21st November Broadbeach on the Gold Coast

Another hot & muggy day, Brian got up at 5.45AM! He wanted to go for his walk before the heat of the day. Lucky me, allowed to sleep in. Mind you, he had a snooze mid morning!

The view from our balcony was marred by smoke from the bush fire by 'Water World' temp was 31 and 28 tomorrow. 

During the afternoon we went to a 'workshop' at another Accor Resort to learn a bit more about our use of Resorts.

Happy holiday.

17th November 2015 Broadbeach Queensland

Let me paint the picture of yesterday.

We arose early in Bellana & after our hearty breakfast of cereal and coffee we set off in the drizzle at 8.25. After all it was to be a BIG day! We had to drive 133 k!  Being diligent I phoned a Medical centre that I had found on the internet that would be close to our appartment, told them we were on the road & would be about an hour. This was to have my index finger re dressed due to 'Slicinging the tip off" a week previously. Appointment made for 10.45. Then we crossed the border into Queensland and magically the car clock and mobile phones went back 1 hour (they are not on daylight saving) So we arrived only a few minutes after leaving Ballana!! Oh well it was sunshine, we got our bearings, Brian went for a long walk along the beach, I sat and enjoyed the view and passing parade of people , running, power walking, exercising- you understand, all those silly things!

Now off to my appointment, couldn't see any free parking so went into a parking building, read all the signs, decided I had better choose  a 2 hour & paid my $4, put the ticket in my bag & feeling very flustered set of for the Bulk Billing Medical centre. Had to fill in all my details - looked like a spider had walked over the page, my writing is TERRIBLE, can't write with this silly finger bound up. Bother the Doctor & Nurse we very nice and the procedure went perfectly.

Not as neat as thr last dressing but I have to put up with it. Doing dishes is the hardest as a glove won't go over it. Shower time I put a plastic bag over my hand and a rubber band around my wrist, it works. 

Back to reception... That will be $55 thank you! So much for bulk billing, I obviously made the wrong choice.

Just out side Brian was phoning me to say he couldn't find the car, naturally not thinking I would use a parking building! In we went and there on the windscreen was a ticket........ A $60 fine for not placing the ticket on the dashboard!

I have submitted a heart rendering plea to have it dismissed, time will tell.....

As it was now only mid day we phoned and found we could get into our appartment. It's beautiful, 5th floor, stunning view.

We look down on 2 swimming pools, even have a spare room that has a sofa bed, but no window, we have never had so much room. Went out and did a grocery shop to self cater for a week. 

Lunch had, groceries away, then it started to rain again, we think that's the end of the rain for a week - hopefully.

Brian has booked the Izusu in for its 3000k complimentary check (only had it 2&1/2 weeks) 9 . 30 this morning. It's only for 1&1/2 hours so he will go walking. I will do a wash & settle in. Really enjoying my view sitting on the balcony. I planned to write my Christmas cards but this spider like writing makes it too difficult.

15th November 2015 Travels again.

This is a non caravan holiday.

We have driven via Narrandra, West Wylong, Forbes (where we spent a lovely meal and evening with Elaine Lill, my sister-in-law, who was there for a conference), Armidale, Ballina and tomorrow we arrive in Surfers Paradise for 10 days Freshwater Point Resort.

Being Sunday, we saw this beautiful Church...... The notice board said.....

"Our Daily Bread"           Restaurant .!

Driving down the  mountain in pouring rain and often in the clouds was quite an experience. Both Brian and the IZUSU handled it perfectly.

Coming into Grafton was quite a memory trip for me as I remember it from over 50 years ago as a place that was a sea of purple Jacaranda. They are passed their best just now due to season and storms but they are still there.

We had our lunch beside the mighty Clarence River, a highlight of the drive. Brian's favourite river in Australia.

The drive over the Clarence Bridge is spectacular.

Then I'm back to the highlight of our big trip earlier in the year.... Sugar Cane.... I just love it. Seeing it in all stages of growth is quite amazing.

Tomorrow, luxury Resort.... We are so blessed.

7th November 2015. A brief update.

Life continues to be full and interesting and we are both keeping very well. Still taking travel trips in the caravan. We had 4 days at Lakeside Holiday Park Big 4 Mulwala, it is a lovely place beside the lake just over the boarder into NSW.

From there we went to Bright for a week. Spring is the perfect time to be in the beautiful part of the world. Big 4 Bright is delightful caravan park and each year they are making great additional improvements. We have been going to Bright for at least 10 years and look forward to it every time. Feel we know all 'my favourite' shops a even some of the shopkeepers. Each year it is our special time with Linda & Rex Morton a we shared our evening with them each day.

A school class having rafting lesson on river directly behind our van.

Christmas card making.

Looking down to the river, barb-wire to keep Brian from falling in!!!

The camping life.

While on this trip we became concerned that our car was on the boarder of being too light to tow our caravan. It was legal, but only just & if we had full water tanks & a bit extra luggage we could be over limit..... So...... The new car hunt began!

Result....... A new Izusu. It is Fiord Blue and can tow 3 ton, so we are now very safe.

This beautiful vehicle is easy to drive & we are driving up to Surfers Paradise next week for a 10 day 'Resort' holiday (no caravan). 

Next update soon.