Pre Cruise Meeting

As posted previously, we are off cruising again at Christmas, this time on the Celebrity Century.

On the Roll Call is Patty and partner Colin (from Canberra), who managed snare a great deal on the Volendam during the last week of the Rugby World Cup.

Pete & I decided to meet up with them while they are in town.   On the Saturday we picked them up and went out Soljians at Kumeu for lunch followed by a "Tiki Tour" of west Auckland then to Mt Eden.

Colin and Patty at the Waitakere Visitors Centre

Tour guide Pete telling Colin all about it!!!

We had a great time, and on the day of the finals Colin and Patty joined us for a BBQ at home before watching the big match! 

ROLL ON 24 DECEMBER 2011

Sunday 16th October - Return Home

Time to leave – sadly.   With all the bags packed it was time to attempt to get all the luggage, wheelchair and walker into the boot of the wagon.  Amazingly they did manage with only one small bag on the back seat between Julie & Dave.   

Before leaving Noosa, we called around to the Benson’s to drop off all the left over food and items we had bought for our stay but could not take home.

We were booked on the 2.35pm flight from Brisbane, but wanted to make sure we had plenty of time to get to the airport and return the car to the rental depot.   

Once at the airport the boys dropped us and the luggage off, and headed off to return the rental car.  They had a bit of difficulty finding a Petrol Station open, but all in all they were back to the airport within the hour.

Somehow the return leg home is a bit of a drag, but strangely the time went fast once we checked in.   The wheelchair wouldn’t got into freewheel mode which meant the airport staff member had to use the joystick to wheel it down to the baggage area.  Interestingly he insisted on NOT dismantling it and having it put in its own container.

We had a bite to eat and then decided to head for customs and the departure gate.  We found seats at the gate, and barely a few minutes later we were called to report to the departure desk to board us!!   No waiting.    And before we knew it they were boarding all passengers.    We were allocated the same lovely seats 47 B & C by the toilets!   This time Pete took the window seat.   The plane was nearly full, but we managed to have the three seats to ourselves again.    

As we pulled away from the gate the Chief Purser thanked everyone for boarding quickly and announced it would be the quickest trip home possible followed by “I am sure you all know why – all I can say is Go The Blacks”  

True to this word we landed about 20 minutes early at 8.15pm!  And we made a quick trip through via the Duty Free pick up.   The shop assistance was working extremely fast, trying to get everyone through.    Customs was the same – speedy service as the clocked counted down to the start of the semi final game NZ versus Australia.    We got to baggage claim and found our bags, the chair and walker.  Once again the chair was missing the joystick cover!   This time we went straight to the customer services and complained.  The Staff were great.  While the CSO started the claim process she sent two of the baggage handlers off to find the container the chair was in and the cover.     Within a few minutes they returned with the cover – good result!

We turned around and there was hardly a sole left in the baggage claim area, the MAF staff were very disinterested and so we just headed straight for the exit and the car park.    We were in the car and Pete turned the engine on at 9pm just as the whistle was blown for the start of the game.  Needless to say there was very little traffic on the road home and it barely took us 20 mins!!  A record in anyone’s books.

For the record, the All Black beat Australia to go to the Finals where they played France and won by one point!

Home in time to watch most of the game – a great end to a lovely but short holiday!   Roll on Christmas…..

Saturday 15th October

Today is our last real day of the holiday.

Julie and Dave decided they wanted to have a wander and do their own thing to day, as we were heading for the Benson’s.    So we dropped them off at Noosa Junction, where the main bus depot is, so they could then get to Noosa Waters and then the ferry home.

On the way back to the Benson’s we checked out the ALDI supermarket – a German owned chain that is supposed to be super cheap.     It was a lot smaller than we were expecting and a bit like the Warehouse when it first started – no real order to the aisles and boxes everywhere.     Not a huge range, but we did manage to find something for morning tea plus some pandadol and nurofen – now they were cheap!!

We arrived at the Benson’s the same time as the Gilby’s, and spent the next few hours going over family photos and history.    Morning tea got completely missed so we ended up having lunch!    

