Another pleasant day - weather wise.

We set the alarm for 6:30am, but didn't need it as I woke at 6:15am and turned on "Kochie", so consequently, Marg woke to the sound of "Kochie". We got up, showered, dressed, and left at 7:15am and drove the Bubble to Lukeys, arriving about 7:40am. While on the way, Jo texted us, wanting us to stay until 1:45pm, as work would like her to work longer. Naturally, we agreed, but told her that we had a dinner invite and had to be back at camp by 3:30pm at the latest.
We were welcomed by Mont who was in 'fancy dress', as the whole school were getting dressed up. Mont looked brilliant, the glasses made her. Jo left for work and at 8:20am, I drove Mont to school and when I returned Marg had Mase all dressed and packed. the three of us drove back to camp. After getting ourselves organised, Mase and I left Marg to herself, as we went for our ride.

Mase and I went for our ride on "Daddy's bike" which has the child seat attached. Mase and I rode from camp to Lands End, then turned around and continued to the bridge over the Nerang river and then back to camp. For a total of 16.3kms that is the summary of the ride.
Same as last Friday, we stopped at 7 playgrounds where Mase tested various play equipment, which included a helicopter, slides and swings. At present, it appears that the playground over the road from our apartment is his favourite, we visited it today and it got the "Mase's thumbs up". We revisited the helicopter playground, he does like the helicopter. We also stopped at cafe Rockpool, where 'Kamal' toasted some raisin bread for Mase and me a coffee. We were moving on the bike for 1hr 39min and away from camp for 2hr 51min, arriving back at camp at 12:33pm.

It is great that Mase does enjoy his rides. It is very upsetting for Marg as she is back at the fiver for 2 - 3 hours and she has to entertain herself. She told me that she is stressing. I don't believe her.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 16.3kms is my 45th ride and Mase's 4th ride at Southport for a total of 1,533.7kms and gives me a total of 237.5kms at Dicky, giving me a total of 1,771.2kms so far in Qld.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL.

We got back to Mase's home, just after Jo returned home from work. Another successful day of minding Mase.
On our way back to camp, Marg and I stopped at Helensvale for a coffee and a small food shop at Woollies. Marg managed a short nanna nap and at 4pm, we drove over to our club (CSi Southport), we are having dinner with David and Di, who are staying at Tallebudgera CP in their identical fiver to ours.

I had something different, a Chicken parma, while Marg had garlic prawns. They were yumma.

Tomorrow, we are minding Mase all day and Mont from after school onwards.

It was overcast and threatening rain frequently.

We set the alarm for 7:30am, but didn't need it as I woke at 6:45am and turned on "Kochie", so consequently, Marg woke to the sound of "Kochie". We got up, showered, dressed, and buggered about camp until we left at 9:00am and drove the Bubble to Lukeys, arriving about 9:20am.
We were welcomed by Mase at the front door and after packing his 'stuff', we said goodbye to Jo and headed back to camp. Jo was working until 6pm.

Back at camp, Mase and I left Marg to herself, as we went for our ride.

Our normal route is from camp to Lands End, then turned around and continued to the bridge over the Nerang river and then back to camp. For a total of 15.4kms that is the summary of the ride.
We stopped at 7 playgrounds where Mase played. Today, his favourite playgrounds were the one with the helicopter and the playground over the road from our apartment.
We saw about 8 diggers and heaps of helicopters flying in and out of Seaworld, plus we saw the Aquaduck. We also stopped at cafe Rockpool, where 'Kamal' toasted some raisin bread for Mase and me a coffee. We were moving on the bike for 1hr 31min and away from camp for 2hr 50min, arriving back at camp at 1:24pm.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 15.4kms is my 46th ride and Mase's 5th ride at Southport for a total of 1,549.1kms and gives me a total of 237.5kms at Dicky, giving me a total of 1,786.6kms so far in Qld.
Wildlife count while riding: Today's count was NIL.

We got back to Mase's home, just before 3pm, in time for me to pick up Mont and drop her off at her dance practice.

