We slept well and didn't wake before 7:30am. I didn't want to ride today, as we were waiting on Jay to ring and tell us what time that we would meet at Helensvale. SO we laid in bed and watched 'Weekend Sunrise'.
Jay rang and told us that 10:30am was the meeting time. We eventually got up, showered and organised. We sat on the benchseat overlooking the Broadwater with Ken, one of our neighbours, and chatted before leaving to meet Bec and Jay.

We arrived at DonutKing just before 10:30am and Jay and Bec arrived a few minutes after. It was great to see them and we chatted for 30 minutes before going our separate ways. They were off to their new house while Marg and I did some food shopping.
Back at camp, we had lunch and buggered about camp for the arvo, which included both of us having a nanna nap and I watched afew recorded TV shows.

Dinner was Mr McCains' frozen pizza slices.


Tomorrow morning I will ride and in the arvo, we will visit Mum and Dad.

We slept well and I got up about 6:45am. I left Marg in bed watching '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.Then I continued over the Tallebudgera creek to the Head Office of the Gold Coast Caravan Parks, I wanted to know what the maximum stay is: answer 90days in 6 months. Next year we are confirmed for 50 days (3rd August until 2nd September) now we will try for another 40 days (27th May until 6th July) - total of 90 days.
I retraced my route, stopped at Robbies for a coffee, then continued out to the end of the Spit, ate my 2 bananas and stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and muffin, then back to camp.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 60kms gives me a total of 1,262kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 61st ride at Southport brings my total to 3,110kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 4,055kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

During the afternoon, Dad rang to say that they had moved into their Mermaid Beach apartment, so we arranged to visit them at 4:30pm. I didn't tell Mum and Dad that Lukey was working from home and that he and his family would also visit them. We arrived at 4:30pm and they were VERY surprised and extremely happy to see Lukey and his family BUT I think my 'little man' Mase was their favourite. We stayed an hour or so and then we all headed home. It was great seeing Mum and Dad, they are both buggered after driving up from Melbourne. Dad and I will probably go riding on Thursday after Dad recovers from his drive.

Dinner was KFC, it was nice.


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, there must have been a function on. 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 16th week, paid $50 won $20 currently our holiday to Date losing $27.50 at Dicky and $154 at Southport bringing our total to a loss of $181.50. Our overall loss is on the increase.

After Bingo, we headed straight back to camp for lunch. The weather was beautiful, sunny with clear blue skies. Marg decided that a nanna nap was on the cards and I changed into 'cycleman' and headed off 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 pretty choppy and only a handful of surfers were out. I retraced my route, didn't stop at Robbies and stopped at Mum and Dad's apartment for a surprise visit. They were out shopping. So I continued out to the end of the Spit, ate my 2 bananas and stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and muffin, then back to camp.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 57kms gives me a total of 57kms for September, 1,262kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 62nd ride at Southport brings my total to 3,167kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 4,112kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

Got back to camp about 4pm, and Marg and I sat on the benchseat and watched the bulldozer do its thing on the reclaimation of the beach.

Dinner was Mrs McCains pizza slices. It was nice.


Tomorrow, nothing is planned.

We slept well and I got up about 6:45am. I left Marg in bed watching '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. Here I came across the start of the Bullrush Rally, a collection of super cars. After taking a heap of photos, I then rode 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 and stopped at Mum and Dad's apartment. I helped Dad put his bike together and we will ride together shortly. After chatting for awhile, I then continued out to the end of the Spit, ate my 2 bananas and stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and muffin, then back to camp.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 57kms gives me a total of 114kms for September, 1,262kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 63rd ride at Southport brings my total to 3,224kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 4,169kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

After showering and having lunch, we drove over to Helensvale to do some shopping. The rest of the arvo was spent buggering around our camp.

Dinner was Marg's famous corned beef and cabbage. It was absolutely YUMMA.


Tomorrow, nothing is planned.

