Checked out the rust removal work, paid the man and set off from the Gold Coast. Again not used to the trip over the Gateway and the heavy traffic just to get there but kept on keeping on and eventually after a Maccas breakfast and an Aldi grocery shop I ended up at Laurie's place near Zillmere.

Had plenty to talk about and I had intended to leave early to get to the free camp at Beerwah but you can't let a plan stop you from enjoying company and a good meal so I slept in the bus outside in his quiet  street. Never done that before but it was quite painless with no hassles.

Off early for my exciting day by driving to Caloundra and picking up the freezer, I bought a couple of those freezer bags already frozen to help with the changeover but it was already cold having been on power since the tests were done. Did another shop but this time for frozen meals etc.

Had planned a couple of meals that I had enjoyed in the past including marionated lamb shanks and pickled pork but I had forgotten that whilst Dennise is a wild life carer she also is a vegetarian so half of my planning fell into a heap. Not to worry the thought was there and frozen stuff can be eaten later.

I met up with Dennise at the appointed place just outside Gympie after an uneventful trip from Caloundra, lots of driving but on dual carriageways allowing all other vehicles to overtake. Followed her to the property where she has set up camp until her joeys are ready to be released, she currently has 3 the older 2 will be ready within a month and she hopes that the little one will be ready by winter.

This is a 55 acre property hilly and wooded with narrow hilly and twisty access and will be cut off if the heavy rains come. This time last year it was cut off for a week, I am set up high enough to avoid being swept away but possibly could be unable to get out. There is no internet or phone access this side of the mountain.

I will be able to post this when we go to Gympie in Dennise's car, her coaster is a beautiful example of the renovators art. Mine is great but nothing compared to hers, all new and well designed. It is a 1993 model with a Landcruiser 6 cyl turbo motor, airconditioned, automatic with power steering. Everything that mine lacks, no problems climbing hills for Dennise.

So here I am on a secluded property without internet or phone and with the possibility of being cut off physically as well. I don't let possibilities get in the way of an interesting life so have no idea when I will leave this paradise and great company but will get to Wuruma Dam eventually.

Went into Gympie today but ran out of battery power for the laptop so was unable to post. Found out that Hungry Jacks sell Vegetarian Burgers and that they are very tasty. Was wanting to find an OP Shop, the shoes I bought at the OP Shop at Rollingstone last August for $4 have finally broken beyond repair and have to be thrown out.

There is a massive Vinnies in Gympie but didn't have what I wanted and Dennise suggested Rivers and sure enough they, as usual, were having a SALE and these leather upper shoes were $15 and another 30% off for good measure. $10.50 later I walked out with the most comfortable new shoes, well worth the $6.50 more than the previous ones.

Renewed our acquaintance

with Mrs Brown's Boys and laughed our way through a couple of episodes. I know I said that I wouldn't be buying alcohol now that Christmas and the New Year have passed but I weakened and bought a bottle of Penfolds Club Reserve Classic Tawny Port cost more than the shoes but sure tastes better.   John