A lazy couple of days to finish our holiday off. While we’ve still a few days to go until we get home it feels like this is the end of the trip. From tomorrow on we start the long trip south. The bit I’m not looking forward to is from Inverell on – we’ve done it so many times that the whole trip is deadly dull and boring. Driving at “caravan speed” will only make things worse. I think we’ll go via Bingara. We haven’t been that way for a few years so that’ll provide a bit of variety – plus I think it’ll be easier with the van than going across to Uralla. We’ve enjoyed Hervey Bay and despite there not being a lot to do, it’s a very relaxing place. I can understand why so many people come here. The climate is just delightful and I’m told just as pleasant, although a bit hotter, during summer. The waterfront area of the bay itself, the Esplanade and the beachside nature strip is just brilliant. So many people use the walkway for exercise. Through Torquay, a number of exercise stations have been set up, complete with some of the sort of equipment you’d see in a gym (see photo). Yesterday afternoon we caught up with Gollops and had a very enjoyable visit, stayed for tea and watched the Broncos-Roosters game before heading home. Both Chris and Mick have put on a bit of weight since we last saw them and had a few health issues but really like the lifestyle. Their daughter, Sharon and her family (husband Steve, sons Callum & ? and daughter Holly), only live a short distance away while their son Peter lives in Balgownie and runs the Kickstart fitness centre. Both Sharon and Chris have Asian students who attend the Anglican College in Hervey Bay – Sharon has a 12 yr girl and an older one while Chris has a boy about 15 or 16). Twelve seems terribly young to send your child overseas for an education! Sharon also home-schools her two eldest kids so she has a pretty hectic life. Today we went for a walk along the Esplanade and took a few photos after which mum got me to time her over 100 & 200m breaststroke (2 min 11 sec and 4 min 28 sec). She was pretty happy with the times and now has to change her entry times for the State AUSSI Masters at Gosford. All the training is paying off and she has improved a lot. This afternoon we went for a drive out to Dundowran Beach. When we were there yesterday with Gollops mum saw a lot of shells and knowing how she likes looking for that type of thing I suggested we go back today. Without much trouble she managed to fill an ice-cream container full. This will be my last post. Whenever we’ve travelled, I’ve always kept a paper diary and on this trip I decided to do it on the laptop. Just before leaving home I decided to put it online as a blog. This gave me a backup but also meant that as I was writing for an “audience,” I had to change my usual note-taking style and try and make it a bit more interesting. At times it’s been a bit of a chore – once you start something you just have to keep it going. I hope it’s worked and allowed me to let everyone know where we are and what we’ve been doing without having to send emails every few days. Depending on how I find Granny, I may have to ask everyone for a bit of support in keeping in touch with her more regularly. I’ve rung her on average twice a week and her mood’s been fluctuating a lot – I suspect boredom and depression! BTW any suggestions for mum’s 60th birthday on 15th October???
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