We slept well until 6:00am. I got up and had a shower and did a load of washing, before the 'child bride' got up. What a husband!.

Jo texted and we organised ourselves for a coffee catch up. Jo was dropping Mont at school, then coming over about 9am. She arrived and little Mase was shy for a second then returned to his normal chatty self. We walked around to Cafe Rockpool, about a kilometer away, I pushed Mase on his bike, while Jo and Marg walked and chatted. Mase and I were watching birdies, boats and anything that moved. There were plenty of Ians (Ibis) and no Georges (Pelicans). Cafe Rockpool started undergoing renovactions last August and is finished and completely different. It is now called the "Fish Shak", I can still get a coffee there, so I am happy. Kamal is still there but doesn't work on Thursdays, Zac is now working as a barber and Sean is working down near Currumbin.

After coffee, we stopped at the swings just near our camp. Mase loved it and I took the odd photo or two.

Check out the photos of Mase, he is one of the reasons, why Marg and I decided to sell up and move to Queensland, Mont is another reason, but she was at school.

After the swing, we stopped at the grass area just near our site and Mase played with his trucks.
When Jo and Mase left, I left Marg back at camp and drove over to Storage King Southport to organise our storage area. I met Scott the manager, nice guy. On the way back to camp, I stopped in at a Medical Clinic, and booked an appointment to have my sutures removed from my face and back, just another couple of skin cancers cut out. The joys of being a yachtsman from the 60s onwards and not wearing sunscreen. I used to wear coconut oil, but it didn't help. Strange that.

Back at camp, we had sangas for lunch and while Marg 'forced' herself to have a nanna nap, I re-acquainted myself with the bike paths.

As I haven't ridden much since August, my fitness is ratshit and I have managed to put on an extra 10kgs. My 'toned' body is a tad jumbo. So I only rode upto Land's End back to Southport YC, out to the Spit via the gravel path (no wildlife today), then out to the end of the Spit, weaving in and out of our Asian tourists. Back past where the 'freeloaders' used to free camp, (Fat Mick boasted to me last year that he was there for 8 months without paying. Prick). Well, the new by laws have worked as there is not a 'freeloader' to be seen, then back to camp.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 29.3kms is my 1st ride at Southport for a total of 29.3kms on the Gold Coast.

We didn't feel like anything flash, so we had a scratch meal, we had Mrs Sargant's Mexican pies. They were YUMMA.

Tomorrow, I plan to pick up the Bubble from CEVA Logistics in Brisbane.

We slept well until 6:00am. I got up and had a shower, had brekky, while Marg laid in bed watching "Sunrise".

I had planned to catch the 9:24am train from Helensvale to Bowen Hills, where Jay would pick me up and drive me over to CEVA at Pinkenba, so I could pick up our Bubble. Well, at 7am, Jay rang and said that he slept in and would pick me up from camp at 8am and drive me directly to CEVA. Great.
Jay picked me at 7:50am and we headed along the M1 to Brissy. The traffic was unusually excellent, we sat on 110kph and didn't have any holdups. Jay said it was very rare, indeed. I saw Danielle at CEVA and 5 minutes later, the Bubble appeared and I was off heading back to the Gold Coast.

We decided to transport the Bubble to Qld, as I didn't want to drive it 1,800kms sitting on 100kph. CEVA charged us $590 from their Melbourne depot to their Brisbane depot.

I got back to camp around 10:30am. I asked the Office about parking the Bubble on our site. No prob, if you pay $7 per day and over this LONG weekend it costs $15 per day BUT if you can find a carspace out the front, it is free. So I parked the mighty Navara in a free spot and we will alternate the Bubble and mighty Navara. The Bubble will stay there overnight, because as Marg said "If someone steals it, the Bubble is less hassle".

