We have spent the last 3 days catching up with our good friends who were smart enough to escape Victoria and move up to Queensland just over a year ago. They have settled in a beautiful spot called Cleveland, an outer suburb of Brisbane in the south. The good news is we didn't have to drive through Brisbane to reach them.

They have a lovely spacious apartment overlooking the water, and a short stroll along the waterfront leads to cafes and restaurants, as well as a full shopping centre.

We spent a day on Coochiemudlo Island, a quirky little island a short ferry ride away. Each of the houses was quite unique in its own special way, and there were several artists and galleries. Rounded the day off with lunch at the Curlew Cafe overlooking the water, surrounded by several curlews as we ate.

Although the weather was a bit cool and overcast while there, it was perfect for spending time together and catching up on all the news. We also got to see all their family and the grandchildren on Sunday as all got together for Fathers' Day.

After a spirited lunch with four very active children and toddlers we headed out on our way to the Sushine Coast. We planned to spend the night in a free camp just off the highway, then head out to the coast in the morning. Our GPS tried to kill us yet again, this time probably worse than ever before. It kept telling us our destination was in 5 kms, then 500 metres, then 30 kms, all in the space of a few seconds. We finally gave up and went to Google maps - much better. I think the intersection off the highway was new - a very complex roundabout - and she had no idea what was going on. Finally got into the rest area, exhausted, and settled in.

Georgy's bit

Before leaving Laidley we crossed the bridge again, this time mindful of the resident Red belly Black snake. The park across had a suspension bridge, the river had plenty of turtles and heavy weight duck. Trying to feed the turtles is a losing battle as the heavy weight ducks were fast, agile and ever hungry. They also enjoyed terrorising the turtles just for a quack. Pushing ahead we arrived at Raby Bay Cleveland and parked in a quiet court next to our friends place.

Next morning I rose early and rode the scooter to the beach. Packing the scooter I noticed the catch had come off and needed fixing. Got my tools from the hatch, and done. Went upstairs, then a couple of hours later we are all in the car driving out, noticed the hatch was left fully opened with the bright red generator in full view. "It is very safe here" I said to them. Not the first time, but hey, nothing lost anyway.