We slept well last night, Marg asked me if I was going riding, so that was my stur to get up. I left just on 7am, heading north from camp to Land's End, did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, past Southport YC and then Surf LSC onto Surfers, where I did another U turn and headed out to the Spit, where I sat and ate my 2 bananas. The view of Surfers today was absolute stunning. The high rise were sharp with the rain clouds contrasting beautifully with a beam of sunlight highlighting a few of the high rises. The photo doesn't do it justice. Continued onto Cafe Rockpool, where Zac took my order of coffee and muffin, then headed back to camp.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 35kms gives me a total of 531kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 47th ride at Southport brings my total to 2,379kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,324kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

Back at camp, I showered and we got organised as we were having a family lunch at Pacific Pines Tavern at 12pm. We arrived a few minutes early and both our 'little' boys with their families arrived and we made our way to our table, which Jay booked yesterday. Between the eight of us, we ordered 3 chicken parmas, 2 steaks, 1 fish and chips and 1 calamari and chips and our little man "Mase' didn't eat. He sat in a high chair and amused himself with some soft toys. Our meals were very yumma and it was absolutely fantastic having our family together. As they live nearly 2,000kms away, we do miss them so much. After lunch, we did a small food shop at Woollies next door and spent the remainder of the arvo, buggering about at camp. I altered the front page of this website and Marg managed a nanna nap.
The weather today looked like it would rain at any moment, but it hasn't so far.

As we had a good lunch, dinner was a scratch meal.

Tomorrow I have to check out 3 apartments at Mermaid Beach for Mum and Dad.

We slept well last night, Marg woke first and was up by 7am, I arose shortly after.
Today, I wanted to check out 3 Holiday Apartments in Mermaid Beach/Broadbeach for Mum and Dad. They have decided that after a 'shit' year with burning down their house on 9th August 2014, that they need a holiday and their usual apartments are now no longer taking holiday guests. SO their loving son (aka ME) looked for something suitable.

I rode my normal route down to Burleigh and stopped at Robbie's cafe for a coffee. This time, Robbie McEwen was sitting by himself in the sun having a coffee, so I annoyed him for 1 minute before leaving him alone and sitting by myself at a table and drank my coffee. He is such a nice guy. Out the front of his cafe at Miami Beach, there were a pod of dolphins having fun, so I tried to photograph them, BUT as usual the bastards wouldn't stay still for a good photo. Typical.

On my way home, I called into the 1st apartments on my list. Spoke to Ron and he had a ground floor unit available from 31st August for 25 nights. I walked out the front, rang Dad, woke him and after a very quick talk with Mum, I was paying the deposit. Mum was rapt, it was on the ground floor, with a balcony facing North, so she can sit in the sun (when you are 84 you no longer worry too much about the sun), Dad was rapt as it had an underground carpark and he could also charge his electric bike. SO it was win, win all round. I did stop again at Cafe Rockpool before heading home.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 57kms gives me a total of 588kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 48th ride at Southport brings my total to 2,446kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,381kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

Back at camp, I showered and we had lunch and buggered around camp until 3:45pm, when we drove over to our club (CSi Southland) for a romantic dinner. maybe not. Marg played the pokies, I updated this website and at 5:30pm, we sat with other members and Marg ate garlic prawns and I had a pizza. They were Yumma.

Tomorrow is our normal Tuesday Bingo. I hope we are not getting in a rut.

It had to happen, last night, we both slept ratshit, so bad that I actually got up at 3:30am and went on the internet. Yeah, I know, I am crazy.
We got up about 6am and just buggered about camp. I am having a 'discussion' with AGL as our electricity bill at home is still stuffed, since 31st October 2014. After talking to AGL's resolution centre, they are still trying to help me.
About 9am, I rode my normal route down to Burleigh and tried to stop at Robbie's cafe for a coffee, but it was chockers so I kept riding all the way to the Spit, where I sat and ate my 2 bananas. At the Doug Jennings park located at the Spit, the workers are setting up floating jetties, marquees and other stuff for the Xcat Powerboats which are racing there this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. While I was riding across the park, a security guard, came over and told me to leave as it was a construction site. I obeyed him. I must admit that I did ride through the 'Road Closed' signs.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 56kms gives me a total of 644kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 49th ride at Southport brings my total to 2,502kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,437kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

After showering and having lunch, Marg and I drove to Woollies South Park for a food shop and a coffee at Michels.
During the arvo, Ken and Rosie arrived at our park we met them about 6 years ago, I helped Ken setup his awning and walls. He thanked me.

