Sun, 1st Feb, 2026 Phil & Helen’s place, Clontarf to Ray & Carol’s place, Bribie Island, Qld (visiting)

Said bye to Phil and Helen as they headed off to early Church service. Phil still does the Wednesday sermon at their church.

We went back to Scarborough to use the dump point near the boat ramp. Nice day on the water here with views across to Bribie Island.

Continued along to find some silo art - which was on a water tank. The frogs on the shed beside it were pretty good.

Continued on to Burpengary to visit Libby & Chris. We were early so we pulled into a park which was a War Memorial area. Great display and information.

Around to their home and chatted for a while over a cuppa and cake. They are very happy and settled with their jobs. Met Kevin their dog. I commented there was no ring on her finger yet - doing my bit for Suzanne. 

Back to the park for lunch. Rang Fred for his 91^st birthday but was on another call so asked Grace to pass on the message for a wonderful day. 

Headed to Ray & Carol’s place on Bribie Island. Across Pumicestone Sound - views across to the Glasshouse Mountains in the distance.

Around to their place at Banksia Beach and set up on their front lawn where we have parked previously. The wild wind in November had brought down a big tree in their yard but luckily it didn’t do any damage.

Got a text back from Fred thanking me for my message and looking forward to seeing them both when we get back to Cairns.

Chatted over drinks then a lovely dinner together.

Warm night with clear sky.

 

Sat, 31st Jan, 2026 Phil & Helen’s place, Clontarf, Qld (Margate Beach walk & visiting)

A few spits of rain in the early morning. Went in to say good morning to Phil and Helen - found them out in the garden doing some raking. They are early birds and it is cooler to work in the garden then. Arranged to go out to dinner tonight with their youngest daughter Kate.

Headed off to Sutton Beach to visit Susan & Ross but we are bit early so parked near their apartment building. There is a staircase down to the beach so we headed down.

Down the bottom we spied a few abandoned tents - homeless? Otherwise it is a lovely wide area for families with a pathway on the water side.

Looking back up to Susan and Ross’s apartment buildings.

Busier further along with volleyball, some lifesaving activities then we saw some outrigger boats. They were practicing getting back in after capsizing.

We got to the end of Margate Beach then turned back. Someone has a nice car.

You can see the Brisbane Port on the other side.

The tide has been coming in - looking back up the way we came.

Nice mural on the Humpybong School fence.

Walked back then around to Redcliffe Point and sat under the Pandanus Palms for a while. Looking back along the beach front.

Found a good directional marker so we know we are looking at Moreton Island.

Continued around the point to a wonderful waterplay-pool area at Settlement Cove. Little waterfall and a Bush Chook as we head up the ramp to the street above.

Found a history sign. We had walked down here with Phil and Helen last visit checking out the history info then too. Street sign at the big roundabout as we headed back to the camper.

Pressed the buzzer and went up to Susan & Ross’s place. Their daughter Jessica is here too with her two children. Had a wonderful morning chatting.

Back to the camper then along the road to Redcliffe for lunch then on to Scarborough. Interesting plant.

Helen saw us so came down to greet us. We went up for a look at her sister Julie’s apartment first then along to Helen’s apartment for a cuppa and cake as it is Julie’s birthday today. So wonderful to catch up with them both. Helen said the 100 year Underwood Hire celebrations with be the 19^th Sept as it is coinciding with Cairns’ 150^th celebrations. Will mark my diary.

Back to Phil & Helen’s and changed for dinner at Komo in Redcliffe. Kate joined us so I had a great time catching up with her. We grew up with them as Dad and Phil worked together at BSES in Meringa. Drove around to Kate’s place for dessert and a cuppa and to check out all the work she is doing on renovating her home - big job.

Full Moon tonight - no wonder the tide was so high this morning.