It rained heavily overnight.
We slept well and I got up about 6:45am. Dad rang at 7:00am to say as it was pissing down, he wasn't going to ride, I agreed and went back to bed and listened to the rain, which stopped about 8:30am. Marg and I watched 'Sunrise' until mid morning when we drove to cafe Rockpool for coffees and muffins. During the day, the rain squalls came over and it blew like buggery for most of the day. We both had a nanna nap and later, I dropped Marg at our club for her weekly fix of the pokies. I couldn't be stuffed joining her, as I was worried about our awning and the wind. By 5pm, the wind had dropped considerably and I drove back to our club CSi Southport and surprised Marg. The first thing that she said was "Did you drop the awning?". I said "No". She know why I was in a 'grump'. I bought myself a beer, sat in the lounge and read the Herald Sun on my iPad. Marg joined me at 5:30pm.

We ordered a large pizza, she had one piece. It was YUMMA.

Tomorrow, if the weather is suitable, I will meet Dad at his apartment and we will ride down to Currumbin and back. We were meant to do that today but the rain stopped it.

A dry night and day.
We slept well and I got up about 7:00am. I turned on "Sunrise" for Marg, had brekky and buggered about until 7:45am, when I rode my normal route and stopped at Mum and Dad's apartment.
I headed north from camp to Land's End, did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, then rode past Southport YC and then Surf LSC onto Surfers, then along the 'beach roads' through Broadbeach along Hedges Ave then turned off at Montana Rd and meet Dad waiting out the front of their apartments at 9:00am. We then rode together south, the whole way over Currumbin creek and then re-traced our route back to Robbies, where we were going to have a coffee BUT it was full, there were not 2 seats available, SO we kept riding towards Dad's apartment and stopped at BSKT Cafe. What a lovely place for a coffee. Dad and I enjoyed it and will stop here again. When riding by myself, I will still try and stop at Robbies.
After we finished our coffees, we rode back to their apartment and Mum was sitting in the sun on her balcony, reading. When you are 82yo, Mum still enjoys sitting in the sun. I stayed for 10 minutes and then rode straight back to camp. I didn't goto the Spit or stop at Cafe Rockpool. Today's ride was 61.8kms.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 62kms gives me a total of 176kms for September, 1,262kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 64th ride at Southport brings my total to 3,286kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 4,231kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

I got back to camp about 12:30pm, showered and had lunch, Marg made beautiful cornbeef sangas. We spent the rest of the arvo, just buggering about camp. We didn't need to go out, SO we didn't.

Marg cooked scrambled eggs and bacon on toast. It was YUMMA.

Tomorrow, Lukey and I have to pickup some furniture from Nerang.

Today, We are attending Mont's Dance Recital , but first, I have to help Lukey pick up a dresser from Nerang, so no riding.

We slept well and laid in bed and watched "Weekend Sunrise" before showering, having brekky and driving over to Lukeys at 10am.
We arrived a few minutes late and Lukey mentioned that. Mont was very excited as she has her Dance Recital tonight, Mase was his beautiful self, Jodi was making Mont's lunch, SO I left Marg there and Lukey and I drove over to Nerang to pick up a dresser. We managed to fit the dressing table in the tray of the mighty Navara and put the mirror in the back. Got back to Lukeys about 11am, put the table in the garage with a sheet over it, as Jodi will strip it down and paint it white for Mont's bedroom.

After saying goodbye and giving Mont and little Mase a big cuddle, Marg and I left and stopped at Helensvale shops. We intended to have a coffee and muffin at Gloria Jeans BUT (being Father's Day weekend), we couldn't find a car park close enough and decided to give it a miss and headed back to our camp.
Had lunch and watched some nasty black clouds come over BUT no rain. We both managed to have a long nanna nap during the arvo. We got organised and headed off to Mont's dance recital at Helensvale primary School hall. Got the last car spot in the school car park, saw Lukey's car and walked over to the Hall and met Lukey and family.
Mont's Dance recital was very good. There were 4 groups (Tiny Tots, Juniors, Tweens and Seniors). We weren't allowed to take photos, they had a photographer there. Bugger.

On the way home (8:30pm), we stopped at KFC, it was nice. We were starving.

