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 did text me asking if I had a spare riding jacket, as my little boy was cold. Wimp.

We left camp at 6:00am and rode up to my Land's End turnaround point and on our way back, riding out to the Spit, we were blinded by the sunrise. As we rode along the path towards the end of the Spit, we kept an eye out for the woman who abused us 2 weeks ago, but she didn't front. Thank God. She was a 'real lady'. Not.
After rounding the beacon at the Spit, we headed back along Seaworld Drive, we decided to ride down to Surfers, SO we did and turned around out the front of the Soul Building and had a beautiful ride the whole way back to camp. We arrived back at camp at 7:43am and I told Jay not to visit Marg as she would be still asleep. This morning, she was awake.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 35.1kms is my 17th ride at Southport for a total of 517.2kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL, SO count to date is:

• 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
• 2 LIVE bush turkeys.
• 1 LIVE bearded dragon.
• 1 'nearly extinct rare Federation Walk Frog' - aka a DEAD frog.

Lukey and Mase arrived at 9:20am. Lukey wanted to have brekky at the Frigg Cafe which is just across Marine Parade from the Caravan park. Marg and I only had coffee while Mase had banana bread and Lukey had something called "Super Acai Bowl" It looked nice. Lukey assured me that it was very yumma.
After leaving Frigg we walked back to camp and picked up the old bread and walked over to see George and his mates. Believe it or not, George is not overly impressed with bread and the four of them stayed just offshore. Thank God for seagulls, they kept Mase entertained.

After feeding the seagulls, we walked back to camp and Lukey attached Mase's new car seat in the Bubble and then headed back home. Marg and I had lunch and then managed a nanna nap.

Dinner was Mrs Sargents' Spicy Mexican pies. They were yumma.

Tomorrow, Mase and family are coming over at 8:30am for the "Monster Machinery Day" at Broadwater Parklands.

Mase and family were coming over at 8;30am for the City of Gold Coast Monster Machinery Day. (Check out everything that digs, scoops, cleans and beeps at the 14th annual City of Gold Coast Monster Machinery Day). Mase should be in heaven.

First off, Marg has now caught my cold, that I caught from Lukey. Thanks Lukey for sharing the LOVE.
We slept fair and woke up about 7:45am and got up and had brekky. Lukey and family were going to a cafe for brekky and would arrive about 8:45am, well, they arrived at 9:00am. Marg and I drove the Bubble as it was a good 2km walk each way and we didn't feel up to it. Mase and family left their car at our camp and walked there. Actually, walked isn't quite right for Mase, as daddy pushed him in his trike. Marg and I parked the Bubble and after a few minutes waiting on a bench seat, Mase and family arrived. The crowd had already started to flow in. As Marg and I waited to cross Marine Parade at the lights, a couple of kids screamed out "digger", as they could see the digger displays over the road. It was great to see.

As expected Mase absolutely loved the displays, one display which captivated Mase was the digger demo, where a guy drove the digger and moved a pile of dirt from one area to another. The kids were 'glued' to this demo.
All the machinery except the Fire and Rescue extension ladder and Hot Wheels were all owned by the City of Gold Coast, which just happens to be the second largest council behind Brisbane CC in Australia. (Our old council - Kingston - in Melbourne probably owns one tractor).
Eventually, Mase had seen enough and both Mase and Mont wanted to come back to camp in the Bubble. This is the first time that Mase had used our new car seat that we bought to drive Mase around in. He loved it.

Back at camp, we relaxed before Mase and family headed home. I followed as Lukey and I had to rejoin his wall unit that we transported up here. I stopped at Bunnings and bought 6 bolts and nuts with washers, while there I succumbed to their sausage and onion sangas. After 3 and a coke, I arrived at Lukeys. We joined the wall units and they worked beautifully. As Lukey didn't want his old road bike, I took it and will give it to a guy who recycles bikes and gives them to charity. The bike shop was closed and I will try them tomorrow.

Back at camp again, Marg was reading on the bed and I joined her before both of us were deep into a nanna nap.
Jay rang just before 6pm to tell me that he wasn't riding tomorrow, I said "great, I can sleep in".

Dinner was a scratch meal. We had cereal.

