Day 20 - Thursday 11th May 2017.

Baby sitting again - Unexpectedly - Southport Day 15.

We slept well on Lukey and Jo's spare bed. I woke and got up at 6:00am, expecting to see Mase and Lukey up and about, but noone was up. Mase did walk out just after 6am, he slept all night. Marg and I entertained Mase, while Mont got up and got herself ready for school. She is such a good, helpful girl. She dotes over Mase.
I dropped Lukey off at Helensvale station at 7:35am and then when home, dropped Mont at school. Just after 9am, Jo, Mase, Marg and I drove in separate cars to Helensvale Shops for a coffee and some shopping at Kmart. We bought Mase a cheap scooter, which he is continually playing with. We bought Mont a bead set for making bracelets. She loves it.

We went our separate ways, Marg and I picked up the mighty Navara from Von Bibra Nissan and then went back to camp. Left the Bubble at camp and drove the mighty Navara to Australia Fair, where we did a small food shop at Woollies. Back at camp for lunch, we had turkey and egg sangas, then I had a magnificent shower. As I walked back into the fiver, Marg said that Jo had been offered work session tonight, which she accepted, SO Marg and I returned to their place, where Marg entertained Mase and I picked up Mont from school and took her to dance. I picked up Luke from Helensvale station at 5:10pm, he was waiting for me. At home, Lukey was amazed how Mase was handling his new scooter.

We left Lukeys about 5:30pm and had dinner, it was a scratch meal.

Tomorrow will be busy, our container is due in the morning at Storage King. This will be fun.

No photos OR riding today.

Day 21 - Friday 12th May 2017.

Our container arrived - Southport Day 16.

We slept well, back in our own bed. We got up at 7:00am, and watched "Kochie", as we were told that our container should arrive between 9am and midday. We dressed, had brekky and buggered about on our laptops. Robbie the removalist rang at 8:45am and said that he should be at Storage King about 9:45am, SO we left at 9:30am and got to to Storage King within 7 minutes. Robbie and his partner (Joe) arrived, backed their truck carrying our container within 10 feet of our entrance.
We have rented 2 x (3x3)meter areas. While the boys unpacked the container, I stowed the boxes in the 1st area. Marg nearly had a heart attack, when Robbie picked up the washing machine and carried it into the 2nd area. Saying that the boys were strong is an understatement. I think my heaviest boxes that I lifted, contained tissues.

After about 2.5 hours, the boys had finished and gone and a few minutes later, Marg and I finished tidying up and also left. Marg and I thought that we would go to Cafe Moccachino at Australia Fair. They make magic omelettes. We parked the mighty Navara on the roof carpark and pressed 'Ground' on the lift, walked into the food court and Cafe Moccachino was boarded up, they are full on into renovations, SO we went and had a Zarraffas Coffee. After coffee, did a small shop at Woollies and then back to camp for lunch.

After lunch, I booked the Storage King trailler for Wednesday and booked a trolley, so Lukey and I can pick up our fridge, as we are giving it to him, as his fridge is having cooling problems. (Not good for a fridge).

Marg was going to cook dinner, but as I 'pigged out' on a large container of Gippsland Yoghurt, I was full SO dinner was cereal.

Tomorrow, Jay wants to go riding at 6am, you can't say "no" to your little boys, SO I am riding at 6am.

Mase enjoyed the scooter, so much so, that this is him after he got up at 5:30am this morning.

Day 22 - Saturday 13th May 2017.

Rode with Jay, Coffee with Lukey - Southport Day 17.

Jay wanted to go riding with me, so who am I to say "No" to my little boy. He said "Dad, I will meet you at 6am".


