June 15th - 30th
15th June
Awoke to the sound of waves crashing against the rocks and got an early start as today we will be visiting Nanny and Bobop in Kings Creek. Bec has only met Nanny and Bobop once each on separate occasions several years ago so she is very much looking forward to meeting them again.
After visiting a nearby town called Wauchope to pick up some roast supplies as Mike will tonight cook for his grandparents we headed over.
We enjoyed a great afternoon catching up whilst Mike started to prepare a feast. Nanny and Bobop have a lovely little cat also called Charlie and much like our Charlie he is treated like royalty.
Nanny and Bobop were pleasantly surprised by Mikes cooking abilities especially considering their sons (Mike's Dad) culinary skills only extend to baked bean omelets!! It must be the Harman genes coming out in him especially considering he likes cooking with a beer in his hands.
After a week on the road again Bec was delighted when Marg made a fuss of her and even put a heater in the bathroom so she didn't get cold.
16th June
An enjoyable morning around the house before we set off to the Port Macquarie Shops.
Had a general look around the shops and then lunch. Marg brought a DVD to watch this afternoon as the weather is still pretty dismal
Settled in for the afternoon in front of the fire and started watching the DVD. We only got about 30 minutes through it when we all decided it was a dud and switched it off.
Mike and Ivor went to Wauchope and got some really nice Chinese for dinner. Another great evening with family.
17th June
After breakfast it was time to say our goodbyes and set off - but not before Marg stocked us up with chockies!!
Traveled to Kempsey and had a brief look around before heading to a camp site on the river called Gumma Reserve.
Met a couple from Victoria who had recently sold up and hit the road, they're also heading towards QLD with their caravan and 2 cats!
18th June
As it’s a really nice spot here and Mike would like to do some fishing we decided to head into town for a look and supplies but come back here for the night.
In town we got some bait and fishing advice from the local fishing shop as Mike has no idea what there is to be caught in the river. We then visited the butcher to get a nice piece of steak and some bones for the dogs.
Whilst we where off using the phone box Mimi and Charlie decided that the bones must have been for us and the Porterhouse Steak must have been for them as when we got back they had torn the bag open and devoured the steak as well as chewed the 4 rolls of toilet paper! Boy they were in trouble!!
With no dinner we went back to Gumma Reserve and Mike put a line or 2 in. He caught a few black bream before we were forced to leave in a hurry after Bec had an unpleasant confrontation with a drunk red necked hick.
So we packed up and moved on to the first available caravan park that would take dogs. We found a nice place just up the road and checked in for the night. Both a little shaken but ok.
19th June - Happy Birthday Darryl!!
When we woke this morning we were greeted by 2 lovely couples, one also from Perth (Mundaring) and the other from Queensland camped next to us.
The couple from Perth where in a Sunliner motor home and needed a electric brake controller installed so after seeing our sign they asked Mike to help out.
Headed into town for parts before Mike started the job at hand. Bec spent the arvo defrosting the freezer (fun, fun) whilst Mike worked away. It was then obvious that we may need to extend our stay here as Mike was in demand.
20th June - Happy Birthday Shaz!!
Another day spent around the caravan park whilst Mike finished the job from yesterday and started the next job a TV antenna.
Bec kept herself busy walking the dogs and reading.
Mike also managed to fit in a bit of fishing!
Awoke to the sound of waves crashing against the rocks and got an early start as today we will be visiting Nanny and Bobop in Kings Creek. Bec has only met Nanny and Bobop once each on separate occasions several years ago so she is very much looking forward to meeting them again.
After visiting a nearby town called Wauchope to pick up some roast supplies as Mike will tonight cook for his grandparents we headed over.
We enjoyed a great afternoon catching up whilst Mike started to prepare a feast. Nanny and Bobop have a lovely little cat also called Charlie and much like our Charlie he is treated like royalty.
Nanny and Bobop were pleasantly surprised by Mikes cooking abilities especially considering their sons (Mike's Dad) culinary skills only extend to baked bean omelets!! It must be the Harman genes coming out in him especially considering he likes cooking with a beer in his hands.