The Bubble looks good on our site, we received the odd look "How can the Bubble tow that 5th Wheeler. In short, it can't".
We drove the Bubble over to South Park for a coffee and some shopping, then on the way back, we stopped at Chemist Warehouse. The Bubble loves being on the Gold Coast.
Back at camp, we had lunch, Marg was lured to bed for a nanna nap, while I played with this website.

Marg's eldest brother Ted and family were staying in Surfers, so we organised to go out for dinner at 'our Club - CSI Southport'. Ted met us at our camp and we then drove over to CSI, where Lukey and Mase also came. After a chilled refresher or two, we ordered dinner. Marg had garlic prawns, while I had a chicken parma. Little Mase was just beautiful, a fellow patron came up as we were leaving to tell us that Mase was a very well behaved child. Naturally, I agreed with him.

After dinner, we all went our separate ways. It was a great night, catching up with Ted and his family.

Tomorrow, I hope to ride and Little Mase and family are coming around.

We slept well until 6:30am. I got up and had a shower, had brekky, while Marg laid in bed watching "Sunrise".

I had a doctor's appointment at 9:30am to remove my sutures from my face and back, just a couple more skin cancers cut out. As it turns out, I have 10 sutures in my face and 4 in my back. When I arrived back at camp, Marg, Mase and family less Mont (who was at Dance) were at Cafe Rockpool having a coffee, SO I walked over there and joined them. After coffee, we walked back to camp, without stopping at the swings as there were people everywhere. Mase and family left just before lunch to pick up Mont. (The parents aren't allowed to stay and watch, probably would turn into an episode of Dance Moms).

Marg and I had lunch, then I went for a ride, the same route as Thursday, while Marg did her thing. I think that included a nanna nap.

I am not riding a big distance, SO 30 kms suits me at present. So I only rode upto Land's End back to Southport YC, out to the Spit via the gravel path (a dead red bellied black snake), then out to the end of the Spit. Not many tourists today. Back out to the end of the finger opposite "Bums Bay" and then back to camp.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 29.8kms is my 2nd ride at Southport for a total of 59.1kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.


Mase and Mont with Jodi and Lukey came over about 3:30pm, as the kids wanted to swim and build sandcastles. Well, they arrived and the clouds came over, SO swimming was out of the question and we built sandcastles. Jodi brought BBQ chook and rolls for dinner. We had a great time on the beach. About 5:30pm, we fed the kids and then the adults. I must admit doesn't handle 6 bodies inside, when some son forgot to bring the folding chairs that are stored in his shed. They left about 6:30pm. It was a great day.
One of many, to come.

As said above, dinner was BBQ chook in rolls. It was YUMMA.

Tomorrow, I hope to ride and Marg and I are off to Wynnum to watch Mont participate in a Dance competition.

We slept well until 6:00am. I got up and had brekky, and went riding, while Marg slept on.

I am riding the same route as the previous 2 rides. The weather was beautiful. I only rode upto Land's End back to Southport YC, out to the Spit via the gravel path then out to the end of the Spit. Not many tourists today. Back out to the end of the finger opposite "Bums Bay" and then back to camp.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 31.2kms is my 3rd ride at Southport for a total of 90.3kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was nothing, SO count to date is 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.

Back at camp, I am updating this website, while Marg is doing her thing. We had lunch and were ready to leave by 3:40pm. Arrived at Lukey's and we took 2 cars and headed along the M1 until we turned off at Wynnum Road and ended up at the Wynnum Leisure Centre. We sat in the back row, so Lukey could take Mase out, if he was bored. He was, on a number of times.
Mont's group of 6 dancers came on as the 5th group from the start about 7:25pm. They were very good, if you like that sort of thing. There were 23 other groups in her section and they received a "Highly Commendable". After Mont's results, we went our separate ways.

On the way back to the Gold Coast, I was told by a Policemen that my taillights weren't working. He let us go. We made it back to camp without any further drama.


We stopped at Maccas and bought Choc shakes and sundaes. They were YUMMA.

Tomorrow, Jay is coming around about 5:45am, to go riding.

