Once again a big turn out for the rally. There were approx 860 motorhomes/5th wheelers/ big rigs.
We attended some of the night entertainment but found it too loud and not really our thing. I did one craft morning and made myself a necklace with Gladys. It was great going to the Craft Barn and everyone made me feel so welcome and were pleased t see me after Kalgoorlie.
The weather was very hot while in Boonah. Wednesday night we had tea with Deb and Peter and I packed my bag ready for my trip to WA.
Thursday I caught the airport shuttle from Boonah and it was great not having to worry about traffic and how to get to the airport in Brisbane. I had a 6 hour wait at the airport and then flew home to WA and was met by Belinda. Caught up with Kylie and Bianca and boy was I pleased to find a bed and sleep.
While I was travelling Mike went off to two seminars and on Saturday shared Deb's stall and sold a few of my goodies. I didn't get rid of much but at least it paid for the materials used.
Mike packed up on Sunday and left Boonah to travel through the mountains on his own to stay with friends south of Murwillumbah in NSW.
Meanwhile in WA I went to stay with Annette and on Saturday 20 off to Pemberton where Anna was married ( reason for returning to WA). It was a wonderful wedding and great to catch up with all the family. Sunday morning was breakfast and opening of pressies and in the arvo Jarred drove me back to Donnybrook.
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| Sam & Anna |
Mike had a safe trip and settled in at Barry's to wait for my return.
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| Parked at Barry & Kae's at Stokers Siding |
TUESDAY 23
Went to lunch with Brigitte and we had a great time chatting and me trying to catch up on all the gossip. I really felt sad at saying goodbye as not sure when I would see her again.
WEDNESDAY 24
Dr's appointment and back to Belinda's to pack up ready for my return to Mike. Belinda also packed as she is returning with me unbeknown to Mike.
THURSDAY 25
We caught the bus from Bunbury and it took us to the airport, flew to Brisbane and then had to run to catch the train to Coolangatta. I was so pleased to have Belinda with me and we were so pleased to catch the train with 2 mins to spare.
Mike was waiting for us at Varsity Lakes station and I was welcomed with open arms. He hadn't seen Belinda and she walked up behind him tapped him on the shoulder and surprise surprise.
FRIDAY 26
All very tired today, went into Murwillanbah shopping and to see what is what. Caught up with Barry, so good to see him after 5 years. Unfortunately Kae had skipped the country and gone back to NZ the day Mike arrived.
SATURDAY 27
Did a scenic trip around the hills, such a beautiful place.
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| Creek below Clarrie Hall Dam |
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| Lake created by Dam |
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| Spillway at Dam |
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| Lunch at Tyalgum |
SUNDAY 28
Today we decided to discover the ocean so headed off to Coolangatta-Tweed Heads. Talk about confusing, not sure where one finishes and the other starts but stopped in Coolangatta and had lunch at Hogs Breath that was in Qld and then we crossed the road and back in NSW and with all of that we had to manage time changes as well. Thank goodness we don't live close to a border with time changes, so confusing.
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| The rift between Qld & NSW |
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| Now you know why they put dotted lines on the map. |
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| Typical view from the border road |
Mike and I zipped into town to organise Dr for Mike's check up.
TUESDAY 30
Mike took Belinda into town, he for blood tests and then in the evening we had a BBQ with Barry, Max (B's niece), Ronnie and Peter (Kiwis). Saw my first cane toad on way back to the van Yuk Yuk!!!!
WEDNESDAY 31
We had a wonderful trip to Mullimbiby to have lunch with Anna Blaze's aunt and uncle and grandparents all the way from Switzerland.
Our first stop was the Crystal Castle, wow what a lovely tranquil place.
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| Tranquil scene at Crystal Castle |
Belinda and I strolled around and Mike reluctantly followed. Such a wonderful garden and so many beautiful crystals and gems.
We caught up with Brigitte, husband and her parents for lunch and it was a lovely time.
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| Mullumbimby Town |
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| Mullumbimby Hills |
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| Byron Bay |
THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER
Mike saw the Dr and news all good even lost weight or so he says. Belinda and I went shopping and had Max and Barry for a farewell tea.
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| Belinda tries out the Spyder |
After much discussions as to which road to take to Toowoomba we decided to go over the mountains via Kyogle. What wonderful panoramic views, we went round mountains and then up and down, each corner revealing another breathe taking sight.
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| Mt Warning |
The road was average but we soldiered on. From Kyogle to Woodenbong the road was still up and down rising to over 600 m. With each mountain traversed a magic valley appeared. From Woodenbong to the Qld border, it was the road from/to HELL!!!! Rough and narrow and to make it interesting lots of stock trucks going the opposite way and no room to move, poor Mike had some very heart stopping moments. In some places Mike had to stop to allow a stock truck to pass and there were only inches between us needless to say the two passengers held their breath.
We were so relieved to get to Warwick we stayed the night and thanked our lucky stars we had made it safely.
SATURDAY 3
Off to Toowoomba today, at least the roads were better and we had a great trip. Called in at the Showgrounds but no one around so headed off west to Jondaryan Woolshed. This is an historic village set on 12 acres. In the early days it was a huge property from Toowoomba to Dalby and was first settled in the 1820's. The woolshed was built 1859 and had a 52 blade stands and 1892 changed to 36 machine stand.
Two weddings this afternoon, great place for these.
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| Original Woolshed |
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| Wool room set up for a wedding |
A trip into Toowoomba to visit the town.
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| Japanese Garden Toowoomba |
MONDAY 5
We did a walk around Jondaryan and learnt about the history of the place and some of the buildings.
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| Someone has to do the cooking |
Back into Toowoomba and first on the list of places was RM Williams so Belinda could buy a few things to take home. From there we went to Cobb and Co, had lunch and did a tour of the museum with lots of different wagons through the century.
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| Mounted at Cobb & Co |
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| Five old GREYS |
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| Not a "St John" Ambulance |
WEDNESDAY 7
Quiet day today as Belinda leaves us soon. We did another walk around the displays, so much to see and brought back memories for Mike with some of the machinery he used to use.
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| Jondaryan Woolshed |
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| Woolshed yards |
There was a huge display of shearing hand pieces, many different types of tractors and a road machine (Only 4 ever made). This was designed to make the roads hard by chopping up the dirt, steam heating it and rolling it. It is a pity they don't still use the idea on these awful roads. if we comment the answer is "oh the floods did it"!!!!.
THURSDAY 8
It is time to take Belinda to Toowoomba to catch the airport shuttle.
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| Tearful farewell |
It was sad to say goodbye as we have had a wonderful time with her and will miss her company but she is ready to see her family. We arrived back at the van just at as it started to rain.
FRIDAY 9
Home day today. Poor Belinda had a very long day, the plane was late getting into Brisbane therefore late leaving.
MONDAY 12
Off into Toowoomba via the weighbridge and we hurried out deciding we were slightly overweight!!!!
We are now at the showgrounds in Toowoomba parked by the lake and it is a great spot but we can't get TV. Oh well too bad we will managed.
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| View out the back of van. Lake at Toowoomba Showgrounds. |
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I had the most amazing time with you both xoxo The roads are disgusting, our WA roads are like red carpet compared to the NSW/Qld roads! The scenery makes up for it fortunately.
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