Jack is 4 - Can you believe it?

School in the fall (or when we return to Canada)
More independence (for better or worse)
More questions (say no more)
Still priceless though!

Jack had fun day on July 25 and to see how much, click below!

This digital scrapbook generated with Smilebox

We also want to wish Nana a happy birthday on July 17, Tom (our exchange partner) a happy 6th birthday on July 18 and Pippy a very happy 60th birthday on July 29! Wishes for a fantastic year to you all!
Tammy, Dan, Sam, Jacob and Jackson!

Hervey Bay and the Seafood Feast!

After leaving Surfer's Paradise, we decided to head up to a beach area called Noosa Heads. Noosa is about 135 km's north of Brisbane and is known for beautiful beaches and tourism. We spent about 2 hours on the road due to construction and heavy traffic before arriving. We found our way to the main beach but it was so congested and filled with vehicles, Dan dropped me at the tourist information centre and circled around while I got information about accommodations. As you can imagine, I was starting to feel a bit tense because of the business of the area and being the navigator, I could sense what was to come. I got a map with 3 parks circled and headed back to car where Dan and the boys were waiting.
As I hopped in, Dan asked me for directions and it all went downhill from there. There were round - a - bouts with strangely angled exits, winding roads, creeks, bridges and traffic! Dan remained relatively calm but I could not navigate my way through this labyrinth! He kept asking me where to turn etc... and I couldn't match the roads we were driving on with the map I was holding. It was like they were 2 different places. I began to despise Noosa before I even set a toe on the beach. I just wanted to get out and never return - beautiful beach or not! After probably a good hour or more, we finally found a Big 4 Caravan Park - on the outskirts of Noosa. Before even setting up camp, Dan and I each had a good drink - he, a beer and me, well something stronger.
After that, Dan left in the camper to get some groceries for dinner and the boys and I went to the pool, the bouncy pillow (see pic of Jack above) and explored. It was getting dark and chilly but Dan had not yet returned. The poor wet boys were starting to shiver so we huddled around the laundry room until Dan got back - turns out he got lost in the Noosa Maze - expletive expletive! We really couldn't wait to leave Noosa the next morning!
The next morning we were up early and headed toward Hervey Bay. It is worth noting that as we travelled the stretch of road from the Queensland Border, we encountered many areas that had been affected by the floods earlier in the year. there was a lot of road work to repair damage done by the flooding and you could see places where debris was still left from the waters coming through. As we came through Maryborough, we noticed how high off the ground many of the homes were built (see photo). You could essentially see right through the bottom story of the homes as they are sitting on stilts. Some homes had their cars parked BELOW the home. It was eery to imagine that water could get high enough to nearly touch the front door!
Hervey Bay is a peaceful and picturesque seaside city - WAY quieter than Noosa was and easy to get into. It is best known as the Whale Watch Capital and the home of the World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Unfortunately for us, we were about 3 weeks too early for the whale watching season but we hope to catch up to them at some point before we leave! Because of Dan's imminent return date to Canada, we had to cut out road trip about 4 days short so Hervey Bay was our northern most stop. It was well worth it as it was calm, beautiful and quiet! We decided to spend 2 days here before starting out trip home.

The beach was lovely and we got to see a pod of dolphins fishing just off shore. They work as a team to swim circles around a school of fish and we would see them surface or leap as they tried to catch their prey. We also saw birds diving to take advantage of the dolphin's hard work. With the shelter of Fraser Island, the bay stayed calm the entire time we were there. Sam and Jake played "ping pong" on the water with a soccer ball and Jack actually went in on his own up to his waist! Dan and I ventured in but it was chilly - or maybe we are getting wimpy. Anyway, I did not submerge and Dan says he did but I didn't see it.

Jacob decided to try to dig his way to ... Canada? With the beach being so quiet, we were able to get a couple of family beach soccer games going. They were so much fun and great exercise after sitting in the car for so many hours!

We had a lovely site at Hervey Bay only about 30 steps from being in the ocean. This was
a fabulous perk. I must say that I was a bit surprised that there were not more kids around -It was school holidays after all. What we did find was a lot of elderly campers or "Grey Nomads" they are called here. They are Canada's equivalent to Snowbirds but they travel North in Winter to escape the cold rather than South. I began to feel like we were vacationing in a retirement village and everywhere I looked, the Nomads were sitting in their outdoor loungers, alongside their campers, watching us like we were reality TV. I expected to see them at the beach, or heading out to go golfing, fishing, biking, touring, but they like to sit and watch - or sleep - in their loungers. Dan said that if they were at home, they would probably be watching TV in their house so this way at least, they are getting fresh air. I don't know...

Future Grey Nomad????


