sept 1st - 14th
1st September - Spring!!
A day of organization was in order so we could hit the road early next week. 1st stop the tax shop! It was pleasing to get a fair bit of tax back after only working half the year.
Bec then had an overdue eye test and organized some cute Wayne Cooper glasses - they'll get sent to us further up the coast.
We then went home and all got ready for Riverfire!! For those of you back home its very similar to our Australia Day fireworks with the added bonus of 2 F111's doing a maneuver called a dump and burn where they dump fuel out of the back of the plane and set it on fire with their afterburners, the flame they produce is about 20 meters long and was enough to light up the city like it was the middle of the day. Truly spectacular and even more enjoyable for the plane enthusiasts like Mike.
We drove to Auchenflower (I know it's a weird name for a suburb) train station and then boarded the train to South Brisbane. We arrived just in time for the sky show and to purchase 2 light sabers for the boys (blue ones!!) They were very excited and probably enjoyed them more than the show.
The fireworks were great and we were very glad that we'd come to see an iconic Brisbane event.
After the show we decided to go to dinner in Southbank with the only pre requisite for the restaurant being that the light sabers where allowed to come to and they severed grog. We got a table at the local Thai Restaurant and where given an extensive menu to choose from, we ordered our drinks and procrastinated about our meals. The drinks arrived and when we finally went to order we were told that tonight was a set menu with only about 4 dishes to choose from - why did they give us this big menu in the first place.
We didn't like the look of the set menu so decided to just enjoy the drinks and then head into Toowong for dinner. After standing at the counter trying to pay for the drinks for about 10 minutes we cut our losses and did a runner. It was quite humorous at the time but poor Bec couldn't help but look over her shoulder the whole way to the train station!
Toowong was lovely - we enjoyed a nice meal And Mike enjoyed the cheap, warm beers!
A great way to top off our last week in Brisvegas!
2nd September
Spent this morning giving the bus a good clean and trying to pack our all our little bits and pieces we've managed to scatter around the house in our time here.
Then it was time for Bec's favorite outing - Shopping yay. We went to the West End to scour the shops for presents for some pending birthdays. Nothing was found there so it was on to The Valley. Bec had always was wanted to visit as it sounds so nice but it's actually really quite scummy when you get there and very similar to Northbridge but with shops as well as clubs and pubs.
Classy birthday presents where not found so we went for a drink at the local gay bar. Bit of a first for us but it was good fun.
Tonight is supposed to be our last night but we're not quite ready and are also finding it hard to say goodbye so we were easily persuaded to stay another night.
3rd September
Spent most of the day getting completely organized and ready for setting off in the morning. Also managed to get to the shops and have a couple of nice photos of us printed and framed for the boys. We know it's going to be hard leaving on everyone, especially Mark so it will be nice for them to have a few pics of us around.
The boys got home from work and Mark cooked us his signature disk 'Maharajah's Choice, Butter Chicken' straight from a jar but gods it's nice and so sweet of Mark.
Enjoyed every last moment of our time together and then said goodbye. This was the truly weird bit because we weren't leaving until the morning but the boys would already be at work. Felt strange saying goodbye and then heading out to the bus in the car port for the night. We think the sadness will set in more tomorrow.
4th September
Ok it feels real this morning! Neither of us where having an easy time saying goodbye to what had been our home now for over 2 months. We've had such an amazing time in Brisbane and truly love it as a city and could even see ourselves living here so that on top of leaving the boys behind and of course having to say a final good bye to our darling daughter Mimi who is resting peacefully at the house. Tears where had by all, even poor Charlie, him and Snoop have become best of mates and it's going to be sad for him to be on his lonesome again.
Left the Switch and headed north for lunch in Esk. Small town without much happening.
Went to Kingaroy and sampled some of the well known peanuts from the peanut van.
Traveled just up the road and stayed at Wooroolin Rest Area. You wouldn't believe it we're back on the road and the rains started again - what is it with us traveling and the rain, we've had more rain in the 'Sunshine State' than anywhere else!
Played cards but it just wasn't the same with Slippery and GD!
5th September
A peaceful breakie was enjoyed before hitting the road and traveling to Fat Hen Creek. It's not that nice so we decided to move on and visit Petri Park in Tiaro where we went with Mum and Dad.
Arrived at the Park and it's in a similar condition as it was the other week, wet and slippery. Thankfully we're here early so we can snag the only level spot before the other travelers arrive. Good job because about 5 minutes later and down they came.