Of course a visit to Noosa is not complete without Uncle Jack doing magic tricks!   Enhanced by the fact that Heather (their daughter in law) arriving with the children, who just encourage Jack even more!!    So there was a lot of laughter and silliness.

Uncle Jack up to 'his tricks' again!    Meg and Paul taking great interest with Uncle Bill watching intently.

The Benson Clan

Back - Uncle Jack, Ash, Charleze, Heather, Aunt Anita, Meg

Front - Uncle Bill, Margaret, Auntie Gwen

Take Two

We finally said our farewells mid afternoon, and returned to the apartment to find Julie and Dave enjoying some quiet time.    We made a quick trip over to Noosa Civic Centre and then returned to relax before the Gilby’s arrived for pre-dinner drinks.

Just after they arrived the thunder and lightening started – just what we needed when we were walking to the restaurant – The Lazy River Bar & Bistro.   We had booked for 7pm, and as we wandered down we watched the most amazing lightening storm as it skirted around Noosa and headed out to see.   A truly amazing sight.  

The Lazy River was a very new restaurant and they were flat out!    We had booked for 8 maybe 12, so had to let them know it was only 6 so far, as Gillian and Brian had yet to arrive.      It took no time from the owner to ‘sell’ the extra table for four so that was a relief.    Now this is a restaurant I highly recommend.  The menu, the service, the atmosphere, and the pricing were excellent.    In chatting to owner, he said it was their busiest night since opening, and now they felt they were a little under staffed.  Interesting it was an all male Staff – out front and in the kitchen.

A most pleasant evening.

Friday 14th October

After a leisurely rise and breakfast we planned our day.   Yesterday it was suggested we go somewhere with all the family for lunch, but as we had only two days left and trips we wanted to do we called and pulled out of that.

Instead we decided to head for Mooloolaba and then make our way back up the coast line.  Meg and Paul were keen to join us and follow in their car.   

Before meeting up we called into Harvey Normans to check out HD set top recording boxes as Jack and Anita had a new TV and couldn’t record any programmes.  We were lead through all the options by a rather loud but helpful salesperson - very different approach than we get back home.   All the info we needed without the big sell, although we did tell him we were researching for family.   He made a good dig about Aussie winning the Rugby World Cup on Sunday!!

Yesterday Gill had found a good dress shop behind Coles at Noosa Junction, so as we still had half an hour before meeting Meg and Paul we headed there so Julie could see if she could find anything.   Pete and I thought we knew where Coles was, but it was in fact the IGA, so we went behind the new bus depot, and there we found Coles and Noosa Fair - a small shopping centre we didn’t know existed!     Julie found the shop but as we didn’t have enough time.  Good find Gill.

We ‘picked up’ Meg and Paul at Breakfree South Pacific, and headed south on the Sunshine Motorway.

The weather looked nice again, blue skies with a few odd clouds which was very promising.  

Yesterday we were expecting thunderstorms, but that never happened, however Brisbane and south were really hammered.  Flash flooding, high winds, and huge hail storms.  The hail was so hard, intense and heavy that it even went through roofs.   Trees blew down, and in case a tree landed on a car killing the driver and causing traffic madness. 

Mooloolaba has grown a lot since we were last there in 1993!   We got caught out getting onto the beach front at the beginning of the ‘waterfront’ but we quickly sorted out where to go, and we once again found 2 disabled parks together!   We have managed that a few times, would never happen at home.   

We decided it was coffee time, so went along the waterfront and found a nice spot to have a coffee and kill time.   It was very busy but we did come to the conclusion that we may come here on a future blob out holiday.  We had a walk along the beach once watered and feed, and there are lots of sheltered areas to get out of the sun.  The beach was quite busy, a lot of nice tanned bodies. 

From Mooloolaba we drove north through Alexandra Heads, Maroochydore and on up towards Coolum.  To get from Maroochydore you have to go back the motorway to go north, and on the way I spotted some intriguing new buildings.   We turned off at “The Broadwalk” and found a new subdivision so very interesting homes and we slowly wound our way around the small streets, with Paul and Meg stopping frequently to take photos.   Paul and Meg have an architecture practice in Hobart, so of course they loved seeing great new ideas.  There was a new apartment block called “The Breeze” which was very creative. 

