On Thursday we woke in Moree to beautiful sunny weather and great company. After another late start (we are getting good at them) we said farewell to the Dunlops and headed to one of Moree's top attractions, The Rocket. The kids had a fantastic time climbing the ladders right up to the top and then screaming all the way down again. Kai unfortunately got his leg stuck when going down with Tig (Phil), Maddi and Ella one time and ended up in tears by the bottom. After that he didn't want to go on the big one anymore and either Tig or I had to go with him for the small one. Tig insisted I go on the big rocket slide, which I did. Ella went first, then Maddi, just to show me how it is done. It was then my turn. After checking that the coast was clear I proceeded down the slide. I got the shock of my life as it dropped away below me as I hadn't expected it to be so steep. I didn't stream but the girls streamed for me at the bottom into the tunnel just for effect.
Once we managed to pry the kids away from the Rocket we loaded up and headed out the main road for Goondiwindi, Queensland for lunch. We made a big song and dance explaining to the kids that we were leaving NSW and now in QLD. Thankfully QLD greeted us with more sunshine but a little windy so the jumpers went back on. Lunch did provide us with the opportunity to get out the clothesline and finish drying the washing. As you do.
The next leg across to Toowoomba was on a major trucking route where I had large doubles and road trains overtaking me. The UHF got a work out so we could hear what was going on with the big beasts that would loom up behind us. We arrived in Toowoomba after dark and thankfully Tig was driving while I navigated through the city streets to his cousin Jackie's house. Jackie was all prepared for us with a yummy dip and chips while the pasta bake finished cooking. Thank Jackie it was great.
Friday we woke in the van outside Jackie's place and it was freezing. Heater straight on, little hungry boy feed and in no hurry to make those cold steps across the front lawn into Jackie's cosy house. Once we finally emerged at Jackie's door it was well after 9am and therefore of course it wasn't till 11am we finally pulled away. After at spot of food shopping at the local Woolworths we headed towards Brisbane with the sunny finally shining.
After a long lunch stop and some more clothes drying where the wind was so strong it knocked over the clothes line weighted with 15 litres of water at least twice. The clothes dried so quickly that by the time we left it was all dry. After taking the windy scenic route into Brisbane via Mt Crosby we pulled up at our friends TJ's place just on dusk again. TJ's street wasn't the flattest so we camped out downstairs in a very flashy renovated guest room. Up till this time we had been in the van for 34 nights. Maddi asked why we where sleeping inside rather then the van. Her complaint was that all 5 of us had to sleep in the same room, which we quickly pointed out was no different then the van and this room was over twice the size of the van. Kids!
We finally got away early (8am) and stopped at a lovely little rest area for breakfast before arriving at Australia Zoo for the day. We had a great day with the sun shining (yes, I am finally in QLD) and a little wind. Highlights of our time at Australia Zoo were:
1. Feeding the elephants in the afternoon and having multiple turns each.
2. Wildlife warriors show
3. All the animals that the kids got to pat around the zoo - baby crocodile, koala, wombat, massive python.
4. Feeding the kangaroos their special roo food - only $2 a bag which you bought from a vending machine.
5. Climbing all over the big Cameron crocodile statue.
After a very tiring day we had to find somewhere to park for the night. We have ended up in a rest area with a few other motorhomes but have been warned that the commuters to Brisbane park here from 5am, 7 days a week. We were advised to be careful that we aren't parked in by them as we will be stuck. Maddi being the worrywart of the family was most concerned about this news and insisted that we move the van. We have managed to reassure her that this will not be a problem. On going to sleep I had to promise it would be fine which she informed me if we did get stuck it would be my fault. The pressure!
Anyway, after two cups of tea and that midnight approaching it is time to sign off. QLD planning is taking place so if you have any suggestions let me know.
Till next time...
Thea
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