I've included the map above for the international readers. We are starting just north of Brisbane, half way up the east coast, and travelling to Townsville, which is going up towards the pointy bit.
The big day has arrived. I feel like I'm about to embark on an around the world voyage on the QE11 instead of a simple and leisurely trip up the coast on a train. The excitement is due to us not having been away on a holiday for a long time. It's been years since we just packed up and took off. The anticipation of it is lovely too. Looking forward to doing nothing but enjoying our time with friends is doubling the pleasure we'll get from this little holiday.
I have a full day ahead of me with packing, tidying up, one load of washing, some ironing, making lists for Shane, charging various batteries and my iPod. I have a lot of podcasts ready to download - everything from Phillip Adams on Late Night Live and the Science Show to a few other radio programs I never have time to listen to. I also have to test the aquaponics water, water the gardens and pot plants, make some chocolate muffins for Shane and prepare some knitting to take with me.
Thank you all for your good wishes. I fully intend to enjoy every moment of this trip. I'm looking forward to being on the train, watching backyards fly past our window, stopping at little railway stations up the coast, seeing little peeks of the grand Pacific Ocean as we snake out way up north and finally being greeted by Kathleen when we reach our destination. Life's good!
(I'll take lots of photos.)
We'll be back next Monday. : )
I have a full day ahead of me with packing, tidying up, one load of washing, some ironing, making lists for Shane, charging various batteries and my iPod. I have a lot of podcasts ready to download - everything from Phillip Adams on Late Night Live and the Science Show to a few other radio programs I never have time to listen to. I also have to test the aquaponics water, water the gardens and pot plants, make some chocolate muffins for Shane and prepare some knitting to take with me.
Thank you all for your good wishes. I fully intend to enjoy every moment of this trip. I'm looking forward to being on the train, watching backyards fly past our window, stopping at little railway stations up the coast, seeing little peeks of the grand Pacific Ocean as we snake out way up north and finally being greeted by Kathleen when we reach our destination. Life's good!
(I'll take lots of photos.)
We'll be back next Monday. : )
The first time I went to Australia was when Charlotte was 5 and a half months. We had a choice of a new kitchen from the sale of my flat in Sutton or a trip to Australia. We chose well.
ReplyDeleteThe second time was when she was 16 years - just this April, but with her sister 14 and brother 12 as well.
The first time we went to Sydney then I flew with Charlotte to Perth to see an old school friend whilst my husband drove to Cairns where I then flew, over Alice Springs, to meet him and we drove back down the East coast. It seems like only yesterday.
Enjoy your trip and thanks for the map which brought back many memories, like we were there in Queensland the very night that the coral were spawning and we got a problem with the air conditioning in the car so by the time we got back to my brothers the car was wet so wet. Oh, and also I got stopped by the cops for speeding but they told me to just leave the country !!! Oh, happy happy memories. Enjoy your trip. Travel is wonderful.
Karen.
Have a great trip, Rhonda - you will be missed! Thank you for the map. I love traveling by train, although I haven't done it since I was young. Your package should be waiting for you when you return. Bon Voyage (is that appropriate for a train trip? I don't think so...Happy Trails!)
ReplyDeleteCarla in North Idaho
are you English, Karen? LOL at "just leave the country".
ReplyDeleteThank you Carla. I posted yours yesterday. It should take 7 - 10 days. Happy trails sounds good!
Safe Travels!
ReplyDeleteHappy holiday!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful, safe and exciting journey Rhonda & H.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to all the photos on your return.
Enjoy your trip & travel safely!
ReplyDeleteHi, yes I am English and I might add the Australian Police were fine about it all.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hearing all about your trip. How long does it take by train ?
Karen.
Have a great trip!
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourselves:)
Rhonda Jean, I hope you enjoy your travels and your time to relax. I look forward to seeing your pics and reading your posts when you return! Enjoy!
ReplyDeletei hope you have a lovely relaxing trip and return renewed, refreshed and relaxed!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful trip Rhonda and I look forward to reading all about when you return :)
ReplyDeleteRhonda I have just nominated you for a Nice matters award. For being an inspiration both here and ALS.
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda, Hope you've had a great trip. I'm looking forward to hearing about it. I have also nominated you for a Nice Matters Award - you'll have quite a collection soon!
ReplyDeleteThe blog world hasn't been the same with you being gone on your trip! I hope you had a completely wonderful time visiting with those you don't get to see frequently and being able to watch the countryside pass out the window!
ReplyDeleteHave a great trip, Rhonda. I am looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back.
ReplyDelete