I set the alarm for 5:30am but woke at 5:15am, SO I turned off the alarm as I didn't want to wake Marg. I slept well, got up quietly, had brekky, 'stalked' Jay on 'Find my Friends" app and when he was about a kilometer away, I rode out to the CP entrance and waited for him. He was only a minute away.
We left camp at 5:55am and rode up to my Land's End turnaround point and on our way back, riding out to the Spit, we were blinded by the sunrise. As we rode along the path towards the end of the Spit, a woman was walking towards us, so I said "watch it" in what I thought was a friendly voice. The reaction from her was to say the least a tad over the top. She said "Watch it, don't f**king tell me to watch it, you fat c**t". I thought that was a little rough, as I am overweight but calling me "fat" was just plain rude.
After rounding the beacon at the Spit, I let Jay lead back, just in case, we encountered his 'girlfriend'. When we did see her, she was obviously explaining to the fishermen how to fish. We started on our way back along Seaworld Drive, as we past Southport YC, we decided to ride down to Surfers, SO we did and turned around out the front of the Soul Building and had a beautiful tail wind the whole way back to camp. We arrived back at camp at 7:42am and I told Jay not to visit Marg as she would be still asleep. She was, awaking about 8:15am.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 35.3kms is my 10th ride at Southport for a total of 300.5kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL, SO count to date is still:
  • 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
  • 1 bush turkey.
Lukey, Jo and Mase arrived at 9:20am. We walked over to Cafe rockpool (aka Fish Shak) and had a coffee and nibbles. There was a Mothers' Day Multicultural 'thing' happening on the Broadwater Parklands that just happens to be 10 meters from our coffee spot. Little Mase spotted a train and Marg took him on it. At first, he didn't want to get on it but Grandma 'insisted' and he loved it. We walked a circuit of all the various stalls and then headed back to camp, stopping at the swings and Mase's favourite would have to be the slides, as he kept coming back for more.

After having lunch, we both managed to have a nanna nap.

Dinner was Marg's chicken with sticks up their arse or to normal people chicken kebabs with vegies and mashed potato. It was yumma.

Tomorrow, I have nothing planned. We are doing the family Mother's Day lunch next weekend when there are less people about.

Mase wanted to go on the train.

Marg and Mase on the train.

We walked to cafe Rockpool. An easy walk.

Marg and Mase love this swing.

Mase loved the slide, the best.

Mase on his scooter.

"Grandpa, that hat has to go."

We walked over to see Georges.

But they flew away. Bastards.

Day 23 - Sunday 14th May 2017.

Mother's Day - Southport Day 18.

Nothing was planned for today, so we could sleep in forever. We actually got up about 7:45am and watched "Weekend Sunrise". We buggered around camp until after 10am, then we drove to Lukeys and gave Mont a present (a bead weaving kit). We left Mont and got to Helensvale about 11am and obviously, everyone were taking their Mothers to Helensvale to shop. The joint was jumping. We managed a table at Gloria Jean and had a triple choc muffin (first one for this trip) and a coffee and read the Gold Coast Bulletin, Courier Mail and Herald Sun on my iPad. (I subscribe to the Herald Sun digital and get numerous News Corp publications).

It drizzled off and on all day.

Back at camp, we were confined to the fiver, but during a dry period, I walked over to the beach and took some photos. We laid on the bed and read and listened to the 'rythym of the falling rain' again. About 4:30pm, we drove over to KFC and by 5pm, we had eaten dinner. It was yumma.

Tomorrow, I have nothing planned, hopefully, it will be sunny and I may ride.

In the Wind is moored in Bum's Bay.

In the Wind.

Another large yacht moored in Bum's Bay.

Our Caravan Park with the reclaimed grass area. It is excellent.

Wild Goose from Launceston.

Playing with my camera.

The Broadwater was calm during a dry period.

Using my zoom on our crane in the distance.

See the crane in the middle.

Our crane.

The Sea World Helicopter flying past.

Our fiver is in the middle.

Here we are. That's Marg's smoking room.

Day 24 - Monday 15th May 2017.

Mase came around and I rode - Southport Day 19.

We planned for Mase and Jo to come over and have coffee in the morning.

We had a toss and turn night in bed, not the greatest sleep. Finally got up about 7:45am and watched "Kochie". Jo texted us saying that she will be a tad late. She arrived about 9:30am and she drove us to Australia Fair, as Jo needed to look for a bed sheet set. We had coffee at Zaffaras and then did a small shop at Woollies. Marg and Jo were in Kmart looking at bedding 'stuff'. I pushed Mase around in a trolley. To say that Mase and I were bored 'shitless' would be an understatement. The good news was that the girls did find what Jo wanted, so a good result. Mase reckons next time, he and Grandpa are going to count the blades of grass.

Back at camp, Mase and Jo headed home, Marg and I had lunch and I went riding, as the weather was stunning. Picture this, blue skies, low 20s with a gentle breeze.