Tomorrow, all our family (both boys and families, Mum and Dad plus my sister and hubby) are currently on the Gold Coast and will meet at Lukeys.

Today, All our immediate family, just happened to be on the Gold Coast, so we have organised a get together.

We slept well and laid in bed and watched "Weekend Sunrise" before showering, having brekky and driving over to Helensvale shops at 10am.
We had morning tea at Gloria Jeans and then went to Woollies and bought a cake and other smaller cakes and dropped them into Lukeys. After a lightning visit to Lukeys, we drove back to camp and had lunch and waited for Mum and Dad to arrive at 2pm, to pick us up.
Marg and I walked out the front of our CP and Mum and Dad were waiting for us. I took over the driving duties and drove the four of us to Lukeys. Jay and Bec and Phil and Lee arrived shortly after us. Mont and Little Mase were the centre of attention. We had coffee and cake and chatted for over an hour and took photos, using Jay's tripod to capture the group of us. We then drove out to Bec and Jay's new house and checked it out. It is nearly finished and looking magic.

Dinner was leftovers from this arvo.

Tomorrow nothing is planned.

Today, I rode and Marg slept.

After yesterday's family get together, Marg slept ratshit, while I slept well. I turned on "Sunrise" for Marg, had brekky and buggered about until 7:30am, when I rode my normal route and stopped at Mum and Dad's apartment.
I headed north from camp to Land's End, did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, then rode 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 ocean was calm with a small shore break for the surfers that ventured out. I retraced my route, stopped at Robbies for coffee and then stopped at Mum and Dad's apartment about 9:30am, they were up as they were heading off to Harbourtown, later in the morning. I continued out to the Spit and ate my bananas, before stopping at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and muffin before arriving back at camp. Today's ride was 56.7kms.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 57kms gives me a total of 233kms for September, 1,262kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 65th ride at Southport brings my total to 3,343kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 4,288kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

I got back to camp about 11:30pm, Marg didn't want to go out, as she was still feeling tired after a bad night's sleep. SO we spent the arvo, just buggering about camp.

Marg made nanchos and they were yumma.

Tomorrow we have to take Mont to school and pick her up, as Lukey's car has a starter motor problem and is booked in on Wednesday. We can still make BINGO.

Today, We took Mont to and from school and still made Bingo. Lukey's car has a starter motor problem and is booked in for attention tomorrow.

No time for riding today.

We slept well last night, Marg is back to normal. The alarm awoke us at 6:15am, as we have to be at Monts by 7:45am. We showered, and had brekky and left camp at 7:20am. As we were driving, Marg commented on how the traffic was flowing and light, JUST as we drove over the Freeway, twe came across an accident. Typical. Looked like a right hand turner and a straight ahead collided. It didn't slow us much, it looked like everyone was Ok with a bit of car damage. We got to Monts and dropped her at school, just before 8am. She has choir practice on Tuesday.
After leaving Mont, we headed back past the accident scene, now with Police and Ambulance and probably took 2 - 3 minutes to get past, no big deal. We still arrived at the Southport Sharks at 8:25am, 5 minutes before the doors open. The carpark was near empty, obviously, no functions on this morning. 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. In the 2nd game, Marg wins $30, we still have another 35 games to play and was feeling very confident. Naturally, we didn't win another game. Again, I came very close, only needing one number on a number of occasions when some bastard yells out BINGO. That was it. I played my brilliant game and didn't win a thing.

Our Bingo summary after our 17th week, paid $50 won $30 currently our holiday to Date losing $27.50 at Dicky and $174 at Southport bringing our total to a loss of $201.50. Our overall loss is on the increase.

After Bingo, we headed to South Park for lunch at Michels and did some food shopping. Back at camp about 1:15pm and didn't have that much time to spare as we left at 2:15pm to fight the mums, to get a car park at Mont's school. Arrived about 2:40pm, drove through the car pack, it was full, found a spot on the street not far to walk. Stood beside the lamppost, where Mont told me to stand. Mont came out and ran to me, I gave her a big cuddle and lifted her off the ground, then we walked over to the mighty Navara and drove back to Mont's house. Stayed for a few minutes and played with 'my little man', Mase. Say goodbye and drove back to camp, filling up the mighty Navara on the way.