Had a relaxing arvo reading and then started the inevitable - 3 months worth of diary catch ups!! Ah why have we left it so long?
6th September - Happy Birthday Mark!!
Awoke at Petri and guess what - its still raining:(
Drove to Maryborough with the plan of another movie to keep out of the rain. When we arrived at 10am and found that the next movie wasn't screening until 2pm we decided to cut our losses, get our shopping done and then head out to Childers.
As we were leaving town we stumbled on their Thursday street markets so we had a gander at that first. Pretty usual stuff for a country market, fruit and veg and bric a brac. Purchased some banana cake from a little old ladies stall - this would no doubt be lovely!!
Checked out Childers, beautiful little old town and then moved onto Wallum Reserve for more work on the diary.
Spoke to an old friend Emily tonight, she and her partner Dave live on a property near Gin Gin (near Bundaberg) and we will be visiting them this weekend. How exciting we haven't caught up since there leaving party in Perth back in November 2005.
7th September
Awoke at Wallum Reserve before traveling into Bundy to do some much needed shopping and washing. Mike got chatting to people about the bus and an hour or so later we were back on our way.
It was then time to head off in the direction of Gin Gin as this is where we will stay tonight.
Visited Mystery Craters on the way. We weren't actually expecting them to be anything that fantastic but after receiving a warm welcome and them offering for Charlie to come in too we enjoyed the phenomenon that includes 35 craters formed in a massive slab of sandstone, siltstone and red ochre over 25 million years ago. There is no scientific explanation still to this day and the site has baffled teams of international geologist's. Well worth it!
When we arrived at the Gin Gin Rest Area we almost mistook it for the local caravan park as it was absolutely jam packed. Drove around for awhile trying to find a good spot. Did eventually and set up.
Later that arvo Mike was excited to see the same bus as ours arrive. Unfortunately they were in a hurry so didn't have to much time to stay and chat - lucky for him Mike would have had him bailed up all arvo!!!
Spoke to Em again tonight and we're all on for the Mt Perry Camel Races tomorrow!
A day of organization was in order so we could hit the road early next week. 1st stop the tax shop! It was pleasing to get a fair bit of tax back after only working half the year.
Bec then had an overdue eye test and organized some cute Wayne Cooper glasses - they'll get sent to us further up the coast.
We then went home and all got ready for Riverfire!! For those of you back home its very similar to our Australia Day fireworks with the added bonus of 2 F111's doing a maneuver called a dump and burn where they dump fuel out of the back of the plane and set it on fire with their afterburners, the flame they produce is about 20 meters long and was enough to light up the city like it was the middle of the day. Truly spectacular and even more enjoyable for the plane enthusiasts like Mike.
We drove to Auchenflower (I know it's a weird name for a suburb) train station and then boarded the train to South Brisbane. We arrived just in time for the sky show and to purchase 2 light sabers for the boys (blue ones!!) They were very excited and probably enjoyed them more than the show.
The fireworks were great and we were very glad that we'd come to see an iconic Brisbane event.
After the show we decided to go to dinner in Southbank with the only pre requisite for the restaurant being that the light sabers where allowed to come to and they severed grog. We got a table at the local Thai Restaurant and where given an extensive menu to choose from, we ordered our drinks and procrastinated about our meals. The drinks arrived and when we finally went to order we were told that tonight was a set menu with only about 4 dishes to choose from - why did they give us this big menu in the first place.
We didn't like the look of the set menu so decided to just enjoy the drinks and then head into Toowong for dinner. After standing at the counter trying to pay for the drinks for about 10 minutes we cut our losses and did a runner. It was quite humorous at the time but poor Bec couldn't help but look over her shoulder the whole way to the train station!
Toowong was lovely - we enjoyed a nice meal And Mike enjoyed the cheap, warm beers!
A great way to top off our last week in Brisvegas!
2nd September
Spent this morning giving the bus a good clean and trying to pack our all our little bits and pieces we've managed to scatter around the house in our time here.
Then it was time for Bec's favorite outing - Shopping yay. We went to the West End to scour the shops for presents for some pending birthdays. Nothing was found there so it was on to The Valley. Bec had always was wanted to visit as it sounds so nice but it's actually really quite scummy when you get there and very similar to Northbridge but with shops as well as clubs and pubs.
Classy birthday presents where not found so we went for a drink at the local gay bar. Bit of a first for us but it was good fun.
Tonight is supposed to be our last night but we're not quite ready and are also finding it hard to say goodbye so we were easily persuaded to stay another night.
