Thursday, 12 - Aug - 1993

I was unsure where we were, but at the 08:00 stop, I got another passenger next to me; a native, I think. Phew, didn't he smoke! It was quite sickening. Unfortunately for me, he too was bound for Brisbane!

The bus finally arrived at the Transit Centre, Roma Street, Brisbane at 17:00. About 15 minutes later, I called Mike's mobile phone; he was just outside, parking his car! We met 15 minutes later, and recongised each other straight away; we last met a few years earlier in Bruxelles, when he and his wife (Ailsa) visited Europe. On our way to his home, he said that Skippy (Michael) called that morning (at 09:00 (01:00 CET)) to see what was happening; had I arrived?

Mike and I arrived at his home at about 18:00, with a beautiful sunset. Wow! What a place Skippy had bought for himself; a real super-looking home; see Photo AU-028 and Photo AU-029. After freshening up, we ate, chatted for a while, then it was early to bed for me. I attempted to do a bit of reading, but I was too tired.

Photo AU-028

Photo AU-029

Friday, 13 - Aug - 1993

I woke up at 08:00 and was ready by 09:00. After having toast for breakfast, Mike gave me a lift to Garden City, from where I took a 593 bus (AUD 2.20 (£1)) into Brisbane City Centre. Once inside the Queen Street Mall, I came across a brass band playing. After a brief time, I headed for the tourist information office. City Sights operated from the Post Office Square; which was easy to find. I booked myself onto the 13:00 tour (at AUD 10.00 (£4.59)).

I alighted at Stop 7 and took a return ferry trip across the Brisbane River! I walked to Stop 8 and around the Botanical Gardens. At the Queensland Museum (Stop 12) there was an Indonesian Exhibit, which reminded me of Bali. At 15:00, I got the bus back and arrived back at Post Office Square at 15:30. At the Tourist Information office, I asked for details of services to the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, then went window shopping! There was a great selection of British video tapes; for example, Beauty and the Beast; at AUD 24.95 (£11.44).

I wanted to get back to Runcorn before it got dark, but carried on window shopping! I took the 17:55 bus, costing AUD 2.60 (£1.19), but it got delayed on the Freeway due to an accident. I finally arrived at 18:40. For dinner, we popped out and bought a Barramundi dinner from the Runcorn Plaza fish shop; costing AUD 5.50 (£2.52). It was quite a meal! On the television was Home and Away, Some Mothers Do Have Them and the Brisbane Broncos playing rugby league. I hit the sack at 23:00.

Saturday, 14 - Aug - 1993

I eventually got up at 09:00. After having breakfast, I caught the 10:45 bus into town. Today's objective was to look at the area known as South Bank Parklands; see Photo AU-030 to Photo AU-033. The Parklands area was the site of Expo 88.

Photo AU-030

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Photo AU-033

I bought ten postcards for AUD 1.50 (£0.69) and set off to find a place to write them. What a beautiful area - gardens, a small market, a sandy beach, restaurants, etc. I bought an eleventh to send to Chris Carter, my parents at Slough, The Drum in Bruxelles, Keith Bailey Travel in Thatcham, Catherine Conet at La Hulpe, and more!

At 13:40, it was time for lunch - at Ned Kelly's. Chicken and mushroom pie and chips was AUD 3.60 (£1.65) with a pint of Power Bitter AUD 3.60 (£1.65). Live entertainment was provided by Blackthorne; an Irish group.

Due to the shop closing at 16:00, I headed back into town at 15:20 to buy some Newcastle Brown for Ailsa and Mike. I bought stamps at Myer department store and posted the cards at the main post office. I called Peter and Leigh Sewell (the honeymoon couple I met in Hong Kong), but got an answerphone. I left a message, saying that I will call back later.

I walked over to the Transit Centre to get information on McCafferty's buses to Surfers Paradise; then returned to the Queen Street Mall for the 17:25 bus back to Runcorn. I had missed a beautiful sunset by about half an hour; I must try again another day!

I called Leigh again at 18:00, and she answered! We talked for about 25 minutes, with her giving me information about New Zealand. We ended up arranging to go out tomorrow to Mount Tamborine, which overlooks Surfers Paradise. We arranged to meet at the Garden City Bus Stop A, at 12:30.