I slept well until 5:00am. I got up and had brekky, as Jay was getting here at 6am to go riding with me. Strange, but Marg slept on.

We rode the same route as my previous 3 rides. The weather was beautiful. We rode upto Land's End back to Southport YC, out to the Spit via Seaworld Dve, as Jay didn't want to ride the the gravel path, then out to the end of the Spit. There were a surprisingly large number of people, even at our unGodly hour. Back out to the end of the finger opposite "Bums Bay" and I showed Jay the DEAD red-bellied black snake on the side of the bike lane, then back to camp. Marg was up when we returned.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 28.6kms is my 4th ride at Southport for a total of 118.9kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was nothing, SO count to date is 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.

Back at camp, Jay stayed and chatted before heading home.
Mid morning, Marg and I went to Bunnings - it was CLOSED then continued on to Westfield Helensvale - it was also CLOSED. It is Labour Day holiday in Qld and the 'joint' closes down. We did call into Southport Sharks and renewed our yearly membership (cost $7 each), as it is Tuesday tomorrow and Tuesday is BINGO. Yippee.

For the remainder of the day we both managed a nanna nap and I then continued to update this website, while Marg did her crocheting. We are still both knackered. Of course, I am probably overdoing it by riding as often as I am.

Marg cooked steak, mash and onion gravy with vegies. It was stunningly YUMMA.

Tomorrow is BINGO. Yahoo.

We slept well and woke about 6:30am and watched "Kochie". We got up about 7am, showered, had brekky and left for the Sharks at 8:20am. Arrived at the Sharks about 10 minutes later. I brought 2 full sets plus 2 lucky numbers plus 2 undercovers tickets for $50 and we sat at 'our' table. While I bought the tickets, Marg went and ordered our coffees. Marg and I marked the various games and were ready for the 9:30am eyes down with heaps of time to spare, SO we read the Gold Coast Bulletin on our iPads.
There were only about 30 people, normally, it is nearer 50. SO you would think less people better odds of winning. Well, that was true to the woman sitting about 2 tables away. I reckon that she had 5 - 10 wins. By half time break, we were winless. I gave Marg a severe talking too, but she remained winless for the whole session. AS usual, it was up to me to reduce our losses. 2nd game after the break, I let rip with a Bingo and should have won $20, but would you believe it, that I had to share it with 2 other 'winners', SO I won $7. In the last game, again I let loose with a very 'manly' BINGO and pocketed $20. We both had games where we were waiting for just ONE bloody number and it would not drop. Bastards.

Our Bingo summary after our 1st appearance, paid $50 won $27. Outlaid to date: $50 and won so far: $27 current loss is $23.

After Bingo, we drove over to Aus Fair to do some shopping, as yesterday's public holiday closed down the state, and nothing was open. I nearly starved to death. We also called into Terry White to have a script filled. They price matched which is good.

Back at camp, we had lunch (tomato sangas). Marg did her thing, while I went riding.

I left at 1:41pm and rode the same route as my previous 4 rides. The weather was beautiful. I rode upto my Land's End turnaround point and on my way back, I stopped at 'our apartment' and took some photos. As you can see they are digging a very big hole for our 2 floors of car parking and storage areas. I met Adam and Caroline who are the apartment managers. I explained my situation, that we have bought an apartment on the 4th Level. I told then that I was happy to finish the apartment after 5 levels, but the developers would like to build 12 levels. I also told them that I will be taking 'time lapse' photos of the build.
Back to riding, I continued to Southport YC, out to the Spit via the gravel Federation Walk, then out to the end of the Spit, where I ate my banana. Being a weekday, there weren't many people. Back out to the end of the finger opposite "Bums Bay" and then back along the gravel track again. Here I saw my only sighting of wildlife - a bush turkey. Stopped at Cafe Rockpool which is now called the Fish Shak, Kamal was on duty and we chatted for a few minutes and caught up with the local gossip, then back to camp at 3:43pm .