Marg made mini pizzas. They were Yumma.

Tomorrow Marg is going shopping with Jodi and our little man Mase, while I hope to ride.

Well after the previous night's ratshit sleep, last night, we both slept beautifully. Well, we were rather tired.
While Marg laid in bed watching Sunrise, I changed into 'cycleman' and left about 7:30am, when it was 14.0°, I 'wimped out' and wore my long fingered gloves, tights and wet weather jacket, BUT it soon warmed up and I stripped off near Broadbeach.
Back to my normal 55km ride. I headed north from camp to Land's End, did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, past Southport YC and then Surf LSC onto Surfers, then along the 'beach roads' through Broadbeach along Hedges Ave to Miami Beach, past Robbie McEwen's Cafe, along the shared paths to the Burleigh Heads Lookout. Stopped and took some photos, there were millions of surfers out and hundreds waiting for the free Tai Chi to start. I retraced my route, stop at Robbies for a coffee, spoke to Sherry and then onto The Spit where I sat and ate my 2 bananas, then stopped at Cafe Rockpool for another coffee and a muffin, then headed back to camp.
While out riding, Marg had 'teed up' to go shopping at Aus Fair with Jodi and our little man Mase. I was stalking them on my mobile, which showed that they were at Aus Fair, only problem was that Marg had locked the fiver and left my key inside. At least, I only had to wait about 5 minutes before Marg arrived, so no major drama.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 56kms gives me a total of 701kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 50th ride at Southport brings my total to 2,558kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,492kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

After lunch, we buggered about camp. It was very relaxing.

We had some of the lasagna leftovers with garlic bread. It was Yumma.

Tomorrow nothing is planned except that I hope to ride.

We slept well. While Marg laid in bed watching Sunrise, I changed into 'cycleman' and left about 7:10am, when it was 14.0°, I 'wimped out' and wore my long fingered gloves, tights and wet weather jacket, BUT it soon warmed up and I stripped off near Broadbeach.
Back to my normal 55km ride. I headed north from camp to Land's End, did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, past Southport YC and then Surf LSC onto Surfers, then along the 'beach roads' through Broadbeach along Hedges Ave to Miami Beach, past Robbie McEwen's Cafe, along the shared paths to the Burleigh Heads Lookout. Stopped and took some photos, there were heaps of surfers out, I retraced my route, stop at Robbies for a coffee, spoke to Sherry and then onto The Spit where I sat and ate my 2 bananas. I then checked out the Xcat Power boats at The Spit (they are racing this weekend). I stopped at Cafe Rockpool for another coffee and a muffin, then headed back to camp.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 57kms gives me a total of 758kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 51st ride at Southport brings my total to 2,615kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,549kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

After lunch, we drove over to Spotlight, Marg had to buy some wool, she is making hats for Mont. Continued over to the CPAP shop, I need a new mask as my current one is falling apart and is held together using 'rescue tape'. They didn't have one in stock and will order one in for me, then we drove to South Park for my 3rd coffee of the day and some food shopping. The rest of the arvo was spent buggering about camp. It was very relaxing.

We have frozen Quiche Lorraine.

Tomorrow is Bingo.

We slept well last night, finally woke up about 6:45am. We had brekky and got ourselves organised for Bingo and left at 8:25am. Arrived at the Sharks about 10 minutes later, the carpark was fuller than normal. I brought 2 full set plus 2 lucky numbers for $50, while Marg sat at 'our' table, as it was free. We marked the various games and were ready for the 9:30am eyes down with heaps of time to spare, so Marg went and ordered coffee and cake. And we started, halftime break came and we hadn't won anything, we had been close only needing one number on a number of occasions when some bastard yells out BINGO. Anyway, after the break Marg lets rip with a BINGO and wins $20. That was it. I played my brilliant game and didn't win a thing.

Our Bingo summary after our 15th week, paid $50 won $20 currently our holiday to Date losing $27.50 at Dicky and $124 at Southport bringing our total to a loss of $151.50. Our overall loss has started to increase.

After Bingo, we stopped at Spotlight for more wool, Marg is making '3 blind mice' hats.
Back at camp, we had lunch and I watched the rain front approach us from the North, so I decided to ride to The Spit to check out the Xcat powerboat racing. While there, the rain arrived but I was prepared just put on my fluro yellow wet weather jacket and walked around the edge of the Spit watching the boats practice.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 21kms gives me a total of 779kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 52nd ride at Southport brings my total to 2,636kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,570kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

On the way back to camp, I stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and muffin then at camp showered and changed. About 4:30pm, we drove over to Mont's place as it is her 9th Birthday.