The Seafood Feast

We kept talking about how great it would be to get some great local seafood for dinner one night on our trip but try as we might, we couldn't seem to find any. Just when we were giving up hope, we got to chatting with a local couple who were walking along the beach and they gave us the INSIDE scoop! We hurried off and after a couple of loops and wrong turns, found a little seafood shop right around the docks area of Hervey Bay. We were able to purchase a kilogram of huge Banana Prawns and a half kilogram of sea scallops for $27.00. We picked up some wine, Tasmanian butter, some garlic and lemon and hurried back for our feast. As you can see, it was divine!

Prawns in butter and garlic - mmmmm - sizzle sizzle!

Digging in!

The boys fighting off a shark attack before leaving Hervey Bay.

Sugar cane is a huge crop in Queensland. Bundaberg, north of Hervey Bay makes rum from the Sugar Cane. Next time we'll have to get there to try some!

As we were taking the long road back to Narrandera, we said goodbye to the coast and took in the interior landscape seeing giant cacti, trees I could not identify and more roadkill kangaroo than I have seen alive!

The trip home was bittersweet as we knew that Dan was leaving for Canada in a couple of days and that our family adventure would be changed.

Now that Dan is safely in Canada, we are looking forward to his return in a few months. In the meantime, we have my Mom and Dad's visit to look forward to in September. We can't wait for them to come and to experience some more Australian sights and culture with us!

Breakfast in Paradise

Early the next morning, we left Byron Bay in search of the Queensland border. The highway from Sydney and up the coast alternates between forest and plains but the Ocean views we loved on our Great Ocean Road trip are hidden. Although Dan and I enjoyed seeing the landscape, the boys found it a bit monotonous. We would get the "How much longer?" "What time is it?" "Where are we?" "When are we stopping?" "I have to go to the bathroom." "I need a drink." "When are going to eat?" Dan finally limited Sam to one question per hour so he occupied himself by making statements that were not in the form of a question but still communicating his boredom. When it was too quiet in the back, I would glance behind to see a flurry of body parts as Sam and Jake were engaged in some sort of battle. I'd quickly return my gaze out the front window in order to avoid being the referee to whatever issue they were "working out".

I must say that Jack was an enjoyable travelling companion. He sat in a car seat in the front with Dan and I as there were not enough seat belts in the back to accommodate all three boys. He would pass the time conversing with us, joking with Dan, singing and playing his Leapster (Thanks again mom and dad!). He seemed to accept that it was a long ride so he just hunkered down and made the best of it.

We finally hit Queensland about 2 hours after starting and we cheered when we saw the sign! This was also the beginning of the Gold Coast area known for theme parks like Movie World and Wet n'Wild. It is also where Surfer's Paradise is. After seeing trees and plains for 2 days, it was a surprise to round a corner and see, sparkling in the distance, the metropolis of Surfer's Paradise. It was not what I expected. In my mind I pictured a small town with miles of beach and VW Vans with surf boards on top parked all along. I was right about the miles of beautiful beach but that was it. Surfer's Paradise is a mecca of tall buildings and wealth. Dan said that he'd read that Surfer's Paradise used to be known by another name. At that time there were just a couple restaurants and hotels and the residents. In a bid to gain more tourism, they renamed the town "Surfer's Paradise" and from there it just BOOMED to what it is today. It's amazing the impact a name can have - just look at Lady Gaga or Beyonce. A name can make or break it.

We weaved our way through the Casino Resorts and High Rise Hotels to the beach and parked. The boys were out like a shot and down at the beach. It was soft and SQUEAKY (remember Jervis Bay?) Huge waves were breaking over and over as they rolled in to shore. It was fairly early so there were only a few surfers out and we pretty much had the beach to ourselves. On the walkway, there was an outdoor shiny stainless steel grill. We'd had a snack before leaving Byron Bay but hadn't had a proper breakfast so as the boys raced back to the van to put their bathing suits on, Dan took a walk to find a grocery store to get some eggs and bacon. Ahh, breakfast in paradise. As the boys were playing on the beach, the scent of bacon was wafting over and mixing with the fresh ocean breeze.

We took a break and had bacon and egg rolls before heading back down to the beach. It was delicious! What a way to start the day.

Dan mans the grill as we prepare breakfast in Surfer's Paradise.

Jake and Jack and a surfer heading out to catch a wave.
The beach meets the metropolis that has become Surfer's Paradise.

The Big Banana and Byron Bay

'Nuf said right? It's big, it's yellow and it is a banana - it's not Huskie the Muskie but it was worth a look. The peanut and chocolate covered banana's made for a yummy treat and it was a good chance to stretch our legs.

