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Well we're back! Wet, windy, cold-an english summer. Was it all a dream-that Aussie sunshine (Oh I forgot about Tassie) What a brilliant experience-even the snakes!!! Thank you so much everyone down under for making our holiday so fantastic and looking after us so well. It was especially lovely meeting up with all the cousins and family. Will be planning Sheila and Martin's itinerary very soon!! Meanwhile back to work on Monday. Anyone else wishing to make a visit to old blighty will have a really warm welcome here at Maple Grove(central heating included).
xxx Nicki and Dave

It's arrived! The last day in Aussie-can't believe it-We feel so settled (Sheila's having a fit). Had a beautiful relaxing stroll along the almost empty beach on Bribie Island. As usual, wildlife everywhere-spotted a commotion in the water and were told by fisherman dolphins had been seen earlier or it might be a small shark or just a tuna feeding on the small fish. Visited Christine, Paul, Helen and girls to say our fairwells; loved the views from Christine's house - the setting is amazing, not to mention the swimming pool-thinking of having one in Cheddleton. Went out for our last meal-Tempenyaki!! Japanese cook prepares your food in front of you-surrounded by 12

people. The climax comes with wearing a bib and having raw eggs and cups of rice thrown at you. Well we are in Aussie!! Visited Steven for farewell and pics. Now the hat!! Started as Andrew and Janet's joke buy from the supermarket in Hobart-has been on David's head ever since, but we thought it needed to be returned-perhaps it will turn up on the beach near your new house Andrew!!

Almost the end!!!

Arrived back in Redcliffe after a 16 hour train journey over night from the Whitsundays; train is quite comfortable, but very slow. Martin cooked a smashing Bakewell Tart to get us ready for home-once it was defrosted it tasted brilliant.
Decided to do a mega bike ride around coast towards Brisbane across dome fabulous wetlands. Weather only 25 compared to 35 earlier in week thank goodness. Birds were really interesting and Dave managed to get some more up close shots-our down stairs toilet will look like an RSPB brochure after this holiday. The budgie is taken in Sheila's garden.

Airlie Beach goodbye

Had a lovely evening with Mike and Julie last night; enjoyed a sunset swim in their horizon pool overlooking the harbour and then had a fabulous meal with them in their hotel. Really enjoyed their company, chatted non stop and I'm sure we'll keep in touch, may even make it to Perth one day. Took bus to Proserpine and back then spent rest of day in Airlie lagoon, savouring the sunshine , blue skies and glorious views over the harbour and islands. Start train journey tonight back to Brisbane (18 hours long!!!).

kayaking

After a chill day on bikes and then in the lagoon we set of on our all day kayaking trip from Scute Harbour. After 10 mins we watched 2 dolphins chasing and catching fish. They really got it down to a fine art and we had great sightings before heading out to sea. I spotted the stingray under our boat (I had to share with Dave!) Snorkled 2 gorgeous islands with not a soul in sight. On way back after 15 kms we were treated to a brill sighting of a turtle surfacing a number of times. Out tonight with couple of bikers (push bikers) we met yeaterday from Perth. Hoping to have a dip in their luxury high rise pool over Airlie Harbour.

Up early for a change!!! Set off on trip

around islands. Snorkling and underwater viewing on inner real at Hook Island- afriad we were spoiled by the first outer reef experience-Andrew and Janet said it might be murky and it was a bit, but some of fish were stunning. Moved on to the famous Whitehaven beach-just like walking on icing sugar-very fine, I did some swimming in the clear blue water, bit too much sun exposure for Dave. Last island was beautiful-Daydream Island had wedding chapel of glass and wedding going on at time. Could spend a month there- had some unique coral and marine life pools complete with stingrays and sharks. Rest day tomorrow-probably only push biking to Schute Harbour!!

Left Atherton Tablelands on the Tuesday - had some more memorable stops at breeathtaking scenery including waterfalls and the Mamu aerial forest walk-needed a head for heights! Back in not so sunny Cairns for 1 day-cloudy and rain-haven't seen that for 4 weeks! Booked slow train to Proserpine-most of the cars on the road passes us, even the tractors were faster, but it was quite relaxing and scenic. Woke up in Airlie Beach- fabulous marina, lagoon and beautiful sunshine!! Swimming in lagoon was brill. Have booked up for island tour and snorkling tomorrow(saturday) and sea kayaking on Monday from Schute Harbour-determined to pack it in!