Mont was very happy with her pressies and then Marg and I and Mont went and bought Maccas for dinner. I wonder who picked Maccas for dinner.

Tomorrow nothing is planned as it is currently raining and the forecast is for more rain.

We had 18.8mm of rain overnight and none during the day. We slept well. While Marg laid in bed watching Weekend Sunrise, I changed into 'cycleman' and left about 8:00am, for my normal ride of 55kms.
I headed north from camp to Land's End, did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, past Southport YC and then Surf LSC onto Surfers, then along the 'beach roads' through Broadbeach along Hedges Ave to Miami Beach, past Robbie McEwen's Cafe, along the shared paths to the Burleigh Heads Lookout. Stopped and took some photos, there were heaps of surfers out, I retraced my route, didn't stop at Robbies as it was chcokers and continued onto The Spit where I didn't sit but still managed to eat my 2 bananas. I arrived at approx 10:15am and rode out to the end of the Spit. There were probably 30 to 40 people along the Spit with cameras and chairs waiting for the Xcat power boats to start practice which included exiting the seaway and heading approx 200 meters into the ocean. This was where all the action was, as the waves at the mouth of the seaway created short chop which caused the 'throttleman' to decrease power to keep the props in the water. As the spectators started walking out on the seawall, I headed back to the Xcat main area and took some more photos. I then headed homeward and stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and a muffin.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 57kms gives me a total of 836kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 53rd ride at Southport brings my total to 2,693kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,627kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

After showering, we drove over to Oz Fair for some shopping and then spent the rest of the arvo back at camp. Marg managed a nanna nap, while I watched the Xcats from our camp.
Dinner was quiche leftovers with garlic bread.

Tomorrow I plan to revisit the Xcat power boats.

We slept well. While Marg slept in, I changed into 'cycleman' and left about 7:00am, for my normal ride of 55kms.
I headed north from camp to Land's End, did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, past Southport YC and then Surf LSC onto Surfers, then along the 'beach roads' through Broadbeach along Hedges Ave to Miami Beach, past Robbie McEwen's Cafe, along the shared paths to the Burleigh Heads Lookout. Stopped and took some photos, there were heaps of surfers out, I retraced my route, stopping at Robbies for a coffee. I wasn't in any hurry as I wanted to arrive at the Spit about 9:40am, just in time for today's Xcat powerboat practice.
I got there about 9:45am and rode out to the end of the Spit, thankfully there weren't many people there. Today's course was different to yesterdays with more open water racing. They came out the GC seaway turn right and headed about 2kms towards Surfers before rounding another buoy and head back through the seaway and into the Broadwater rounding some more buoys and then was a complete lap.
I watched practice for nearly an hour before riding homeward, along the Seaworld Drive, which was full of cars parked on both sides of the road from Seaworld to the Spit. I stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and a muffin.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 57kms gives me a total of 893kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 54th ride at Southport brings my total to 2,750kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,684kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

After showering, we drove over to South Park some food shopping and then spent the rest of the arvo back at camp. Marg managed a nanna nap, while I watched the Xcats live on their internet streaming, then watched the V8s. Lowndesy came 10th.
Dinner was sausage,eggs, bacon, spag and bread. Absolutely YUMMA.

Tomorrow, nothing is planned.

We slept well. While Marg slept in, I changed into 'cycleman' and left about 7:40am, for my normal ride of 55kms.
I headed north from camp to Land's End, did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, past Southport YC and then Surf LSC onto Surfers, then along the 'beach roads' through Broadbeach along Hedges Ave to Miami Beach, past Robbie McEwen's Cafe, along the shared paths to the Burleigh Heads Lookout. Stopped and took some photos, there were NO surfers out, the waves were all chopped out. I retraced my route, stopping at Robbies for a coffee. I rode out to the end of the Spit, there were only a small bus load of tourists taking photos, just my normal day on the Spit. I stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and a muffin.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 56kms gives me a total of 949kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 55th ride at Southport brings my total to 2,806kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,740kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

When I got home, Marg told me that she was feeling pretty 2nd rate, so she spent most of the arvo just resting, while I created a new webpage of the Gold Coast XCat racing.
Dinner was a scratch meal, I made Marg peanut butter on toast and I had weet bix.

