Yes! We made it almost 2 weeks ago to the Sunshine Coast, to civilisation and to Nan and Pa. We were all so excited to be back with family, in a place we absolutely love. It was also great to have a large choice of mechanics to take a look at our ailing Beast. She had been a little thirsty, so it was time for a check on the cooling system...again! The news wasn't the best, bloody cracked head! Ok a bit of an unexpected surprise but we counted ourselves very lucky to make it all the way from Darwin, through the middle of nowhere and 3500ish km's to the Sunshine Coast. It baffled the mechanic too, so all things financial aside, it could have been a lot worse!
Anyway, our time on the coast has been fantastic, as always. We have enjoyed the gorgeous weather and beached ourselves mainly at Mooloolaba and Kings Beaches. Also we have had to visit Sunshine Plaza at Maroochydore for a bit of retail therapy and to sample the yummy churros at San Churros Chocolatier....mmmm best melted chocolate dipping sauce ever! Took a trip to Caloundra to the Bulcock Street Markets, lots to buy and loads of alternative therapy people ready to cure all ills, etc. I offered to pay for Smiley to get his chakras aligned, but he just said no and looked at me like he thought I was a little strange. ;)
Speaking of Smiley, he had been a sneaky man and had arranged a relaxing 2 nights in Montville at Secrets on the Lake as a surprise for me...said it before and I'll say it again, that man is a keeper! He had also arranged for the whole family to go to Secrets on the Lake Cafe/Gallery for lunch, which was lovely. We handballed the kids to Nan and Pa, checked into our accommodation and cracked a bottle of wine in the outdoor spa...nice!
While there we took a walk through Kondalilla National Park and had a visit to Kondalilla Falls, which were beautiful and one of the nicest walks we have been on for the entire trip. The forest was just so lush and green, with ferns and palms everywhere and lots of shelter from the hot sun. Returned to the kids in full relax mode. They had been very busy going bike riding, swimming and playing golf with Nan and Pa so great times were had by all.
As reluctant as we are to leave, we have to go tomorrow. Next stop will hopefully be Byron Bay, if we can get a campsite there. Bye for now.