Blogs from Gladstone, Queensland, Australia, Oceania - page 3

Well, we finally arrived home safe and sound (though still a bit sick) on the 1st of October. It was a strange feeling to board those first two planes - it hadn't sunk in that we were actually heading back to Oz...it didn't feel real. That changed once we landed in Brisy - and we felt like we had never been away. Thankfully the customs process went quickly, and we were able to make the domestic flight out of Brisy and back to Gladstone. Cath and Simone were waiting for us at the airport, and it was so great to see some familiar faces...though it felt like I had just seen them both yesterday. Time plays funny tricks on your brain. Our most exciting moment was being reuinted with our little baby, Jaffa, who at first, ... read more

A bit tricky to get out of Pancake Creek, we had to do it on an incoming tide, the channel is very low and we have a 2 metre draft, but we did it no problems. The trip over to Gladstone was very different, we sailed on open waters for only 3 hours and another 2 hours going through the channel to get to the marina. This town is well known by it coal mining, I counted up to 20 big cargo ships anchor outside waiting to come into the harbour. Got a load of washing done t the marina laundry, and went to the shops to re stoke on goodies. Every time we catch the local bus we meet other sailors and they are all doing the same as us, going north.....they are all ... read more

Things are getting VERY close now...only a day and a bit left until we leave the country. Iz is probably A LOT more excited than me, but I think as soon as I'm on the plane, or even just see the plane, it will sink in. We had a great weekend catching up with everyone...we will miss you all...but we will be back! I am getting the girls over tomorrow to do a final suitcase pack...and hopefully throw out one or two things. Toiletries seem to be the killer!! As long as I'm under the 15kg mark to start, I'll be happy. Anyways, hope you all enjoy the blog while we're away. It will be easy to stay in contact with everyone, so feel free to write. We will try and add to the blog every ... read more

Can't sleep. Iz and I are pondering over the trip...so much to do, so little time! I keep thinking of things to organise - luggage locks, sewing kit, ponchos etc. My parents headed off today for their four month journey...back to Northern Ireland for a couple of months, then touring Europe with some relies. Dad managed to grab some poor girl's luggage at Sydney airport, and only realised at 9:00pm tonight...had to go back and get HIS bag...very typical of dad. They leave for Belfast tomorrow, via Hong Kong and Heathrow, with my 84 year old grandad in tow. He travelled over about 6 weeks ago for a visit down under. Can't wait to meet up with them all in Ireland in 6 weeks time for a big family reunion with all of dad's family! Had ... read more

Well then, it has finally happened. I’ve escaped Townsville (no insult intended to all those left behind) and started the supposed ‘adventure of a lifetime’. So far the experience has been fairly unglamorous, however I’m sure that as soon as my feet hit Thailand the feeling will sink in. So you ask, what’s happened so far. After the totally awesome (up until I fell asleep) going away party last week I spent my time saying fond goodbyes to my friends and family until my overnight train to Gladstone on the Thursday. By some chance of fate, or at the very least by careful planning on her part, Jeff’s sister Shelley was also on the same train! This turned out to be a godsend as otherwise I would have been totally without entertainment. To while away the ... read more