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Published: October 14th 2009
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LARC Tour
Jojo enjoys the ride. Time is flying and it seems like eons ago that we were at 1770, surfing at gorgeous beaches and surviving a midgee onslaught. The kids convinced us to venture out on a LARC: Land Amphibious Replenishment Cargo. It was an all terrain vehicle and proved this literally as we were speeding down the beach. Sam spotted some dolphins in the water and the driver quickly turned and drove directly into the surf. The dolphins swam up to our floating vessel and played and then we returned to the shore and continued to a spectacular light house for a history lesson which was followed by lunch and then SANDBOARDING!!!!! The dunes were so high and I busied myself as official photographer so that no one suggested that I attempt to surf as well. This was a highlight for the boys and Jojo used Adam as his ride and sped down the dune, into the crystal water.
More adrenalin filled adventure was around the corner as we began our drive to Surfers Paradise. We stopped in Brisbane to stay with Nan, an old friend and loved catching up. Surers was overwhelming. What a shock to our system…thank goodness Boz, Sharon and kids
Sea World
Jojo just loves cuddles were so hospitable and let us hang out with them for a few days and hide from the flashing lights and lots and lots of people. I am not complaining; we finally fulfilled our promise to the big boys and they spent a day at Wet n Wild with Adam, who I think was as excited about the rides as Max and Sam. Jojo and I preferred Elmo’s company at SeaWorld, enjoying dolphin shows, rides, seal shows and a sesame street musical number. My highlight was at 1.15pm as Jojo fell into a dreamy sleep in the pram. Armed with my novel, I paid 5 bucks for a lounge chair by the pool and read for two blissful hours.
Surfers Paradise was our last stop before our arrival in Bellingen, our home for the next three months. While we were all feeling a little nostalgic about our caravanning adventure, as we packed up the van for the last time, we all felt a little joy inside…no more sullage/power/beds/legs and NO MORE TRYING TO DIRECT ADAM AND CARAVAN INTO A CAMPING SPOT. Yes our marriage survived it! (Until next time…I think a camper trailer will be the way to go).
Dana and Craigs wedding
Ahh the big freckle..oops I mean cake...Jojo asked if he could eat the car... We were excited to see our new home in Bello (We had never seen it and had no idea about the layout/vintage etc.) The house was easy to spot as a huge “Welcome to Bello” sign was hanging over the driveway. Our friends here have been so warm, generous and welcoming. It is such a gorgeous house, full of character, original features and modern amenities….no more night ventures outside to the toilet…yeeha!
Within a week of arriving we departed…for Perth to celebrate Dana (Adam’s sister) and Craig’s wedding. We had an absolute ball, hanging out with old and new friends, family and the eleven children bonded in 5 seconds and played non stop for five days. Dana and Craig made an exceptional and unforgettable entry to the wedding venue, driving an Alfa Romeo rally car in front of the winery, doing a donut, and then removing their white plastic overalls to suggestive music, in front of eighty joyous on lookers. It was a brilliant night and the kids were particularly impressed with the huge freckle wedding cake, which they devoured (I think Jojo ate at least 500 grams of solid chocolate). Max played his guitar and sang “She Loves
Dana and Craig's wedding
Max belting out a classic Beatles number for Dana and Craig... You”, by the Beatles, to eighty excited fans and very proud parents. Thanks to Nana Deanna we have a live recording; check out this on
youtube he is counting his hits! The celebrations continued the next morning with a birthday cake for Jojo and more cake at my aunt and uncle’s place in the afternoon.
And still more celebrations back in Bello, with Adam’s 40th!!!!! Together with our Bello buddies, we hired canoes and headed off for a glorious afternoon on The Bellinger River. I packed afternoon tea, including my Nana Riva’s famous chocolate cake and we rowed and ate and ate and ate and then had to row back, tired but smiley.
You will all be happy to know (especially you Larry) that the last few days have been filled with lots of work, cleaning the caravan, getting it ready for sale. We did have time to take part in a chook pen building working bee for Sacha and Gull complete with buck wheat pancakes ( people are way too healthy over here) ala Korny. The kids have one more week of holidays and then its school time. I think I will spend this evening contemplating the
Ads 40th
The Bello gang yoga classes, forest walks and cafes that may just fill up a few of my days when they begin…How’s that Larry? Well we may blog again from time to time, but I can’t imagine that our somewhat stationary existence will provide enough material…still, we will have to have at least one more entry to complete our map (check it out as it has been updated) and be able to answer yes to the kids’ question, “Are we there yet?”
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Jacqui
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Happy Birthday Ads!
Wow! How good to be surrounded by friends, family and lots of good reasons to celebrate. You are one lucky family. I am very happy foryou that all your hard planning has paid off so well. Enjoy your resti n Bellingen.