I arrived 'home' at 18:35. Rump steak was for dinner, although I didn't feel hungry. However, it was very good! After dinner, we discussed my day, then I was persuaded (rightly so) to visit Sydney before I leave, seeing as I had some spare time. I might go down next Tuesday or Wednesday for a few days. We watched Keeping Up Appearances (the Boating Weekend episode) and Birds of a Feather. I got to my sack at 23:00.

Sunday, 15 - Aug - 1993

I arose at 08:15, and after breakfast, went through my To-Do list. I needed to:

Later that morning, I set off to catch the bus to Garden City, where Leigh and Peter arrived at 12:35. Leigh remarked how tanned I was, compared to when we were in Hong Kong. We set off for Sanctuary Cove - where the elite live; what a place!

We then left and headed for Mount Tamborine. The view from the top towards Surfers Paradise was amazing; see Photo AU-034. After a while, we left and I was taken to visit a rain forest, and various waterfalls, then headed back to Brisbane. We discussed what to do about food and unanimously agreed to eat at Sizzlers! They took me back to their apartment to change; with a few minutes on Peter's PC!

Photo AU-034

We arrived at Sizzlers at 17:15; All You Can Eat! I had a salad (AUD 9.50, £4.36), a rump steak (AUD 2.95, £1.35) and a beer (AUD 2.40, £1.11) - AUD 14.85 (£6.82) in total. What an amazing place to eat! Dessert is also included; pavlova, ice cream, fresh fruit and apple crumble! Yummy!

At 18:30, we headed off to their church - why not, I have nothing to loose - where we seated ourselves on the balcony!

It turned out to be a type of Evangelical/Pentecostal gathering, singing songs - to a four- or five-member group of musicians, plus singers - and the waving of arms and hands. There were all types of people in the audience at all ages. My main conclusion was that the congregation was totally brain-washed! The church's elders were besotted by money. The money bags were passed around not once, but TWICE! The second time came after what I thought was only about 15 minutes! "Save Yourselves!" Their dream was to get everybody worldwide converted to their way of thinking by the year 2000! Big ego, or what? Their dream had already smashed - I was not going to convert from my beliefs!!!

It was an interesting service never-the-less! After the service, we all went downstairs to their café. An American Evangelical group "SetFree" was touring Australia. It preaches by performing Rap dancing. These guys are crazy!

At the end of the session (21:15), the Master of Ceremonies (MC) had his say. "Stand up everyone and thank the Lord" (or something similar)! I remained seated, in my own protest! These guys are living in cloud-cuckoo-land - wanting Jesus to thank them. Don't they know that they ARE Jesus - we are all one (spiritually). I think I was targetted by the MC when he said that "There are those of you in the audience that are hypocritical". He was the hypocritical one around here! Still, I'm glad I went - it made me realise how gullible and brainwashed some people are!

My hosts for the day got me back to Runcorn at 22:30. I wanted to watch the Hungarian G.P. at 23:00, but thought it was too late, so I went to bed. Oh! I forgot to phone the U.K.

Monday, 16 - Aug - 1993

I got up at 08:15. Ailsa and Mike had popped out, but left me a note, including the phone number of the Castlemaine XXXX Brewery (361 7400). I had decided to travel to Surfers Paradise for the day tomorrow, travel overnight to Sydney, stay Wednesday night and return to Garden City overnight Thursday/Friday. Mike insisted that I see the coast before leaving. So I caught the 09:45 bus into the city. I called the brewery, but there was only a video showing today; there are tours on Tuesday and Wednesday. Next Monday is my only option. I said I'll call back.

I made my way over to the Transit Centre on Roma Street, where I stated that I wanted to travel to Surfers Paradise tomorrow, travel overnight to Sydney and back to Garden City for Friday. "No problem" was the response. My booking was as follows:

On my way back to the city centre, I booked myself onto the Monday 09:30 tour of the Castlemaine Brewery. Confirmation will be sent in the post. Looks like I am going to be here longer than I planned - is this an Australian disease?