I left at 12:34pm and rode my normal route. I rode upto my Land's End turnaround point and continued to Southport YC, out to the Spit via the gravel Federation Walk, then out to the end of the Spit, where I ate my banana. Being a weekday, there weren't many people. Back out to the end of the Moondarewa Spit (finger opposite "Bums Bay") and then back along the gravel track again.
I didn't stop for a coffee and headed back to camp, where Marg appeared to be having a nanna nap, she showed all the signs of sleeping.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 31.1kms is my 11th ride at Southport for a total of 331.6kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was ONE - a bearded dragon (see photo below), SO count to date is:
  • 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
  • 1 bush turkey.
  • 1 bearded dragon.
Dinner was Mexican spicy pies and Lamb pies. They were yumma.

Tomorrow is BINGO.

Looking from the Spit towards our Caravan park.

In the Wind taken from the Spit.

Some of the yachts.

A Trimaran entering the seaway.

Today's weather photo from the Spit.

I stopped for this dude.

I think it's a 'Bearded Dragon'.

Day 25 - Tuesday 16th May 2017.

Bingo - Southport Day 20.

We slept well and woke about 6:30am and watched "Kochie". We got up about 7am, showered, had brekky and left for the Sharks at 8:20am. Arrived at the Sharks about 10 minutes later. I brought 2 full sets plus 2 lucky numbers plus 2 undercovers tickets for $50 and we sat at 'our' table. While I bought the tickets, Marg went and ordered our coffees. Marg and I marked the various games and were ready for the 9:30am eyes down with heaps of time to spare, SO we read the Gold Coast Bulletin on our iPads.
There were about 40 plus people. Marg started great winning 2 lots of $30, while I got close. After the half time break, Marg lets rip with another BINGO and wins $30, I am still winless. As usual, I had games where I was waiting for just ONE bloody number and it would not drop. Bastards.

Our Bingo summary after our 3rd appearance, paid $50 won $90. Outlaid to date: $150 and won so far: $187 current profit is $37. Thanks Marg, you are very good.

After Bingo, we drove over to Australia Fair to check out a new phone for Marg. We visited Telstra and Jade served us and didn't have any instock, we may return tomorrow.

Back at camp, we had lunch (egg and turkey sangas). We drove over to Storage King and borrowed their trailler and trolley and delivered our fridge to Lukeys. He was home, crook.

Finally, back at camp, Marg had a nanna nap and I buggered about on my laptop.

Dinner was boiled dim sims. I am one 'mean' cook. They were yumma.

Tomorrow we are at Lukey at 5:30am to allow Jo to sleep and Lukey to go to work.

No photos OR riding today.

Day 26 - Wednesday 17th May 2017.

Minding the Grandkids - Southport Day 21.

As Jo was called into work last night, we volunteered to mind the grandkids, so Lukey could leave for work at 5:40am and Jo could sleep.

We slept well, until 4:55am, I did set the alarm for 5am, so we were a tad early. We had packed all the gear last night that we were taking to Lukeys this morning, such as, clothes, laptops, ipads etc. We got up and quickly changed into our trakky daks and tops and drove to Lukeys in the Bubble, arriving at 5:20am. Lukey let us in and went and got ready for work, as Jay picks him up at 5:40am daily for their drive to Brissy. They work about 5 kms from each other. very convenient.
Just as Lukey was about to leave, my 'little man' Mase walked out, so our grandkid minding action started. Marg got him brekky and Mont walked out about 6;15am, she had showered and was dressed for school. She is wonderful and prepares her school bag, lunch and gets her dance clothes ready for after school. I drove Mont to school about 8:20am and dropped her off. Jo 'surfaced' about 10:30am, so after a few minutes chatting, Marg and I 'escaped' and drove to Helensvale shops, where we had coffee and triple choc muffin (none of this single choc crap). We also called into Telstra and bought a Iphone SE, as Marg's iphone had died. I will use the new one and Marg will have my old phone. Chris who served us, was extremely knowledgeable. $449 lighter we left, but very happy. We stopped at Target and bought a car seat for Mase which is now in the Bubble.