Tomorrow, Marg and I will go to Storage King and get all Jay's 'stuff' and take it to his home about mid morning.

I plan to go to Storage King and take all Jay's 'stuff' to his home.

Marg is now succumbing to the 'cold' and slept fair. I am better than Marg but still nosey. As usual, I will soldier on and wont complain.

While Marg stayed home, I drove the mighty Navara with Lukey's old road bike to the bike shop, where 2 years ago, I bought the mountain bike, as he no longer wants it, SO we are donating it to a guy who recycles bikes. We couldn't be stuffed selling it and it is in as near new condition, it is too good to throw down the tip. We were happy that the bike shop gives it to the guy.

After leaving the bike shop, I drove about a kilometer away to Storage King, found all Jay's boxes and packed them into the mighty Navara and drove back to camp. Rang Jay as he was working from home, to check if it was suitable time to drive over and deliver all his 'crap'. It was, so Marg joined me and away we went. Unloaded the 'stuff' in Jay's garage and left Jay to continue working.

On our way back to camp, we stopped at Helensvale shops for a coffee and do some shopping. As we were drinking our coffees, I 'stalked' Jo and found that she was over at the Helensvale Library, I texted her and she and Mase joined us at Gloria Jeans for coffee and afterwards, we 'attacked' Woollies as I pushed Mase around in a trolley. We both enjoyed it. We walked back to Jo's car, said "goodbye" and we both went back to our separate homes.

Back at camp, we had lunch and while I forced myself to ride, Marg managed a nanna nap.

I left at 12:51pm and headed out of the Park and turned left and rode along the bike paths and the gravel Federation Walk, out to the Spit. Stopping at the end of the seaway and ate my bananas and took some photos. I looked out to sea BUT couldn't see any whales. On the way back to camp, I stopped at cafe Rockpool for a coffee, and spoke to "B" who works there. After coffee, I rode up to my Lands End turnaround point and didn't take any photos of our apartment BUT did see the crane in action, SO something was happening.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 31.5kms is my 18th ride at Southport for a total of 548.7kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL, SO count to date is:

• 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
• 2 LIVE bush turkeys.
• 1 LIVE bearded dragon.
• 1 'nearly extinct rare Federation Walk Frog' - aka a DEAD frog.

Marg made macaroni cheese. It was YUMMA.

Tomorrow is BINGO, if we feel up to it. Currently, it will be touch and go.

It's Tuesday, SO it is BINGO, well, Marg wasn't feeling well enough, SO we gave it a miss, BUT don't feel too bad for us, we plan to go to Friday's session.

I think that Marg has now succumbed to the 'cold' and slept fair. I am better than Marg but still nosey. As usual, I will soldier on and wont complain.

Marg decided to give Bingo a miss, as she didn't want to be coughing and spluttering all the time, SO we didn't go. Marg relaxed around camp by watching TV and I went for a ride.

I left at 8:02am and headed out of the Park and turned right, towards Labrador (checked out our hole in the ground), then through Broadwater Parklands, over the Nerang River, past Southport YC, instead of riding along the Seaworld Drive, I opted for the gravel of the Federation Walk. At the seaway I turn left and rode to the end of the Moondarewa Spit and returned to the end of The Spit at the end of the seaway. At the end of the Spit, I took a crowd photo of ALL my friends, as you can see from the photo, they got the time wrong and DIDN'T show up. Bastards.
After leaving the Spit, I rode back along the Federation walk and then stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee. As I have been a bit 'light on' with wildlife sightings, while having a coffee I noticed the "purple swamp hen" they will do as my latest wildlife sighting, not real wildlife like an 'inland taipan aka the fierce snake' but they are wild, SO, so be it.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 31.2kms is my 19th ride at Southport for a total of 579.9kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was ONE Purple Swamp hen, SO count to date is:

• 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
• 2 LIVE bush turkeys.
• 1 LIVE bearded dragon.
• 1 'nearly extinct rare Federation Walk Frog' - aka a DEAD frog.
• 1 LIVE Purple Swamp hen

Back at camp, Marg was still feeling second rate and didn't want to go shopping, SO after showering, I drove the Bubble to Helensvale shops. Marg loves Portino and Woollies Helensvale is the ONLY local supplier, SO being a loving and caring husband (that's me), I drove ALL the way to Helensvale to buy my darling sick wife 10 bottles. Oh yeah, I prefer to shop at Helensvale, SO it wasn't that 'big a thing'. I stopped at Gloria Jeans and had a coffee and read my iPad , then did a small food shop at Woollies, including 10 bottles of Portino.