Marg cooked chicken with sticks up them for everyone. They were yumma.

Tomorrow, we are doing SWEET FA or less.

It was sunny with a cool breeze.

We woke up at 7:00am and turned on "Kochie". I wanted to 'chase up' what was happening with our lounge and the 'Op shop'. After getting dressed and having brekky, we drove the mighty Navara over to Storage King, as we needed to find some boxes and deliver them to Lukeys. All good, we found them. We stopped at the 'op shop' but Frank and Garry weren't in store, so Frank rang me later to organise a suitable pick up time. He will ring me on Monday morning to confirm the time.

Marg and I drove over to Helensvale shops to meet up with Lukey and Mase. While there, Dad rang to say he was standing at Point Ormond overlooking Port Phillip Bay. He wanted to stir me up as he rode his bike there. Not bad for a 'real old fart'. Still riding on his 87th birthday.
After saying 'Happy birthday and goodbye to dad', Marg and I met up with Lukey and Mase for a hotdog and coke, Mase had a mini donut, then we adjourned to the playground. After shopping, we popped into Lukeys to drop off some stuff, then back to our camp for lunch and a nanna nap for both of us.

Dinner was Mr McCain's frozen meals. They were nice.

Tomorrow, at 6am, Jay and I are riding and at 9am, Lukey, Mase and I are riding.

It was sunny and windy.

Jay is back fit enough to ride after his back problem then the flu.

I set the alarm for 5:30am, but woke at 5:20am. I didn't wake Marg for obvious reasons, I want to live.
I got dressed and had brekky and then rode to the park's entrance and waited for Jay. He arrived just before 6am and we were off. Headed north to Lands End then along Marine Parade back to Loder Ck, then along the shared path until Southport YC, then along Seaworld Dve to the end of the Spit, watched the waves crash into the seawall, then headed to the end of the other Spit. Left The Spit and back along Seaworld Dve, turned left at the Southport YC and then along the Main Beach Parade before veering left onto the Esplanade then turning around at the Soul Building just before Cavill Ave and then back to the Yacht Club along the road, before crossing over onto the shared path and back to camp. Arriving at 8:55am after 34.1kms.

Apart from the ungodly hour, it was great riding with Jay.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 34.1kms is my 47th ride and Jay's 6th ride at Southport for a total of 1,583.2kms and gives me a total of 237.5kms at Dicky, giving me a total of 1,820.7kms so far in Qld.

After a quick rest, I received a text from Lukey telling me that Mase, Jo and Lukey would be arriving about 9:30am and did Marg want to go with Jo to Aus Fair while the men went for a ride. Marg did.

After Jo took a photo or two of her 'little man', we then headed off at 9:55am. Mase wanted Daddy to ride his bike and Papa was to ride his bike. We rode the identical route that Mase and I ride. I rode in front and I could hear Mase talking to his Daddy continuously. Telling him all about the playgrounds that we were passing and which were his favourite etc. We only stopped at 4 playgrounds as we didn't have enough time to visit all, as we were on a schedule as they had to pick up Mont from dance practice about 12:30pm. After the 4th playground, we rode non stop to Cafe Rockpool, where 'Kamal' made Mase's toasted raisin bread and Lukey and I had 'special energy food' a Pepsi and a sausage roll (without sauce thinking of our weight).
After the food stop, we rode to the Nerang river bridge and by pure luck, BOTH Aquaducks floated past us. Mase was rapt as he had been telling Daddy all about them. Now we headed back to camp with a strong tailwind pushing us. Lukey (aka Mr Bike rider) appreciated any help he could get. He was puffing a bit.
I wouldn't dare say he is unfit, but this is his 2nd ride after an extended absence away from his bike riding.
We arrived back at camp at 11:50am after 12.8km and 4 playgrounds.

It was great riding with Lukey and Mase. Mase is really loving his bike rides and the playgrounds, of course.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 12.8kms is my 48th ride and Mase's 6th ride at Southport for a total of 1,596.0kms and gives me a total of 237.5kms at Dicky, giving me a total of 1,833.5kms so far in Qld.


