Where has the time gone?

So much has changed in just a few weeks. Sorry for not keeping you all up to date, but it seems we are back in the rat race. Hopefully not for too long.

So much has gone on in recent weeks: Tim returned to Rocky to sort out the problems we were having with the camper and was fortunate enough to walk into some work and I returned a few weeks after that, once my contract finished with JCU. And it has been non stop since!

After this post, I hope to never mention the camper again, but I’ve never been so thankful for a faulty product! You see, if we didn’t have ongoing issues with the camper, we wouldn’t have needed to bring it back to get fixed.

I arrived home late Thursday, 23 April and went in and had a quick chat to my grandma. She was so excited to see me. I got a hug and a kiss before heading to bed. It was after 10 at night and I had to start my new job at 7am so I was really looking forward to some shut eye. Nothing unusual here.

The following day, grandma took a turn and was back in hospital. A few days later, we were planning her return home via GARS when it appears she had another two strokes in hospital.  We knew she had already used up all her miracles and grandma passed peacefully, surrounded by her family on Monday, 11 May the day after Mother’s Day.  Sadly, only days prior, we also lost a close family friend. It was a crap week.

It has been emotional few weeks and we are truly blessed to have known them both and have the opportunity to have been in Rocky when our families needed us. Even if it was to simply make tea and coffee or be there for hug when needed or simply provide a familiar face, and shoulder to cry on.

Obviously, at the time, we didn’t know how fortunate we were to have purchased a faulty camper but the update on the camper is that we sold it. We tried to get our money back or have it replaced, but instead we agreed to get it fixed and have them help us sell it. I’m not sure they understood why we wanted to get rid of it, but after being fixed for the third time, in under 10 months, we were over it and lost our joy in the camper. So we took a hit financially, but are still in the game mentally. The people we sold it too are lovely and I think are going to love camping in the camper. They couldn’t believe all the work Tim had put into the camper and said it was everything they dreamed of. That’s how it’s meant to be.

So now Tim and I are off to Brisbane in early June for the caravan and camping show and hope to find our dream touring accommodation there! We are now looking at completing our trip in an off-road caravan and taking the swag with us too. At this stage, the boat won’t be making this adventure but I’ll be sure to send an update from the show, or at the very least, send through some photos!

Oh and the picture used for today’s update, that’s my grandma on her wedding day. Such a lady who had such sharp wit, right up until the end.

I did mention our gear was an evolving project

Just a quick update as we are heading back to Rocky.

Well, it seems our trip is evolving. We are heading back to Rockhampton.
What can I say…we haven’t slept in our camper for over a month and have grown tired of all the drama that’s involved so we plan on returning the camper and asking for our money back, or some sort of a solution that includes them keeping the camper.

This choice wasn’t made lightly, not only do we need to take the bloody thing back to Rocky but we are now researching what to live in, and the bad news is, everything else we find is a caravan. Why is that so bad??? Have you ever tried to load a boat on-top of a caravan? Well, we’re not even going to try.
So we’ve decided to not worry about the boat. We’ll take it up the Cape and then offload it.
So many changes and don’t worry, Snow and Jo are still on the ‘items to bring’ list! They made the cut!

Paronella Park ~ best day ever!!!

Seriously, this was the best day ever! I’m not sure how the rest of Australia will compare but today was sensational! Not because it was my birthday, nor because I was super spoilt, but because we got to spend some quality time at Paronella Park. A must do for everyone!

A dream has been realised. Jodi has been talking about Paronella Park since we first visited Cairns over five years ago and seen as it was her birthday, we spent the day walking around the grounds and listening to the stories of Jose Paronella. What an amazing bloke!

The day started with a cooked breakfast, followed by a stroll around the park (where we lost track of time) and that evening we went and had dinner at Mission Beach.  A sensational day! Having said that, this post is all about the park!!!

Paronella Park is a remarkable place. Jose built a castle for his love and opened it to the public. However the creation and life of the park wasn’t without tragedy, which makes the story even more remarkable. We wont go into the details, as you will need to visit this place for yourself!

Knowing that this hidden gem is in Australia and on our doorstep in Queensland is amazing! To top it off, the grounds and buildings are powered by hydroelectricity. At the very least, check out the website!

Granted we haven’t seen much of Australia yet, but this will be a destination I implore you to see.  Take your time and do the guided tour. The pass allows access over two years which is great, as Tim visited some time back and mentioned there have been many changes to the park and they have many plans to update in the coming years. We hope to go back soon for the evening tour and after, to Mena Creek pub for a bite to eat.

Did you know the pub near the park, has it’s own beer – Mena Creek Gold. We’ve yet to try it. 🙁 Not from a lack of trying but both times we have called in, they were waiting on stock.

Below are some shots from the day. It really is an amazing place and we hope you get to see it some time.

We are finally on the road!!!!

What a great week it was getting to Innisfail! We even learnt to play Canastas! Now on the hunt for Canastas cards!!!

And have been for about a week.

Some of you may have seen a facebook status of Jodi’s, saying farewell to Rocky. Unfortunately we didn’t get away that day. Like you really expected us to! 🙂

As it happened, some mates of Tim’s called over (they stopped by upon their return from Malawi) and then a crazy storm hit. So rather than taking off, we thought it best to help mum and dad clear the street  and neighbour’s driveways, then leave the next day.  After all, we’ve waited this long so one extra day won’t hurt.

A pathway to Rollingstone Creek
Steps to fun!

We took our time getting to Mackay and caught up with family before heading onto Townsville where we stayed with Tabby and Josh.  It was so hot  and muggy.  Jo took the weather hard, but thankfully Josh & Tabby took us to a few local creeks to cool off. Seriously clear water in those creeks.

While in the Ville, Tim managed to find a couple of micro breweries, as well as a craft beer festival. Naturally we had to go to the beer and cheese tasting event.  After much nagging, we conned Vossy into attending said event. It was very interesting to taste the impact cheese has on beer – much like wine.

We finally arrived in Innisfail late Monday (Australia Day) and have set up camp. Not sure how long we will stay, I guess it depends on work for Tim. Fingers crossed a job comes through for him in Cairns as that will be solid work for 3-4 months. Just what we need before the next stage of the adventure!

Until then, there is the heat and humidity to keep us going!

A storm rolling over at Bushland Beach
A storm rolling over at Bushland Beach