Coffs Coast to Gold Coast and beyond!

 Travels North Cont....

Just a quick entry here to say how little time there was to actually fit in all the things, and all the people I wished to see on my way up the east coast of oz. It was good to see dad and Louise in Coffs and for all their hospitality I thank them.

I meandered up the Summerland highway to Casino where I spent a lovely couple of days with my brother Matt, his partner Kate and my nephews Arlo, Jordan and niece Aurora. I unfortunately didn't get to see his eldest Preston which was a real shame as it is always good to see him when I am back in Casino.

I spent some time in their new venture, a small cafe called Zebra’s. It has undergone a transformation and it is really great to see Kate and Matt working hard to do something they love. The food was great, Coffee was great and atmosphere perfect. I am sure the renovations that are planned will make the place look even better.

Another stop to see my mum, after more than 10 years, visiting her grave is always a humbling experience and one that always leaves me lost for words. I had plenty to say but couldn’t speak so sat for a time thinking about all the things that I was looking forward to and leaving behind. Seriously would not be doing what I am doing today without the initial encouragement from my mum so this one is for you. Love you mum - BJ

Gold Coast.

The Goldie as many people know it by has been a home away from home of sorts for me over the past 10 years. I have some very close friends who always put me up and make sure I have a great time here. This time around my mate Hards put me up for a majority of my 5 days here with adequate bedding which he so eloquently described "you've even got your own bed mate in a room and all" this is after having to sleep on a click clack sofa bed (now for all of you who know me will know that I am no small man, so one ill thought roll on the click clack would send me flying into the wall at pace).
So a welcomed mattress in my own room felt almost too good to be true and I was quickly proven right when shown a 4 inch single foam mattress on the floor….. so begrudgingly I accepted gracefully and went on to have 4 nights of the worst sleep I think I have had in a long time.
The company however was great, catching up with other close friends Dylan and Nat and their kids…..And their pool (very hot during my time on the Goldie)
After a quick good bye it was time to see more family
I t was great to see my uncle Wayne, Hiedi, Aunty Sharon and the kids as well as my Nan. Nan just had a hip replacement and is powering along now better than ever she told me. It was great to hang out with Uncle Wayne as I rarely get time to catch up with the family of the north much, but all good things must come to an end and I left for Brisbane on the 12th January 2017.

Brisbane 

And to catch up with one of my best mates from high school Dan. Him and his wife Astrid put me up for a couple of days and helped greatly with the logistics of getting my car and belongings off on their way to Bathurst Island. Thanks to Astrid for waiting in the intense heat at Brisbane harbour while my Navara was sent on its way.
Hanging with the boys from the Goldie and also with Dan is such an easy thing to do. They are friendships that do not require too much effort on both sides and it’s so easy to pick up where one left off. Dan has a penchant for music and has been since high school. A very talented musician and singer, I was invited to a music video shoot for his band. It was out the back of Brisbane in hilly country at night with cows and all. Was an amazing experience to be a part of and I think the end product will be something amazing. Everyone was welcoming and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
A Paraglider sailing over the mountains back of Brisbane

Getting the night shoot underway for A Somerset Parade



Darwin

The flight to Darwin was non-descript really, plane was full, very light turbulence and got seated next to two local Darwin ladies who were very surprised at my very big move and were very positive about the whole thing. We landed safely and disembarked the aircraft….
Darwin was hot. It was very hot. I avoided the heat as much as I could by staying in the terminal until I needed to head to Fly Tiwi the small company that would be flying me to the Island that afternoon.
The trust steed which got me to Darwin

One small note before my next post is that I received a text from my principal once I got into Darwin saying that if I wanted food she would get some for me. We the shops had already closed by the time I had landed in Darwin so a packet of chips and bottle of water was the first meal I ate whilst on the Island..

Until next time..

Brad

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