Marg made her famous damper. It was yumma.


Tomorrow, I have to be at Lukeys to help him get his car to his mechanics.

Today, I took Lukey to and from his mechanic, dropped Mont at school and rode with Dad by chance.

We slept well last night. The alarm awoke us at 6:15am, as I have to be at Lukeys by 7:25am. Marg rolled over and went back to slepp, while I showered, and had brekky and left camp at 7:10am. Arrived at Lukey about 7:30am, his car has a suss starter motor, so it started and I followed him to his mechanic and then drove him back home. I then dropped Mont off at school and drove back to my camp. Marg was laying in bed watching "Sunrise".

I changed into 'cycleman' and headed north from camp to Land's End. Just near my turnaround point, I saw a 'seaplane' moored at the water edge, so naturally, I stopped and took photos (I googled it BUT couldn't find the make except it is a 'homemade'). Continued to my turnaround point and did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, then rode 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 ocean was calm with a small shore break with only a handful of surfers out. I retraced my route, stopped at Robbies for coffee, but it was FULL. I thought that I would surprise Mum and Dad by stopping at their apartment, as I turned into their street, TO MY SURPRISE, Dad had just ridden out of his apartment and was about to ride to The Spit. SO I joined him. Dad and I rode along the shared paths when they existed and Dad rode on the footpath, while I rode on the street. Dad is 85yo and if he feels safer on the footpath, then so be it, he rode slowly and gave way to pedestrians. We rode along the shared path until the gravel path started, opposite Seaworld, we then rode along the footpath before riding along the bike lane to The Spit. We stopped at the end of the Spit and were the only 2 people there, it was just magic. Flat ocean with a small set of waves coming through to keep the surfers happy. When we got back to the Southport SLSC, we parted ways, Dad headed back to Mermaid Beach and I stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and muffin before arriving back at camp. While sitting at Cafe Rockpool, Lukey rang to say that his car is finished and ready to be picked up.
Today's ride was 56.8kms.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 57kms gives me a total of 290kms for September, 1,262kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 66th ride at Southport brings my total to 3,400kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 4,345kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

Back at camp, Marg and I drove over to Lukeys and picked him up and drove him to his car, as we had him back home by 2pm, he would pick up Mont from school, which saved us doing it. So we drove back home and spent the remainder of the arvo, just buggering about camp, mainly watching the workers that are reclaiming the beach opposite us.

Marg made lasagna. It was yumma.


Tomorrow, Mum and Dad, Marg and I are having morning tea with Bec's mum.

Today, Mum, Dad, Marg and I were invited to Lynns for morning tea.

We slept well last night. It was great to sleep in, I didn't wake until 7:10am, it was beautiful. As Mum and Dad weren't picking us up until 11am, we just buggered about camp and took it easy.
Marg and I walked through the Caravan Park to the carpark out the front, just as Mum and Dad arrived. I drove the 'back way' to Pac Pines via Smith St. Both Mum and Dad were amazed at, how hilly it is. We stopped at Brumby's Bakery at Pac Pines and Marg bought some cream buns. We arrived at Lynns about 11:30am, after showing Mum and Dad, Mont's school and a few of points of interest. Lynn had made scones with jam and cream and while we had coffee and chatted, I made 'a big hole' in the scones, just to say that when we left there were no scones left and also had the 'odd' cream bun. They were YUMMA. I think that we must have left about 1pm and I drove back to camp, where we said goodbye to Mum and Dad who then drove back to their apartment, while Marg and I walked through our caravan park back to our camp. Until 3:30pm, Marg managed a nanna nap, while I buggered about on the computer and watched the bulldozer and digger out our window, reclaiming the beach.

About 3:50pm, we drove over to our club (CSi Southport) for our normal Thursday arvo entertainment of pokies, drinking and dinner. While Marg got her weekly fix on the pokies, I sat in the lounge on my laptop, updating this website. At 5:30pm, Marg wandered out of the pokies area and after packing up my 'gear' we walked over to the bistro.