Back at camp, we had lunch and it was already after 2pm (where does the time go). Marg managed to successfully have a nanna nap, while I buggered about with my new iphone. It is now all working correctly with all my old 'apps' now successfully installed on my new phone. Dinner was Lamb Cutlets for Marg and Chicken Kiev for me. They were yumma.

Tomorrow, we plan for Mase and Jo to come over and have coffee in the morning at Cafe Rockpool.

The photos were taken with my new iPhone SE.

A beautiful day looking out over the Broadwater.

Testing my iPhone camera.

I like it. The iPhone camera passed.

Day 27 - Thursday 18th May 2017.

Mase visited us and I rode - Southport Day 22.

We slept well until 6:00am. I got up and had a shower, while Marg keep sleeping. I woke her at 8am.

Mase and Jo were due about 9am, after Jo dropped Mont at school. We walked around to Cafe Rockpool, about a kilometer away, Mase didn't want his bike or scooter, SO he walked there and back. As we approached the swing area the boys were adding a roof to the area, we continued onto Cafe Rockpool. Sitting inside looking out, we had coffee and muffins, while Mase had raisin toast and water.

After coffee, we stopped at the swings as the boys were pulling the canvas/plastic roof on, SO we sat and watched them, Mase was rivetted, watching the scissor lift and the greeno machine. Mase loved it and I took the odd photo or two.

When Jo and Mase left, Marg and I drove over to Camping Plus and had the gas bottle refilled and then onto Bunnings to buy some rubber floor mats for the awning. He bought some Bunnings sausage and onions sangas for lunch.

Back at camp, Marg 'forced' herself to have a nanna nap, while I went riding.

I left at 12:18pm and headed out of the Park and turned left and headed via the bike paths and back streets to Burleigh Heads, via Surfers, Broadbeach, past Robbies' cafe and the bluff at Burleigh Heads, where I took some photos and back tracked stopping at Surfers for my 'weather photos'.
I didn't stop for a coffee and headed back to camp, where Marg was asleep. No two ways about it, she was asleep. (Tuff life).

My riding stats: Today's ride of 42.6kms is my 12th ride at Southport for a total of 374.2kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL, SO count to date is:
  • 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
  • 1 bush turkey.
  • 1 bearded dragon.
Dinner was a scratch meal. We had cereal.

Tomorrow is RAIN. It is forecast to bucket down, so we wont be too far from camp.

The photos were taken with my new iPhone SE.

Mase loved it except for the weight at the other end. (I am now running for cover).

Marg loved it as well.

Watching the roof go on 'our' swing area.

At the Bluff at Burleigh Heads.

At the Bluff at Burleigh Heads.

At the Bluff at Burleigh Heads.

2:04pm - the weather photo from Surfers.

Day 28 - Friday 19th May 2017.

It RAINED - Southport Day 23.

We slept well until 7:00am. I got up and had a shower, while Marg keep sleeping. She woke at 8;30am.

As the forecast was for RAIN, we decided to go to Bunnings and Helensvale shops mid morning, as the rain was only light. We needed a new smoke alarm for the fiver and Marg needed some more rubber mats. We stopped at Gloria Jeans in Helensvale for a coffee and choccy muffin and then did some shopping at Woollies. We didn't want to be trapped in our fiver by the RAIN and sarve to death.
From late morning, we have been in the fiver and listening to the rain. At times, it has been pissing down and hasn't stopped all day.

Dinner was snags, tomato, spag, eggs etc. It was yumma.

Tomorrow, it will be weather dependent.

No photos or riding today.

Day 29 - Saturday 20th May 2017.

Mase visited us and Bingo at Mont's Dance - Southport Day 24.

We slept well until 7:00am. I got up and had a shower, while Marg keep sleeping and woke about 7:30am and laid in bed watching "Weekend Sunrise".

It hasn't rained since midnight and the rain clouds have disappeared with the sun shining brightly.
Mase and Lukey arrived about 9:00am while Mont was at Dance and Jo relaxed at home. Lukey had to visit Telstra at Aust Fair, so we had coffee at Zarrafas, which is in sight of the Telstra shop. Mase stayed with us while Lukey went to Telstra. After visiting Woollies, we drove back to camp. Mase and Lukey stayed for a while and then headed home.