3rd September
Spent most of the day getting completely organized and ready for setting off in the morning. Also managed to get to the shops and have a couple of nice photos of us printed and framed for the boys. We know it's going to be hard leaving on everyone, especially Mark so it will be nice for them to have a few pics of us around.
The boys got home from work and Mark cooked us his signature disk 'Maharajah's Choice, Butter Chicken' straight from a jar but gods it's nice and so sweet of Mark.
Enjoyed every last moment of our time together and then said goodbye. This was the truly weird bit because we weren't leaving until the morning but the boys would already be at work. Felt strange saying goodbye and then heading out to the bus in the car port for the night. We think the sadness will set in more tomorrow.
4th September
Ok it feels real this morning! Neither of us where having an easy time saying goodbye to what had been our home now for over 2 months. We've had such an amazing time in Brisbane and truly love it as a city and could even see ourselves living here so that on top of leaving the boys behind and of course having to say a final good bye to our darling daughter Mimi who is resting peacefully at the house. Tears where had by all, even poor Charlie, him and Snoop have become best of mates and it's going to be sad for him to be on his lonesome again.
Left the Switch and headed north for lunch in Esk. Small town without much happening.
Went to Kingaroy and sampled some of the well known peanuts from the peanut van.
Traveled just up the road and stayed at Wooroolin Rest Area. You wouldn't believe it we're back on the road and the rains started again - what is it with us traveling and the rain, we've had more rain in the 'Sunshine State' than anywhere else!
Played cards but it just wasn't the same with Slippery and GD!
5th September
A peaceful breakie was enjoyed before hitting the road and traveling to Fat Hen Creek. It's not that nice so we decided to move on and visit Petri Park in Tiaro where we went with Mum and Dad.
Arrived at the Park and it's in a similar condition as it was the other week, wet and slippery. Thankfully we're here early so we can snag the only level spot before the other travelers arrive. Good job because about 5 minutes later and down they came.
Had a relaxing arvo reading and then started the inevitable - 3 months worth of diary catch ups!! Ah why have we left it so long?
6th September - Happy Birthday Mark!!
Awoke at Petri and guess what - its still raining:(
Drove to Maryborough with the plan of another movie to keep out of the rain. When we arrived at 10am and found that the next movie wasn't screening until 2pm we decided to cut our losses, get our shopping done and then head out to Childers.
As we were leaving town we stumbled on their Thursday street markets so we had a gander at that first. Pretty usual stuff for a country market, fruit and veg and bric a brac. Purchased some banana cake from a little old ladies stall - this would no doubt be lovely!!
Checked out Childers, beautiful little old town and then moved onto Wallum Reserve for more work on the diary.
Spoke to an old friend Emily tonight, she and her partner Dave live on a property near Gin Gin (near Bundaberg) and we will be visiting them this weekend. How exciting we haven't caught up since there leaving party in Perth back in November 2005.
7th September
Awoke at Wallum Reserve before traveling into Bundy to do some much needed shopping and washing. Mike got chatting to people about the bus and an hour or so later we were back on our way.
It was then time to head off in the direction of Gin Gin as this is where we will stay tonight.
Visited Mystery Craters on the way. We weren't actually expecting them to be anything that fantastic but after receiving a warm welcome and them offering for Charlie to come in too we enjoyed the phenomenon that includes 35 craters formed in a massive slab of sandstone, siltstone and red ochre over 25 million years ago. There is no scientific explanation still to this day and the site has baffled teams of international geologist's. Well worth it!
When we arrived at the Gin Gin Rest Area we almost mistook it for the local caravan park as it was absolutely jam packed. Drove around for awhile trying to find a good spot. Did eventually and set up.
Later that arvo Mike was excited to see the same bus as ours arrive. Unfortunately they were in a hurry so didn't have to much time to stay and chat - lucky for him Mike would have had him bailed up all arvo!!!
Spoke to Em again tonight and we're all on for the Mt Perry Camel Races tomorrow!
8th September
After enjoying breakie we headed up the road to the local Saturday morning markets before heading in the direction of Em and Daves, about 30kms away.
Enjoyed our drive out to their block through some beautiful countryside. It's all very hilly and quite lush at the moment, probably thanks to all that rain of late.
Arrived at the property with the red and white stripped letter box and yellow house (this was how Em had described the place the night before on the phone) and followed Dave up the driveway. He didn't realize it at the time because he was on the ride on mover.