After a week on the road again Bec was delighted when Marg made a fuss of her and even put a heater in the bathroom so she didn't get cold.
16th June
An enjoyable morning around the house before we set off to the Port Macquarie Shops.
Had a general look around the shops and then lunch. Marg brought a DVD to watch this afternoon as the weather is still pretty dismal
Settled in for the afternoon in front of the fire and started watching the DVD. We only got about 30 minutes through it when we all decided it was a dud and switched it off.
Mike and Ivor went to Wauchope and got some really nice Chinese for dinner. Another great evening with family.
17th June
After breakfast it was time to say our goodbyes and set off - but not before Marg stocked us up with chockies!!
Traveled to Kempsey and had a brief look around before heading to a camp site on the river called Gumma Reserve.
Met a couple from Victoria who had recently sold up and hit the road, they're also heading towards QLD with their caravan and 2 cats!
18th June
As it’s a really nice spot here and Mike would like to do some fishing we decided to head into town for a look and supplies but come back here for the night.
In town we got some bait and fishing advice from the local fishing shop as Mike has no idea what there is to be caught in the river. We then visited the butcher to get a nice piece of steak and some bones for the dogs.
Whilst we where off using the phone box Mimi and Charlie decided that the bones must have been for us and the Porterhouse Steak must have been for them as when we got back they had torn the bag open and devoured the steak as well as chewed the 4 rolls of toilet paper! Boy they were in trouble!!
With no dinner we went back to Gumma Reserve and Mike put a line or 2 in. He caught a few black bream before we were forced to leave in a hurry after Bec had an unpleasant confrontation with a drunk red necked hick.
So we packed up and moved on to the first available caravan park that would take dogs. We found a nice place just up the road and checked in for the night. Both a little shaken but ok.
19th June - Happy Birthday Darryl!!
When we woke this morning we were greeted by 2 lovely couples, one also from Perth (Mundaring) and the other from Queensland camped next to us.
The couple from Perth where in a Sunliner motor home and needed a electric brake controller installed so after seeing our sign they asked Mike to help out.
Headed into town for parts before Mike started the job at hand. Bec spent the arvo defrosting the freezer (fun, fun) whilst Mike worked away. It was then obvious that we may need to extend our stay here as Mike was in demand.
20th June - Happy Birthday Shaz!!
Another day spent around the caravan park whilst Mike finished the job from yesterday and started the next job a TV antenna.
Bec kept herself busy walking the dogs and reading.
Mike also managed to fit in a bit of fishing!
21st June
This morning we headed into town to try and find an auto electrician for parts - today Mike would be repairing a ladies car that has a major problem with its electrical wiring (he's a jack of all trades and a master of none!)
It was then again time to go back to the caravan park and work - we really need to leave here so Mike can start enjoying his holiday again!
22nd June
After packing up and saying goodbye to the residents we went to Nambucca Heads for a final look around and some supplies.
We then traveled to Coffs Harbor and went shopping for Leanne's birthday present. We found some lovely things and had them sent to her.
When we returned to the bus (parked at a local football oval as long parking spaces are very limited here) we had lunch before being disturbed by a local council worker. Bec answered the door and when he told her that we couldn’t park here she was just about to give him a mouthful when he told her he was only joking and was very jealous of the bus as it’s exactly what he wants. Mike spent the next hour talking the ins and outs of the bus and he left happy and content and with a few copies of the Wanderer (Motor homing Magazine) under his arm.
Coffs Harbor is similar to Port Macquarie in that there are no designated comp sites so it was again time to get creative. The ocean car park near the fishing club was the perfect spot so we got set up and spent the rest of the arvo admiring the view.
23rd June
Today's is the Caravan, Camping and Fishing Show at Coffs Harbor Showground's so we thought we'd beat the crowds and get an early start which proved to be too early as the show didn't start until 10. Oh well we got a good park and then went off into town for a look.
We were back there for 10 and spent a few hours wandering around the displays and seeing the latest and greatest in Caravans and Motor Homes. There sure must be a lot of money tied up in this industry.
Just up the road we visited the Big Banana - it’s not as big as some of the other 'big' items we've visited but they do have nice banana ice cream.
