Merry Christmas!!!

I had a lovely last morning in Bowen catching up with old friends. After a warm and tiring coach trip, I made it to Mackay.

A lovely week in Mackay started with a trip to the Lagoon. Lush! Was lovely an not too busy. The perfect way to start a day.
While I was there we explored rainforest areas and views around Mackay, went platypus spotting....I was luckier this time and saw two!! We got together with Barbara and Chris's family (my Uncles sister's family) for her early 60th birthday celebrations. This was great as it many I knew a few faces before I joined in on Christmas.

We headed out for a Christmas Eve lunch with a beautiful view out to the start of the Whitsunday's. Calamari,hot chips and cider. :) lovely way to spend lunch time.
Christmas Day came round and it most definitely didn't feel like Christmas. After getting dressed and having some brekkie it was present time. I got some lovely gifts including a digital radio. Means I can now listen to the sport when I'm touring about. :)
We then set off to Amanda's (One of Barbara and Chris's daughters) for Christmas Lunch. It was a lovely afternoon and I was made to feel incredibly welcome. We had lovely food and drink as well as a good lot of chat and giggles.
It did make me miss home. It didn't quite feel like Christmas this year, but I guess that's just down to be used to something that is the complete opposite.
Me, Clare and Ken headed to a gorgeous beach where there are usually kangaroos...no such luck. But it was beautiful all the same and a nice relaxing way to finish a lovely day.

I made some phone calls that evening to friends back home. I got the best reaction from my wonderful friend Tash go reacted like she had just won a competition for a silly amount of money. Screaming and crying and everything. I expect this to be a regular reaction! ;)
I also rang my Nan and wished her a Merry Christmas and had a bit of a catch up. Then it was Skype to back home. That was tough to begin with but it was like I was there for the first part if their Xmas morning.

Boxing Day saw a girly trip to the lagoon and then back to the house for a chilled out afternoon in front of the cricket and tea and biscuits with the family.

I went on my first ever fishing trip next day. I love going out on boats and had a fab day. I saw 2 turtles and a dolphin as well as fishing for the first time! :) I was a fantastic way to finish a lovely week.

We started the long journey back to Brissie on 28th ready for me to pack and head of on my next adventure!!! :)