Caught up again and showed the guys the bus before we were treated to a guided tour of their 6.5 acre piece of heaven. It's such an amazing spot nestled in between mountains and large adjoining farms. They even have a vineyard next door! We can definitely see why they chose to leave the run of the mill in Perth and come to such a fantastic place.
After reacquainting and meeting Em's friend Kate who is over from New Zealand it was time to jump in the ute and head up the road to the annual Mt Perry Camel Races. After a brief stop at the pub to fill the esky we arrived at the race track.
On what had turned out to be a beautiful day we enjoyed the days events which included camel races, toad races, tug of war (men, women and children!), camel rides, belly dancing, whip cracking (men, women and children!), fashion contests (men, women and children!) and a good old fashioned sausage sizzle with a few drinks.
It was such a fun day made more enjoyable by the great company. We also had the opportunity to met some of Em and Dave’s friends that they've made since arriving in the little country town. Some real classics!
Em was the designated driver so it was back home via the pub again to continue the party and start it for Em. Later that evening we were joined by some more of their friends for a BBQ and some laughs.
Such a great day!
9th September
Awoke to the peace and quiet on the farm. Whilst Bec was enjoying a cup of tea she spotted a horse galloping through the front paddock. There are no horses here so Bec asked Mike if the paddock went the whole way to the road. It did and the gate was open so Mike went to the rescue and Dave followed shortly after with Chopper. Chopper wasn't much help so Bec tied him up. First they shut the front gate before opening the side fence up and trying to lead her through. She was feisty and didn't want to go so they spent awhile coaxing her back into her paddock next door. Eventually they got her and all was well.
It was then time for a BBQ breakfast out the front in an area of their block that has been converted into a beautiful garden area where King Parrots come to feed early in the morning.
Em and Kate then took us to the major attraction of the area, a man made tunnel through a mountain that when constructed in the early 1820's was dug unlined and unsupported. The tunnel is usually full of little fruit bats but thankfully it’s not today so there were no unwelcome guests in the ute.
We then saw some photo's of what's been happening for Em and Dave since they left Perth almost 2 years ago. Several pictures of their block at different stages of development as well as their trip over here and a trip to Frazer Island. Em also caught up on our pictures and in particular photo's of the wedding.
After another meal in the garden it was time to say our goodbyes and get back on the road again, it's been so great catching up and we've had a heap of fun here. We can sure appreciate Em and Dave’s piece of paradise, it's just beautiful!!
Back on the road but only so far as Gin Gin and back to the rest area for another night. It packed out again tonight but we did manage to get a spot - obviously a very popular place!
The suspensions been playing up for a few weeks and after Mike got under the bus this arvo we know we have to organize for them to be replaced, we'll go see someone tomorrow in Gladstone.
10th September
Had a bit of a lie in this morning so we didn't hit the road until about 10!
Arrived in Gladstone by 11 and got the shopping and a few other bits sorted. Visited a suspension company this afternoon and we're booked in to get our suspension replaced tomorrow.
Went out to Calliope River for the afternoon and night. We stayed here a few weeks ago with Mum and Dad and it was chockas but thankfully seeing as it’s a weekday it’s not as bad and we were able to get a spot right on the river - magic spot!
Mike had a bit of business this arvo, an old guy's inverter needs looking at but as it was just getting dark he'll go back tomorrow when we get home from town.
11th September 2007
Had a very early start this morning so that we can be at the Suspension mob by 8. Dropped the bus off and then headed into town on foot with Charlie, bit of a walk but we got there! We've been hunting for Em's birthday present for weeks and found a beauty this morning (won't ruin the surprise though). Went for a coffee and explored town before heading back to the workshop to find that the bus was not only not finished or even close to being finished but that it needed more work done to it. Great more time and money!!
Spent the rest of the afternoon sitting in their grotty lunch room waiting for things to happen whilst reading and doing anything else that would keep us busy and pass the time. We've now had the front springs reset, the bushes replaced and the suspension replaced but unfortunately after taking the bus for a drive the suspension is worse than it ever was. The guys at the shop have asked us to come back first thing tomorrow morning for them to fix. A 2 hour job has now turned into a 2 day job, not happy Jan!
Back to Calliope for another night, had to take it very careful on the way out as the bus just rocks when we reach about 75kms!!
It was then time for Mike to go do some work whilst Bec enjoyed the water.
12th September
Another early morning to be at the workshop for opening! After a boring day yesterday we decided to head into town for breakfast with the hope that when we returned the bus would be ready to go and we could get out of Gladstone.