Our first nightime stop was Byron Bay. We arrived at dusk (it's winter so the sun is down about 5:45). We had just enough time to set up "camp" and to catch the sunset on the beautiful beach that was 50 feet from our site. There were loads of people who were also camping and taking in the sunset. Sam and Jake walked to the main street to get a new footy (Sam's somehow broke on the trip - DISASTER) so they could kick it on the beach.

Dan cooked up a beef curry dinner - yummy - the kids politely ate their share but declined seconds.

The Australian caravan parks have these great Camper's kitchens which are great for cooking a large meal (the camper has a propane stove in it) and with nice sinks for clean up after. It takes away the frustration you would feel if you were trying to cook and clean in a closet with 4 other people.

After dinner we were exhausted so we played a few hands of crazy eights before crawling into our sleeping bags. As tired as I felt, I was still bug eyed long after I could hear Dan's heavy breathing beside me. I was listening for Sam and Jake and I was convinced that Jack was going to roll out of the bunk above us and come crashing down - but not before splitting his skull on the camp stove. When I finally did drop off, I kept waking at every sound.

Dan and I were up at the crack of dawn - he was well rested (thank goodness as he was the driver - I could not drive a standard left handed - heck, I can barely drive one right handed anymore) and I felt like I needed a strong frothed coffee and a hot shower. All the boys slept like babies and Jack did not fall out of the bunk.

THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSET AT BYRON BAY'S BEACH


JAKE AND JACK RELAXING IN THE CAMPER BEFORE A MEAN GAME OF "GO FISH"


Observations from the first night:

1) I am shocked at how close together the sites are!

2) Somehow I manage to sleep although Sam and Jake are "out there" in the tent.

3) The camper's kitchen is really cool - there are stainless grills to cook on, sinks for washing up and TV - although it is a covered area, it is still technically outdoors

4) Aussie washroom/shower buildings are not heated and it is C-O-L-D when you are wet and naked!

5) It's fun to play cards in close quarters with your 4 favourite men!

3000 km's in 7 Days

We are home once again and I must say that it felt good to escape the 50 square foot hotel on wheels that was our resort for the last 7 days! We travelled 3000 km's in 7 days and saw alot of Australia's coastline from New South Wales to Hervey Bay in Queensland. We spent time on famous beaches like Surfer's Paradise and cruised through Sydney and Brisbane. The following posts will tell the story of our trip and my observations as a first time road trip camper. Enjoy! T.

Travelling Queensland on the “Royal” Bush Tour Part 1

OUR HOTEL ON WHEELS

Anyone who knows me, knows I don’t “do” camping. This is one area that Dan and I differ. He likes nothing more than to drive for 2 hours out of town down a “road” into the bush, then hop into the canoe and paddle for hours, days, portage after portage and then sleep under the stars on an island in the middle of a lesser known lake - alone with just the loons and the stars for company. Me? NOT! I like the comfort of a cozy queen or king bed, full bath steps away, climate control and everything from food to entertainment at my fingertips. We weren’t sure what we were going to do on these school holidays (the mid point of our Adventure) as budget is always a concern in Australia and especially when you are travelling with 3 kids. We had done the Great Ocean Road drive and learned that 3 kids in the back of a sedan is NOT the way to enjoy the open road and keep your sanity. So, when Dan floated the idea of a trip to Queensland, I was ecstatic. I originally thought we would do a series of daytrips within our region and not take on anything too extravagant this time around. As I was wondering if he’s got a cheap flight and resort deal, he excitedly showed me on his computer what he had found: Camperman rentals. A van that doubles as a camper - GULP.

As badly as I wanted to see Queensland, I wasn’t sure about staying in campgrounds (Caravan Parks in Aus.) along the way but I really wanted to see Queensland so the van was booked and Dan set about plotting our journey while I finished up report cards and interviews and the end of term school stuff. Dan planned for us to take the train to Sydney where we would pick up the Campervan and then head off so we had to pack light. Now to me, packing light means a suitcase, a cosmetics case, a laptop bag and a purse. Anyone who helped me pack for Australia knows that fitting a year’s worth of belongings into a 50lb suitcase was a difficult task (I cheated and added weight to everyone else’s suitcases for my own stuff.) In my defence I needed a work AND casual wardrobe - the boys were wearing uniforms and Dan is a light packer so there was plenty of extra space. This time, I had one backpack - PERIOD. It was such a daunting task, I couldn’t even put my head around it. I procrastinated for a couple of days before finally getting it done because of the limited number of hours until “go time”. Now, camping or not, a girl must have the necessities. I ironed and then roll packed 3 pairs of shorts, 4 shirts, socks, undies, a bathing suit, hat, flip flops, one hoodie and one pair of yoga pants. Pretty good right? Then, I jammed in my hair dryer ( I did NOT take my straightener), cosmetics etc… AND my frother. I know what you are thinking but I was not going to have “campfire coffee”, no way, I like my milky froth and because it is battery powered and small, it could be squeezed in.