My riding stats: Today's ride of 31.5kms is my 5th ride at Southport for a total of 150kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was a bush turkey, SO count to date is:

• 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
• 1 bush turkey.

Marg managed to 'fit in' a nanna nap while I was riding.

Marg had Beef Sctnitzel and I had pizza slices. It was yumma.

Tomorrow, nothing is planned except that I hope to ride.

We slept well and I woke about 6:00am and Marg laid in bed and watched "Kochie". I got up, had brekky and went riding. I took my good camera and spent some time taking numerous photos.

I left at 6:32am and rode the same route as my previous 5 rides. The weather was beautiful. I rode upto my Land's End turnaround point and on my way back, I stopped at Labrador and took photos. The water was a mill pond this morning. In some of my photos, I used the zoom feature, I am most impressed with that.
I continued to Southport YC, out to the Spit via the gravel Federation Walk, then out to the end of the Spit, where I ate my banana. Being a weekday, there weren't many people. Back out to the end of the Moondarewa Spit (finger opposite "Bums Bay") and then back along the gravel track again.
As I was riding back towards camp, Marg rang me to say Marg, Jo and Mase were walking to Cafe Rockpool for a coffee, I met them there. Before heading back to camp. I had had my shower before the trio arrived at camp, I think it had a lot to do with the pace that Mase was walking.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 34.2kms is my 6th ride at Southport for a total of 184.2kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL, SO count to date is still:

• 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
• 1 bush turkey.

After Jo and Mase left, Marg and I went to Bunnings and Helensvale for some shopping. Back at camp, we had lunch and Marg managed to 'fit in' a nanna nap while I buggered about on my laptop.

Marg made nachos. They were yumma.

Tomorrow, nothing is planned, I need a day of rest, so no riding.

We slept well and I woke about 7:00am, but as we had nothing planned, we laid in bed and watched "Kochie". Finally, getting up about 9am, we had brekky and booked an appointment with Michele our apartment sales manager. We parked the Navara where the Bubble lives and drove the Bubble to Michele. She showed us an apartment which has just been sold and we were happy with the quality of the fittings etc.

After leaving Michele, we drove the Bubble to Helensvale shops (shock,horror, they were open). We had coffee and donuts at Donut King, then did a small shop at Woollies. Back at camp, we swapped over the mighty Navara and Bubble, as we were not going out again. We had lunch and I got the urge to ride. SO I did.

I left at 1:54pm and rode the same route as my previous 6 rides. The weather was threatening to rain BUT didn't. I rode upto my Land's End turnaround point and continued to Southport YC, out to the Spit via the gravel Federation Walk, then out to the end of the Spit, where I ate my banana. Being a weekday, there weren't many people. Back out to the end of the Moondarewa Spit (finger opposite "Bums Bay") and then back along the gravel track again.
I didn't stop for a coffee and headed back to camp, where Marg appeared to be having a nanna nap, she shows all the signs of sleeping.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 29.4kms is my 7th ride at Southport for a total of 213.6kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL, SO count to date is still:

• 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
• 1 bush turkey.

For the remainder of the arvo, we buggered about at camp.

Marg made egg and bacon pie. Naturally, it was yumma.

Tomorrow, nothing is planned, I may visit Storage King.

We slept well and I woke about 6;30am, and did washing before the crowds. We used the laundry as I was washing the bed sheets. We had brekky and about 9:00am, Mase came and bought Jo with him.
We walked over to the Fish Shak and had a coffee. When finishing, Mase and Marg walked through the water at the Rockpool. We were the only people there, but once we left about 15 people arrived. Walking back to camp, we stopped at the swings. Mase enjoyed himself. Jo had to work tonight, so we are off to their place by 4pm.

After lunch, I visited our Storage King at Southport and dropped off some items.

