15th to 18th Sept, 2023 Jon & Annalise’s place, Cairns, Qld

Fri, 15^th

Sent Gavin a message for his birthday.

The truck started perfectly and we headed off for a drive up the Gillies Range and across the Tableland as a test. All good.

Called in on Deanne & Greg at Yungaburra for a cuppa and catch up. Her sister Gail was there too. Then around to Steve’s aunt and uncle, Maralyn & Greg for a catch up.

Stopped at the Platypus viewing spot but no one was swimming around today. Around to the Curtain Fig Tree for a wander till we could meet up with Michael in Tolga. A lady was showing another chap how to do a panoramic shot which I tried but it was too bright at the top so it didn't turn out.

Michael put a new computer update (map?) in so the engine had more uumph at the lower speed - or something like that. All I know is that Steve was very happy with the update.

Lastly we called in on Gracie and Fred for a cuppa and chat before heading across to Mareeba then down the Kuranda Range. Nice view from the lookout.

Home for a drink with Annalise and a game of cards before dinner.

 

 

Sat, 16^th

Now the engine is good we will head off on Tues or Wed so I cleaned the floors etc and put in my new mats etc. Steve did a couple of more bits under the bonnet then started sorting his tools etc.

Still very windy and more cloudy today.

I picked up Kaylene and Rick from the airport at 3pm. They had a wonderful holiday. Steve took the truck for a drive and met us at their place where we had a cuppa and heard all about their holiday.

Home for drinks and cards again with Annalise. Will certainly miss her. It has been wonderful being able to spend so much time with her.

 

 

Sun, 17^th

Windy again. Steve started packing the truck back up while I did some baking.

Morning tea with Annalise as she is on late shift tonight.

Lunch at Dundees on the Waterfront with the gang to celebrate Kaylene’s 60^th birthday. She had a lovely surprise with her daughter Emma arriving with her partner Steele. They joined us so we were able to get to know Steele and hear all about their life in Townsville and their work etc. Got a couple of nice photos too. Delicious food and great company.

Back to the house to swap cars so we can take the truck for another run out to Gordonvale to visit Steve and Wendy. Checked out their new home that is nearly finished.

Back home for a light dinner as we were still full from lunch.

 

 

Mon, 18^th

Heavy rain this morning and a grey sky. Steve headed off to get the certificate (blue plate) for the engine changeover and thank Fozzie again for all his help. I got some groceries ready for our departure then met Carolyn & Jenny for a cuppa as they are on school holidays now.

Wet dreary day. Popped in and saw Rebecca and Clive. Rebecca is doing well after her hip operation which is great.

In the afternoon dropped in on the Robinsons to see Kaylene’s mum, Dawn and her sister, Annette and kids who flew up for a surprise visit for Kaylene’s 60^th. She certainly has had the best birthday ever.

Gave the Corolla a vacuum then went out to Greg’s to drop it back to him. He got to check out the truck engine too as Steve drove out to pick me up. 

The rain has stopped at last so hopefully we will have a dry pack up tomorrow morning.

Back home for a lovely dinner cooked by Annalise - her special spaghetti and a delicious dessert by her Mum, Lynda. It was lovely to have this last night with them both though it won’t be long and we will be back again.