After writing a few postcards outside the town hall, I headed back to the Transit Centre for a prawn roll; AUD 2.95 (£1.35). Prawns, prawns and more prawns; My daughter would have had a field day! With a beer, I sat and enjoyed my snack opposite the Uniting Church (Photo AU-035) in Albert Street. Once 'suitably recharged', I strolled around, viewing other parts of the city, as well as trying to get to the brewery. However, it was further than I thought, in the time that I had; I wanted to get back to Runcorn before dark.

Photo AU-035

Photo AU-036

I took the 16:45 bus to Runcorn (route 293), and despite missing Garden City, I arrived back at 17:05. I wanted to take a photo of the setting sun over some nearby trees, but for the first time in five days, there were clouds to the west.

After dinner (silverside corned beef), I called Thatcham at 19:30 (10:30 BST). My daughter had had a paddy, presumably wanting her mother back home, or Chris couldn't look after the dog; blame it on someone! The T-shirts arrived this morning. My daughter asked about the T-shirts from Singapore; no, Bangkok. They had not yet arrived. They are probably travelling by surface mail; just wait. For when I get to the U.S., she asked me to look out for a Game Boy cartridge containing approximately twenty games.

I then called Leigh. They were having another Japanese guy staying with them this coming weekend. She suggested calling Friday about joining them for some sightseeing on Saturday and Sunday. After returning to the house, Ailsa, Mike and I watched two hours of The Burden of Truth, then bed at 22:30.

Tuesday, 17 - Aug - 1993

My alarm woke me up at 07:30, as I'm going to Sydney via Surfers Paradise. Breakfast was fruit, toast and juice. I caught the 09:15 bus into Garden City; I could have taken the 09:45 bus, but I preferred to get to the Transit Centre in ample time. Oh, I realised I had forgot to pack my comb! I bought a pack of plastic combs.

The bus left the Transit Centre at 10:20, arriving at Surfers Paradise at 11:45. I was on the beach by 12:00! see Photo AU-036 106. After about an hour, I went for something to eat. I fancied eating a pizza; something filling. A nearby Italian restaurant was selling small pizzas for AUD 10 (£4.59) and up to a large pizza for AUD 15 (£6.88). However, I noticed a Chinese restaurant advertising "Eat All You Can for AUD 5.90" (£2.70); and that also included a dessert! All of a sudden, I fancied eating Chinese!

The selection was superb: spring rolls, sweet and sour pork, lamb, beef, chicken, satay, vegetables, rice and noodles, and so-on. I had a very good meal and headed back to a cloudless, windy beach. There's not a lot to do in two hours. Besides, the sun was disappearing behind the tower blocks.

I checked in for my onward journey, at 15:45, then went and posted a card to Thatcham. On my way back to the coach station, I bought myself an ice cream. I felt as though I had caught the sun. How much more sunburnt can one get? The bus left at 17:05 instead of 16:45. As we travelled southwards, the Gold Coast seemed to go on and on. The sunset, at 17:40, was glorious.

Photo AU-037

Wednesday, 18 - Aug - 1993

The sun rose at 06:30. The bus arrived at Darlinghurst Road, Sydney at 07:30; dead on time! This is the Kings Cross area of Sydney; I hadn't planned it, but this was the red light area! Rather than sleep in a backpacker dormitory tonight, I fancied staying at a proper hotel. If the Sheraton had had a spare room, I could have paid AUD 70.00 (£32.11). The Westbury wanted AUD 95.00 (£41.28), as did the Top of the Town. Further along Darlinghurst Road, was the Kirketon Hotel at AUD 49.00 (£22.48). It was not an excellent place, but convenient; being close to the bus stop.

The hotel receptionist suggested I purchase a Sydney Explorer ticket (costing AUD 20 (£9.17)), for a day's travel around the city. I found the Hard Rock Cafe, as it was nearby, then made my way to Stop 6 (Kings Cross), where the 10:20 bus had just left. However, as luck would have it, it stopped at a nearby red traffic light, so I hopped on. I alighted at Circular Quay, only to jump back on again to view the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge from Mrs Macguarie's Chair; see Photo AU-038.