Arrived at Jo's just after 4pm and when Mont was ready, I drove her to dance practice, while Marg got Mase his dinner. After dinner, Marg gave Mase his bath. Lukey got home about 6pm. I picked up Mont from Dance at 7:00pm and then Marg and I headed back to camp but stopped at Maccas for dinner.

Tomorrow is busy, riding with Jay at 6am, Lukey and Mase coming over at 9am and during the arvo, I will watch Lowndesy in Perth.

Jay wanted to go riding with me, so who am I to say "No" to my little boy. He said "Dad, I will meet you at 6am".


I set the alarm for 5:30am but woke at 5:15am, SO I turned off the alarm as I didn't want to wake Marg. I slept well, got up quietly, had brekky, 'stalked' Jay on 'Find my Friends" app and when he was about a kilometer away, I rode out to the CP entrance and waited for him. He was only a minute away.
We left camp at 5:55am and rode up to my Land's End turnaround point and on our way back, we couldn't see the Southport highrise due to the rain squalls coming towards us. As we rode towards the squall, we hummed and harred, deciding whether to stop at Jay's car or keep going. Our decision was made for us, as the clouds parted and we saw blue sky and the sun rising, so decided to keep riding our normal route, out to the Spit etc. Jay still didn't want to ride the Federation Walk 'gravel' path, so we rode along Seaworld Drive. As there was a Southerly 'gale' blowing, when we headed to Lands End and to The Spit, we had a beautiful tail breeze pushing us and naturally, coming back we pushed into a stiff breeze.
We rode into another rain squall as we approached the Spit, but we managed. We arrived back at camp at 7:34am and I told Jay not to visit Marg as she would be still asleep. She was, awaking about 8:15am.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 29.0kms is my 8th ride at Southport for a total of 242.6kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL, SO count to date is still:

• 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
• 1 bush turkey.

Lukey and Mase arrived at 9:00am. We left Marg back at camp and we drove over to Anaconda to check out the WeeRide Deluxe Child Bike Seat. It looks the real deal. Lukey dropped me back at camp and while I picked up Marg, Lukey picked up Jo and we met at Jamie Whincup's Loca Cafe and Car Wash for a coffee. I was pretty sure that we wouldn't see Jamie, as he was driving in Practice 3 in Perth. It is a very nice place and we enjoyed it.

After we parted ways, we drove back to camp and had lunch and I spent the arvo on my laptop and watching the Supercars telecast on Foxtel, while Marg tried to have a nanna nap. She succeeded.

Dinner was our egg and bacon pie leftovers. It was yumma.

Tomorrow, I have to be at Lukeys, we have a couple of tip runs to do. In the arvo, I will watch Lowndesy in Perth.

Lukey has an inspection on Tuesday and consequently, had to tidy up the garden.


He texted me at 6;02am, I was awake, so I got up, had brekky and drove over to Lukeys, arriving about 7:30am. He wanted to use the mighty Navara to take all the garden waste to the Helensvale Transfer Station. I worked from 7;30am to 1pm and was absolutely knackered. I did 4 tip runs. Their house looks great and it was all worth the effort.

I got back to camp just after 1:30pm, showered, had lunch and 'died' on the bed. About an hour later, I have recovered enough to watch the Supercars race in Perth. Lowndesy finished 8th.

Marg had a 'ball' doing her thing.

Dinner was Sargent's Mexican spicy pies. They were yumma.

Tomorrow, we will do some food shopping and bugger all else. I may ride in the arvo.

Today was a day of rest. It rained on and off all day, so no riding.


We slept well and finally woke after 7:30am. We watched "Kochie" and eventually got up, had brekky and buggered about on the laptop. Around 10am, we drove the Bubble over to Australia Fair, which was the first time that the Bubble had been there. We dropped Marg's sapphire necklace into the jewellers to have the clasp fixed, it was wearing out. We had a coffee at Zarraffas and then did a small shop at Woollies.
The Bubble wanted to see my riding route, so we drove out to the Spit, along the various beach streets to Burleigh Heads, I was going to take a photo but it started raining. As we headed back to camp, the rain got heavier, but luckily, during the arvo, it became intermittent.
After lunch, Marg had a nanna nap and about an hour later, we were both having a nanna nap. It was quite pleasant, laying in bed listening to the falling rain.

