4 More Special Bears at Hervey Bay

Our trip over to Hervey Bay went well and we stopped along the way at a small locality of Woolooga where there is a farm - The Big Rosella, to pick up some rosella jam. We had seen a segment on this farm on the ABC Landline program back in July. So we thought if we find it we will stop for a visit, sadly the season is over and we could not go into the farm to see the rosellas growing - never mind, purchased some lovely jam.

We set up camp at Hervey Bay and started to explore what is around the place. Peter wanted to come here so he could join the RSL Social Bowls group who were coming up here for their annual 'away' trip.

Other than exploring over the weekend I managed to get out my sewing machine and completed the project I started whilst at the dam. That is I made some bears for a family that are friends of my nephews who all, bar 1, have been diagnosed with diabetes. To give them a smile during this initial trying period, I decided to make them a bear each, and for the young one who does not have diabetes, I decided to make a bear for him too, but stitched on his that he is a 'supporter' of diabetes.

So whilst Pete had three days of bowls, I enquired as to booking on a whale watching boat trip, and was fortunate to go on one on Monday (last trip of the season). What a great time we had. I was picked up from out the front of the caravan park and returned in the afternoon. We left from the marina at 9.30am on a large 58' catamaran which gave us a very smooth ride. Out through the harbour and headed up towards the most northern tip of Fraser Island.

Although we did not see as many whales as you would if it was the height of the season (Aug/Sept) we saw quite a few with their calves as they came up close to the boat. There are strict rules for how close the boats can go to the whales, but sometimes the whales become a bit inquisitive and venture quite close to the boats.

I have to say the food on board was scrumptious and I did not have very much for tea that night. My waistline is certainly suffering this trip, but hey, isn't that what going on a holiday trip is all about?

For now though, it is time to put my feet up, so until next time .......

DO MORE OF WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY!!

Yay!! Finally Got a Connection

Oh what a frustrating few weeks with little to no internet connections - how did we manage before all this technology appeared on the scene? Finally I have managed to 'get online' and so can now update you with what's been happening around here, just as we are ready to move on.

Have to say not a real lot of stitching has been happening, but a whole lot of fishing has been the flavour of this last month. As mentioned in my last post, we have been up at Bjelke-Petersen Dam in the South Burnett area of southern Queensland.

It was great to get out on the dam again in our little 'tub' and to feel the peace around the place. The dam level is fairly low, just 17% - understandable due to the drought, but it has risen since we have been here, but certainly needs a whole lot more. You can see from the above photo where the 'full' level of the dam is supposed to be and even the cattle are coming down to drink the water.

We have done reasonably well with fishing, and me ..... well, yep achieved what I set out to do re: stitching, now just need to finish off my project.

The first two weeks were glorious weather, and it was lovely to catch up with others here around a camp fire whilst enjoying happy hour or two!

Last week though (week 3) was a  shocker, with 3 days (afternoons) of storms, thankfully no damage to cars or vans so that was a blessing. Pete had to head back home last Tuesday and went through a hail storm but thankfully again, no damage to our vehicle. He arrived back the following day to a storm, but again OK. It was last Thursday that we really took a battering, though this area did not get the worst of the TWO super cells that came through. Quite a few areas in the vicinity did suffer a lot of damage to roofs etc. One could say, we were extremely fortunate.

Yesterday was a day for starting to pack up and head off on our journey, and it entailed packing up 'the tub' and taking down the annex walls attached to our caravan - where we will spend next week they will not be needed. Pete left early this morning to take a run home with the boat and return ready to head off tomorrow.

Where are we heading I hear you ask, we are heading back to the coastal area of Hervey Bay over near Fraser Island, where we shall be meeting up with some other friends - more about that next week.

For the moment though, remember .....

DO MORE OF WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

'Til next time.