We returned to Nambucca to catch up with Judy, and she had made the decision to go home to Albury as it would be at least another 5 to 6 weeks before she would be able to join us. The target is for Judy to rejoin us at Alice Springs on about 26 September.
However while in the area we picked up a
new van from Port Macquarie - yes only we would do this, but we decided that if we are to be on the road for the next 10 months then we would have a little more comfort (particularly good not to have to walk to facilities at 3.00am). The right offer was made on the old van so we decided to take the plunge. The new van is slightly larger (19ft) and has toilet and shower, hot water system, LCD TV and DVD, larger fridge and better heating / cooling etc.
After going through the saga of transferring everything from one van to another (did it in just under two hours) on 12 August we headed off to Ballina, only to find the pacific highway was shut due to an accident, so we stayed in the very small caravan park at Maclean and then had a short trip to Ballina on 13 August.
After stopping two days in Ballina, we then moved off to Noosa area, staying in Tewantin. Must say that we are not impressed by the Noosa area - too busy, too plastic and Peter says he has not seen so much makeup and spakel on so many "old shielas" for years.
While in Noosa we took the opportunity to have coffee with Gwen Robinson - a previous boss within ACT Health. For those people that knew Gwen - she has not changed, and retirement really suits her.
For those people that had money on Peter flying home from Brisbane - we have passed Brisbane and he is still here! He has not wet a fishing line - so still no fish.