On to Coolum and we were there by 1.30pm and time for a lunch break.  Again no problem finding parking, and somewhere to eat.  An afternoon sea breeze had come up and it was nice and cooling.   I would guess the beach would not be quite so pleasant in the wind.    One thing we noticed at most townships was groups of school children on the beach, so water safety etc. 

Looking north from the lookout at Coolum Beach

The surfing class on the beach

Looking south

Back to Noosa via Sunrise Beach to show the others where Jack and Anita had their first apartment.  Nice spot right across from a good surf beach.  Back on ’93 when we stayed there on our honeymoon, it was a cul-de-sac, but no longer and the area is now built up. 

Our second visit to “Sketches” at Noosa Fair was very successful.    Both Julie and Meg found something suitable, Julie a lovely pink top with sequins and Meg a grey little jacket to go with a grey skirt she already has. 

There had been a plan to meet for dinner at the South Pacific but we pulled out as Julie and Dave only wanted a light dinner and we felt like a quiet night, as it had been quite a long day.  Pete’s back is also killing him.    He was really suffering from having to lift me so much.

After a rest at the apartment we decided to go for a wonder to select a restaurant.  Forgetting it was Friday night, we wondered why Gympie Terrace was so busy.   The couple of places we were keen to try were fully booked, so we ended up at Gracie’s Place – and Italian restaurant.   As it was close to the apartment Dave went back and got the bubbly which we still hadn’t got around to opening.

I would have to say the meal was the worst I have ever had!    Heaps of pasta and not much else – barely a spoonful of mince in my spaghetti bolognaise!  It was dreadful, and then we ordered dessert which was even worse.  Thank goodness we had a nice bottle of bubbly to compensate.   BUT then it was a really cheap meal.

Thursday 13th October

A sleep in - woke after 6am!   Thanks again to someone slamming a door in the stairwell, which echoes.  Followed by a screaming kid!

After breakfast we decided to go for a short walk along the river, this time eastwards.  At 8.30 it was already warm.   Nice stroll not a lot of cars or people about apart from a few people running or enjoying breakfast out.    Once back Julie put the jug on for a nice coffee.    Just as we sat down Meg rang - they were parked outside.  So they came in and joined us.  It was great to see them again.   Meg has MD (as does Uncle Jack and myself) so it has become quite important to meet and see how things are progressing.  Meg, Jack and I do look similar with similar weakness; although I am the only one who’s walking is most affected.   Jack is still very active, even at 81 he is doing a couple of 9 hole games of golf a week - not bad.  Meg gets about reasonably well using a stick or a crutch.  Meg and Paul travel quite a bit, despite Paul being in a wheelchair, or using crutches.

We had all planned to meet at the Bensons at 10am to make a decision on a BBQ lunch on the riverside.  Meg and Paul followed us as they were a little unfamiliar with the route.   Gill and Brian were already there when we got there and we were quickly followed in by Heather, Jack and Anita’s daughter-in-law also joined us.  Organising 13 people was a bit of a mission, but we finally settled on a spot and some of us went via the supermarket.  

The spot we wanted was already taken but we still found a couple of shade stands and BBQ available close by on Gympie Terrace.   The council provides free BBQ’s which are kept in great condition.   All along Gympie Tce there is BBQ’s and shade stands with tables and benches - very well arranged, along with paved/concrete/wooden paths winding through the trees.  

Naturally there was food galore, wine, juice etc!!   No one went hungry. 

The BBQ and two pavillions we had on Gympie Tce - not far from the apartment

Uncle Bill on the left starting to put food on the BBQ with Uncle Jack, Brian, Gillian, and Dave in the background (hiding behind his shades and hat!)

Auntie Gwen with Me (in chair) Gillian and Paul (in his chair)

Heather (my cousins wife) giving instructions to Uncle Bill!

Thats the life  - the two wheelchair users just watching on from the shade of the pavillion. 

