Another of my cousins met and we make it to Surfers Paradise.

It is said one should never go back to places which hold lots of fond memories. For us, it meant visiting the old haunts and being bitterly disappointed. From Noosa all the way down the East coast to Bribie Island the places were unrecognisable. Remembering how rural and remote the drive to the beaches were back in the 1980s and seeing it now, grown into huge towns with high-rise buildings, modern shops and 'kiss me quick' foreshore proms, we decided then and there that this would be the last time we would visit. The only good thing was the beaches, still pristine with its miles of white sands and very few people and at Rainbow Beach 4X4's were allowed onto the sands with a permit. That was not allowed in the '80s.

From the first mention of the visit to Australia last year, an arrangement had been made for us to visit my cousin John and wife Linda about 25km from Brisbane. Seen for the last time at Ian and my wedding 1973 it was a lovely way to spend the weekend. Wined and dined, a decent bed and no having to get dressed to make the trip to the facility block... oh what bliss.  Sunday John and Linda took us to the Glasshouse Mountains with a stop at Bribie Island on the way back and on our return, a full Lamb roast dinner with all the trimmings finished off a perfect ending to a perfect day. The weather was kind to us and the only thing missing was packing the bathers for a dip at Bribie Beach. Mind you with the amount of Blue-bottle Jellyfish along the tide line....not sure if a swim without protection would have been a good idea.

Walk toward Mapleton falls, Glasshouse Mountains which unfortunately was just a trickle. And this is supposed to be the rainy season! Ian and John top right and Linda bottom left. Not sure what the bird was,

Me, cousin John and Linda

Monday morning and we said our farewells. Next stop was to the Britz centre in Brisbane to check the engine and have a bedding change. Took what seemed forever while the vehicle was being looked at but in a way it turned out to be rather fortuitous as Linda phoned to say Ian had left his sandals at their place. Bless her she drove the 25km into Brisbane to drop them off. Another round of fond farewells and we were finally free to head off to the Gold coast.

Very dull and overcast as we drove towards the Gold coast. Crossing the impressive cantilever Story bridge we found out too late that this could be climbed offering some stunning views over the city. By the time I found the information on the web we had reached Surfers Paradise so no going back.

Brisbane

Wow the skyline of Surfers reminded me very much of Dubia. Most impressive. Very lucky to find a parking spot near to the beach and even though rain was forecast and a few drops had already fallen, we decided to go play in the surf. Then a timer selfie and, instead of a nice pose together, I ended up falling on top of Ian. Sometimes it's the photos that make you look rediculous that are the ones worth keeping.