After Jo, Mase and Lukey left, Marg and I had lunch, and then BOTH of us were seriously attacked by that 'nanna nap bug'. After losing an hour or more, we buggered about at camp. Marg watching "The Block" episodes and me doing this web site.

Marg cooked pasta bake for dinner. They were yumma.

Tomorrow, we are doing SWEET FA or less.

It was sunny and windy.

I awoke about 7:30am and got up, as I wanted to ride. Marg woke enough to ask me to turn on "Weekend Sunrise", laid in bed and as I left after having brekky, Marg was still in bed, relaxing.
I left camp at 8;43am and there was an awful North westerly wind gusting to 30kph. I headed north to Lands End, turned around and stopped at our Apartment. The workers have erected more safety fencing and now my photo area is no longer accessible. Today's photos were taken by 'standing on tippy toes' and peering over the fence. I continued riding along the shared paths and along the Esplanade down to Surfers and then back via the gravel path out to the Spit. Heading back to camp, I stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee. Kamal introduced me to the new girl "Katy".
While having my coffee, I noticed AquaDuck motoring down the far side of the Broadwater, so I quickly finished my coffee and headed off to get a photo for Mase. I didn't realise until I saw the photo that it was Quack'R Duck, Mase wont know the difference. This week when I take Mase for another ride, we will look for any of the 'Ducks'. Mase likes them.
I arrived back at camp at 11:31am after 39.7kms.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 39.7kms is my 49th ride at Southport for a total of 1,635.7kms and gives me a total of 237.5kms at Dicky, giving me a total of 1,873.2kms so far in Qld.

We also visited our Storage King, where I retrieved some more coat hangers, then stopped at Aus Fair for a coffee.

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

Dinner was our 3rd Chicken and cashews etc. When Marg made it, there was enough for 3 meals. It was yumma.

Tomorrow, we have a short stint minding the grandkids as Lukey gets his car serviced and Jo works.

It is sunny all day BUT starts off bloody cold and then warms up to a magic day, even though it is still windy.

Today, Marg minded Mase, while Lukey and I delivered his car for a service, dropped Mont at school, Mase and I went riding, picked up Jo from work, dropped Lukey back to collect his car and 'op shop' picked up the couch.

We were woken at 6:00am by the alarm to the sound of music. We got up, dressed, had brekky and left camp at 6:40am and drove to Lukeys. Drove past our apartment, they don't appear to be pouring today. At Lukeys after Marg got organised with Mase, Lukey and I drove our cars to the dealership for service. I then drove Lukey back home, so he could work from home. I drove Mont to school and then Marg and I and my little buddy Mase drove back to our camp. We only had just over an hour to ride, so we fed the birds, then rode to the playground opposite our apartment, then on the way back to camp, we stopped at the helicopter playground. These two playgrounds are currently Mase's favourites. At 10:45am, the three of us headed over to pick up Jo from her work at 11am and then we all went back to Lukeys.
Lukey had been informed that his car should be ready about 1pm, so Marg and I went to Gloria Jeans for lunch and a small shop for him. His car was ready, so Lukey, Marg and me drove in the Bubble back to the service centre and while there, Frank from the 'Op shop' rang and wanted to pick up our couch and lounge chairs, so we met them at Storage King. I assisted Frank and Garry to load the furniture. They were happy and so were we that it is gone and we have more room to re-arrange all our 'crap'.

Eventually, Marg and I made it back to camp and 'died'. Marg managed a 'nanna nap', while I watched TV.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 5.2kms is my 50th ride and Mase's 7th ride at Southport for a total of 1,640.9kms and gives me a total of 237.5kms at Dicky, giving me a total of 1,878.4kms so far in Qld.


Dinner was pasta bake (one Pan dinner). It was yumma.

Tomorrow is Bingo, then minding the grandkids from 12pm onwards.

Another pleasant day - weather wise.