Back at camp, we had lunch and while Marg had a nanna nap, I buggered about on my laptop.

We had the leftover macaroni cheese from last night. It was YUMMA.

Tomorrow, nothing is planned except Marg will be doing NOTHING but resting.

Marg still wasn't feeling flash, SO she was confined to camp. I planned to ride to Burleigh Heads.

Marg was all settled and organised, SO I went for a ride.

I left at 9:16am and headed out of the Park and turned left, headed through Broadwater Parklands, over the Nerang River, where I noticed a beautiful BIG yacht moored at the Southport YC, I will stop on my return and take photos and hopefully find out its name. Continued along Main Beach Pde towards Surfers, then via The Esplanade and continued to Broadbeach. There is a new building being built beside the Life Saving club and onwards along Hedges Ave, past Robbie's cafe (he wasn't there) onwards to Burleigh Heads bluff. The surf off the point was beautiful. This is my southerly turnaround point.
Now I retrace my route and stop at Surfers to take my daily weather photo. After the photo, I continued to The Spit via the gravel Federation Walk. Rode out to the end and sat and ate my bananas. As I was passing Southport YC, I took a few photos of the BIG yacht Pumula

After taking photos of the Pumula, I stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee, then I continued past camp on my way to my Northerly turnaround point at Lands End. As I past our Apartment I noticed the 'digger' being lifted out of our hole by a BIG crane. I stopped and took a few photos for my Time-Lapsed web page. Our Time-lapsed photos of our Apartment

Finally arriving back at camp at 1:00pm after 58.9kms.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 58.9kms is my 20th ride at Southport for a total of 638.8kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL. SO count to date is:

• 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
• 2 LIVE bush turkeys.
• 1 LIVE bearded dragon.
• 1 'nearly extinct rare Federation Walk Frog' - aka a DEAD frog.
• 1 LIVE Purple Swamp hen

Back at camp, Marg was still feeling second rate and didn't want to go shopping, SO after lunch, she had a nanna nap.
Lukey needed a chauffeur, to pick Mont up from Dance at 6:30pm and Jo from work at 7:00pm, SO I was the man for the job. I left camp at 6:00pm by myself and took the Bubble and did my pick ups and returned to camp just after 7:30pm.

We had Mr Mc Cains frozen meals.

Tomorrow, nothing is planned except Marg will be doing NOTHING but resting, very similar to today..

Marg is starting to improve.

After a good night's sleep, we awoke about 7;15am. Marg laid in bed and watched "Kochie" while I got myself organised and drove the Bubble over to Storage King. I am looking for my maps and laminated pages that I need for the Brisbane caravan show. I found 2 maps but still need to find some more graphics.

I left Storage King and went back to camp and picked up Marg. We drove over to Aus Fair, filled a script, had coffee at Zarrafas and did a small food shop at Woollies. It was afternoon by the time we got back to camp, SO we had lunch and while Marg prepared for a nanna nap, I went for a short ride.

I left at 1:06pm and headed out of the Park and turned left, headed through Broadwater Parklands, over the Nerang River, Pumula is still moored at the Southport YC, then continued along Main Beach Pde to Surfers, where I took today's weather photo. It was only just after 1:30pm and you can see the BIG shadow cast over the beach by the Soul Building, Unreal.
I rode back towards The Spit along the shared path from Surfers to Southport SLSC before starting along the gravel Federation Walk. Rode out to the end and sat and ate my bananas. As I was riding over the Nerang river, I had to take a few more photos of the Pumula, as it is a beautiful yacht.

After taking photos of the Pumula, I stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee, then I continued back to camp. I did think of continuing up to Labrador but the wind was bloody strong with gusts up to 50kph.

