8th July 2010

We left Rocky today and began our trek to Northern Queensland.We spent the night at Hydeway Bay which is on the coast between Airlie Beach and Bowen.

9th July 2010

It's warm today - yay!

We packed up and drove to Bowen for a quick drive-by tour.Bowen has some really beautiful beaches with some great caravan parks right on the water - we should have stayed here last night!We continued the drive to Townsville with a lunch stop in Ayr at Del Santos Continental Deli - yummy Panini's and Turkish bread sandwiches.We saw some billboards on the highway advertising the deli and after our great food experience in Griffith we thought we'd give the deli a try.It was worth it!

After lunch we continued up the road and after a brief stop at a fruit and veg stall on the side of the road we reached Townsville.We spent the night babysitting Matt's Cousin Anne's' baby boy Lewis along with Anne's Brother Ian and his girlfriend Beck.Lewis was asleep when we arrived so we didn't get to meet him or have a cuddle!

10th July 2010

Nice relaxing day today hanging out with Aunty Janet at her place.Mid arvo Ian, Beck and Janet took us to the river where we put our kayaks in and had a paddle.Don't worry there aren't any crocs in this part of the Ross River!It was the first time we have used our kayaks and it really was good fun and a really nice spot.

That evening we went over to Mel's cousin Kent's place and spent some time catching up Kent and his wife Denielle and their kids Brodie & Joshua.We also caught up with Denielles parents and Kent's mate Ted and his wife Kelsey.Another late and great night with quite a few beers being consumed.

11th July 2010

Another sleep in before heading out to watch the V8 Supercars at the Townsville 400.Matt scored a free ticket at the gate which was a bonus.We had a really enjoyable day together - from our great viewing spot in the shade - and both enjoyed the experience of the V8's more than we thought we would.After the race we met up with Ian and Beck and walked to their friend's house for a few drinks before heading over to David and Anne's for a bbq dinner.Lewis was asleep again so we missed out of meeting him for the second time!

12th July 2010

Took the ferry over to Magnetic Island where we caught the bus to Horseshoe Bay for a few hours.Matt was peeved because the jet ski tours weren't running so we couldn't do that and then he was told he couldn't go for a ski because there were too many jet ski's in the water so then he asked to hire a jet ski and was told he had to wait an hour.So we caught the next bus out and got off at the Forts Walk.The Forts Walk is a walk up to the top of a hill with of an artillery fort from World War II scattered along the way.Townsville was the target of 3 air strikes during World War II which was something that neither of us knew.It was a very interesting walk with great views, although we had to power walk down so we didn't miss the next bus.We bussed it to Arcadia where we had the biggest crumbed steak we had ever seen for lunch - luckily we only ordered one to share!Then we spent some time at Alma Bay before catching the ferry home.

We spent the night at Janet's where Matt cooked dinner for everyone.

13th July

Matt & Janet went for a hit of golf and Mel drove the golf cart.After golf we did some jobs and running around before heading back to Janet's for a quiet night.

14th July

Today we started repacking, sorted out the car and updated the blog.Anne came over with Lewis so we could finally meet him and have a cuddle.Then we had a family dinner and oysters, prawns and Moreton bay bugs - lovingly prepared by Janet - followed by a few hands of Texas holdem poker.