Noosa Qld

We arrived a day earlier than expected, That was a great surprise for Renee.
The weather Had changed and was coming up the coast, so we thought it best to get out and come up and get set up before it hit. Also Renee had said she was having Happy hour at the Village and wanted us to come, then after go out to dinner.
All a bit much in one day, to travel, set up, Go to happy hour, Then to dinner, we would turn into pumpkins by six. Hee! hee!
It was lovely to see her and Chris, they both look very well and very happy.
Renee has been in this industry for 20years but Chris is a printer and sign writer and he is amazing, to think he lives there and all is a big ask, but as he and  his Friends said it isn`t your normal retirement village. It is like a resort. With allot of the residents very active and young at heart.
There are three pools, two heated, 1 spa, A gym,a library. a bar and pool room,indoor and outdoor bowling greens, a cinema. with a new movie every week. a hairdresser, a doctor, a podiatrist, and as well a great dinning room, for when you cant cook for yourself. Beautiful gardens surround the whole of the village. You have a bus at the door plus you are in walking distance of the shops and beach.

On Saturday I went with Chris to Eumundi Markets where he has a stall for their Designa Print.
It was good, I enjoyed being in the retail sector again. Only no pay this was a love job.
As it is virtually advertising his work shop.
We received good feed back and that is what we were there for.
Renee picked up her Dad and bought him out latter, then we went home about 1-30pm.
Because the weather has been dreadful, Chris`s friends all come out to see us as well, just to get away from the quagmire, of where they were staying.

Renee made arrangements with everyone, to come over on Sunday for the day at the retirement village, using their Facilities, as her unit wasn`t big enough for ten for lunch.
We started at 11 am with coffee and banana cake with caramel sauce, plus lemon slices. All of which Renee had made.We were in the pool room with a fire, plus the boys played pool.
Then we had Hamburgers for lunch, at one of the barbeque's.
Chris had set up outdoor heaters near the barbecue area, till we had lunch, then we returned to the
Bar and Pool Room area, Where we all played Kelly Pool, it was great. We all enjoyed it.
Everyone had a great day, all glad to have more room than a van in the rain.

To day we had a day of washing and catching up, also allowing Renee and Chris time out, for a day together.In the afternoon we called over to  say goodbye to Kerry, Dave and Company. and wish them a safe trip.
Today we had a very nice day. Tez and I drove up to Rainbow beach on a 4 wheel drive track, the scenery was beautiful.
We went up to meet Sheila and Jeff whom we met at Bremer Bay, and have lunch.
Had a nice lunch and went for a walk through the national park. Left at 9am back at 5pm.It was a long, but lovely day, really nice to catch up with them again.
Sheila had not long lost her Mum since we had last seen them. and they were now staying with Jeff's niece at Maryborough.

Well the weather has today started to heat up a little and at least the sun is out.So Tez and I decided to have a drive around, went to Maroochydore to get my sunnies fixed.
No luck, sent us back to Noosa, We had already gone to a section of Noosa, Oh! well never mind it was a nice drive.
Today was happy hour at the Village again so Tez has been having a great time playing pool with the residents.

Another Saturday at the Markets with Chris. Not as busy as last week although last week was a long week-end, so there was allot more people around.
On the Sunday morning we went early to the farmers market, bought all our fruit and vege. It is all so fresh.We then went back to our van to take our produce home unloaded and met Renee and Chris at the barge to go up the north beach of Noosa for a barbie. It was like Pitt street. I think everyone was glad to see the sun.

On Tuesday we received a text to say the rest of the sickaworkinsix had arrived in Noosa.
We gave them time to do all their chores and see what they wanted to see, then we caught up with them for drinks, before they left the next day.
It was great to catch up. We had been in phone contact, but had not seen them since April.
I new they were going past the caravan park we were staying in, to leave for Brisbane and I new what time they would be going so early the next morning I was on the Highway waving goodbye.
Much to their surprise.

This week we have been to Two concerts of the Noosa Festival that Andrew was playing in.
Louise had arrived earlier that day on a flight with Chris coming back from the Coast.
The first one was at Boredos on the Thursday night, Andrew was playing with a Young man named Nick Christos, who was very funny. It was a Bawdy Cab re,[ my mothers day pressie.] Great night.
Then on Sunday, The boys played again with about 8 other entertainers. They had all day entertainment, with food and wine, it was unreal. Then we all headed to a bar for cheese and Bickies then to a  Gourmet pizza place for dinner. Home at 9-30pm. Long day for us we normally are in bed at 7-30pm Ha! Ha!