Arriving back at camp at 3:45pm after only 29.8kms.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 29.8kms is my 21st ride at Southport for a total of 668.6kms on the Gold Coast.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was Ian Ibis. SO count to date is:

• 1 DEAD red-bellied black snake.
• 2 LIVE bush turkeys.
• 1 LIVE bearded dragon.
• 1 'nearly extinct rare Federation Walk Frog' - aka a DEAD frog.
• 1 LIVE Purple Swamp hen
• Numerous LIVE Ian Ibis

We had Mr Mc Cains frozen meals again.

Tomorrow, we will attempt BINGO, if Marg feels up to it in the morning.

I slept well but Marg slept ratshit, getting up at some ungodly around midnight before coming back to bed. We awoke about 7:30am, and I asked Marg if we were going to Bingo. Marg said "yep", so we had brekky and headed off in the mighty Navara about 8:10am. We left earlier than on Tuesday as Friday is busier. We arrived at Sharks at 8:25am and waited for the front doors to be unlocked at 8;30am. There were 6 other people waiting with us. After the doors opened, we managed to get 'our' table and I brought 2 full sets plus 2 lucky numbers plus 2 undercovers tickets for $50. As usual, as 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.

Ask Marg how she went...... She went very well, winning $75 in the member's game before half time...... I didn't win a cent.

By close of play, I was consistent, by losing every game and Marg didn't have another win BUT that $75 put US in front. We still had a ball.

Our Bingo summary after our 5th appearance, paid $50 won $75. Outlaid to date: $250 and won so far: $302 current profit is $52.

Back at camp, we had lunch and while Marg prepared for a nanna nap, I recreated the laminated pages that I will display at the Brissy Caravan Show. I copied the 3 files onto a DVD and took that with me to Officeworks. Danielle (officeworks) said their DVD reader is cactus, SO she told me to email the files to her, which I did and about an hour later, I was back picking up my laminated pages. All Good. So I have all my displays ready for the Brissy Show.
For the remainder of the arvo, I buggered about at camp.

We had Chicken with 'sticks up their arses' aka chicken kebabs cooked beautifully cooked by Marg. They were YUMMA.

Tomorrow, at 6am, I am riding with Jay, he tells me we are off to Broadbeach and back, then about 9am, Lukey and Mase and maybe Jo are coming around for a coffee.

I slept well and Marg slept better. I set the alarm for 5:30am but was awake by 5:05am. I got up, got dressed had brekky and left without waking Marg and went and met Jay out the front of the Park by 5:50am.
Jay wanted a longer ride, SO we headed north to my Northerly turnaround point at Lands End, then headed south to the Spit, before heading through Surfers to Broadbeach. As we rode into Broadbeach, I asked Jay if he had seen Robbie McEwen's cafe, he said "No". So we kept riding south to Miami Beach and stopped out the front. Robbie wasn't there, so we turned around and headed back to camp, stopping at Surfers for my daily weather photo. Arriving back at camp at 8:20am after 48.7kms. Jay stopped by camp to give Marg a cuddle and then headed back to his home.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 48.7kms is my 22nd ride at Southport for a total of 717.3kms on the Gold Coast.


After showering, Lukey texted me to say that the family would met us at Frigg cafe (over the road from our Park) about 9:15am. We walked over to Frigg and Lukey, Jo, Mont and Mase were already there and had ordered their brekky, SO Marg ordered hers and I had a coffee. We sat at a table on the footpath, and with the wind gusting, everyone complained it was cold. I tried to tell them that it was NOT cold BUT they didn't believe me. We met Jenny, one of friends that we met through Bingo, at Frigg, Jen is a regular there. We chatted for a few minutes, it was an unexpected pleasure to catch up with Jen.
After brekky, Lukey headed home and Marg and I went to Aus Fair to do food shopping.

During the arvo, we both managed to have nanna naps. It's strange that after riding with Jay, I usually have a nanna nap during that arvo, probably because we ride faster than when I ride by myself and we appear to get up at some ungodly hour.

Marg cooked ham steaks and vegies. They were YUMMA.

Tomorrow, Lukey and Jo are 'running' a 4km run. We have to be at the start line to mind the grandkids by 6:30am.

I thought that weekends were for SLEEPING IN.

We had to be at Lukeys by 6am. Consequently, I set the alarm for 5:15am. (Actually it was STILL set from yesterday's ride time with Jay). We slept well, except we were awake by 5am, SO we got up and as quietly as possible, we drove out of the caravan park. Arrived at Lukeys at 5;50am and when Lukey and Jo were ready to leave, we followed them to the Damien Leeding memorial park at Coomera lake.