We then drove onto Mullaway Beach and set up camp near the beach. We took the dogs for a walk along the beach and watched the numerous local surfers.
By late arvo we'd started a bit of a trend and had a fair bit of motor home company - that's generally what happens one person parks somewhere and then everyone else just assumes it must be ok and joins in.
24th June
A large coach of school kids arrived early this morning for what looked like a surfing class but when their teachers realized the conditions weren't that great they moved on.
After a walk along the beach it was time for us to head off to in the direction of Grafton as we're hoping that our mail will arrive there tomorrow.
We need to do some washing so we opted to stay in a caravan park just out of town but not before checking out the local free camps.
A fairly relaxing arvo with reading and some Love My Way DVD's.
25th June
1st stop this morning the Post Office an unfortunately our mail has arrived and judging by the advice of the staff there it won't be there until Wednesday at the earliest. There's absolutely nothing to do here so the thought of being stuck here for another two days is horrendous. So we asked if they'd forward it on to Mark's place in Brisbane as we're not fare from there. Being a country town they were very good and agreed to send it on.
We where then off to Casino, a well known town to CMCA members. The Casino Village is a purpose built facility for Campervans and Motor Homes and as well as camping in also boasts a host of facilities including a swimming pool, cinema, golf course, happy hour bar and regular activities. Unfortunately it’s raining so the outdoor activities were off but Mike went over to the bar for a few quite beers with some of the other members.
26th June
This morning we left Casino and went to Ballina. It’s still raining so the Big Prawn was only seen through the glass of the bus windows.
Ballina is a nice quite country town on the water. We met some friends in Tassie (Kathy and Graham) who are from Ballina but their still traveling and not here at the moment.
Moved onto Byron Bay to see what all the fuss is about. A really top spot quite similar to Margaret River back home - lots of little boutiques and surf shops. It’s such a shame the weather isn't better as it would have been fantastic to enjoy a swim at this famous beach, maybe next time!
There is no camping for us here so we decided to head up the road to Mullumbimby and stay at the Leagues Club.
After searching for what seemed like an hour we finally found the Leagues Club (for some reason the camps data in our GPS was a bit out!) Settled in for yet another dreary night - hopefully when we cross over into QLD tomorrow we leave the rain behind.
This morning we headed into town to try and find an auto electrician for parts - today Mike would be repairing a ladies car that has a major problem with its electrical wiring (he's a jack of all trades and a master of none!)
It was then again time to go back to the caravan park and work - we really need to leave here so Mike can start enjoying his holiday again!
22nd June
After packing up and saying goodbye to the residents we went to Nambucca Heads for a final look around and some supplies.
We then traveled to Coffs Harbor and went shopping for Leanne's birthday present. We found some lovely things and had them sent to her.
When we returned to the bus (parked at a local football oval as long parking spaces are very limited here) we had lunch before being disturbed by a local council worker. Bec answered the door and when he told her that we couldn’t park here she was just about to give him a mouthful when he told her he was only joking and was very jealous of the bus as it’s exactly what he wants. Mike spent the next hour talking the ins and outs of the bus and he left happy and content and with a few copies of the Wanderer (Motor homing Magazine) under his arm.
Coffs Harbor is similar to Port Macquarie in that there are no designated comp sites so it was again time to get creative. The ocean car park near the fishing club was the perfect spot so we got set up and spent the rest of the arvo admiring the view.
23rd June
Today's is the Caravan, Camping and Fishing Show at Coffs Harbor Showground's so we thought we'd beat the crowds and get an early start which proved to be too early as the show didn't start until 10. Oh well we got a good park and then went off into town for a look.
We were back there for 10 and spent a few hours wandering around the displays and seeing the latest and greatest in Caravans and Motor Homes. There sure must be a lot of money tied up in this industry.
Just up the road we visited the Big Banana - it’s not as big as some of the other 'big' items we've visited but they do have nice banana ice cream.
We then drove onto Mullaway Beach and set up camp near the beach. We took the dogs for a walk along the beach and watched the numerous local surfers.
By late arvo we'd started a bit of a trend and had a fair bit of motor home company - that's generally what happens one person parks somewhere and then everyone else just assumes it must be ok and joins in.