I got up about an hour later, feeling refreshed. The rain still came in various squalls.

Dinner was Lamb Cutlets for Marg and Roast Chook for me. They were yumma.

Tomorrow is BINGO. Say no more.

We slept well and woke about 6:30am and watched "Kochie". We got up about 7am, showered, had brekky and left for the Sharks at 8:20am. Arrived at the Sharks about 10 minutes later. I brought 2 full sets plus 2 lucky numbers plus 2 undercovers tickets for $50 and we sat at 'our' table. While I bought the tickets, Marg went and ordered our coffees. Marg and I marked the various games and were ready for the 9:30am eyes down with heaps of time to spare, SO we read the Gold Coast Bulletin on our iPads.
There were about 40 plus people. Marg started great winning 2 lots of $20, while I got close. After the half time break, Marg lets rip with another BINGO and wins $30, I am still winless. As usual, I had games where I was waiting for just ONE bloody number and it would not drop. Bastards.

Our Bingo summary after our 2nd appearance, paid $50 won $70. Outlaid to date: $100 and won so far: $97 current loss is $3. Thanks Marg, you are good.

After Bingo, we drove over to BCF to check out the Weber baby Q BBQ, we will probably buy one sometime in the future.

Back at camp, we had lunch (egg and turkey sangas). Marg did her thing, while I went riding.

I left at 2:04pm and due to the strong breeze, I rode from camp to the Spit and back to camp at 3:30pm.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 22.6kms is my 9th ride at Southport for a total of 265.2kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL, SO count to date is still:

• 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
• 1 bush turkey.

Marg managed to 'fit in' a nanna nap while I was riding.

Marg made one pan meal. It was yumma.

Tomorrow the mighty Navara is booked in for its 180k service and has a rear lights problem.

We slept well and I woke about 6:15am, got dressed and arrived at Von Bibra Nissan. Brett the Courtesy van driver told us that he would leave about 8am, SO I sat in a comfy lounge chair and read the GC Bulletin on my iPad. Brett and I talked about caravanning on the way back to camp.
About 9:30am, Marg and I and the Bubble headed off to Robina Shopping Centre for a coffee and a bit of shopping. Back at camp, we had lunch (turkey and egg sangas) before driving over to Lukeys for child minding duties. Lukey is being awarded for his 10 years service at a work turn in Brissy. It is more convenient for us to stay overnight, SO we are. We arrived just after 2pm, and after unpacking the Bubble, I drove over to Mont's school and picked her up. She had a few minutes before we headed off to Dance. While I was out, Lukey and Jo headed off to Brissy and Marg entertained Mase.
We both entertained Mase, playing with his various toys and reading books. Marg cooked Mase some pasta and sauce, he thought it was yumma.

I picked Mont up from Dance at 6:30pm. I got there 10 minutes early and sat in the 'waiting room'. I felt a bit out of place. When the class ended, I was surrounded by 20 young dancers. Having 2 sons, being in a female dance academy was different.

Marg made Mont scrambled eggs, Marg and I had one pan meal leftovers from last night. It was yumma.

Bedtime for Mase, Marg got him ready for bed and laid him on the couch, Marg and I played on our laptops, while Mont played on Marg's iPad, we had Foxtel on Smooth music. It was a relaxing atmosphere and Mase did the right thing by falling asleep. I carried him into bed and he slept all night. It is currently 6:01am and he is still asleep.
Lukey and Jo got home about 10pm and showed us his award, it was very nice plus he received a gift card. He was happy.

Tomorrow I will drop Lukey off at Helensvale station, take Mont to school and pick up the mighty Navara, then Marg and I will head back to camp.