No work for us.  Note - drinks in hand!

The view of Noosa River.

Cooking in progress.  Dave couldn't escape the photo this time!

Cousin Meg taking photos for the record!

Noosa River

 Noosa River

The Pelican

The river side is well used by the locals and visitors - people everywhere enjoying the river and facilities.  The sun was pretty strong but by the time we had eaten the wind had got up.  We disbanded and headed back with the younger four couples agreeing to meet at Villa Noosa’s Steakhouse at 6.30 for dinner.    

After dropping the left over food back to the apartment we drove out to Noosa Heads.  Although it was very busy there, we found a disabled car park at the southern end and it was in the shade which was an added bonus.   The boys wanted to wander along the boardwalk on the beachfront but the wind made that option unpleasant.  Of course they were keen to do bikini spotting…   Instead we wandered down Hastings Stree to see if we could find anything suitable for Julie to wear at Dave’s nephews wedding next month.   The selection was disappointing, mostly expensive beach wear or so expensive and over the top.  Instead we opted for a New Zealand Ice Cream!  Well I am not a fan of gelato.   

As we walked back to the car the wind got up even more and when we got in to car there was the first spots of rain.   It had been getting blacker all afternoon on the horizon.  And that was it a few spots and then nothing.

Back at the apartment it was snooze / rest time.   The rain didn’t eventuate but the air become more humid, and then the sun is out again.

I am thankful we have an apartment which is east facing, no afternoon heat, as it was very hot in the sun - at a guess at least 28 degrees.  We can have all the windows open the ceiling fan on, and it is most pleasant.   You can hear the road noise - just, so it is quite peaceful except for the birds.

We had a couple of pre-dinner drinks then wandered down to Villa Noosa just after 6pm to met Gill, Brian Meg and Paul for dinner.  As it was just after dusk there was very little traffic around.   The Steakhouse was busy, but we were able to get a table for 8 without a problem.

TIP- Thursdays at The Steakhouse they have $10 off any steak meal!  Most of us had eye fillet steak, with Brian opting for the seafood platter and Gill the crumbed barramundi.  It was a most enjoyable evening chatting all round. 

When we wandered back to home it was still warm, definitely no need to cardigans at this time of year!

Wednesday 12th October

We were up at 6am, and Julie and Dave were not far behind!   Dave was a bit shocked that on holiday we were all up so early.   A good night’s sleep was had by all.   

Once we had all had showers, we put on a load of washing.    Then it was a leisurely breakfast while we planned the morning.  

The main activity of the day was to go to Eumundi Markets - held Wednesdays and Saturdays approx. 12kms from Noosaville.   We headed off just after 8am, thinking we would get there before the rush - not so.  All the free car parks were gone so we had to pay to go into the paddock!   The $4 fee does go to a local charity, so that good.   We spent 2 ½ hours wandering around with a break for a coffee and cold drink stop.

We did spend some money - a great light weight backpack the rolls up very small into its own pouch and can take up to 10kgs.  Pete found a new wallet which was to his liking and these neat like “pocket soaps” - one shaving foam the other laundry soap.  They have 50 ‘leaves’.  Great invention could be perfect on the cruise.  Oh and a green model Mk1 Escort.  Dave found 2 x S2000 to add to his collection, peg bags, and a couple of cheap and colourful belts.

Eumundi was packed with people mid week so wouldn’t like to try a Saturday.   We have been before but always June and July so the crowds are smaller.  The temperatures were rising too and finding a seat in the shade with a breeze was not easy.   Typical shopping, men sitting waiting for their wives and partners!

From there we headed back to the apartment so Dave could do some online work.  Pete and Julie walked down to the Hot Bread Shop to get lunch.  While out they checked the Noosa Ferry for access and cost.  Something to do one afternoon.

We decided to have a couple of quiet hours.  Pete veged out watching TV and Julie and Dave wandered down to Noosa Village to get a few supplies and check out the Rivers Shop to see if they could get Dave some sandals.   I continued working on the Blog.