We havn`t been able to get out much for the last couple of days as it is pouring  rain and freezing, hasn`t got over 13deg yet.
QLD  BEAUTIFUL ONE DAY PERFECT THE NEXT!!!!!!!!!!!! HEE! HEE!
Well we have now had seven days of rain and growing webbed feet. I don`t think we are supposed to come to Noosa, every time we do it rains and rains. Last time it was flooding.
Wednesday, because of the rain went to Renee`s and Chris`s and did the washing and stayed for dinner. Renee cooked shanks, mash and veggies. Bread and Butter pudding with Fig Ice cream. Beautiful.
Thursday night was Happy Hour at the village and Tez plays pool with Chris and the men at the Village.
After that we were invited to go to dinner with some of the residents, it was very nice and they were most hospitable. We had Beef Burgundy, Mash and peas. Plus Mud cake Berries and ice cream.
Tonight we are going to have dinner with Renee and Chris takeaway Chinese as Renee and Chris have the flu. Chris had it first and he decided to share. Hope they will be OK as they are going to Brisbane tomorrow for Andrew`s Birthday [Chris`s son] Supposed to be going to the races.[Hope it isn`t cold]
Should be good as today the sun has come out. AT LAST....
We have been drying everything out today and packing up, as we leave in the morning for Burrum Heads, just north of Hervey Bay.

Urunga. N.S.W.

Oh my goodness, we were ever so glad to leave Armidale, the cold really knocked Tez and I about.
We are now thinking of moving further north. As we don`t know how our bodies would survive the winters again. So while we are up in the north we will look into it.
The both of us enjoyed the scenery, from Armidale to Urunga, coming down through Dorigo, it was truly beautiful. Everything was so green and lush, but then again I suppose it should be thinking back to all the rain they have had.
All the dairy farms looked great their cattle were in their element, fat and happy.
We stayed at Urunga Heads right on the water, it is a very pretty spot. The weather is even better.
Back in T shirts and shorts. No wind just blue skies and sunshine. with temps at 24 deg that felt like 35deg, after Armidale.
We have arrived a week before Anne and Merve as we wanted to clean the car and van before they arrive.Tez was also itching to get into some fishing.
I was able to get my hair done as well. 
Tez and I also went to the market at Bellingin. Great veggies and bread etc. [ just love these farmers markets.]
We cant believe the amount of rabbits that are in the park, but also in the whole of Urunga, when you walk around. Tez has been feeding them by hand and we are waiting for them to hop into our van, they are so tame.
There is a great walk around the park and a board walk all the way out to the ocean it is approx 2.75 ks
when you turn back and look towards the park the mountains in the background is something else.
 Anne and Merve arrived with their new van, Very nice, the interior is like John and Sandy`s. Although it is a different make theirs is a Fulcher.

It was great to see them, We can`t believe that we have now been away for 13 months.
Anne and I did some nice walks, While Merve and Tez drowned some crabs, nippers,and what ever else they could try for bait. Then they found a spot and caught a few bream. Tez was very happy nothing like a fresh bream for dinner.
We all went to Coffs, us to pay bills, Rego etc and groceries.
Anne and Merv wanted a few things for their van.
So we met back at the vans latter, gong our separate ways.
The Urunga club has just been re built, so we decided we would all go to the Chinese restaurant and have dinner, Tez had a Prawn Omelet as usual and dosn`t share, Merve didn`t want to share either so Anne and I did. We all enjoyed it.
On the Saturday Anne and I had a girls day at Bellingin, looking through all the shops, it was fun and I did not buy a thing, Just spent Anne`s money for her.
All of us also went to Sawtell for a drive. I wanted to catch up with Wendy who used to work with us. She is a very clever girl she is making baby dolls that are Gorgeous. She was happy to see us and us her.