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I alighted at the same time as two Japanese girls (strangely talking English to each other). It turned out that Chisato was Japanese and Zena was from Sri Lanka. They asked me for directions, and we finally decided to continue our tour together, taking a later bus to Roberts Seafood Restaurant (Stop 8), 7 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo Bay (what a fantastic place name - Woolloomooloo!) for lunch; I had fish (Barundi) and chips, a selection from the salad bar, and a pint of beer.

After our fill, we walked to Stop 13 (Australian Museum). The next bus arrived virtually immediately, so we hopped on. We got off at (the then) Stop 20 for Sydney Aquarium with the intention of walking around Darling Harbour towards the Maritime Museum to take a trip on the (now removed) Sydney Monorail.

However, we ended up walking through the Convention Centre, around the Exhibition Centre and up to the monorail station by the Novotel Hotel, and took the next train. We got more than just an outside view of Sydney; from the amourous activities of a couple opposite us, so we got out at the Haymarket stop and waited for the next train (which happened to advertise the (then) new Jurassic Park film (Photo AU-041)). We eventually alighted at the Martime Museum, as Darling Park Station had not yet opened.

We walked back to the Sydney Aquarium (then Stop 20) to take the next bus across Sydney Harbour Bridge. Another photo session, of the bridge (see Photo AU-040) took place at Blues Point Reserve; by which time, the sun had moved across the sky. The three of us walked back across the bridge to travel up to the top of the Centralpoint Tower (currently known as Sydney Tower).

At Circular Quay, Zena decided to leave, to go and climb the tower. After a good view of the sun setting and the city lights coming on, Chisato and I went and had a bite to eat at the Opera House; chips and beer (probably not the best combination by to-day's standards!), followed by a piece of yummie cheesecake and cream! We walked back to the Intercontinental Hotel, had a brief chat, and said our Goodbyes! Unfortunately, I had to return to my hotel (by underground train), where I watched the last hour and a half of The Burden of Truth; but I didn't understand it as I had missed the first thirty minutes. I retired into my sleeping bag (at 23:00), as I didn't like the look and state of the bed linen!

Thursday, 19 - Aug - 1993

I awoke at 07:45 to a similar sound that I heard this time yesterday. I thought I had booked myself into a bonking shop! If they were reaching certain climaxes, they must have been very muffled! Then I realised the true identity of the rythmic sound - pidgeons just outside the hotel! Duh! After I heard them fly away (the flapping of wings), all was quiet.

When checking-out of the hotel at 08:45, I received my AUD 10 key deposit back; which I had totally fogotten about. I left my bag at the McCafferty's office and headed off towards Kings Cross to get the Explorer bus into the city. The El Alamein Fountain (Photo AU-041) looked quite amazing in the sunlight! I got on a 311 bus, not knowing where it was going; I wanted to find out the name of the restaurant that we ate at yesterday. I got off a few minutes later and waited for a red bus.

Photo AU-041

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I finally got into the city centre and started looking for a shop that might sell a warm jacket, without success. Bare in mind, this is the end of the southern hemisphere's winter! Obviously, it was the wrong time of the year. For lunch, I had a donner kebab before heading for Circular Quay for the 13:00 harbour tour. On my way, I bought a pack of six Fuji (36) films for AUD 23.94 (£10.98); the price was actually cheaper than duty-free. At the same time, I booked my next flight (to New Zealand) for Tuesday.

It was an interesting harbour tour, passing the Opera House (Photo AU-043 and Photo AU-044) and other numerous bays that make up the whole harbour. The tour ended at 15:30. I just missed the ferry to Darling Harbour; I just wanted to get a photo (or two) of Sydney Harbour Bridge from the sunny side. I had to wait until 16:15 for the next ferry. It was due to return by 16:56, which gave me enough time to call in at the Hard Rock Cafe on my way back to the bus stop.

I asked a prospective passenger "What boat goes where?" She asked me where I wanted to go. "I don't know, so long as it goes under the bridge". She told me my best option was the 16:15 (which happened to be the boat that I thought of taking). As the boat was about to depart, she hopped aboard. From her English-sounding accent, she wasn't a local! I found out that she was from Maindenhead (not far from my home town!). She was well spoken, dressed in a dark coloured figure-hugging business suit; and very, very attractive!

