The Wandering Tops: December 2017

Well my work as Santa certainly provided some entertainment and long days. Over the six weeks starting early November it started slow and finished very busy with a queue of 30 plus waiting to see Santa at times in the last couple of days. This was the first time I had grown a beard for the job and on the first day I was very apprehensive, as the beard provided which the other Santa used, was much longer. As it turned out the beard proved to be a hit with many compliments and some preferring a real beard. Whether I grow it again, I don't know!! Helen was very pleased to see my face again when I shaved it off.

Santa and the family photo

We left the Van at Murwillumbah Showgrounds (caretaker on site) and drove to where Briony was house-sitting for a couple of weeks, Mt Tambourine. Was treated to a fabulous home made Chicken Laksa for tea and thoroughly enjoyed the evening with our daughter. Watched Christmas Carols, getting into the spirit of Christmas, although I felt as though I'd been living Christmas for the last 6 weeks! According to the girls I apparently slept in the chair for quite some time.

One of the more interesting Santa photos

Began Christmas Day with bacon, eggs and champagne breakfast with the kids as Todd and Tennelle drove up to join us. First family Christmas breakfast for many years and it was great. Had a few issues with the Turkey we were cooking for lunch as first Helen forgot to put it in the oven, then the timer went off which turned the oven off, so when came time to baste the turkey, found the oven had switched itself off!! From breakfast we moved onto Tennelle's family's Christmas Lunch where her parents Wayne and Susan were wonderful hosts, as always. May I say that the turkey was cooked to perfection!! Afternoon was rather warm so spent time around and in the pool. Late afternoon Briony drove us back to Mt Tambourine where we consumed the remaining Laksa (although quite full from all the day's food). That night we were lashed with a severe storm - strong winds, driving rain and plenty of thunder and lightening. Apparently I slept through most of it as in the morning the girls were saying they did not get much sleep due to the noise! Found a Coffee Shop open nearby and enjoyed time chatting with Briony before we went our separate ways.

Santa's work was done, now to celebrate Christmas Day

Headed back to Murwillumbah and found our Van in one piece as they had also experienced a storm the night before. That evening we rolled the awning in and more or less had things ready for an early start the next day.

Set off early next morning as wanted to get ahead of the traffic as we headed for Hervey Bay. Had a great run before stopping at the Burpengary Service Centre for a much needed coffee. Upon joining the M1 the traffic was very slow going, crawling our way along in places. Going through Gympie was particularly slow due to traffic lights and kms of one lane roads. Another major delay was coming into Tiaro where the pedestrian lights banked the traffic up for kms. Finally arrived at Susan River where we stayed for the next 2 weeks - great to catch up with friends here again.

Quite early morning around the camp.

The 9th hole after crossing the lake

Weather was very humid, so the pool was frequently visited! For the first few days a storm came through late afternoon which reminded us of Darwin weather. New Years Eve was a terrific night and after the rained stopped we were able to sit outside and enjoy a great evening, finally going to bed around 2am! Plenty of music and celebrations were had with a wonderful group of people. During our stay I played golf each morning while Helen joined in the water aerobics. Enjoyed a few games of darts and finska and had plenty of chats and laughs. Met up with Lynn and Janice for lunch at the Howard Pub and had a great meal. Also had Sunday dinner at the Sportsman's Club in Maryborough - fish and chips $5. I celebrated my birthday during our stay and Helen organised a birthday cake for morning tea, and with the blowing out of the candle the group sang Happy Birthday! Unfortunately had not anticipated the number of people so very, very small pieces of cake were handed out!!! Helen and I went to Goody's On The Beach at Toogoom and had a nice lunch overlooking the sea.