The tip that almost wasn't.

It started like most other trips, months of planning. Time and effort laid to waste as the greatest threat to North Queensland in five years screamed to wards the coast.

Cyclone Yasi currently a category 4, was gaining speed and momentum. Avril's great idea was to GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY, although it wasn't fully appreciated at the time by Luke it turned out to be a good idea.

Heading towards Proserpine was option two of three. With limited time it was decided.

Packing for a potential holiday and cyclone proofing the home in 2 hours is harder than you may think. Believe us.

Our prized tv is tarped and sticky taped to the hallway wall. Heaven forbid it should fall over when the winds start.

Once in Proserpine, we searched for options, being told that we could change the departure day of our flights but not the departure location didn't help as we watched in anguish as both Townsville and Cairns were battered for hours by Yasi.