Tomorrow, assuming that Marg will be back to normal, we have BINGO.

Marg is still feeling second rate, so much so, that she didn't feel up to going to Bingo today. She must be crook.
Marg sent me off riding about 9:00am and she went back to bed. I did my normal ride of 55kms.
I headed north from camp to Land's End, did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, past Southport YC and then Surf LSC onto Surfers, then along the 'beach roads' through Broadbeach along Hedges Ave to Miami Beach, past Robbie McEwen's Cafe, along the shared paths to the Burleigh Heads Lookout. Stopped and took some photos, there were NO surfers out, the waves were still blown out. I retraced my route, stopping at Robbies for a coffee. I rode out to the end of the Spit, and shock, horror another small bus load of tourists taking photos, just my normal day on the Spit, except that a small pod of dolphins were about 100 meters offshore. I stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and a muffin.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 57kms gives me a total of 1,006kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 56th ride at Southport brings my total to 2,863kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,797kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

When I got home, Marg told me that she was feeling pretty 2nd rate, so she spent most of the arvo just resting, while I drove over to South Park for some food shopping. When Marg was up, we spent some time sitting in the annex reading the Herald Sun on our iPads.
Dinner was again a scratch meal, I made Marg peanut butter on toast and I had weet bix.

Dad Update: Mum and Dad leave tomorrow to join us on the Gold Coast, they are booked in from Monday 31st August. They are driving and plan to stay at Narrandera tomorrow night.

Tomorrow, I have to take Mont to school, so Jodi can take our little man to the 'weights and measures'.

Marg is still feeling second rate, so much so, that she couldn't go with Jodi and Mase to the 'weights and measures'.
I had to be at Lukeys at 7:55am, to take Mont to school about 8:20am, also Jodi could then take Mase to be 'weighted and measured'. I arrived back at camp about 8;45am and with Marg's approval I went riding. Marg just buggered about camp, sent most of her time in bed. I did my normal ride of 55kms.
I headed north from camp to Land's End, did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, past Southport YC and then Surf LSC onto Surfers, then along the 'beach roads' through Broadbeach along Hedges Ave to Miami Beach, past Robbie McEwen's Cafe, along the shared paths to the Burleigh Heads Lookout. Stopped and took some photos, the surf was up and the surfers were there. I retraced my route, stopping at Robbies for a coffee. I rode out to the end of the Spit, ate my 2 bananas and then rode past Doug Jennings Park, the Xcats had cleaned up and only the boats remain, locked away and guarded by security. I stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and a muffin.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 56kms gives me a total of 1,062kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 57th ride at Southport brings my total to 2,919kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,853kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

When I got home, Marg told me that she was feeling better BUT still tired, so we BOTH managed a nanna nap this arvo.
Dinner was again a scratch meal, I made Marg cheese on toast and I had pizza slices.

Tomorrow, we have Mont's school book day.

Marg has improved enough, that she went to Mont's school Book parade. How lucky am I? The Book parade is all the kids in the school dressing up as characters in books. It goes for 2 mornings. Parents and Grandparents are allowed to attend. As I previously stated. How lucky am I?
Ok. I was being silly, it wasn't that bad, the majority of parents went to a lot of trouble. Marg crochetted 3 little piggy hats and tails. Marg is into that sort of thing.

We slept well and the alarm woke us at 7am, we got ourselves organised and arrived at Mont's school at 9:05am and found a car spot RIGHT NEXT to the Hall. Just Brilliant timing.
Jodi and our 'little man' Mase were alright there in the back row. Marg managed to sit beside Jodi and cuddled Mase, I was jealous. I stood behind them and everyone else, being tall ish, I could see over everyone. The book parade went for just on one hour. The kids were sitting on the floor towards the front of the hall in their class groups. When told they would stand up, walk to the side of the hall and then do a lap of the hall and finish crossing the stage andd back to their position on the floor. It was very interesting. I managed to capture a few photos.

When it finished, we managed to say goodbye to Mont, Jodi and Mase and Marg and I drove over to Helensvale shops, for a coffee and cake and some shopping. On the way home, we drove past the Pirates 5 movie set, it is now completely cleared. You wouldn't know that it was there a month ago.