24th June
A large coach of school kids arrived early this morning for what looked like a surfing class but when their teachers realized the conditions weren't that great they moved on.
After a walk along the beach it was time for us to head off to in the direction of Grafton as we're hoping that our mail will arrive there tomorrow.
We need to do some washing so we opted to stay in a caravan park just out of town but not before checking out the local free camps.
A fairly relaxing arvo with reading and some Love My Way DVD's.
25th June
1st stop this morning the Post Office an unfortunately our mail has arrived and judging by the advice of the staff there it won't be there until Wednesday at the earliest. There's absolutely nothing to do here so the thought of being stuck here for another two days is horrendous. So we asked if they'd forward it on to Mark's place in Brisbane as we're not fare from there. Being a country town they were very good and agreed to send it on.
We where then off to Casino, a well known town to CMCA members. The Casino Village is a purpose built facility for Campervans and Motor Homes and as well as camping in also boasts a host of facilities including a swimming pool, cinema, golf course, happy hour bar and regular activities. Unfortunately it’s raining so the outdoor activities were off but Mike went over to the bar for a few quite beers with some of the other members.
26th June
This morning we left Casino and went to Ballina. It’s still raining so the Big Prawn was only seen through the glass of the bus windows.
Ballina is a nice quite country town on the water. We met some friends in Tassie (Kathy and Graham) who are from Ballina but their still traveling and not here at the moment.
Moved onto Byron Bay to see what all the fuss is about. A really top spot quite similar to Margaret River back home - lots of little boutiques and surf shops. It’s such a shame the weather isn't better as it would have been fantastic to enjoy a swim at this famous beach, maybe next time!
There is no camping for us here so we decided to head up the road to Mullumbimby and stay at the Leagues Club.
After searching for what seemed like an hour we finally found the Leagues Club (for some reason the camps data in our GPS was a bit out!) Settled in for yet another dreary night - hopefully when we cross over into QLD tomorrow we leave the rain behind.
27th June - Happy Birthday Nath!!
Packed up and left camp and headed to the Twin Towns - Tweed Heads (NSW) - Coolangatta (QLD). What an amazing place or places as it would be. This is the first area in all our travels that we would both consider moving to, it’s just beautiful.
Walked the dogs around the head lands and enjoyed both the town and the ocean - there's a great view of the high rises at the Gold Coast from here. It also seem that we've left the rain behind which is a great feeling as it’s just not the same when the suns not shining down.
Went to the Twin Towns Club for lunch. This venue is on the inlet and is massive, it’s almost like a miniature casino with a few floors of gaming and multiple bars and restaurants. As it’s a Wednesday we were joined by numerous old age pensioners out for their mid week gambling and roast fix.
We got to wondering what it would be like to live in a town bordering on two states, we were trying to figure out if they stop watering the park on the exact border line and how different road rules and laws affect towns such as these.
After an enjoyable few hours the view of the high rises was too much to resist so we traveled on to the Gold Coast and checked it out. It’s an amazing place full of glitz and glamour. We knew that we'd get back here with Mark and Darryl in the next few weeks so decided to find a camp for the night.
Sent a text to Mark to let him know we'd be in Brisbane tomorrow and he called soon after to find out exactly where we were. As the Gold Coast is only about an hour from him he told us to come round straight away.
We where both very excited to see the boys as it was the first time since the wedding, and after arriving we spent the rest of the night catching up. Mark was annoyed that he had to go to work tomorrow as he would have loved to just hang out.
It’s so nice to be back with Family!!
28th June
Had a much needed sleep in before checking out Ipswich and surrounding areas. Caught up on some domestics and waited for Mark and Darryl to come home from work.
The boys have a few additions to the family since we last saw them - 2 beautiful ginger cats. 1 an over energetic female called Mokey and the second a placid male called Max. Between them, Snoop and Wellie (their dogs) and our two babies it feels like we're living in our very own zoo.
Had another great night just catching up and enjoying each other’s company.
29th June - Happy Birthday Leanne!!
After Mike spent most of the morning working on the bus we went into Ipswich for an appointment and some more exploring.
