Hello..!

So we're a tad behind, sorry about that! Back to Christmas Day really and then we'll finish off Oz on this one and then start an NZ one after that!

Had a wonderful, very chilled out, very hot Christmas Day...not at all up to the home standard but different was very good...looking forward to next Christmas back in the cold with the family though, they were very much missed. Stayed in Airlie for 4 nights which was OK, the weather turned on us on Christmas Day night and then it was non-stop rain through till we got to Sydney on the 4th! We awoke on the 27th to our van stuck in a 4inch deep puddle so Tim put on his swimmers and sort it out while I stayed inside trying to defend the fort from yet another soaking! It was actually a whole heap of fun!

Then onto a 10 hour drive down to Hervey Bay in the rain throughout...during this drive the wind started getting bad and the threatening cyclone was looking close. Luckily Fraser Island protected us in the Bay but the wind and rain were still ridiculous..! A slightly sad last week in our van to be honest as the rain continued onto a wet, windy NY with all manner of entertainment cancelled due to the storms but at least we got to go on a crazy walk down at the spit where we got soaked and watched some nutters on their wet bike ride out into the 4m waves and not make it too far...numpties!

The awful weather followed us right down to the Hunter Valley where we spent our last night in our van, sorting it out etc...thank goodness the rain wasn't as quick as we were! Handed in our van 1 day early in the end...after 67 nights in there...we were so done! Sad to hand it back but ready for a bit of luxury (being a clean bed with an ensuite..not my usual kind of luxury..don't worry I haven'tchanged that much!)

Got a cab into the city where we found our hotel to be in the best place ever..the rocks! They were awesome, beautiful and right next to all the magic. The first time we walked down the stairs to see the Bridge and the Opera House..it was breathtaking! We had a day to chill etc before the Hubster's 27th Birthday, where he got up at 730 to go and do the Bridgeclimb (I couldn't do it because of the strain in my back from the ordeal!! Was truly gutted) So I watched from our room as he walked up the bridge and got to the summit waving like a madman! He came back beaming, said it was outstanding, so a good Birthday present me thinks?! Had cake etc then out for a nice dinner that evening having walked around the Rocks and chilled out during the afternoon.

The weather was still not great and the wind was pretty shocking so most of the beaches were closed which was disappointing but we both really enjoyed walking around the City getting our bearings and just staring at the OH, couldn't believe we were finally there...On the Sunday night we went out for a lush meal, as an Anniversary gift rom my parents..it was incredible. After dinner we sat outside, drinking Champagne and eating these awesome Doughnut things that you could inject one of three different fillings from pippettes...yum yum! Thanks Mum and Dad...Wildfire was so special and an awesome choice!

That was a great way to end Oz..!

Was definately looking forward to leaving the scary bugs and snakes etc and being able to chill in barefeet again... Still the highlights of Oz remain the same...Tassie, Great Ocean Road and Melbourne!

Get ready for a New Zealand blog in a bit..

OK...news...Matt had his swearing in yesterday which is absolutely amazing..could not be prouder, just gutted we weren't there to swear at him!! And Hiclepie engaged...woohoo!!

Big love xxx

PS - heard a really weird word the other day up in Doubtless Bay (NZ) Primo...apparenbtly that means winderful, great etc...how funny is that..?!

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