Back at camp, we had lunch and Marg decided it was time for a nanna nap, while I went for a short (26kms) ride down to Surfers, The Spit and home stopping for a coffee and muffin at Cafe Rockpool. There are only 10 Xcats left on the Spit, the rest have already been removed. As I rode back into camp, I stopped at the Office and asked about stopping there next June as well as August and September. I was given a booking form. We are already approved from 3rd August to 22nd Sep 2016, we are waiting on a 5 day extension to 27th Sept 2016. Depending on their answer, we have applied for another 35 or 40 days finishing on 6th July, as we are booked in at Dicky Beach from 6th July to 3rd August 2016.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 26kms gives me a total of 1,088kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 58th ride at Southport brings my total to 2,945kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,879kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

About 3:50pm, we drove over to our club (CSi Southport) for our normal Thursday arvo entertainment of pokies, drinking and dinner. I spoke to David and Di who were coming over, but once the rain arrived they decided against it. They are heading home on Sunday, so we won't see them until next year.
Dinner was a pizza and pancakes. It was yumma.
Marg and I are real fast learners, we have been coming to this club for dinner for many, many times. Marg eats as much as a fly, consequently, whatever she orders there is a lot left, which I try to eat. Her brilliant idea is, I buy the large pizza and a free pancake and she eats one slice of my pizza and the free pancake. Absolutely Brilliant. It hasn't taken us long to think of this.

Dad Update: Dad rang me today while I was out riding. They stayed at Narrandera last night and were at Peak Hill when he rang. They will drive a bit further and then find a motel for the night, so they are on their way here.

Tomorrow, we have nothing planned, the forecast is for rain.

Great news, Marg is now back to her usual brilliance.

We slept well and woke just after 7am, we buggered about at camp until 9:30am ish, when I rang David and Di and organised morning tea and a chat at their Tallebudgera CP. We drove along 'Beach road' from the Southport YC to Burleigh Heads and arrived at their CP, parked in the visitors carpark and walked to their site. It was a great site with magic views over the Tallebudgera creek. Di used her coffee machine and made a nice brew, we chatted for awhile and then wished them all the best, as they leave on Sunday. We hope to see them next year as we have both rebooked at our respective parks. We stopped at Woollies at South Park for some food items and then headed back to camp.

Back at camp, we had lunch and Marg decided it was time for a nanna nap, while I went for my normal (55kms) ride.
I headed north from camp to Land's End, did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, past Southport YC and then Surf LSC onto Surfers, then along the 'beach roads' through Broadbeach along Hedges Ave to Miami Beach, past Robbie McEwen's Cafe, along the shared paths to the Burleigh Heads Lookout. Stopped and took some photos, the surf was up and the surfers were there. I retraced my route, and as it was after 2:30pm, Robbies was closed. I rode out to the end of the Spit, ate my 2 bananas and then rode past Doug Jennings Park, the Xcats had cleaned up and everything is back to normal. All the boats from yesterday are now gone. As it was late in the day, Cafe Rockpool was also closing up for the day, so I didn't stop.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 56kms gives me a total of 1,144kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 59th ride at Southport brings my total to 2,995kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,939kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

Marg made her very YUMMA damper.


Tomorrow, we have nothing planned, the forecast is for rain.

We slept well and didn't wake before 7:45am. Very rare indeed. I left Marg in bed watching 'Weekend Sunrise' and changed into 'cycleman' and went for my normal (55kms) ride.
I headed north from camp to Land's End, did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, past Southport YC and then Surf LSC onto Surfers, then along the 'beach roads' through Broadbeach along Hedges Ave to Miami Beach, past Robbie McEwen's Cafe, along the shared paths to the Burleigh Heads Lookout. Stopped and took some photos, the surf was up and the surfers were there. I retraced my route, didn't stop at Robbies, as it was full. I rode out to the end of the Spit, ate my 2 bananas and then rode past Doug Jennings Park, and stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and muffin, then back to camp.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 56kms gives me a total of 1,202kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 60th ride at Southport brings my total to 3,051kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 3,995kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

During the afternoon, Lukey, Mont and Mase arrived, I managed to get a temporary pass, so Lukey could drive into our park, and park on our site. We walked along to the 'new' beach and built sandcastles, taught Mont to pick up 'soldier crabs' in her hands. She did. Mase played on the grass and loved it.

Marg made lasagna with garlic bread. It was very YUMMA.


Dad Update: Dad rang me today. They have arrived and are staying at Tweed Heads until the unit is available on Monday. They stayed overnight at Narrandera, Dubbo and Armidale.

Tomorrow, we are having coffee with Jay and Bec at Helensvale.