Marg and I had lunch, then headed over to Lukeys, arriving around 2pm. Don and Barb came over and hung some photos, while I sat back and watched the Supercars.
We left at 5:30pm and went in separate cars to Mont's Dance studio. There were approx 50 parents and children playing Bingo. In our group were Mont and Mase, Jo and Lukey, Barb and Don, Marg and I. The Bingo was a bit different to our Southport Sharks Bingo, except that I still didn't win. We played 10 games and the winner received prizes donated by parents. Barb was our only winner and she got a large jar of chocolates. It was a great night with everyone enjoying themselves including all the kids and even Mase, whose behaviour was exemplary.

Dinner was a BBQ at Mont's Dance studio, we had sausages in bread. It was yumma.

Tomorrow, it is Marg's Mothers Day family lunch with our boys and their families.

No photos or riding today.

Day 30 - Sunday 21st May 2017.

A very quiet day - we are feeling crook - Southport Day 25.

We slept well until 6:00am. I got up and had a shower, while Marg keep sleeping and woke about 7:30am and laid in bed watching "Weekend Sunrise".

I looked outside and was greeted by a beautiful, sunny morning. I spoke to Lukey and we agreed that I would go to Storage King and pick up his 'stuff'. I arrived at Lukey's with his stuff, 2 wall units, his BMX trophies and other stuff from home. When we had a home.
When I got back to camp, Marg told me that she was feeling crook and I told her that I had had a sore throat for the past 2 days and we decided to ring our boys and postpone today's "Mother's Day lunch" until next Sunday, when hopefully, we are all feeling better. Lukey told me that Jo wasn't feeling flash also. We believe that, as Lukey last weekend had a sore throat and took a few days off work, that he has managed to pass his 'wog' on to us. Thanks Lukey. that's love.

Marg went to bed and I laid on the bed, with my earphones on, listening and watching the Supercars telecast. We had all the windows open, SO with the breeze blowing through the windows, I pulled on a blanket. This was not a good idea, as I fell asleep and missed the race. Luckily, I always tape the Supercars, so after getting up, I watched the race. Lowndesy didn't go well.

Dinner was Mr McCain's pizza slices.

Tomorrow, nothing is planned. We will play it by ear.

No photos or riding today.

Day 31 - Monday 22nd May 2017.

A quiet day and I rode - Southport Day 26.

We slept well until 7:00am and felt a lot better, SO we planned for a quiet day. We got up about 7:30am and watched "Kochie".

You know when you need a haircut and the time had come for me, SO we drove over to Australia Fair in the Bubble. I went to the $10 haircut, because it is 'near impossible' to stuff up a #4 crewcut, and he didn't. While having my haircut, Marg visited Kmart and when we met for a coffee, Marg had a bag of new clothes with her. We did a small food shop and then back to camp.

Back at camp, I felt well enough for a short ride.
I left at 11:16am and headed out of the Park and turned right and headed via the bike paths and back streets to my Lands End turnaround point and then visited our Apartment site. While there, Adam the Building Manager came over and we chatted for a few minutes. He told me that the diggers are having 'fun' breaking through the coffee rock.
I continued along the bike paths out to both Spits. Stopping at the end of the seaway and ate my bananas. Before heading back along the gravel Federation walk, when I came across the 'nearly extinct rare Federation Walk Frog' who was 'resting' on the side of the concrete section. He was dead. One day, I hope to see LIVE WILDLIFE.
I stopped at cafe Rockpool for a coffee, then headed back to camp, where Marg was in the middle of a nanna nap.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 30.9kms is my 13th ride at Southport for a total of 405.1kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was ONE DEAD FROG, SO count to date is:
  • 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
  • 1 bush turkey.
  • 1 bearded dragon.
  • 1 'nearly extinct rare Federation Walk Frog'

Dinner was the pan dinner leftovers. It was yumma.

Tomorrow is BINGO. wish us luck.

A beautiful day.

The nearly extinct rare Federation Walk Frog.

12:33pm - the weather photo from the Spit.

Day 32 - Tuesday 23rd May 2017.

Bingo - Southport Day 27.

We slept well and woke about 6:30am and watched "Kochie". We got up about 7am, showered, had brekky and left for the Sharks at 8:20am. Arrived at the Sharks about 10 minutes later. I brought 2 full sets plus 2 lucky numbers plus 2 undercovers tickets for $50 and we sat at 'our' table. While I bought the tickets, Marg went and ordered our coffees. Marg and I marked the various games and were ready for the 9:30am eyes down with heaps of time to spare, SO we read the Gold Coast Bulletin on our iPads.