We set the alarm for 6:30am and woke by 100.6FM playing music. We got up about 7:00am, showered, dressed and got ourselves organised and were on our way by 8:20am. We arrived at Sharks just after it opened at 8:30 and walked in and I claimed our table, while Marg went and ordered a coffee for me, and 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.
In the very first game of the day, I let rip with a monstrous 'BINGO' and won $60. Unfortunately, neither of us won another cent.

Our Bingo summary after our 14th appearance, paid $50 won $60. Outlaid to date: $700 and won so far: $512 current LOSS is $188.

After Bingo, we arranged to meet Jo and Mase at the Sharks and look after Mase while Jo had a hair appointment.
Marg and I and Mase drove back to our camp. We only had just over two hours to ride, so we fed the birds, then rode to the playground opposite our apartment, then on the way back to camp, we stopped at the helicopter playground. These two playgrounds are currently Mase's favourites.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 9.4kms is my 51st ride and Mase's 8th ride at Southport for a total of 1,650.3kms and gives me a total of 237.5kms at Dicky, giving me a total of 1,887.8kms so far in Qld.

We left camp at 2:30pm and went directly to pick up Mont from school and then back to their place and stayed until Lukey got home from work. We arrived home about 6pm.

Dinner was chicken, cashews etc. It was yumma.

Tomorrow is all day minding the grandkids from 8am to 6pm.

Another pleasant day - weather wise.

We set the alarm for 6:30am and woke by 100.6FM playing music, got up, dressed and got ourselves organised and were on our way by 7:40am. Arrived at Lukeys at 8:05am and Jo left for work shortly after. I dropped Mont at school, returned back at Lukeys, picked up Marg and Mase and drove to BigW Runaway Bay so Marg could buy some coat hangers. We put Mase in a dinosaur trolley, he loved it.

We arrived back at camp by 10;15am and Mase and I were off by 10:42am. He does love his cycling now.
We had to be back at camp by 1:30pm, so Mase could have lunch and we had to pick Mont up from school. We rode our normal route straight up to Lands End turnaround point, then stopped at the 1st 2 playgrounds where Mase had numerous swings, slides and see saws with his current 'best mate' Mason Bear. Next stop was at the playground opposite our apartment aka 'The boat Playground'. Again, numerous slides and swings with Mason Bear landing awkwardly on numerous occasions. Next stop was watching the guys launch their boat and another couple of guys load their boat on their trailer. Riding along the shared path that is right on the water's edge we spotted many, many Georges, sea gulls and shags (cormorants). Next stop was the 'Helicopter Playground'. Mase loves the helicopter, here he had numerous slides, swings and helicopter rides. There is a pattern developing here, isn't there.
We then had a bit less than an hour to get to Cafe Rockpool for raisin toast and a coffee. On the way, we spotted the AquaDuck motoring towards the Nerang river bridge, it was about a kilometer away, SO we rode non stop to under the bridge and waited. Mase and I watched carefully, to see if it would hit the bridge, but it didn't. Luckily.
We rode back to cafe Rockpool for our food BUT had to stop for 2 diggers that were working and Mase loves his diggers. Katy the new girl served us our food and we sat and watched the world go by. As we rode through our park, we noticed a pair of nesting bush stone-curlew with 2 eggs in their nest. Hopefully, we may see them hatch. We arrived back at camp at 1:31pm.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 15.0kms is my 52nd ride and Mase's 9th ride at Southport for a total of 1,665.3kms and gives me a total of 237.5kms at Dicky, giving me a total of 1,902.8kms so far in Qld.

Marg fed Mase while I went and had a shower. Have I told you lately how good the showers are. Well, they are magic.

We left camp about 2:30pm and as I entered the boom gate code to exit our park, I noticed that my little buddy had Mason Bear in his arms and was asleep. (What's that saying "Let sleeping dogs lie"). We had driven about 200 meters in the Bubble. We got back to Mase's house, unpacked and I carried a sleeping Mase inside and put him on the couch. He slept for approx 40 minutes before we woke by watching the Cars movie.

I sat in the queue at school and picked up Mont and drove her directly to her dance practice. Dropped her off and filled up the Bubble with fuel and arrived back at Mase's. As Jo was working until 5:30pm.