We ordered a large pizza with 2 plates, as Marg eats one slice and we also get a free pancake, so Marg eats that.


Tomorrow, we have nothing planned apart from an early morning ride.

Today, it blew like buggery and was overcast, so I 'wimped out' and didn't ride.

We slept well last night. I awoke about 6:30am and saw that it was overcast with heavy rain clouds and blowing like buggery from the South. I had planned to ride with Dad, BUT it was not to be, SO I rang Dad and we decided that we wouldn't ride.
Change of plans, Marg and I decided to drive to Helensvale for coffee and shopping. We arrived just after 10am, went to Gloria Jeans for coffee and muffins and we sat and read the Herald Sun on our iPads. Visited target and Kmart, looking for books for Mont, then did our food shopping a Woollies.
Back at camp, we had lunch, watched the workers on the reclaimation of our beach. Marg managed a nanna nap, while I buggered about on my laptop, for something different.

Marg made steak, mash and onion sauce. very yumma.


Tomorrow, we have nothing planned apart from an early morning ride.

Today I turned a year older. Lukey was riding over and then I planned to go riding.

We slept fair last night. Marg woke up and got up about 5:45am, because she was awake, I snoozed until 6:45am and then got up. Lukey texted me and wished me a happy birthday and said he would be over about 8am. Jay rang and wished me a happy birthday. Lukey arrived on his motorbike just after 8am, Dad rang me and said that he was 'probably' riding over here, but we didn't plan to meet. Lukey left about 9am and I headed off for a ride.
I headed north from camp to Land's End. Just near my turnaround point, I saw Sue and Rosie, our neighbours, out walking along the shared path. Continued to my turnaround point and did a U turn and headed back over the Nerang river bridge, found Dad riding towards me, we then turned around and headed past Southport YC and then Surf LSC onto Surfers, then as Dad was with me, we rode slowly along the footpath to the Broadbeach shared path and then along Hedges Ave to Mum and Dad's apartment. Spoke to Mum and then I headed back to The Spit, ate my bananas and stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and muffin before arriving back at camp.
Today's ride was 50.7kms.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 51kms gives me a total of 341kms for September, 1,262kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 67th ride at Southport brings my total to 3,451kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 4,396kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

After showering and having lunch, Marg and I drove over to South Park to buy "The complete Secret Seven Library by Enid Blyton - $25) for Mont and while there, we stopped at Michels for coffee and cake. Back at camp for the remainder of the afternoon, Marg managed a nanna nap, while I watched the V8s at Sandown, Lowndesy came last in qualifying, not a good result for tomorrow's 500kms race. Fingers crossed but I don't think that will help Lowndesy.

Dinner was lasagna. very yumma.


Tomorrow, we have nothing planned apart from an early morning ride.

Today I rode, we visited Aus Fair and spent the arvo watching the V8s.

We slept well last night and woke about 6:30am ish. Marg managed to get back to sleep, while I changed into 'cycleman'.
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 everywhere. I retraced my route, stopped at Robbies for a coffee, then continued out to the end of the Spit. On the graveel track near the Spit, I was stopped by two cyclists, there was a snake on the track, so we took photos. After 'Little Monty' slithered into the bush, I continued to the end of the Spit and ate my 2 bananas and then stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee and muffin, then back to camp.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 62kms gives me a total of 402kms for September, 1,262kms for August, 1,042kms for July and 946kms for June. My 68th ride at Southport brings my total to 3,513kms and 945kms at Dicky OR if you are really into figures, I have ridden 4,457kms since leaving home back on 3rd May.

After showering, we drove over to Aus Fair for some food shopping and I settled in for an afternoon of watching the Sandown 500. Lowndesy finished 13th. He just didn't have it. Marg managed to have a nanna nap.

Marg made egg and bacon pie for dinner. It was yumma.


Tomorrow, I am Jay's chaffeur, he has a car problem.