At about 3.30 we headed to the Benson’s to catch up over a coffee.    Gillian had rung the night before and said they wouldn’t pop in as they would be too tired after traveling from Napier.    But contrary to that decision Gillian and Brian turned up about 4.45pm.  So lots of chatting ensued.

We left at 5.30, took a quick drive out to Noosa Heads, and by the time we drove back it was dark.   Still can’t get over the sunrise and sunset times.  On the way back we called into Domino’s Pizza to get a couple of pizzas for dinner rather than going out.   Pete & I were still getting out of the car, Julie was trying to unlock the door (in the dark) and the phone rang.  It was Meg and Paul - they had arrived at Breakfree South Pacific Apartments.   They were also exhausted so we pointed then to the close by supermarket.  Turned out their flights from Hobart was quite lengthy and they were also delayed. 

Another quiet evening after a very hot day - I think the temperature was up around 28 degrees and it was hot sun.   We had all three fans going as well as the air conditioning.   The heat is very draining and I was ready for bed at 8.30pm.  Pete stayed up watching TV and probably flicking channels!

Tuesday 11th October

It appears we are destined not to sleep in - awake at 6am again!  At least we didn’t hear the birds this morning at 4.30am.   Same routine again with the aim to leave about 8am to drive down to Brisbane airport to met Julie and Dave.

While checking the map for the route, spotted Kawana Waters - just near Mooloolaba, on our way south.   Suggested we leave early and see if we can find the Rockman shop.  We decided to take the Sunshine Motorway down rather than the Bruce Highway.   Took just over half an hour to get to Kawana Waters shopping centre.  Very easy to find, but at 8.10am only the supermarket and a couple of coffee shops were open.   So thought we may as well get a paper and coffee.  The shopping centre is large, so first task was to find a directory - and low and behold the shop we wanted was diagonally across from the coffee shop - what are the odds!

A coffee and a wander killed the time before Rockmans was opened.   There I found the trousers, right colours and size, tried them on - perfect.   As usual, if I find a pair of trousers that fit, I buy two or three pairs!  So purchased two black and one tan.  Most of my trousers are black as they are more versatile.

Time to head to Brisbane airport - 90 odd kilometres away, about an hours drive.  By now it is 9.30 am and the temperature is already 26!  Yesterday’s high was 28 and today’s was predicted to be 27. 

The traffic down on the Sunshine Motorway and Bruce Highway was not as heavy as we expected.  We stopped at Nudgee Service Centre for petrol before getting to the International Airport to do a rekkie first.  All very easy, so Pete decided as we were still a bit a head of time we would check out how to get back onto the motorway north.  Once done we went back to the Arrivals area, so far no sign of Julie and Dave, and no text.  Nearly stopped in the disabled park, but there was a traffic warden lurking around.  Drove off, and as we went down the ramp from the Arrivals area, we got the text!  A quick lap around the car park and back up the ramp and there they were! 

As soon as Dave got into the car he spotted the All Black Flag and proceeds to wind down the window and attach!  So not the reaction we expected!  Time to drive north.

It was great to catch up on the local news and exchange recent day’s activities.   The trip back to Noosa took only 1 ½ hours and first stop was the apartment to unload the bags.  I had been worried about the amount of luggage they would have as the boot on the Camry is not as large as we thought and will all my ‘stuff’ there wasn’t much room left.  Thankfully they only had one large case and carry on!  A big relief.

A quick beer was in order for the others and a coffee for me.   Dave needed to attend to an urgent email request (business).  Once sorted we headed to Noosa Village Shopping centre to have some lunch and get more breakfast supplies.

Julie was keen to find a Gazman shop which has very nice Polo Shirts, and believe it or not there is an Outlet store in the Noosa Village Shopping Centre!  Perfect, so once we had some lunch we managed to get Pete to buy three very nice Polo’s - success at last.  Pete hates clothes shopping!

With supplies sorted we went back to the apartment.  Once unpacked we went for a walk along the boardwalk along the river to just passed Thomas Street and back.  By this time Dave was flagging and needed a wee sleep.  We all needed some quiet time.  For me time to Blog with a wine in hand!

