Took the train from Bendigo to Sunbury then the coach to Melbourne airport. Getting quite the expert at checking in, explaining to others!!! Good flight but Queensland do not have daylight saving so gained an hour. Picked up and safely checked in to my hotel on Chevron Island. Have an appartment so lots of space. Heated pool like a warm bath so went in for a dip. Then explored exactly where I was. 15 mins from beach. Stopped in a good pub and had the special - Chicken Parmigiana, yummy.
Popped in Coles (Supermarket) on way bac for breaki supplies. Got back thinking only 9pm too early for bed so went back to Pub for another beer and listened to live band and people watching.
Tuesday 8th
Went to the Day Trip shop and booked a trip for Wednesday and a river cruise in the afternoon. Did some shopping,found out where my boat went from, then headed down to the surf beautifully warm. Then headed back to river. A whole crowd of Rotary ladies and gents who I had seen going on for a Christmas lunch special where coming off and stopped to chat. The President, Derrick, asked if he could take me for lunch while I was here. He was originally from Birmingham and really interested in my boat. So I have a date for Thursday!
River cruise was gorgeous weather beautiful, got back 5pm to have a swim and get ready to go out with Karen.- Sue's best friend. Had a Rib dinner in a swanky resturant up in the harbour surrounded by posh white Tupperware boats. Excellent company,we laughed lots.
Wednesday 9th
Up early for my tour pick up. started at an Alpaca farm for coffee stop. Then O'Reilly's,where we did a rainforest Tree Top walk, great fun although when it came to going up the tree,bit knackering for an old girl! But made it.
Feed all the Rosellas and Parrots. On then to Tambourine Mountain for Wine tasting, lunch and a wander around pretty shops. Big German influence, the Cuckoo Clock shop was fantastic. Back on coach for a hike down to Curtis Fall, unfortunately there has not been a great deal of rain here lately so not very dramatic.
Back on our little bus to hotel for swim.
Whether it was the thought of going home or just being on my own had a wobbly moment and talked to my good friend Gill who really knows how I would be feeling. Big breaths and took myself off to the Pub ended up a fun night with a girl? Construction worker down from centre of Queensland for her birthday so joined her friends ,beers and cocktails got in at 12.30.
Thursday 10th
Had lunch with Derrick- President of the Rotary. Very pleasant sitting in a cafe overlooking the surf. My Guild Care experience was a bonus. An experience civil airline pilot very interesting.
After an afternoon swim had booked myself a GlowWorm evening meal and tour . The clouds had become very very dark so I walked down early to my pick up hotel. It absolutely fell down and the thunder and lightening where something else. Had dinner with a lovely young couple from Perth who were on honeymoon, Jessica and Troy thanks for your company.
Went up the mountains to the caves to see the little glow worms,thank God the rain had passed as we had to walk through rain forest to get to caves. Moved onto the observatory for some star gazing but the clouds where coming in again so not a brilliant display. But great evening.
Friday 11th
Had a lazy morning round the pool,but it got hot so went down the beach for a swim, we'll play in the surf. Rips are very strong kept losing my bikini bottom! Time for new swim ware!
After lunch had booked a Chinese full body and feet massage. Really good felt so relaxed. The back to hotel to change and go out with Karen to the street markets, where I had a henna painted on my hand, remember that Kate! a good meal at a Greek resturant. So delieghtful sitting out in the evening over looking the ocean,good food and great company. Feel so fortunate to have done this trip, Karen is a star.
We had just about finished the evening when the clouds gathered and yes another very big storm the lightening across the sea was spectacular.. Karen managed to get back home before the rain turned to hail!
Saturday 12th
Was picked up from hotel at 8.45, onto the airport,bus then the tran back to M & E.about 4.30. Long day travelling but everything ran to time and I feel quite the expert at getting in out of customs,getting myself all over the place,funny how I thought it was going to be such a problem 3 months ago!
Sunday 13th
Washing all done and one bag packed started on the big case should get all in! Elli's dog walking and Mick mowing the yard. Typical Sunday.
Well tomorrow the 14th December will be going home have had the best time ever and my sincere thanks for M & E for putting up with me even if I don't wash or wipe up properly, close cupboards and draws, drink warm beer from a glass and don't wash all my clothes all the time!
Such wonderful people and feels so blessed to have them as friends. I know Barry would have embrassed Mick's big undertaking in building this lovely new house, don't work too hard Mick life is for living too, and who knows I may be back to see it completed.
Thanks Guys.
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