Lukey and Jo were entered in the 4km Dash, which consisted of a lap of the lake and a bit. Marg and I were there as #1 supporters or was it child caring. I think it was both. At 6:50am, the gun sounded and the 4km Dash had started. Lukey and Jo were off side by side. After a few minutes they were running past us, as the course had a small loop at the start before it started a complete lap of the Lake. It took approx 35 minutes before they were finishing. During that time, Mont froze (she had both mummy and daddy's jumpers on, while I entertained Mase by playing with stones in the gravel. About 20 minutes into the race, the support team were hungry, SO while our athletes were out enjoying themselves running around a lake, we attacked the food stall. Mont devoured a egg and bacon roll, while Mase and I had a sausage in bread. As we were finishing our brekky, our team approached the finish line.

Congrats to Jo and Lukey on a magnificent effort.

When all finished, we drove back to Lukeys and after he relaxed, we did a tip run. About 10am, we left Lukeys and Marg and I stopped at Helensvale Shops for a coffee and muffin, a new iphone cover and a small shop at Woollies.

We got back to camp just after 11am and for the rest of the day, we did NOTHING, even managed a nanna nap from 1pm for a couple of hours.

Marg made nachos. They were YUMMA.

Tomorrow, nothing is planned, except I hope to ride to Burleigh Heads.

We slept very well, Marg got up about 7:00am, so she tells me, I slept until 7;30am and then got up.
As we had nothing planned, I decided to go for a ride down to Burleigh Heads.

I left camp at 8:29am and headed north to my Northerly turnaround point at Lands End, then headed south past the Southport YC, along The Esplanade, through Surfers, through Broadbeach, along Hedges Ave and Albatross Ave, past Robbie's Cafe (he wasn't there) to the Burleigh Heads bluff, my Southerly turnaround point. Retracing my route, I stopped at Surfers for my daily weather photo. The council were cleaning the concrete after Saturday night's Fireworks show, SO I couldn't take the photo from my usual spot. I then rode out to the Spit and ate my bananas, then continued onto Cafe Rockpool for a coffee, before heading back to camp, arriving at 12:02pm after 57.9kms.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 57.9kms is my 23rd ride at Southport for a total of 775.2kms on the Gold Coast.


While I am out riding, Marg is back at camp, doing her 'thing', she is happy for me to leave her alone. It is a 'win, win' situation. We both are winners.

I needed a poster cylinder to carry my maps and photos, that I use at the Brissy caravan show, starting Wednesday 7th June. Marg didn't want to come with me, SO I drove the Bubble to Aus Fair, but couldn't find any. I did a small shop at Woollies then drove over to Officeworks, where I got one. I am nearly ready for the Brissy Caravan Show.

Marg made sausages, mash and vegies. They were YUMMA.

Tomorrow is Bingo.

We slept well and woke just before 6am. After buggering about on the internet, we had brekky and got organised about 7:30am.
We swapped the Bubble with mighty Navara, and drove the Bubble to the Southport Sharks for Bingo.

We arrived at 8:25 and queued up with 6 other 'old farts' that get there early. Sharks don't open until 8:30am. We walked in and I claimed our table, while Marg went and ordered a coffee for me, while she ordered a juice and muffin for herself. I bought our normal set of bingo, which consisted of 2 sets of the normal games which comprises 40 games, plus 2 sets of jackpots plus 2 undercovers plus 2 lucky numbers for an even $50.
By half time, we haven't won a thing, as usual, close, as in only 1 number but no cigar. After half time, I was playing to my usual form and didn't win anything. Thank God, Marg had one win of $20. Better than nothing.

Our Bingo summary after our 6th appearance, paid $50 won $20. Outlaid to date: $300 and won so far: $322 current profit is $22.

After bingo, we drove over to the Helensvale shops for a coffee and a small shop. As we were having coffee, Lukey texted us and asked if we could look after Mase as Jo was suffering with a severe headache. We did.
As soon as we arrived at Jo's home, I sent her to bed and she didn't put up any resistance. Strange that. Marg and I entertained Mase. Mont is going on her school camp tomorrow, and still needed gumboots, so Marg, Mont, Mase and me (notice all the names start with "M") drove to Anaconda to buy her gumboots. We walked in and straight to the gumboots and by pure luck, she choose the purple gumboots and they fitted her, so everyone was happy.