Dinner will not be late as Julie and Dave are starting the wilt - they have been up since 4.30am NZ time and with the 3 hour time change, 5pm is like 8pm….  Sounds like us four days ago!!

After a rest and wine we wandered east along Gympie Terrace to find a restaurant to eat at.   Some restaurants were fully accessible, but others only had seating on the side walk accessible otherwise it was steps into the main part of the restaurant.   A bit disappointing, as I don’t remember that from our last visit.   There is a good variety of restaurants in Noosaville along Gympie Terrace and Thomas Street.

After some deliberation we settled on the Thai Restaurant.  It was before 6pm, so only a couple of tables occupied and what looked like tables set up for big groups.  They were able to take us and we had a nice spot just inside the door, so at least I could benefit from the slight breeze.

The meal was very nice.   For Starters we had a mixed entrée, which was huge compared to our local restaurant at home, followed by three dishes to share.  Our choices were large servings so we were pleased we opted for three and not four dishes.  Nice to have a good amount of vegetables in the dishes too.     By the time we left the place was really filling up, so it is obviously popular with the locals - interesting.   There was a real mixture of dress - some people had made an effort and others very casual!

With sunset being around 5.50pm it was very pleasant evening, still quite warm and a gentle breeze.  We were only about 100 metres from the apartment, do the walk home was quick.

Julie and Dave piked just on 8pm - they did extremely well.  We watched a bit more TV and called it a day at 8.45 - not much better than them.   It was a much hotter night, so ended up sleeping with the fans on in the bedrooms.

Monday 10th October

Not having daylight savings means we once again woke just after 6am.   The birds are incredibly noisy at sunrise (and sunset) and there is little chance of sleeping through that!    They make such a racket for about 15 minutes.    At least we managed to go back to sleep for a while.

After showers and breakfast we went for a walk along Gympie Street waterfront to find information from the I-site.   The selection was rather poor which was disappointing and strangely there was a ramp to the building, but the office was a large step??    It was pleasant walk and on the way back we stopped into at the Noosa Hot Bread shop bought a blueberry tea cake to take to Jack and Anita’s for morning tea.

We had an enjoyable morning tea with my family.  My uncles had been to play nine holes of golf with the local Probus group.  Not bad for two guys one aged 81 and the other 85!!!   Admittedly the older one snuck off for a wee rest.    Somehow morning tea rolled into lunch and we finally left about 1.30pm.  We always enjoy just hanging out with them.

On the way back we called into Noosa Civic centre to pick up more supplies, and returned to the apartment. I did manage to buy a pair of jeans with wide legs in stretch denim at Rockmans.   They also had some nice light baggy linen with half elastic waist, but not in the right size.   The sales lady was very helpful and checked the computer for stock at other shops.   Kawana Waters had the right size and colours but would take a week to get in - pity.     Pete had a headache so it was time to ‘vege out’.  Signal time for a coffee and blogging.

OMG - Pete is now watching “Happy Days” See what I mean…

I must say I am having internet withdrawal… last time we were here access to the internet was free, but now there is wireless access, which is pay packages.   I am resisting logging on.

In chatting to the Property Manager she said the apartment was designed by the owner who is in a wheelchair, which is interesting.  The buildings are about 20 years old, but not sure how long this has been accessible.    There is another apartment which is wheelchair friendly but not as roomy.

Couldn’t get the air conditioning to work!  Tried all the obvious, but no go - dam.

A while later I note the lights were actually working without the room tag being put in the ‘light switch’.   Penny drops, this is perhaps the reason the air conditioning is not working….   Correct!

Tonight we decided to stay in and just have bacon and eggs for dinner.  Plenty of nights to go out and dine when Julie and Dave arrive tomorrow.  A quiet drink and a bit of telly.   Not much on but we managed to find a couple of episodes of ’The Big Bang Theory’ which we hadn’t seen before followed by the last half hour of ’X Factor’.   We managed to stay awake longer - 9.30pm.

Noosa

The Noosa Council is very accessible aware which means most newer premises are accessible etc.  But some things don’t quite ‘right’, like the lack of footpaths, the lack of accessible accommodation. 