Ipswich was once a bustling country metropolis but now is just another town filled with nondescript shopping centers and the obligatory fast food outlets.
There has been a new shopping centre opened recently which has caused the main mall area to have turned into a ghost town with only a few shops still open. The new centre is called Riverlinks as its on the river but we've renamed it 'Riverskanks' use your imagination there!! (In other words think Armadale crossed with Balga!)
After an extra long week at work for the boys we had a few drinks and a lovely meal together to mark the beginning of the weekend.
30th June
Saturday morning included the regular sleep in and house hold chores before venturing back to the Gold Coast for some much needed Harbor Town shopping and further exploring.
Mike was the only one that wasn't enthused about the prospect of Harbor Town but the rest of us took the opportunity to snag a few bargains before we moved onto the beach front for a wander and some drinks at the local Irish Pub. It was a great way to enjoy the view of such an amazing beach just a pity that the sun doesn't set over the water - doubt we'll get here for a sunrise either! After Mike downed a few beers he forgot all about the shopping.
Packed up and left camp and headed to the Twin Towns - Tweed Heads (NSW) - Coolangatta (QLD). What an amazing place or places as it would be. This is the first area in all our travels that we would both consider moving to, it’s just beautiful.
Walked the dogs around the head lands and enjoyed both the town and the ocean - there's a great view of the high rises at the Gold Coast from here. It also seem that we've left the rain behind which is a great feeling as it’s just not the same when the suns not shining down.
Went to the Twin Towns Club for lunch. This venue is on the inlet and is massive, it’s almost like a miniature casino with a few floors of gaming and multiple bars and restaurants. As it’s a Wednesday we were joined by numerous old age pensioners out for their mid week gambling and roast fix.
We got to wondering what it would be like to live in a town bordering on two states, we were trying to figure out if they stop watering the park on the exact border line and how different road rules and laws affect towns such as these.
After an enjoyable few hours the view of the high rises was too much to resist so we traveled on to the Gold Coast and checked it out. It’s an amazing place full of glitz and glamour. We knew that we'd get back here with Mark and Darryl in the next few weeks so decided to find a camp for the night.
Sent a text to Mark to let him know we'd be in Brisbane tomorrow and he called soon after to find out exactly where we were. As the Gold Coast is only about an hour from him he told us to come round straight away.
We where both very excited to see the boys as it was the first time since the wedding, and after arriving we spent the rest of the night catching up. Mark was annoyed that he had to go to work tomorrow as he would have loved to just hang out.
It’s so nice to be back with Family!!
28th June
Had a much needed sleep in before checking out Ipswich and surrounding areas. Caught up on some domestics and waited for Mark and Darryl to come home from work.
The boys have a few additions to the family since we last saw them - 2 beautiful ginger cats. 1 an over energetic female called Mokey and the second a placid male called Max. Between them, Snoop and Wellie (their dogs) and our two babies it feels like we're living in our very own zoo.
Had another great night just catching up and enjoying each other’s company.
29th June - Happy Birthday Leanne!!
After Mike spent most of the morning working on the bus we went into Ipswich for an appointment and some more exploring.
Ipswich was once a bustling country metropolis but now is just another town filled with nondescript shopping centers and the obligatory fast food outlets.
There has been a new shopping centre opened recently which has caused the main mall area to have turned into a ghost town with only a few shops still open. The new centre is called Riverlinks as its on the river but we've renamed it 'Riverskanks' use your imagination there!! (In other words think Armadale crossed with Balga!)
After an extra long week at work for the boys we had a few drinks and a lovely meal together to mark the beginning of the weekend.
30th June
Saturday morning included the regular sleep in and house hold chores before venturing back to the Gold Coast for some much needed Harbor Town shopping and further exploring.
Mike was the only one that wasn't enthused about the prospect of Harbor Town but the rest of us took the opportunity to snag a few bargains before we moved onto the beach front for a wander and some drinks at the local Irish Pub. It was a great way to enjoy the view of such an amazing beach just a pity that the sun doesn't set over the water - doubt we'll get here for a sunrise either! After Mike downed a few beers he forgot all about the shopping.