Day 79 - Tuesday 18th June 2013

Anne and Ralph walked into Airlie Beach to meet the rest of us for Breakky at the Coffee Club at Port of Airlie. Anne said it was a beautiful walk but her joints were hurting after the 5.5 kms walk. Fi and Cat walked back home after breakfast and agreed, it is certainly a lovely way to spend the morning, walking the paths and boardwalks around the bay back to Cannonvale.

Ken and Glenn are spending the morning in the garden chopping down a large tree, Alison has headed to work and Anne and Ralph have left to journey south to Yeppoon. Fi, Ken and Cat will catch up with the gang later in the week.

Day 80 - Wednesday 19th June 2013

Today is yachting day. Glenn has arranged for Fi, Ken and Cat to go sailing this afternoon on board one of their friend's yacht. Glenn and Alison are crew members and enjoy a sail most Wednesday afternoons before heading to the Yacht Club for dinner. A most beautiful day and the sunset yacht race began. The yachts are all jostling for positions as the hooter is sounded, it's a wonder there are no bingles! We had a wonderful and most relaxing time, really only moving from side to side as we "tacked". Thanks to the crew for a great race, we came second last in our division but the enjoyment certainly outweighed winning! A great sunset, but wow once that sun goes down it certainly cooled down. It was dark as the dinghy returned us to shore, all safe and sound to enjoy a yacht club meal.

Day 81 - Thursday 20th June 2013

Thanks to Glenn and Alison for their hospitality, it's great to catch up! Cat, Ken and Fi have left Cannonvale and on the road towards Rockhampton. A stopover in Mackay to get the groceries and our overnight spot tonight is camping on the shore at Carmila Beach. A lovely shallow beach about halfway between Mackay and Rockhampton. Cat built the fire to keep us warm, good to know that her fire skills haven't been lost. Surrounded by bush turkeys wandering and the sounds of the waves crashing ashore as the tide comes in, it would be a spot to remember if you wanted to beach camp for a few days. Unbelievably the folks camped next to us are from Chirnside Park and are just starting their journey travelling around Australia.

Day 82 - Friday 21st June 2013

Yeppoon here we come! Today we are lobbing on Erin and Andys' Bush Inn. We have met up with Mick and Mandy at Carmila and travel together to meet up with Erin, Andy and the girls, Anne and Ralph, the Auntie's and friends, so it's quite a gathering. A yummy dinner and a sit around the fire was enjoyed by all.

Day 83 - Saturday 22nd June 2013

The girls have headed into town for a coffee whilst the boys held back to chat and look after the kids. Tonight we are celebrating Erin's 30th Birthday. Enjoyment all around, another yummy dinner, birthday cake, kids having a ball playing on the jumping castle, a cosy fire to sit by and some music.

Day 84 - Sunday 23rd June 2013

Said goodbye to Mick and Mandy as they head off to visit their family and the day is now drawing closer for us to start heading south for the winter.

Mid morning and everyone is set to go 4WD. Four car load of folks on board to head out to Byfield National Park and down onto Nine Mile Beach. A wonderful back yard for Erin, Andy and the kids to visit at their pleasure. Excitement as Erin tackles the sand dunes enjoying the challenge, Ken's first real off road drive in the new Pajero and Auntie Brenda's nervous giggles in the back seat of Ralph's landcruiser made for much fun. The beach was just fabulous and the kids enjoyed a quick paddle in the ocean.

Back for lunch before taking Cat and Marg to the airport in Rocky as they head home.