ME AND MY HAIR DRYER AND FROTHER AND OTHER NECESSITIES.

Now, Dan and I differed on one key point here - we are camping IN PUBLIC which is not camping on an island Stuart Lake where there is not a soul around. He mocked the fact that I ironed my camp wear but when you are with a hundred or so other campers, there is a standard. The deal we made was that if I woke up to pee in the middle of the night, he would HAVE to

accompany me.

JACK WAITS PATIENTLY.

Our trip began with a 7 ½ hour train ride from Narrandera to Sydney which was thoroughly enjoyable. It was lovely to sit, play games and just enjoy the ride to downtown Sydney. The scenery was lovely and we saw a sizable mob of about 30 kangaroos along the way. We were dropped off at Central Sydney Station where we stayed the night next door at a YHA Hostel - this was Dan’s way of breaking me in slowly. He actually lovingly was going to book me into a hotel for the night and he and the boys into the hostel but I felt way too guilty and wimpy and insisted on being included in the Hostel. I must admit, the hostel was really nice. In my imagination I pictured a boozy, smokey, bunk bed filled dorm where we would not get a wink because of the all night backpacker parties. I must say that I wish I was 21 and travelling across the world in the accommodations these hostels provide. We had a family room which has a double plus 3 beds and was super quiet. We shared the bathroom and shower facilities as well as a kitchen where you do your own dishes. The price was right, it was very secure and the people were really friendly. A hostel is something that I would definitely do again. The next morning, we subway and taxied it to pick up what would be our home away from home for the next week!

SYDNEY TRAIN STATION AND THE HOSTEL

SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE AT NIGHT

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE AT NIGHT.

LIFE IN THE CAMPER.

DEALING FOR A MEAN FAMILY GAME OF CRAZY EIGHTS

MOVIES IN THE BUNK

Happy Canada Day!

Today is Friday, July 1 in Australia and Jacob and I were treated to a wonderful Canada Day at school. I had been planning to make the day special for my class by teaching them a little about Canadian culture but the day turned out to be more than I ever imagined it could be!

First, let me say again that my colleagues at St. Joseph's school have been incredibly welcoming and kind to us since our arrival here. So, it was surprising- yet not so surprising to think that they would ensure we had a special Canada Day.

I arrived at school this morning to find Graeme, my principal, heading off to recess duty in a Montreal Canadians jersey. I giggled and thanked him for remembering that this day was special for us and then went on my way to the admin building. Well, every staff member I encountered was wearing red and I began to see a trend emerging here...

I went to my classroom to continue my preparations only to be whisked out into the quadrangle in front of the school for assembly where "Oh Canada" was playing over the loud speaker! Children from various classes were even waving homemade Canadian flags! They put Jacob and I on the upper area to lead the school in prayer and awards. We were very thankful and expressed our gratitude to the school for being so wonderful to us. I wish I'd had my camera but I was caught by surprise and didn't have it handy.

When class began for the day, I had various Canadian centres for the children to visit as well as a power point of the ABC's of Canada, the gold medal hockey game highlights, "Oh Canada", etc... The centres were great and the kids really enjoyed them. They made butter tarts and tasted them (Jake's class tried them as did the staff ) and we handed out many copies of the recipe by day's end! The children did coin rubbings as they compared Australian coins to Canadian. Some kids researched Canadian animals on the Canadian Geographic for kids website. They created a beaver (our national animal) out of paper and paper rolls. We also made Canadian flags by crayon rubbing "maple leafs" and adding the red borders to white paper. It was great fun!

At recess, I went to the staff room for a cup of tea to find that it was decorated for the occasion with flags, maple leaf napkins, Canadian Living Magazines (even a July 2011 edition - WOW!) and the Canadian Living famous angel food and strawberry cake! As you can imagine, I had some tears and was amazed by the thoughtfulness and care of the St. Joseph's staff! Every bell throughout the day was "Oh Canada" and there were students wishing us Happy Canada Day regularly.

I ended the day with my class by playing a little "street hockey" in the quad. It was team Canada against Team Australia. You would have thought we were home with the CA-NA-DA chanting. The kids loved it and want to continue the game next term. I told them about how kids play street hockey back home with real nets and sticks and how when a car comes they yell, "Car!" and everyone clears the street and after the car passes, play resumes. They thought that was hilarious!

Sam also had an enjoyable Canada Day. He broke from uniform and wore his Olympic "Believe" t-shirt and carried a flag with him around the school. He said his music class began with "Oh Canada" and that he had lots of well wishes today as well.

What more can I say? It was a Canada Day I will forever remember and I am sure the kids will too! Happy Canada Day to you all at home and I hope it is as fun and memorable as ours!