Lukey arrived home from work and after everyone was organised, Marg and I left them and headed homewards. Stopping for petrol in the Bubble and at Woollies for a small food shop. We had Maccas for dinner. Some nights it is just what we want and onight was one of those nights. usually I don't say Maccas was yumma, but tonight it was.

After dinner, I got myself organised for tomorrow, by preparing my clothes, chair, displays and any other 'stuff' that I need for my 6 days of 'solid work' at the Brissy Caravan show.

Tomorrow, I will be catching a train from Helensvale to Bowen Hills to work at the Brissy Caravan show. Marg is rapt, she can do anything at all. She is looking forward to the next 6 days, as I wont be home.

I slept very well until 5am, when I tossed and turned until 5:30am, got up and walked over and showered, had brekky, packed the mighty Navara with my chair, posters and backpack. I left camp at 6:20am and drove to Helensvale, there was only light traffic and I managed to catch about half the red lights. Parked at Helensvale station and caught the 6:55am train, arrived at Bowen Hills about 8:10am and walked the short distance to the Brissy showgrounds.
This was where my big test of the morning would be getting into the showgrounds without a ticket. I got to the gate and 'sweet talked' the lady on duty, she let me in. You bloody beauty, that was easy.

But to my dismay, there was another security lady and after more sweet talking, she let me in. I walked to our site it was all setup with a truck camper and an off road 5th wheeler. About 20 minutes later, Phil and Chris arrived. We hung out our banners and were ready for the public by 9:15am. We had busy periods and light times, I spoke to anyone and everyone. Before long it was lunchtime, SO I walked over through the crowds, to the oval and sat in the stands and ate my 2 cheese rolls, lovingly made by me. About 3pm, Chris said that I could leave so I did. I walked back to Bowen Hills station and caught the 3:22pm train to Helensvale. I got back to camp just on 5pm. I will be in bed early tonight, as I am knackered.

Marg had a ball, did a quick clean of the fiver then did bugger all. She loved it.

Mrs Sargent cooked Spicy Mexican pies and they were yumma.

Tomorrow, I am back at the Brissy Caravan show. Marg has nothing planned.

Same as yesterday.

Except I was in bed last night by 8pm, after standing all day, I was absolutely knackered.

I slept very well until 5:10am, got up and walked over and showered, had brekky, played on my laptop and made my lunch, which was 2 cheese rolls. I left camp at 6:20am and drove to Helensvale, there was more traffic than yesterday, still caught over half the red lights (the person who synchronise the red lights, need bloody shooting, they are absolutely shithouse). Parked at Helensvale station and caught the 6:55am train, arrived at Bowen Hills about 8:10am and walked the short distance to the Brissy showgrounds.
I walked up to the lady who let me in yesterday without my ticket and showed it to her. She was happy.

I walked to our site and unlocked the storage area where Phil left the 5th Wheeler's keys, so I could set up camp, which I did. About 30 minutes later, Phil and Chris arrived and our display was 99% complete, they were happy.

The public arrived at 9;15am. We had busy periods and light times, I spoke to anyone and everyone. Before long it was lunchtime, SO I walked over through the crowds, to the oval and sat in the stands and ate my 2 cheese rolls, lovingly made by me. About 3pm, Chris said that I could leave so I did. I walked back to Bowen Hills station and caught the 3:22pm train to Helensvale. I got back to camp just on 5pm. I will be in bed early tonight, as I am knackered.

Marg had a ball, she did absolutely nothing and spent most of her time, catching up on her TV shows and crocheting.

Mr Cain cooked pizza Slices and they were yumma.

Tomorrow, I am back at the Brissy Caravan show. Marg has nothing planned.

Same as yesterday.

Except I was in bed last night by 7:30pm, after standing all day, I was absolutely knackered.