Ask Marg how she went...... Boy, can't I be a real bastard somedays..... Marg didn't win a cent.

On the other hand, I did have 3 wins but had to share 2 of them, SO I only won $40... but it was better than losing... Just ask Marg.
Our winnings came before the half time break and after half time, we had just one number to go when some other 'old fart' called out Bingo. We still had a ball.

Our Bingo summary after our 4th appearance, paid $50 won $40. Outlaid to date: $200 and won so far: $227 current profit is $27.

Back at camp, we had salmon and onion rolls for lunch, then I went for a short ride.
I left at 1:00pm and headed out of the Park and turned left and rode along the bike paths and the gravel Federation Walk, out to the Spit. Stopping at the end of the seaway and ate my bananas and took some photos. I know that it isn't much but I am a bit short of LIVE WILDLIFE, SO when I saw a LIVE bush turkey walk between the cars at the Spit, I had to stop and take a photo. Also while at the seaway, I saw a 49er yacht tacking upto the seaway, this is the first time that I can remember seeing an 'off the beach' yacht sailing in the seaway. On the way back to camp, I stopped at cafe Rockpool for a coffee, then headed back to camp, where Marg was in the middle of a nanna nap.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 23.1kms is my 14th ride at Southport for a total of 428.2kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was ONE LIVE Bush Turkey, SO count to date is:
  • 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
  • 2 LIVE bush turkeys.
  • 1 LIVE bearded dragon.
  • 1 'nearly extinct rare Federation Walk Frog' - aka a DEAD frog.

Marg cooked omelettes. They were magnificently YUMMA.

Tomorrow, hopefully Mase is coming over and bringing Jo for a coffee.

1:41pm - the weather photo from the Spit
From L to R is North East through East to South West.

Looking towards Surfers.

Closer.

Looking back along the seawall.

A fisho returning to Port.

This dude was game being so far offshore.

Port Frederick, I see this boat each year..

The 49er - a rare sight for me.

A LIVE WILDLIFE - I don't believe it.

The Federation Walk info map.

Day 33 - Wednesday 24th May 2017.

Mother's Day family dinner - Southport Day 28.

We planned for Mase and Jo to come over and have coffee in the morning.

We both appearing to be getting a cold. We didn't have a great night's sleep. Got up about 7:45am and watched "Kochie". Jo texted us saying that she will be a tad late, as she was queueing up at Aldi. She arrived about 9:30am and the four of us walked to Cafe Rockpool for a raisin bread for Mase and coffee for the adults. It was a beautiful day for a walk, sunny, cloudless sky and light breeze. Mase walked most of the way, before being carried by Jo. On the way back to camp, a Labrador was playing in the shallows, SO I walked up to his owners and they let me cuddle him. He was a little smaller than what our Lazza was. Our Lazza was such a beautiful dog, oozing love.

Back at camp, Mase and Jo headed home. Marg and I drove over to Bunnings to buy some solar lights to surround our Sat Dish, as someone accidentally knocked it. On the way home, we stopped at Storage King and picked up my 'good' bike and during the arvo, I re-assembled it and then rode up to 99 Bikes and bought a couple of 'spare' tubes.

During the arvo, we both managed a nanna nap, before getting ready for dinner at our club (CSI Southport). I had booked a table for 6:45am. We all arrived, Jay and Bec, then Lukey, Jo, Mont and Mase. The main meal was yumma, which consisted of Chicken Parmas, Coconut Prawns with free pancakes.
It was a great evening catching up with ALL our family. We left about 8pm.

Tomorrow - nothing is planned.

No photos or riding today.

Day 34 - Thursday 25th May 2017.

Jo invited us to morning coffee - Southport Day 29.

We had nothing planned until Jo texted us to come to her place for morning coffee. Who are we to refuse a coffee and freshly made banana cake.

Marg reckons that I have the 'fully fledged' cold. I must admit that I have felt better. You know the symptoms, your nose will drip uncontrollably. Anyway, enough of my dying symptoms, I struggled on. Marg drove the Bubble over to Jo's place, I got out and kissed the ground. Now I know why I drive often.
Mase welcomed us at the front door, Jo made us coffee and had just made a banana cake in her recently purchased Thermomix. It was extremely YUMMA. We read Mase a number of books and left late morning. I drove back to camp.