We thought that it would be nice to travel on and go to Wooli for 4 days, only problem , the rain had started.
There isn't too much at Wooli , The Park is very nice right on the water. [Even the co,op. didn`t have any fish as the seas had been too big to get out of the bar.
When we were leaving, we found out that from May to Sept 20th they have a special pay for one week and get one week free. On any of their accommodation. How is that Unreal...
We went to Minni Waters even less there but nice.
Anne and Merve left us and went to her brothers at Tea gardens, with a stop at Port Macquarie.
While we, were going to go to Ballina or Brunswick Heads. The weather was so bad that we decided to keep on going till we drove out of it, [we hoped].and we did. So we stoped at Fingal Head opposite Tweed. For a few days.
Did washing, Shopping and Cleaning, also went to Uki looking for a friend of Renee`s Alana but she wasn`t home, it didn`t matter as we loved the drive out to mount Warning and Tez had a great pie and I had the best Quiche in the Uki Park for Lunch.
We  are now about to head to Noosa to see Renee and Chris, It is almost two years since we have seen them. Can`t believe that..

Dun Dreamin Condobolin, Parkes, & Armidale back in N.S.W.

 As usual we were up early and on the road once again, with all the enthusiasm, to see and enjoy all the new towns with their tourist interests.
I know I seem to keep saying this, because it is true,The weather has been so kind to us, every day we get up to sunshine, It makes everything look so beautiful.
I am sure that is the reason we are up so early and enjoying each trip. so much, on its merits.
Today we are leaving Lake Cargelligo,heading toward Condobolin. Just outside Condo is a small town called Ootha. Don`t blink or you will miss it. Although there is a reason to stop. They have a tourist interest that is called the Utes in the Paddock. Well worth the drive off the Highway. Some people are so very clever.

Back in the car and off to Parkes,
Parkes is a very large town, with a great array of shops.
The Caravan park we chose was very nice, we booked in for 3 days, as we needed to wash, shop for groceries, plus go sight seeing.
We saw the Dish, unbelievable the size of it also its history.
Went to the Museum for Elvis,because in Parkes every January they have an Elvis Festival.
Thanks to one of the Wiggles who has been a huge fan and bought allot of memorabilia for the town.
Plus the old time Museum all at the Tourist Information Centre.
Where The staff are amazing. As always in those places it is hard to find fault.
If ever you do a trip like this, These centres are indispensable. Normally they are the first place you look for.They are full of information.
Since leaving Sandy I have been trying to find a vacuum the same as hers, that she had shared with Carol and I on the trip. at last we found it in Parkes Big W I thought all my Xmas`s had come at once. It is great.
After doing all we wanted too in Parkes, We are now heading North East to Gilgandra,We had stoped there on our way out. So we kept going on to Coonabarabran, we had a short break there to take a Photo of the town that was very nice. Then off to Gunnedah where we only stayed one night.
We are starting to get to the pretty part where all the Mountain Ranges are coming in.
Through Tamworth, where the Country Music Festival is held every year, We have also stayed there before with Carol, Stephen,John And Sandy.[ That was our trial run before we started our trip ]
So off to Armidale for 3 days to do the tourist thing. We drove out to the Dangars Falls and Gorge, through the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. It was beautiful, but I would love to see it at its peak, when it was raining. It is so steep, They say it is deafening when it is like that as you can actually hear the thud of the water hitting the bottom of the Gorge.
On our way out to the falls we passed a property with two people mustering a calf back to the heard, and finally I was able to get a photo of this happening.. YYYYYEEEEEESSSSSS
The next morning it was very hard but we had to get up early,to go on a tour of Armidale.
The temperature was minus 7 there was ice everywhere, I don`t think I was that cold even when we went to the snow. It was freezing, neither of us wanted to get out of bed.
Although we must admit the tour was incredible. It is run from the Tourist Information Centre. Free to all, and they have residents that donate their time to drive and another to do commentary.
The lady we had never stoped telling us the history for 3 1/2 hours. Plus morning tea. They really need to do this in every town so you get to know what is in the town and what its history is. This woman was so knowledgeable.
The next morning was minus 5. We have to be honest we couldn't`t wait to get out of there. It definitely did not agree with Tez and my Bones. I was so sore and so was Tez.

Dundreamin Mildura, Hay, & Lake Gargeligo Back in N.S.W.