I slept very well until 5:15am, got up and walked over and showered, had brekky, played on my laptop and made my lunch, which was 2 cheese rolls. I left camp at 6:20am and drove to Helensvale, there was more traffic than yesterday, still caught over half the red lights. Parked at Helensvale station and caught the late running 6:39am train, arrived at Bowen Hills about 7:55am and walked the short distance to the Brissy showgrounds. I spoke to my friendly ticket lady.

I walked to our site and unlocked the storage area and I was all setup by 8:30am. The 'afternoon shift aka Phil and Chris' arrived about 9am they had slept in.

The public arrived at 9;15am. We had busy periods and light times, I spoke to anyone and everyone. Before long it was lunchtime, SO I walked over through the crowds, to the oval and sat in the stands and ate my 2 cheese rolls, lovingly made by me. After lunch, Phil sold a 5th Wheeler and the couple praised me for sealing the deal. I immediately asked Phil and Chris for my commission. About 3:30pm, Chris said that I could leave so I did. I rang Lukey who works less than kilometer from the showgrounds and asked if Lukey and jay had room for me, they did, SO I walked over to Lukey's work and being early, he showed me around his building. Very impressive.
Jay arrived and away we went with one of their mates 'Robbie'. We had overheating problems near the Gateway merge. We pulled into a service station and added 3 litres of water. I think it was low. The temperature stayed in its normal position, the whole way home. Jay dropped me at Helensvale station about 6pm. I picked up the mighty Navara and drove over the road to Woollies, I needed bread for lunch tomorrow. While at Woollies, I bought choccy topping to add to my ice cream at camp, I also bought Marg a block of choccy.

Marg had a ball, she drove herself to Bingo at Sharks, outlaid $36 and won $37, profit $1, better than losing.

Marg made herself mussels on bikkies and I had salmon sangas followed by ice cream smothered in choccy topping. It was yumma.

Tomorrow, I am back at the Brissy Caravan show. Marg has nothing planned.

Same as yesterday.

Except I was in bed last night by 8:15pm, after standing all day, I am getting used to it.

I slept very well until 5:15am, got up and walked over and showered, had brekky, played on my laptop and made my lunch, which was 3 cheese sangas. I have 2 for lunch but feel peckish in the arvo SO a 3rd sanga should fix that. I left camp at 6:20am and drove to Helensvale, being Saturday, there was bugger all traffic, but still managed to catch my share of red lights. Parked at Helensvale station just off pole position and caught the 6:54am train, arrived at Bowen Hills about 8:10am and walked the short distance to the Brissy showgrounds. Again, I spoke to my friendly ticket lady, she was only working here until 1pm, then working at The Gabba.

I walked to our site and unlocked the storage area and I was all setup by 8:45am. The 'afternoon shift aka Phil and Chris' arrived about 8:50am.

The public arrived at 9;15am. We had busy periods and light times, I spoke to anyone and everyone. Before long it was lunchtime, SO I walked over through the crowds, to the oval and sat in the stands and ate my 2 cheese sangas. Within minutes we were surrounded by 'millions' of people, as Huey dumped a 'shitload' of rain upon us for 15 minutes and then didn't drop another drop at all.
We had a few likely interested prospects, SO we will just wait and see. I didn't leave until 4pm, as we were busy and I caught the 4:23pm train, arriving at Helensvale about 5:40pm. Getting back to camp about 6:10pm.

Marg had a ball, Lukey and Mase came over this morning and they walked around to see George and his mates. Marg said there were about 20 Georges so Mase was rapt.

Marg had beef schnitzel and I had chicken kiev followed by ice cream smothered in choccy topping (again). It was yumma.

Tomorrow, I am back at the Brissy Caravan show. Marg has nothing planned.

Same as yesterday.

Except I was in bed last night by 8:30pm, and slept absolutely shithouse. It 'pissed down' off and on all night and the heavy downpours woke me.

I got up at 5:15am, walked over and showered, had brekky, played on my laptop and made my lunch, which was 3 cheese sangas. I have 2 for lunch but feel peckish in the arvo SO a 3rd sanga should fix that. I left camp at 6:20am and drove to Helensvale, being Sunday there was less traffic than yesterday, but still managed to catch my share of red lights. Parked at Helensvale station just off pole position and caught the 6:54am train, arrived at Bowen Hills about 8:10am and the heavens opened up and I put on my raincoat, covered my backpack in a plastic bag and put up my umbrella and walked the short distance to the Brissy showgrounds. Again, I spoke to my friendly ticket lady.