Anyway, I got my photographs and was back at 16:50. I got the 17:00 Explorer bus to the Hard Rock Cafe (17:25), where I had a Toohey's Blue (at the time, a locally brewed beer) and a vegi-burger, and bought three T-shirts. I arrived at the McCafferty's terminus at 18:05 for an 18:35 departure. I was ready for another night on a bus. Tonight's film was Over The Hill (1992).

Friday, 20 - Aug - 1993

I was beginning to feel cold, so when we stopped in Taree (at 01:30), I 'climbed' into my sleeping bag. The next thing I knew, it was 07:00, the sun was above the horizon and we were approaching Ballina. At the next stop, I decided to stay on the bus; I had no reason to get off.

The scenery up to the Gold Coast was quite something. It reminded me of parts of Switzerland and Austria; I missed seeing it on the way down to Sydney, as it was dark.

We arrived in Brisbane (the Roma Street Transit Centre) at 12:00. Again, I started looking for something warm for New Zealand. However, the situation would be more difficult, as it was definitely warmer in Brisbane than in Sydney! I eventually saw a fleecy jacket, although it wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but I ended up buying it; AUD 45 (£20.64). I thought it was cheap enough to throw away if I was able to find something more appropriate. [2019, and I still have that fleece!] I bought some peanut brittle from Darrel Lea; an interesting chain of chocolate shops!

I got the 15:25 bus back to Runcorn. Mike offered to take me for a tour of the area. Acres upon acres of residential homes were being built and sold; most of them were very nice houses. We eventually arrived at the Runcorn Tavern for our evening meal; my treat! It was similar to Sizzlers, but I thought the selection was better; perhaps because I was hungry! Pea and ham soup, pasta shells, cheese sauce, gratin potatoes, crab and celery; spaghetti bolognaise and vegetables, six large prawns; fresh fruit salad. Although I could have eaten some apple crumble, I didn't want to make a complete pig of myself! We left at 20:40, had a Tia Maria night cap, and I hit the sack at 21:40, exhausted!

Saturday, 21 - Aug - 1993

I was up at 08:00; breakfast was kiwi fruit and banana, toast and orange juice. I made my way over to the post office to enquire about the price of sending two T-shirts back to the U.K.; 550 grams - AUD 26 (£11.92) for 1 Kg. However, if I was to send two 500 gram packets, it would cost AUD 18 (£8.26)! Work that one out, because I can't!

I tried calling Leigh and Peter, but there was no answer. I got the 10:45 bus into town and spent some time on the South Bank, just relaxining in the warmth of the sun (Photo AU-032). I left at 17:15, and made my way to the Queens Street Mall, via the Kangaroo Point Bikeway and the Thornton Street Ferry Terminal (from where I took Photo AU-045). Once at the mall (17:45), I phoned Peter. They were about to have dinner and so I asked them to call me at 19:00. I returned to Runcorn on the 17:55 bus, and was finally able to get my sunset photograph (Photo AU-046). Back at the house, I met Skippy's brother Chris. He had just returned from a seven-week tour of Ireland, London and Europe, so we had lots to talk about and compare!

Photo AU-045

Photo AU-046

Leigh called at 19:00 and suggested we meet tomorrow for lunch (as it was Bill's birthday (whoever Bill was!)), then go for a ride. Once off the phone, we ate some lasagne, watched TV (the BBC's Birds of a Feather and May to December), and the sixth (cricket) test match: Australia against England. The visitors were in their second innings, and led by 135 runs by the time I went to bed.

Sunday, 22 - Aug - 1993

I awoke at 07:20, and was showered by 08:00. I sorted out some of the brochures that I had accumulated; what I needed and what could be thrown away. Breakfast was at 09:20 and I left for Garden City at 10:40. I actually walked instead of taking the bus, finally arriving at 11:45. Peter and Leigh picked me up at 12:25 and we arrived at Sizzlers at 12:40; Bill and his parents were already there. Having learnt from last weekend, I went for the prawn salad (AUD 6.50 (£2.98)) and salad bar (AUD 3.00 (£1.38)) and a Crown beer (AUD 3.00).

