Port Douglas and the Outer Reef

We went to Port Douglas and on a snorkelling trip to the Agincourt Reef for Chad's birthday. here are some pic's from our trip:

Arrived just in time for Chad's birthday

It was funny to land in a plane and see Chad sitting there waiting for me...but very comforting after the night's events.

He even had roses waiting for me in the car - what a sweetie! But whose birthday was it?!!!

We went out to dinner in Cairns that night with some of Chad's friends from work. Check out the food on these hot rocks:

Thought it was my last morning in Townsville.....

Well Gill & I were determined to ride on our last morning in Townsville however it was bucketing down with rain - more than during Cyclone Larry so we just went to coffee instead.

Then the adventures began. I was supposed to get the bus to Cairns that afternoon but the Bruce Highway was blocked so no buses were running and knowing the Brunce Highway - none likely for several days! It was Chad's birthday the next day and with my flight leaving on the Sunday I needed to get there! I booked a plane and we did get to Cairns but as we were hovering over the city there was a thunderstorm below us and we had to head back. I could tell even before they announced it that I wasn't going to see Chad that night and cried all the way back to Townsville. Luckily I'd kept the keys for some reason so could go back to the flat.

When I got to Townsville I didn't know what to do but suddenly Cindy called me and was my angel that rescued me! She even provided bathers and we went to squad the next morning giving Pia a surprise! We then flew to Cairns and I got to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air.......beautiful...unfortunately no camera so will have to remain in my memory.

Goodbye drinks

Pooring with rain and high winds so no sailing on my last Wednesday in Townsville but still had goodbye drinks at the club:

Thuringowa City Council

Here are a few pic's of the Planning Services crew at Thuringowa City Council on my last day.........

Kath in Townsville

After bumping into Kath at the David Suzuki public lecture, we finally had coffee at the C-Bar the week before I left!

Alma Bay

This is the view from the Arcadian Surf Lifesaving club - pretty nice hey!
I stayed here while completing my Open Water Diver's course FINALLY on Maggie Island.

Byron Bay

Forgot to mention our trip to Byron Bay while we down in Brisbane. We visited some of Chad's cousins on the Gold Coast then stayed the night at their place leaving early in morning to check out Byron Bay. We visited the lighthouse then went snorkelling off the point and saw a dolphin and I swam right next to a turtle! We also went snorkelling in the Bay where there were heaps of reefs and we saw crayfish hiding under ledges, wobbygong sharks and heaps of pretty fish.

At the Brewery

Back in Townsville I caught up with friends at the pub almost post the crazy exam/essay/work season. Check out the size of Malcolm's (from Arcadia Surf Club & Anglsea Surf Club) humburger!

New Years on the Strand, Townsville

Well we left Brisbane on the 31st December at about 3am in the morning! We then made it up to Townsville just in time for dinner at one of Chad's friends from the spear fishing club that lives on the Strand. Just before midnight we headed for the beach where we watched the fireworks courtesy of Townsville City Council. Was a great new years!

Christmas in Brisbane

Well Chad and I took the 14 (or 16 hours down to coolant car issue!) drive down from Townsville to Caboolture near Brisbane in one day to spend Christmas with his family. We went surfing in Coolum on Christmas eve then Catholic midnight mass - a first for me!

Chad's family were very lovely to me.

Also Pia happened to be in Brisbane so Charlie's angels met up in Brisbane! We went to the night markets, had dinner then visited Pia's place.