Tez and I went to Mildura, supposedly for a  two day stay, and ended up staying a week. We loved it.
The Caravan Park was beautiful.
We were right on the waters edge of the Mighty Murray, with Paddle steamers and Large House Boats going up and Down, it was something else.
The facilities were excellent even hand cream in the toilets and even at the dump site.
They also had a pets laundry.
On the Sunday they had a free barbecue lunch, with entertainment from 2pm to 6pm.
It was the best park we have stayed in all the way the country.

We went out to Wentworth to see the Junction as to where the Darling River meets the Murray.
at Red Cliff there was a market as well as A huge tractor type vehicle called Big Lizzy, then we went to see the only steam train in the world that's engine is turned on a turn table.
The Paddle Steamer tour was very informative, I reckon it wouldn`t matter what question you asked the
Captain, he had the answerer he was incredible.
The town was so lovely being Autumn the trees looked great.
Bruce and Celie come and met us and had lunch, it was great to catch up with them.
Mildura had the best farmers market, Pumpkin Bread, Yum, Amazing Vanilla Slice, YUM ,YUM.
Muffins, Fig and ginger, apple and rhubarb, carrot and pecan, plus double choc. all to die for.
carrots even Tez liked,Beautiful veggies and fruit. Everything was so fresh as it was all grown locally.

We left Mildura and headed for Hay, we felt that, trip was not unlike travelling across the Nullarbor.
The scenery was very much the same, very flat and no trees.
It was a cute little town.More there than we thought.only stayed one night.
Then we headed for Lake Gargeligo.
The drive was on a secondary road and it was very good, no trucks.
We passed all the farms being ploughed by the Farmers and the soil is so red, it is so beautiful, after all the rain with  the green grass on the side of the roads, It is a picture.
Some of the  lovely towns we have passed have come to life with the rain.
All the rivers are so full it is making it hard to camp on the side of the road as it is very Boggy.
We arrived in Lake Gargeligo, It is a very small town. The Lake is full of  lots of tortoise.
The park is very laid back, just take a space where ever you want and we will catch up with you latter on.Very clean, with a very large open Pitt fire for all to share.
We only stayed a night here as well, as even the Tourist Information Centre was closed.
In one afternoon we were able to see what was there.
It was a nice sunny day but a cold morning. The scenery was beautiful.
All the trees are at their best for Spring.

Kingston Park Adelaide. S.A.

Tez and I had a nice trip from Stansbury to Kingston Park, although you don`t realise how long you have been out of Major towns, until you hit the traffic again.
Especially if you don`t know where you are going. But we did it, so another achievement, YES....
We arrived here at lunch time on Thursday, to a beautiful welcome From Donna [Phil was at the hospital with Donna`s dad] While we set up she made a cuppa, and then informed us she had dinner cooked a lovely stew and mash. They are the most lovely people.
We all had heaps to catch up on it was so nice to see them again.
On Friday we had to go to the bank also do the grocery shopping, so they gave us directions as where to go. As Donna had to go to hospital and have a few skin cancers removed and a skin graft. So they were off the scene on Friday.
Tez and I wanted to do a day trip to Hahndorf, and when we left here we were going to stay down at Victor Harbour, but scouring through some brochures we come across an all day tour that will take us to. Hahndorf, Murray River Mouth,Goolwa,Victor Harbour & Mclaren Vale. for $130 a double. So we have booked in for Tuesday. We thought it was well worth it. It would cost us that much in petrol, to drive ourselves plus we wouldn`t have commentary.