There was pea and ham soup, pasta with bolognaise sauce, cabonara sauce and cheese, sausages, prawns with jacket potatoes, fresh fruit (two halves of Kiwi fuit (where's my daughter?!)), oranges, melons, passion fruit and water melon and apple crumble; and much more!

We left for the Sunshine Coast (Mooloolaba). From there, we went to Nambour, then headed back to Brisbane via the Pinapple Plantation and a view of the setting sun over the Glasshouse Mountains (17:50). We got back to Brisbane at 19:10 in time to 'go to church'; the Glad Tidings Tabernacle of the Assembly of God. We left there at 21:50 and I was back at the Cassells' home at 22:10. As Pete was off work tomorrow, he suggested we meet at the Transit Centre, to take me climbing! I phoned Thatcham (22:15/13:15), but as there was no answer, I left a message. I returned to the house and David scared the sh*t out of me! He was in the shadow of the back door, smoking a cigarette!

Monday, 23 - Aug - 1993

I was up at 07:00 for my last full day in Australia, and left for the railway station at 07:45; I was off to the Castlemaine Brewery for a 09:30 appointment and didn't want to be late! I caught the 08:15 train to Roma Street, where the 08:45 Ipswitch train was waiting. Instead, with time to spare, I carried on to the Central Station, just for the journey, returning on the next train. On the approach to Roma Street Station, the standard guage railway line from Sydney merges with the Queensland Railway narrow gauge line. Both gauges share the same tracks, having three rails, one of which is common.

I took the 09:14 train and alighted at Milton at 09:20, arriving at the Castlemaine Club House five minutes later, where I was met by my guide. I asked where are the other visitors? She said I was the only one for the 09:30 tour! So, off we set. I saw the loading of the 50-litre kegs, the cleansing and filling of the stubbies (375 ml) and the packaging of the six-packs into boxes of 24. The canning production line was quiet; it only ran on alternate days and to-day wasn't the day! The beer from the rejected bottles and cans was returned to the bulk and re-bottled/canned. When we got back to the club house, I was shown a video and offered a glass of the middle strength beer (3.8%), then the heavy (4.8%), and lastly, the light (2.8%); which tasted like water after tasting the heavy! I left the brewery at 10:55, knowing that I'd had a beer breakfast! (It was certainly different from a Champgne Breakfast.).

I made my way to the local post office and posted the two T-shirts (as well as two films and some paperwork) to the kiddies; it cost AUD 22 (£10.09), instead of AUD 28 (£12.84) for one package. From there, I made my way over to the General Post Office to purchase my departure tax stamp (AUD 20 (£9.17)).

I exchanged a £10 travellers cheque for AUD 22.05, then made my way to the Myer Centre, where I purchased the first Mr. Bean video tape for the Cassells, as a 'thank you' gift (AUD 29.95 (£14.69)), as well as a sheet of wrapping paper. The shop wanted AUD 4.00 to wrap the goods! I'm sure Leigh and Peter had some clear adhesive tape!

Back to Roma Street to meet Peter. He arrived at 12:55 and we set off for the Glasshouse Mountains to do some climbing. He said on our way that we will be climbing Mount Beerwah.

We arrived at 14:45 and after having some ham and bread, we set off. A nearby sign stated 3 hours to go up and back; Pete thought it would take 2½ hours. The pace was quite fast; Peter had obviously done this before! The climb made its way up a stepped path, complete with hand rail. This is going to be easy, or so I thought! That is, until it ended! We were then faced with a smooth face of rock with a yellow dashed line, indicating the route to take. What the hell have I been talked into?!?! Anyway, we continued onwards and upwards! I remembered to keep as many bodily contacts with the rock face as possible (hands, feet, bum, chest, etc.), but it was still a frightening experience.

