour.
It was a great day full of adventure and wildlife including crocs, birds, Tassie devils, elephants, lions, kolas, platypus and much more. It was nice to see that their main focus was all about conservation.
Mark and Darryl went back home to the Switch and we moved on to a caravan park near the glass house mountains.
Later that night whilst we were having a bbq in the campers kitchen we were joined by a young couple who are traveling around in their tent and fruit picking. They were the funniest people out and it was a real eye opener for Mum and Dad to see the diversity of people on the road!!
13th August
After a nice breakfast overlooking the Sunshine Coast from afar it was back on the road to Maroochydore. This would have to be one of the nicest little coastal communities we've seen. We enjoyed the view by taking a nice stroll along the water front with Charlie.
We then hit the local shopping centre in search of some warmer clothes for Mum and a few hours later we emerged with the mission a success. The men were very disinterested in the shops and we girls had to hear about it for the rest of the arvo - we're now banned from shopping.
Back on the road again we headed north through Nambour before stopping for the night in a little town called Amanoor. Tonight would be a real experience for Mum and Dad as we're staying in a free camp spot.
After strolling around the town and checking out the old train station where they hold their weekend market it was back to the bus and the bar had opened. A few rounds of cards, some TV and dinner were enjoyed before hitting the sack.
14th August
After a peaceful sleep out in the country we all woke bright eyed and bushy tailed. As Mum and Dad woke before us and they didn't have tea or coffee in their van Dan headed to the corner store. He was very impressed with the country service and the $1.20 1970 prices.
Drove to Gympie and went straight to the tourist information centre. We're interested in the steam train and the gold fossicking but unfortunately the train left 30 mins ago for the daily tour and the gold mine is more a display and not actual fossicking. Made some enquiries about accommodation for the next few nights as the caravan parks are all really full and moved on to Maryborough to what we thought would be our stop for the night.
When we arrived we stocked up on supplies and soon realized that the place we were booked in stay in wasn't that nice and the town even less flash so after hearing so many good things about Hervey Bay we made the executive decision to have 2 nights there rather than one and wake up there tomorrow for Mikes birthday.
After a short drive we where there and very happy with our decision. We're staying in a beautiful park right near a flash boat club on a marina surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants.
Got settled in and went for a walk to explore. Played cards for a little while before the men headed over to the boat club for a few quiet ales. Not long after the girls received a call to say that it was a really nice spot overlooking the marina and they should head over. They did and the rest of the arvo was filled with a few drinks and an introduction to pokies. Mum and Dad took rather quickly to it and we almost had to drag Mum away from the machine as she was having so much fun.
Back to the bus for dinner and another round of cards before lights out.
Woke very early (4am) to reach Brisbane airport by 5.30 when Mum and Dad's flight is due to arrive.
It was delayed but only by 40 minutes or so, so we used the time to drink large coffees and wake up before their arrival. When they arrived they were quite sprightly for people who had been on the red eye so we decided to go to South Bank for Breakie.
It was all very still when we arrived as most people where in bed so we showed them around the river bank area before choosing a cafe for breakie. It was a nice was to catch up and fill the bellies before heading back to Mark and Darryl's for a rest.
Mum, Mark, Darryl and Bec all had a rest whilst Dad and Mike went shopping and stocked up on the essentials before the big voyage starting tomorrow.
After our rest we drove to Toowong (Two Wongs don't make a right!!) and caught the River Cat to New Farm for a walk along the river and a few drinks and art gallery at the Old Powerhouse.
It was then back to Toowong to pick the cars up and then Thai takeaway at home and an early night.
12th August
An early start was had by all in order to get to Australia Zoo near Beerwa at a reasonable hour.
It was a great day full of adventure and wildlife including crocs, birds, Tassie devils, elephants, lions, kolas, platypus and much more. It was nice to see that their main focus was all about conservation.
Mark and Darryl went back home to the Switch and we moved on to a caravan park near the glass house mountains.
Later that night whilst we were having a bbq in the campers kitchen we were joined by a young couple who are traveling around in their tent and fruit picking. They were the funniest people out and it was a real eye opener for Mum and Dad to see the diversity of people on the road!!
13th August
After a nice breakfast overlooking the Sunshine Coast from afar it was back on the road to Maroochydore. This would have to be one of the nicest little coastal communities we've seen. We enjoyed the view by taking a nice stroll along the water front with Charlie.
We then hit the local shopping centre in search of some warmer clothes for Mum and a few hours later we emerged with the mission a success. The men were very disinterested in the shops and we girls had to hear about it for the rest of the arvo - we're now banned from shopping.
Back on the road again we headed north through Nambour before stopping for the night in a little town called Amanoor. Tonight would be a real experience for Mum and Dad as we're staying in a free camp spot.
After strolling around the town and checking out the old train station where they hold their weekend market it was back to the bus and the bar had opened. A few rounds of cards, some TV and dinner were enjoyed before hitting the sack.
14th August
After a peaceful sleep out in the country we all woke bright eyed and bushy tailed. As Mum and Dad woke before us and they didn't have tea or coffee in their van Dan headed to the corner store. He was very impressed with the country service and the $1.20 1970 prices.
Drove to Gympie and went straight to the tourist information centre. We're interested in the steam train and the gold fossicking but unfortunately the train left 30 mins ago for the daily tour and the gold mine is more a display and not actual fossicking. Made some enquiries about accommodation for the next few nights as the caravan parks are all really full and moved on to Maryborough to what we thought would be our stop for the night.
When we arrived we stocked up on supplies and soon realized that the place we were booked in stay in wasn't that nice and the town even less flash so after hearing so many good things about Hervey Bay we made the executive decision to have 2 nights there rather than one and wake up there tomorrow for Mikes birthday.
After a short drive we where there and very happy with our decision. We're staying in a beautiful park right near a flash boat club on a marina surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants.
Got settled in and went for a walk to explore. Played cards for a little while before the men headed over to the boat club for a few quiet ales. Not long after the girls received a call to say that it was a really nice spot overlooking the marina and they should head over. They did and the rest of the arvo was filled with a few drinks and an introduction to pokies. Mum and Dad took rather quickly to it and we almost had to drag Mum away from the machine as she was having so much fun.
Back to the bus for dinner and another round of cards before lights out.