Donna had her skin cancers done on Friday, was a  little worried on Saturday went back but all was OK.
Tez has got a cold, so we havn`t been anywhere much. It has given me time to catch up with washing and cleaning.
Donna and I have been doing big walks up and around the Park, plus along the beach.
Cut Tez`s hair plus went to the shops to Buy some new tops. Renee and Chris`s Birthday present to me.
Thank you.....
Had happy hour with Donna and Phil yesterday to an AMAZING Dusk
Viv and Pete arrived today. They are friends of Donna and Phil's that we met at Canarvon.
Tez and I had been on our tour. It absolutely teamed raining, was windy and very cold. Dreadful day.
First stop was Harndorf, where we had a coffee, plus I found a Butcher who sold Hassler pork chops so we had to have some of those, we come prepared we took a small cooler bag with us just in case.
Then on to the river Mouth, at Goolwa, not exactly what we expected, but then again we couldn't`t even take allot of photos, as we couldn't`t even get out of the bus.
Had lunch at a pub in Victor Harbor, Beautiful $ 9-00 each.
It was a good trip just a shame the day wasn`t nicer. But we cannot complain, that is the worst weather since we left home 12 months ago.
We started at 8am arrived home at 5pm, it was a long day,
Donna rang on our way home to say Phil had cooked soup for everyone for dinner. The six of us.
We declined as we had a late large lunch, plus we were very tired.
We went in and had a drink with Viv, Pete, Donna and Phil. Also made arrangements for the next night to go to the pub for Turf & Surf at the local Pub.
Tez and I spent the day washing and  packing up everything between the rain. We were in a great position at the park, near the Permanents. So Tez got permission to hook up that afternoon, so we could
leave very early the next day. 4-30 am. As Adelaide had allot of road problems. So we wanted to get out of there before the workers.
We had a great dinner, with all the others. We all had the Surf and Turf, plus Donna And I had Apple and Berry crumble, Tez had Lemon Meringue Pie.
Said our thank yous  and good byes to all, as we were told that they didn`t want us to wake them when we left. I don`t know why not. Hee! Hee!
Yes .. we did leave at that time, just as well we did, as we got lost, in the dark, we turned Right instead of left. All was OK we didn`t go far before we realised and we were able to turn around, Thank God.
Renmark was the destination for the day. I wanted to travel along and camp on the Murray.
Well we couldn't`t do that either. Because the river was still rising and it had been raining the camp free camp sites had been closed or were too boggy to go on.
So we decided to keep going to Mildura. Great decision.

Stansbury, York Peninsula. S.A.

We left Port Germein, Heading south to Stansbury.
Instead of following the coast as we normally do , this time we decided to go straight down the middle.
The whole of the Peninsula is approximately 40 kilometres wide. So it is easy to drive from one side to the other doing day trips.
We enjoyed the trip down the centre, The only thing we saw for approximately 250 kilometres was wheat and barley and sheep farms. The Homesteads were unbelievable, Gorgeous old homes.
The small towns had such History, and great meat pies according to Tez.
 We arrived at the Stansbury Caravan Park with quite a shock.
It is situated on The Gulf St Vincent, right on the water.
To the left of the Park at the other end of the beach, is a Marina and all weather boat ramp. And a very small town. A Pub [always a pub] I.G.A., a Butcher, a Deli a Post Office and a Chemist. That is the town. All very expensive.

We have met some very nice people,once again. This was an introduction over the Phone from Donna and Phil. [the people we met in W.A.] They had been staying here and met these people, so introduced us. They are Margaret and Brian.
Margaret and Brian have been travelling for 10 years, They were originally from Q.L.D. near Rockhampton. Margaret is on a Walking Frame, as she has a disease that is hereditary,whereby she has no balance.
Yesterday they invited us to lunch with some of their friends to a club in Minlaton, where we had a German dish it was smoked Pork Chops[ Hassler] Barbecued, and sour Croat, with all different salads. for $12 each. It was Beautiful. We had a lovely day.
We come back to the park, and the men went Fishing down the front and caught 5 mullet.
Today Brian and I went out to rake crabs, and Tez and Kevin went after nippers, then all the men went for a fish after whiting.
I got the first crab, Yeeesss. Thought I was very clever. altogether ended up with 9. [blue swimmers]

I have just booked in next Thursday for five days with Donna and Phil. at a beach side caravan park called  Kingston Beach past Adelaide. It will be nice to catch up with Donna and Phil again.

We went for a tour down part of the coast.
We went to see, Port Vincent, Surveyor Point, Klein Point, Wool Bay, Port Giles, Salt Creek Bay, Coobowie, Edithburgh, and Wattle Point.

Tez went after some squid, down on the jetty. Caught 2.
The weather has been unbelievable still having sunshine every day, temps, 28 to 30 degs every day no wind. But I think it is about to change. All those people in N.S.W. I think are sending the rain over on Saturday.
Well it is Saturday and  it defiantly rained  and started, with a vengeance.
Tez and I went for a drive, all around the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula. We left at 8-30am, went to
Yorktown, paid a visit to the Butcher, to buy some Kassler Chops, for Wilma and Kevin, Tez and I.
Then off  for the rest of the trip, we had packed a lunch [ thank heaven, as we couldn't`t get out of the car]. Then off to Warooka, Marion Bay, Willyama, Stenhouse Bay, Port Annie, where we had lunch.
Then along a dirt road to Corny Point Lighthouse, Dunn Point, Corny Point, Then into Point Turton,
Back to Warooka, Yorketown, then Stansbury.
This was a great drive,almost 300 kilometres. In a way it was a shame the day wasn`t nicer, as the photos would have turned out much nicer. It never stoped raining. We have no reason to complain, not after all the good weather we have had.
All the farmers down here are very happy about it.

