Mackay

A great day which started with our farewell to our new friends.  We were so sad to see them go and even suggested they stay another night.  Sadly all good things must come to an end and we parted promising we'd keep in touch and head to NZ.  More washing and playing for the kids meeting the other neighbours and feeding the ducks.  We took off in search of some markets and landed a big gathering at Mt Pleasant just down the road.  It was packed with everything you could think of.  We bought the boys some fabulous hand carved wooden toys, a tractor with tray and a grader.  Both have moving parts and are so well made by a craftsman in his 70's.  Love it.  And we bumped into the gypsy from Rockhampton in her combie selling very bohemian "things".  Then out to the Marina for a pleasant surprise.  How amazing is this place.  The marina was huge and had a very Mediterranean feel.  They've built it to accommodate the super yachts for repairs and stop overs.  The restaurants were quiet because it was windy, so I imagine on a beaut day this place would pump.  We bought some fabulous local prawns and oysters and headed home for lunch.  We hung out at the caravan for a few hours, skyping both grandparents.  Lovely.  And back to the Marina around 4PM with the intention of settling in for beers and dinner.  There was live music and a bucking bull.  No one was obliterated enough to try it, so the kids had a go instead.  Max was hesitant but Zachie was up and ready for a sit.  A great vibe, but the weather got the better of us as we were unprepared for the wind and cold.  Sadly we said good bye and headed back home to thaw out.  About 10PM, two guys from Wollongong arrived on the site where our neighbours had left earlier.  They had driven two days straight to get here and are planning to island hop via kayak to Bowen on Tuesday.  They slept in swags, not even a tent in sight. They have to carry everything with them - food, water, lighting, bedding, swags, clothes.  How cool, but how crazy can you be?  Rick is in awe.  Don't get any ideas....