Marg cooked her world famous mini pizzas, they were extremely YUMMA.
Lukey arrived home from work and after he and Mase had their dinner, Marg and I left them and drove back to our camp.

Tomorrow we do it all over again from 7am to 6pm.

Another pleasant day - weather wise.

Same as yesterday.

We set the alarm for 6:00am and woke by 100.6FM playing music, got up, dressed and got ourselves organised and were on our way by 7:15am. Arrived at Lukeys at 7:35am and Jo left for work shortly after. I dropped Mont at school, returned back at Lukeys, picked up Marg and Mase and drove to Spotlight so Marg could buy some 'stuff'. Mase and I waited in the Bubble, it felt like ages before Marg came back.

We arrived back at camp by 9;40am and Mase and I were off by 9:55am. He does love his cycling now.
We had to be back at camp by 1:30pm, so Mase could have lunch and we had to pick Mont up from school. We rode our normal route straight up to Lands End turnaround point, then stopped at the 1st 2 playgrounds where Mase had numerous swings, slides and see saws with his current 'best mate' Mason Bear. Next stop was at the playground opposite our apartment aka 'The boat Playground'. Again, numerous slides and swings with Mason Bear landing awkwardly on numerous occasions. There were nobody launching their boats, as it was too windy. Next stop was the 'Helicopter Playground'. Mase loves the helicopter, here he had numerous slides, swings and helicopter rides.
We then had a bit less than an hour to get to Cafe Rockpool for raisin toast and a coffee. Again, the same as yesterday, we spotted the AquaDuck motoring towards the Nerang river bridge, SO we rode non stop to under the bridge and waited. Mase was happy when the skipper made the duck quacking noise.
We rode back to cafe Rockpool for our food BUT had to stop for a fork lift truck unloading bricks from a semi trailer. Zarn served us today. Back at camp, we checked on the nesting bush stone-curlew with 2 eggs in the nest. Still couldn't see the eggs, as the adult was sitting on them. We arrived back at camp at 12:52pm.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 15.6kms is my 53rd ride and Mase's 10th ride at Southport for a total of 1,680.9kms and gives me a total of 237.5kms at Dicky, giving me a total of 1,918.4kms so far in Qld.

Marg fed Mase while I went and had a shower. We left camp about 1:30pm and stopped at Woollies Pac Pines for tonight's dinner.

I sat in the queue at school and picked up Mont and drove her directly to her dance practice.

Marg cooked her world famous sausage rolls. they were extremely YUMMA.
Lukey arrived home from work and after he and Mase had their dinner, Marg and I left them and drove back to our camp.

Tomorrow, Marg is off to watch Mont dance, while I am doing SWEET FA.

Another pleasant day - weather wise.

What is an alarm? We definitely didn't set any alarm overnight.
I slept until 7:45am, while my little 'petal' slept until after 8:30am. We did eventually get up and buggered about at camp until mid morning, when we drove to Spotlight. Marg needed 'stuff' and she got 'stuff'. She is making a padded coat hanger for a wedding.
On our way back to camp, we stopped at Aus Fair at Zarrafas for a muffin and coffee and a small shop at Woollies. At camp, we had lunch and then I added some photos to this web page, while Marg started making her padded coat hanger. Early arvo, we both succumbed to that dreaded 'nanna nap disease'. Luckily, I only succumbed for an hour, while Marg was stationery for at least 2 hours.

We managed to get ourselves organised at 4;45pm and drove the Bubble about a kilometer down the road to KFC.
Yep. The KFC was very nice.

Tomorrow, I will ride with my 3 boys. Jay at 6am and Lukey and Mase about 9am. I am a very lucky Dad and papa.

It was sunny with a light breeze.

Saturday morning was nearly identical to last Saturday morning, Jay and I rode at 6am and Lukey and Mase rode at 9am.