The accommodation issue is possibly due to a lot of the apartments and units are privately owned so there is no requirement to have a percentage of accessible rooms.  And like NZ accommodation providers don’t always advertise their accessible rooms.

In 2005 we stayed at Tingirana http://ebility.com/accessnoosa/tingirana.php  or http://www.tingirana.com.au/ .  They are located on Hastings Street, the up-market strip of accommodation, shops and restaurants.   We stayed in a Street frontage Studio which was like a large hotel room fully accessible.  It was very nice and a reasonable price back then AUD $140 per night. To have a beachfront apartment was considerably more, even for a couple.  To have a two bedroom apartment (the Street Front apartments are duel key) is around the $400 plus per night.  It is worthwhile if you want to splurge.

My cousin Meg and husband Paul has a little trouble finding accessible accommodation and have booked at Breakfree South Pacific, where my sister Gillian and husband Brian are staying when they arrive on Wednesday.

Covered carparks

Most shops and restaurants are accessible if they are relatively new.  Some older places do have steps.   Shopping centre’s such as Noosa Civic Centre and the local supermarket have shading over a number of the car parks, which includes the accessible parks.  Great in the rain and sun.  

There are roundabouts at every turn which takes a bit getting use to and the signage is a bit different.    You expect something to be either left, straight through or right, when in reality you need to look for the first, second or third exit.    One observation is that there is much more greenery around the intersections and roundabout which makes getting your bearings a bit more difficult.

Sunday 9th October

Brilliant sleep - Pete had taken the bed covers off and put on a lighter blanket plus we left the air con on in the living area to keep the temperature cool.   Managed to sleep until we heard the birds about 4.30am but did go back to sleep, waking at 6.15am - an improvement.

The coverage of Bathurst started at 6am so Pete had the TV on right away!   We are an hour behind the other eastern states and the coverage started with Classics racing in the fog up the mountain.

After breakfast I carried on writing this Blog while Pete kicked back.  Then suddenly Pete realized the mobile phone was ringing in my handbag, in the safe cupboard.  Bob and Janet from Taupo.  Last time we were in Noosa they were the first to call….. They rang with exciting news - Bob had proposed to Janet on Saturday via a big sign on the shed!  Romantic old boy.  (They live on a lifestyle block out of Taupo)    We are so excited for them.    We met them in 2006 on a Team Kiwi Racing trip to Adelaide and Melbourne for the racing.   They were dubbed ‘The Boss & his secretary’ on the trip, but that is another story….   And Bob was stoked Greg Murphy was on pole.

Today is devoted to sitting in front of the TV all day!!!  It’s an annual ritual.   And as in previous years there is a lot of strategy and planning around Safety Car events and after 5 odd hours the last few laps are exciting.    This year a record finish, with 0.29 seconds between first and second!  And Greg Murphy came third, which we were pleased about.

A pity in some ways as it was such a nice day outside.  We had all the windows and ranch sliders open with the screens across to keep out any bugs.  It was most pleasant.  

Actually one benefit of the apartment is that it is east facing so we get the morning sun and sheltered from the hot afternoon heat.   In the full heat of summer the outside BBQ area would be most pleasant particularly if there is a gentle breeze.   I am sure we will have a nightly pre-dinner drink out there when Julie and Dave arrive even though it is not summer really!!

The third quarter final of the Rugby World Cup between Australia and South Africa was half way through when we switched over from ‘The Great Race’.   

We decided to find a local pub to watch the fourth quarter final between New Zealand and Wales.   We found the pub - Villa Noosa eventually - it was next to Dan Murphy’s a liquor store (we thought it was the pub by the name!).  As Pete had had a couple of beers during the motor racing we walked and wheeled down the road.   Sunday afternoon 5pm and the roads seemed deserted, which was just as well and not all the local streets have footpaths, so I had to use the roadway.  Quite strange there are areas where there are footpaths and then areas with no footpaths… couldn’t work that out at all.  