There were small foot holes (5-7 cms wide, and about 2.5 cms deep into the rock face), but I managed to work my way up; with an occassional helping hand (no rope) from Peter. It seemed easy for him. With my chest pounding and my legs trembling, I was almost ready to "throw in the towel" (give up!), but I was assured it got easier as we got highter. He definitely has done this before! True to his word, it did get easier. At a convenient point, I was asked if wanted to carry on to the top, or go back down. Well, being so close to the top (as I thought) and coming half-way round the world to give up at this point, I decided to conquer the hill (or should that be Mount?); another 15-20 minutes of fairly steep, but climable rock.

We reached the sumit at 16:00. What an effort, but what a relief and an immense sense of achievement! I was so glad that I had carried on, and not given up. However, I was rather concerned about the return journey! After a photo stop and the consumption of water, banana and tangerine, we started our descent at 16:15.

Our descent turned out to be easier than the ascent. Crouching on one's haunches, or using one's bum, we slid down the rock faces. That was, until we reached the final steep part at the bottom; see Photo AU-049 (that's me sitting/trembling at the top of the slope). I nearly lost my bottle, but hung on, and eventually got down. We were back at the car by 17:00; a round trip of 2 hours! [I thought the pace was quick!]

I didn't notice them on the way up, but we passed (what some might think as being politically incorrectly named) Black Boys, perhaps for obvious reasons; see Photo AU-050. But how can it be politically incorrect if the Aboriginal name translates to Black Boy?!

These plants (also known as Xanthorrhoea - from the Greek xanthos, meaning yellow, and rheo, meaning to flow; referring to the resin) can be as old as 200 (some say 600) years; they grow very slowly - about 2.5 cm per year!

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A couple arrived, wanting to camp for the night. After chatting for a few minutes, Peter and I left at 17:20; we were wasting valuable computer gaming time!!!

We arrived back at Coorparoo at 18:40. After showering, dinner was steak, corn on the cob, brussel sprouts, peas, carrots and potatoes. I popped out at 21:00 (12:00 BST) to call Thatcham. My daughter answered, as she was on her own; her mother and brother had popped out to the garden centre. The three of them were going to the dentist this afternoon to see what is to happen about her tooth. Our (then) dentist (Mr. Golder) is retiring this coming October (1993), which is/was a great shame. He will be greatly missed, certainly by me. He is/was a great dentist; extracting one of my wisdom teeth, while I was conscious, but without me feeling a thing! I mentioned that I had posted the films and paperwork back to the U.K., but not the T-shirts; they were to be a little surprise.

Back to Leigh and Peter, I wrapped my gift for Ailsa amd Mike, showed them my photographs of Bangkok, and spent a few minutes on Peter's PC. I said I would try and send him any solutions to Lemmings, plus any information on CompuServe, when I got back to the U.K., but I completely forgot!

Leigh called her parents in Christchurch, New Zealand. It was arranged that I meet them after my arrival; which I thought was very nice of them and something for me to look forward to. Leigh asked if I would mind taking a Father's Day present to her dad. "I'd be happy to"!

We agreed to keep in touch. After saying "Goodbye" to each other, I left at 22:00 - a bit later than I had hoped - and got back to Runcorn at 22:15. I sorted out my clothes for tomorrow and packed the rest. I finally got to bed at 23:40.

Tuesday, 24 - Aug - 1993

My alarm woke me up at 06:00. My last few hours in Australia! Wow, what a time I've had. Mike and I left the house at 06:45 and he took me to the airport via the recycling plant; to get rid of rubbish from the house move. At the airport, it was a quick drop off, as parking was difficult at that time of the morning. Besides (and I shall continue saying it):
I Hate Goodbyes!

My seat (38A (window) on board the 747-338) was already allocated from when I was in Sydney.

Related Links: ------------------------ El Alamein Fountain Mount Beerwah Mount Beerwah Summit People's Palace People's Palace (State Library) Queensland Rail Sydney Tower Sydney's Monorail Tooheys Brothers ------------------------ Australian Native Plants Nursey Australian Plant Images Australian Tree Images Australian Xanthorrhoeas (Black Boy) Australian Xanthorrhoeas [Wikipedia] Blackboy or Grasstree Mount Beerwah Mountain Forecast Rainforest Plants Xanthorrhoeaceae