I set the alarm for 5:30am, but woke at 5:20am. Marg didn't wake and I didn't wake her.
I got dressed and had brekky and then rode to the park's entrance and Jay was already there unloading his bike. He arrived just before 6am and we were off. Headed north to Lands End then along Marine Parade back to Loder Ck, then along the shared path until Southport YC, then along Seaworld Dve to the end of the Spit, watched the magnificent sunrise, then headed to the end of the other Spit. Left The Spit and back along Seaworld Dve, turned left at the Southport YC and then along the Main Beach Parade before veering left onto the Esplanade then turning around at the Soul Building just before Cavill Ave and then back to the Yacht Club along the road, before crossing over onto the shared path and back to camp. Arriving at 7:55am after 34.8kms.

Apart from the ungodly hour, it was still great riding with Jay.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 34.8kms is my 54th ride and Jay's 7th ride at Southport for a total of 1,715.7kms and gives me a total of 237.5kms at Dicky, giving me a total of 1,953.2kms so far in Qld.

Lukey and Mase were on their way but had to drop Mont off at Dance practice and Jo at work, so they arrived at 8:45am.

We then headed off at 9:00am. Mase wanted Daddy to ride his bike and Papa was to ride his bike. We rode the identical route that Mase and I ride. I rode in front and I could hear Mase talking to his Daddy continuously. Telling him all about the playgrounds that we were passing and which were his favourite etc. We only stopped at 3 playgrounds as we didn't have enough time to visit all, as we were on a 2 hour schedule as they had to pick up Jo up from work at 11:30am and Mont from dance practice about 12:30pm. After the 3rd playground, we rode non stop to Cafe Rockpool, where 'Kamal' made Mase's toasted raisin bread and Lukey and I had 'special energy food' a Pepsi Max and a sausage roll (without sauce thinking of our weight).
While eating our 'special energy food', Mase spied the AquaDuck motoring by, He was very happy. After the food stop, we rode to the Nerang river bridge and watched a couple of boats motor under the bridge. None hit it.
We arrived back at camp at 10:51am after 14.0km and 3 playgrounds and Lukey chatted with his Mum. They left us just after 11:00am. We will see my little buddy on Monday when we mind him again.

It was great riding with Lukey and Mase. Mase is really loving his bike rides and the playgrounds, of course.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 14.0kms is my 55th ride and Mase's 11th ride at Southport for a total of 1,729.7kms and gives me a total of 237.5kms at Dicky, giving me a total of 1,967.2kms so far in Qld.


After Mase and Lukey left, Marg and I went to Chemist warehouse, then Officeworks and finally to Zarraffas at Aus Fair for a coffee and 'brown eye'. Back at camp, we both had a 'nanna nap'. After losing an hour or more, we buggered about at camp. Marg catching up with the past week's episodes of "The Block" and me doing this web site.

Dinner pasta bake which Marg made during last week. It was yumma.

Tomorrow, we are doing less than SWEET FA.

It was sunny and windy.

I awoke about 7:30am and got up, as I wanted to ride. Marg woke enough to ask me to turn on "Weekend Sunrise", laid in bed and as I left after having brekky, Marg was still in bed, relaxing.
I left camp at 8:03am and there was an awful North westerly wind gusting to 41kph. I headed north to Lands End, turned around and stopped at our Apartment. Today's photos were taken by 'standing on tippy toes' and peering over the fence. I continued riding along the shared paths and the gravel path out to the Spit. Heading back to camp, I stopped at Cafe Rockpool for a coffee. Katy served me and wished me "A happy Father's day", she is a nice girl.
I arrived back at camp at 10:41am after 31.5kms.

My riding stats: Today's ride of 31.5kms is my 56th ride at Southport for a total of 1,761.2kms and gives me a total of 237.5kms at Dicky, giving me a total of 1,998.7kms so far in Qld.


After showering, we visited Spotlight as Marg needed more 'stuff', she got her 'stuff'. On the way back to camp, we stopped at Zarraffas at Aus Fair for a coffee and a small shop at Woollies.

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

Dinner was Marg's world famous sausages, eggs, bacon, spag. It was yumma.

Tomorrow, we have a short stint minding the grandkids as Jo is working from 7am to 11:30am.