Villa Noosa was very accessible, ramp outside and inside.    We had an early dinner while the game started in the restaurant - the prices were very reasonable and the food was nice.   I had an eye fillet steak which was superb and Pete the beef pie with mashed potato and mushy peas.   We then went into the public bar to watch the remainder.  The place was deserted???   Still we enjoyed watching the game.

Once back at the apartment we watched TV - found a “Grand Designs -Revisited” on one of the channels.  For a change something actually worth watching.   So many channels had very old movies and repeats it is dreadful.  I think we are a bit spoilt in New Zealand, expect for Prime, which is owned by Sky TV and very commercial.

Once again we were dead on our feet (so to speak) by 9pm.

Saturday 8th October

Having gone to bed so early we woke at this morning at 4.30am and finally just after 5am we got up!

So we showered and had breakfast - and that was over and done by 6.30am!!!  Wonder how we will ever cope with a real long haul flight and destination?

Cue to starting the Blog writing.   TV is bad here.  Even with numerous analogue and digital channels finding something worth watching is hard.  We did however work out what channel Bathurst and the Rugby was to be shown.

The weather forecast was for rain and thunderstorms.

We decided to head south about 9am to Sunshine Plaza at Maroochydore.  As we got in the car there was a few drops of rain.    On the way out we did a quick reckie to Jack and Anita’s to refresh Pete’s memory of the route.     We noticed the paper on the driveway, so Pete retrieved that and put by the front door in the shelter.  The rain drop were big and far apart, but by the time we got to Sunshine Beach shops it was pouring and the trip down the coast was in torrential rain!    Then there was lightening, and it just kept raining.  

Of course when we got to the Plaza the place was swarming with people, being Saturday and wet.   Once we sorted out how to get in we scored a disabled car park on the ground floor right by Myers, first pop. 

Tip - Bring your NZ Mobility Card - they are accepted here.   Actually you will find in general where ever you travel they are recognized.    The disabled parks have a white wheelchair symbol on a blue background in the centre of the park.  There seems to be plenty everywhere.  Down the coast from Noosa they have Red or Blue disability parks, but we have never found out what the difference is.

It was actually quite cold out of the car and windy.   We headed into Myers straight into the lingerie department, perfect as I wanted two camisoles.  The Staff were all over us - completely different to our previous experiences in Myers, where we couldn’t get help!     With that sorted we headed into the main Plaza to find shoe shops as Pete needed sandals.  First shop we found a pair of Colorado sandals on sale for $49 - perfect.  We did a quick wonder around and decided we were over the crowd and went back to the car after ¾ hr!   It was still raining so went back to Noosa.

The return trip was on the Sunshine Coast Motorway, as the coast road down was very slow.  We decided to call into Noosa Civic Centre - the largest shopping complex in Noosa to go to Woolworths for some lunch supplies.  Much nicer and although busy it wasn’t manic.    Might go there with Julie and Dave rather than going down to Maroochydore as it is more pleasant.

Back to the unit for lunch and for Pete to put his feet up to watch the Saturday coverage of Bathurst and the Top 10 Shootout.   It was great - Murph ended up on Pole!  What a great result.  I won’t go into the details as it will all be history by the time this is published.

With the racing coverage over we watched the Ireland V Wales quarter final of the Rugby World Cup.   Wales were so strong and Ireland could not get through their defense which we were disappointed with, as we hoped they would meet the winner of the France V England clash.   

By this time the rain had gone and the sun was out, and of course with the recent rain it became a bit humid.   Not too uncomfortable thank goodness, more tolerable than what we get in Auckland mid summer.

When the game was over we headed to Jack and Anita’s to see if they had returned from Yeppoon where they had been for four days with Bill and Gwen.    They were home, so Pete hid around the corner to put All Black flags on the car as a wind up for the Uncles!!!!    We spent about 1½ hours having a quick catch up only as they had been up since 5am also, to get the train back from up the coast.

We called into Bertoni’s Pizza & Pasta in

Thomas Street

to get takeaway Pizza for dinner.   By the time we did eat we only managed a couple of slices each as we were once again pooped!!!   After eating we tried to stay up a bit later, but by 8.30pm we were dead on our feet so headed for bed!