On Sunday at Stansbury, they had a wonderful day. It was a market by the sea, and also a Regatta, all old cars, caravans, boats, and Motors, It was so much fun, and believe it or not the rain stayed away until they all packed up to go home, Then down it come again.

On Monday Tez and I went on another road trip in the rain. This time we went up the coast to a place called Ardrossan. We drove up to there then around the town, We took off from the highway and took a dirt road to  Port Julia  and Shea oak flats.It was so nice all along the dirt road was all these Fishing Shacks, although some of them were a little better than a shack.
Even though the rain only started a couple of days ago , as we were driving you can see the farms starting to turn green already. that is great they need it so badly down here.
 Before we left home we were told by someone to go and stay at Ardrossan. It was only 50 kilometres from Stansbury so we thought we would just make it a day trip. We were so glad we did as we feel we made the right decision in staying at Stansbury it is much smaller town ,but much nicer right on the beach and very easy access to fishing etc. 
The rain has been off and on since Saturday, every day.
It is Tuesday and it is still raining and cold. Today I did the washing, in between rain, now our van looks like a Chinese laundry.
Tomorrow we pack up to leave, and go to Kingston Beach for 5 days with Donna and Phil.

Port Germein. S.A.

Well we have arrived at Port Germein, Forced to stay for two weeks because of S.A. Easter and School holidays. Plus we wanted to slow down anyway.
Well we could not have chosen a quieter place to stay,
Tez reckons it is a ghost town. We have seen houses but no residents.
There is one shop that is the P.O. come what may. Plus there is one Hotel. That is it.
This is an old Wheat exporting Port. The Jetty has claim to being the largest Jetty in S.A. It is 1.75  kilometres  long. Not a bad hike. They also catch Blue swimmer crabs. That have been in abundance.
The Caravan Park is so clean it is amazing, The People who own it are work aholics.
Because this state is in drought they have Tyres between each van growing succulents, and it looks so great.
We are on the south end of the Flinders Rangers, and they are something else, even though we saw them in the start of our trip they never cease to amaze me. As we drive beside them I find I can`t take my eyes off them, they are so spectacular.
We are also 25 kilometres from Port Pirie where we are able to shop. It is a very big but spread out shopping centre. You can`t walk it, you have to drive to most of it.
So far in S.A. I have found that they don`t have Shopping Centres. Shops are in the streets. You also have to have your shopping bags as they don`t give out bags you have to buy them.

We have been up to the Telowie Gorge , and Weeroona Island.
Met up with the others for the very last time on Monday, and by now they should be in N.S.W. back end.OMG cant believe it.
I have caught up with all our Emails today, blog and photos. As Tez has a bit of pain today and has spent a bit of time lying down.
Tez went crabbing for a couple of nights he got none one night and five the next . The only problem is the Jetty is so long, The next day it is playing up with Tez.
We have been driving out to all these little country towns, over the other side of the Flinders Rangers.
They are very old and very small. But I am enjoying seeing them, they all consist of wheat and sheep properties.
Today we have seen Melrose, Mount Remarkable, and Murray Town.
Before we left this morning, the park had a Barby breakfast
We have been over the Flinders again today,we went to another  lot of small towns. We mainly went to Wirrabara today for the Growers Market, It was fantastic, it was all fresh produce no junk.
Then we did a big circle and went to,Stone Hut, Laura [Beautiful, the home of C.J.Dennis The Poet.], Crystal Brook, Port Pirie to another market. Being Easter they had markets everywhere. But all food.

We had a new van come in today, it was the talk of the Park, as it was built in the States. I was the one that they invited to come in and have a look.
I was disappointed, Sandy and Johns van was much nicer.
But it even had a small bath, why I don`t know..
Off tomorrow to Stansburry.