I walked to our site and unlocked the storage area and I was all setup by 8:45am. The 'afternoon shift aka Phil and Chris' arrived about 9:00am.

The public arrived at 9;15am. We had busy periods and light times, I spoke to anyone and everyone. Before long it was lunchtime, SO I walked over through the crowds, to the oval and sat in the grandstand and ate my 2 cheese sangas. It rained but I was prepared for it.
Today, we had more likely interested prospects, SO we will just wait and see. I managed to leave just after 3pm and caught the 3:23pm train, arriving at Helensvale about 4:40pm. I drove over to Woollies and bought a few items, including some 'choc wedges'. I just felt like some. Getting back to camp about 5:10pm.

Marg enjoyed herself, but was kept in the fiver, due to it raining for most of the day.

Marg made egg and bacon sangas, followed by a couple 'choc wedges'. They was yumma.

Tomorrow, I am back at the Brissy Caravan show for the last day. Marg has nothing planned.

Same as yesterday.

Lukey rang last night and wanted a lift to the station, naturally, I agreed.

I slept well and got up at 5:10am, showered had brekky and left for Lukeys at 6am. There was only light traffic. I arrived at 6:20am and parked in the driveway, I didn't go in as I didn't want to upset their morning routine. I texted Lukey and told him that I was out the front, he came out in a few minutes.
We headed to Helensvale station and we caught the train together, it was like old times, as we used to caught the train back when Lukey first started working. We got off together at Fortitude Valley and we walked to his work, as I had to be 'gofer' this morning.

Phil needed a part from one of his suppliers and it was easier for me to catch a taxi about 15kms from the show and pick up the part, so i did.
I couldn't find a taxi rank as such, but I remembered when I came home on Friday with the boys that there is a taxi zone out the front of Lukeys work, so I hailed a cab from there. A non Indian taxi guy stopped, I told him that I needed to go to Banyo, to pick up a part, he was to wait while I ducked inside and bought it and then drop me back to the caravan show. $60 later mission accomplished. The taxi driver used to work in the mines in WA, but was retrenched when the mining boom slowed down. He now drives cabs from 4am to 4pm most days. He said that he needs to works 12 hour shifts to make a living. I had a great time in his cab, he pointed out various points of interest.

I got back to the show about 9am and it was good to see that the "B" team had done a full setup except for my poster of our rig. They couldn't reach the space, SO I did it. Being the last day the crowds are always small so it was a long day until 2:30pm ish, when we started to pack up. I told Chris and Phil, no matter what, that I had to leave by 3:30pm to catch the same train as 'my little boy' Lukey.
When I left, we had nearly packed up everything except shutting the doors of the fiver and truck camper.

We said our goodbyes and we will meet again same place next year, as I enjoy doing it and they like me doing it. It's a win win situation.

I left the show with my posters, backpack and folding chair. As I walked through security, they asked for my receipt on my folding chair, because everyone who buys something at the show must show proof of purchase to stop theft, so the 'young' security lady asked for mine and I said "does this look like a new chair, as I brought it with me at the start of the show". She let me through, I also said goodbye to my friendly security lady who I met on the first morning. She is a lovely lady.

I carted all my stuff to Bowen Hills station, waited 8 minutes for the Gold Coast express. While waiting, Marg rang just to embarrass me, as my ring tone is the "Woger" from the Monty Python movie Life of Brian and is very loud and unique. She told me that she is at Lukeys and to pick her up. I said after embarrassing me, she can walk home.
My train came and I got in the 2nd carriage from the front as agreed with Lukey. At the next station, Lukey got on but we couldn't fit on the 2 seats together so he sat opposite me. While I wrote most this report on the train trip home, Lukey slept. I was going to leave him on the train but I did wake him just as we approached Helensvale.

We drove back to Lukeys, kissed the grandkids, picked up Marg and went home.

Marg had a ball, Mase and Jo picked her up and they went on a shopping spree to Robina and Helensvale.

Dinner was KFC. It was quite nice.

Tomorrow, I die, there is nothing planned except a food shop. The forecast is for a 'shitload' of rain and wind.