When we returned 2 hours later they hadn't even touched the bus yet!! This is starting to wear thin as they know we're forced to hang around. After another slow morning they realized that the shockies we needed for the front they didn't have but another supplier in Rockhampton has them up the road. Decided to cut our losses with this mob as they don't seem to know what they’re doing and drove to Rockhampton.
Finally 3 days later we picked up the correct shockies and went to a camp up the road for the night and for Mike to install them.
13th September
Awoke with a sense of relief this morning that we would be back on the road without more worry about the shockies. 500 meters down the road the bus began to rock and sway and we were both cussing and cursing again - back to Rockhampton we go!
Finally got some sense from the truck dealer in Rocky, he called the schockie company and they confirmed the correct one which surprise surprise they don't have in stock there!! Ah this is getting beyond a joke! They will air bag them from Brisbane to Mackay for us tomorrow.
We then had to go get a wheel alignment as the wheels are way out of whack after all of this.
Once that was all done we traveled on to Camela Beach in the hope of some R & R after a very stressful couple of days.
It wasn't much of a beach when we arrived as it's very tidal here and the tide was all the way out but here's hope for the morning when it's come back in. Set up and spent the arvo walking Charlie along the beach and unwinding with a stiff drink.
14th September
It sure is a different place around here when the waters in! We awoke to a beautiful beach only meters away from our door step - this is more like it!
Had a very relaxing day reading, walking and trying to help the guy next door reel in a 1 meter Shovel Nose Shark on a 5" trout rod. Murphy's law he had two lines in 1 the 5" and the other a 12" beach rod, if it had of been the other one he would have had no problems but unfortunately after trying to tire it out on the 5" for about 40 minutes he lost it right at the last. Bugger he was going to give us half if he got it!!
After walking Charlie down the beach this afternoon we came home to another disaster, the hot water system had caught alight whilst we where away!! What a week we're seriously over it. Mike spent a good part of the arvo trying to get some sense out of the manufacturer re the warranty, we have to get it seen to up the road in Mackay.
After enjoying breakie we headed up the road to the local Saturday morning markets before heading in the direction of Em and Daves, about 30kms away.
Enjoyed our drive out to their block through some beautiful countryside. It's all very hilly and quite lush at the moment, probably thanks to all that rain of late.
Arrived at the property with the red and white stripped letter box and yellow house (this was how Em had described the place the night before on the phone) and followed Dave up the driveway. He didn't realize it at the time because he was on the ride on mover.
Caught up again and showed the guys the bus before we were treated to a guided tour of their 6.5 acre piece of heaven. It's such an amazing spot nestled in between mountains and large adjoining farms. They even have a vineyard next door! We can definitely see why they chose to leave the run of the mill in Perth and come to such a fantastic place.
After reacquainting and meeting Em's friend Kate who is over from New Zealand it was time to jump in the ute and head up the road to the annual Mt Perry Camel Races. After a brief stop at the pub to fill the esky we arrived at the race track.
On what had turned out to be a beautiful day we enjoyed the days events which included camel races, toad races, tug of war (men, women and children!), camel rides, belly dancing, whip cracking (men, women and children!), fashion contests (men, women and children!) and a good old fashioned sausage sizzle with a few drinks.
It was such a fun day made more enjoyable by the great company. We also had the opportunity to met some of Em and Dave’s friends that they've made since arriving in the little country town. Some real classics!
Em was the designated driver so it was back home via the pub again to continue the party and start it for Em. Later that evening we were joined by some more of their friends for a BBQ and some laughs.
Such a great day!
9th September
Awoke to the peace and quiet on the farm. Whilst Bec was enjoying a cup of tea she spotted a horse galloping through the front paddock. There are no horses here so Bec asked Mike if the paddock went the whole way to the road. It did and the gate was open so Mike went to the rescue and Dave followed shortly after with Chopper. Chopper wasn't much help so Bec tied him up. First they shut the front gate before opening the side fence up and trying to lead her through. She was feisty and didn't want to go so they spent awhile coaxing her back into her paddock next door. Eventually they got her and all was well.
It was then time for a BBQ breakfast out the front in an area of their block that has been converted into a beautiful garden area where King Parrots come to feed early in the morning.
Em and Kate then took us to the major attraction of the area, a man made tunnel through a mountain that when constructed in the early 1820's was dug unlined and unsupported. The tunnel is usually full of little fruit bats but thankfully it’s not today so there were no unwelcome guests in the ute.