Back at camp, we had lunch and I went for a short ride on my better mountain bike (Giant 29er). This bike always stayed at home while we travelled, as it was too good and I didn't want to 'wreck' it. SO as it is now up here, it will become my regular ride. Lukey can now have my other mountain bike and has no excuse not to join Jay and I on our 6am Saturday morning rides. We will also buy a child seat for 'Lukeys' mountain bike, so Mase will be able to join us on some shorter and later in the day rides.

I left at 1:03pm and headed out of the Park and turned left and rode along the bike paths and the gravel Federation Walk, out to the Spit. Stopping at the end of the seaway and ate my bananas and took some photos. I didn't see any wildlife. On the way back to camp, I stopped at cafe Rockpool for a coffee, and introduced myself to the girl who works there when Kamal isn't. Her name is B for Britt then headed back to camp, where Marg was nearing the end of a nanna nap. Well, I woke her with my sneezing.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 21.8kms is my 15th ride at Southport for a total of 450.0kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL, SO count to date is:
  • 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
  • 2 LIVE bush turkeys.
  • 1 LIVE bearded dragon.
  • 1 'nearly extinct rare Federation Walk Frog' - aka a DEAD frog.

Dinner was Lamb Cutlet and vegies and Rissoles and vegies. They were yumma.

Tomorrow - we are grandkids minding from 2:30pm until 7:30pm.

1:48pm - the weather photo from the Spit
Notice my different Mountain Bike.

Day 35 - Friday 26th May 2017.

Grandkids minding and I rode - Southport Day 30.

Today, we were grandkid minding from 2:30pm - 7:30pm.

I slept from 10pm to 6am without a pitstop. Unreal. I laid in bed with my earphones on, listening to Spida and Bridge on 92.5 Gold FM, and got up about 7:15am and without waking Marg, had brekky and turned into cycleman and went for a ride as the weather was stunning.

I left at 8:13am and headed out of the Park and turned left and rode along the bike paths and the gravel Federation Walk, out to the Spit. Stopping at the end of the seaway and ate my bananas and took some photos. I didn't see any wildlife. On the way back to camp, I stopped at cafe Rockpool for a coffee, and spoke to "B" who works there. After coffee, I rode up to my Lands End turnaround point and stopped in for an update at our apartment.

Our apartment: the concrete base is nearly finished, they are removing the last pile of 'dirt, and they are adding metal reinforcing mesh to the concrete base. Adam (the building manager) came out and we chatted for a few minutes. I then continued riding back to camp.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 32.1kms is my 16th ride at Southport for a total of 482.1kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL, SO count to date is:
  • 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
  • 2 LIVE bush turkeys.
  • 1 LIVE bearded dragon.
  • 1 'nearly extinct rare Federation Walk Frog' - aka a DEAD frog.

Had a beautiful, high pressure hot shower. The showers at this caravan park are magic.
Marg and I then drove the Bubble over to Aus Fair, for a coffee and some food shopping. Back at camp, we had lunch and about 1:30pm, we drove over to Jo's place to look after Mase, while Jo worked two shifts. We arrived just on 2pm and Jo left for work about 2;45pm. We entertained Mase and at 3pm, I drove over and picked Mont up from school. She was a bit tired as this afternoon, all grade 5 played soccer. Mont's team is still unbeaten, although today they drew. After 'refuelling' at home, Mont changed into her dance clothes and I drove her to her dance class.
Back at Jo's, Marg was outside watching Mase play, I took over for awhile and later I read him a few books, while Marg cooked him pasta for dinner. He ate the majority of it. Lukey arrived home from work and after he settled in, Marg and I headed back to camp, stopping at Maccas for dinner.

Tomorrow, I am riding with Jay at 6am and about 9am, Lukey and Mase will arrive.

Looking towards Surfers.

Looking along the seawall.

Heading off to the wild, blue yonder.

View from Cafe Rockpool.

View from Cafe Rockpool.

Another photo of my 29er.

10:00am - the weather photo from my turnaround point at Lands End.

*2017 - Index page*

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Still at Broadwater TP.