Thursday 20 May 2010

"On the road again, just cant wait toget on that road again". Just a minute, we are on the road again. Finally. After one hurdle after another we now have a trailer to take the bike and some gear and we are on the road again. Very short day today, due to the late start. Overnight at Ballina. Tomorrow the 21 May will be very ordinary in travel as we will be heading to Coffs Harbour for the Ulysses Club Coffs Capers. More on Saturday.

Col & Helen

Sunday, April 4.
Well quite a lot has happened since last posting something on the blog.
The day after we arrived back in Brisbane, we headed off down to Sydney to collect "our new van".
Friday saw us at the van dealership all geared up to collect what we thought would be our home for the next, how long. What a disappointment. Oh the van was there, however, not what we expected. The bike would fit length ways but left NO room to access the sides to tie it down. We left there very disappointed and without the van.
We took three days to get back to Brisbane and wonder what to do next. Spending some time with friends allowed us to rehash what we were going to do. Finally we have found a trailer builder who will build us a van to our specifications and at a cheaper price. He has a very good reputation and spent hours going over our plans with us. It will take until early June to complete so it's just hurry up and wait.
In the mean time, we are spending some time at the Gold Coast in a unit owned by Helen's sister. We have plans to be in Ballina for the Wing Club AGM on the weekend of 10/11 April then the Celtic Festival at Glenn Innes on the May Long weekend.
Until next we converse

Stay well

Regards

Col & Helen.

Tuesday, 23 March.

Update on leaving Perth. Arrived at the Perth Airport about 1830 hrs, after sitting out one of the worst electrical storms that I can remember. The Qantas terminal had to be evacuated as a result of the amount of rain that had come through the roof and caused the ceiling to collapse over the arrival carosal. A number of flights were cancelled, fortunately we were able to leave only 35 minutes late.

Bye for now.

Col

Monday, 22 March. Started out late today. Visit to Aquarium. For a privately owned set up it is fantastic. Able to take heaps of photos, from leafy sea dragons to large sting rays and sharks. A very pleasant 2 - 3 hours spent. Travelled north up the coast and ogled at the multi million dollar mansions along the way. Makes the Gold Coast look miserable in comparison.

Home to pack the bags and rest before heading to the airport and back to Brissie on the Red-Eye flight. Should be back by about 0500 hr 23rd.

Will be on the road again on 10 April.

Bye for now.

Col & Helen.

Sunday, 21 March. Zanders Cafe at Scarborough Beach for breakfast today. Could not eat it all. Headed to Fremantle, or Fre'o as those who have been there call it. What an area, beaches every where, massive container ships in port and the odd million dollar boat/yacht, both on the water and at the mariner. Found a market which appears to be a permanent fixture, crowded to the gunnels (that sea talk) but not much worth buying. Had a quick look at the maritime museum and headed back to Perth. The rest of the day was spent recovering from yesterday. Need to do some last minute shopping and the the packing begins to head back to Brisvegas tomorrow night.

Saturday, 20 March. Lazy start to the day. Drove to Scarborough Beach and was amazed at the beauty of the area. Met up with Russell & Karen from Redcliffe. Afternoon saw us heading towards the Gravity Centre. It helps if you know where you are going as we ended up in Gingin (WA not QLD). After some telephone direction we finally made it to the Gravity Centre. We only missed it by about 20 kilometers. Interesting place, if not a little strange. The highlight of the centre is a 45 metre tall tower built on an angle. After climbing the 13 stories to the top, no there is no lift just stairs, and dropping water filled balloons to see how they erupt upon impact, we headed back to Perth via the correct route and spent the next few hours wandering around Kings Park. I still think we have yet to see It all. Magnificent view of the city by day and by night. Finally made it back to our accommodation around 2130 hrs.

Friday, 19 March. Early start to the day. Checked out the light house overlooking Bunbury. Great views of the area. Headed down to the beach to great the visiting dolphins. Only two turned up, mother and calf. Not a great deal of action, however, we did get to see them close up. Headed to Harvey where we went to the cheese factory. Tried some cheeses, purchases some chilli bri. A most delightful little number with a light bite at the end. Spent time at the Harvey information centre which had a display of May Gibbs (Snugglepot & Cuddlepie author) who it is said drew inspiration for her stories from her time living in the area. A self guided tour of the Sterling House replica, lunch then up to the Harvey Dam, a bit disappointing. From Harvey to Mandurah to visit with some cousins that I have never met before. Great afternoon catching up then on to Scarborough to meet with David and Rochelle. They have kindly allowed us to stay at there house whilst they are in NZ.