We then saw some photo's of what's been happening for Em and Dave since they left Perth almost 2 years ago. Several pictures of their block at different stages of development as well as their trip over here and a trip to Frazer Island. Em also caught up on our pictures and in particular photo's of the wedding.
After another meal in the garden it was time to say our goodbyes and get back on the road again, it's been so great catching up and we've had a heap of fun here. We can sure appreciate Em and Dave’s piece of paradise, it's just beautiful!!
Back on the road but only so far as Gin Gin and back to the rest area for another night. It packed out again tonight but we did manage to get a spot - obviously a very popular place!
The suspensions been playing up for a few weeks and after Mike got under the bus this arvo we know we have to organize for them to be replaced, we'll go see someone tomorrow in Gladstone.
10th September
Had a bit of a lie in this morning so we didn't hit the road until about 10!
Arrived in Gladstone by 11 and got the shopping and a few other bits sorted. Visited a suspension company this afternoon and we're booked in to get our suspension replaced tomorrow.
Went out to Calliope River for the afternoon and night. We stayed here a few weeks ago with Mum and Dad and it was chockas but thankfully seeing as it’s a weekday it’s not as bad and we were able to get a spot right on the river - magic spot!
Mike had a bit of business this arvo, an old guy's inverter needs looking at but as it was just getting dark he'll go back tomorrow when we get home from town.
11th September 2007
Had a very early start this morning so that we can be at the Suspension mob by 8. Dropped the bus off and then headed into town on foot with Charlie, bit of a walk but we got there! We've been hunting for Em's birthday present for weeks and found a beauty this morning (won't ruin the surprise though). Went for a coffee and explored town before heading back to the workshop to find that the bus was not only not finished or even close to being finished but that it needed more work done to it. Great more time and money!!
Spent the rest of the afternoon sitting in their grotty lunch room waiting for things to happen whilst reading and doing anything else that would keep us busy and pass the time. We've now had the front springs reset, the bushes replaced and the suspension replaced but unfortunately after taking the bus for a drive the suspension is worse than it ever was. The guys at the shop have asked us to come back first thing tomorrow morning for them to fix. A 2 hour job has now turned into a 2 day job, not happy Jan!
Back to Calliope for another night, had to take it very careful on the way out as the bus just rocks when we reach about 75kms!!
It was then time for Mike to go do some work whilst Bec enjoyed the water.
12th September
Another early morning to be at the workshop for opening! After a boring day yesterday we decided to head into town for breakfast with the hope that when we returned the bus would be ready to go and we could get out of Gladstone.
When we returned 2 hours later they hadn't even touched the bus yet!! This is starting to wear thin as they know we're forced to hang around. After another slow morning they realized that the shockies we needed for the front they didn't have but another supplier in Rockhampton has them up the road. Decided to cut our losses with this mob as they don't seem to know what they’re doing and drove to Rockhampton.
Finally 3 days later we picked up the correct shockies and went to a camp up the road for the night and for Mike to install them.
13th September
Awoke with a sense of relief this morning that we would be back on the road without more worry about the shockies. 500 meters down the road the bus began to rock and sway and we were both cussing and cursing again - back to Rockhampton we go!
Finally got some sense from the truck dealer in Rocky, he called the schockie company and they confirmed the correct one which surprise surprise they don't have in stock there!! Ah this is getting beyond a joke! They will air bag them from Brisbane to Mackay for us tomorrow.
We then had to go get a wheel alignment as the wheels are way out of whack after all of this.
Once that was all done we traveled on to Camela Beach in the hope of some R & R after a very stressful couple of days.
It wasn't much of a beach when we arrived as it's very tidal here and the tide was all the way out but here's hope for the morning when it's come back in. Set up and spent the arvo walking Charlie along the beach and unwinding with a stiff drink.
14th September
It sure is a different place around here when the waters in! We awoke to a beautiful beach only meters away from our door step - this is more like it!
Had a very relaxing day reading, walking and trying to help the guy next door reel in a 1 meter Shovel Nose Shark on a 5" trout rod. Murphy's law he had two lines in 1 the 5" and the other a 12" beach rod, if it had of been the other one he would have had no problems but unfortunately after trying to tire it out on the 5" for about 40 minutes he lost it right at the last. Bugger he was going to give us half if he got it!!
After walking Charlie down the beach this afternoon we came home to another disaster, the hot water system had caught alight whilst we where away!! What a week we're seriously over it. Mike spent a good part of the arvo trying to get some sense out of the manufacturer re the warranty, we have to get it seen to up the road in Mackay.