The Wandering Tops: Sunshine coast

After a very humid night (had air conditioner on all night) left Burleigh Heads and headed north of Brisbane towards the Sunshine coast. Our first stop was Burpengary to catch up with Norm and Rhonda for a couple of nights. They have a great place with room for the van and a nice private pool which we had many dips in as the weather was very hot and humid. Had a great catch up and enjoyed dinner at the local Tavern with rose petals spread over the table and candles - it was Valentines Day! Norm claims he knew and was happy to take all the 'brownie points', however we doubt that very much!! Norm and I traded car and caravan stories and talked about boys toys over the 2 days - I need a shed!! Thank you guys for your warm hospitality.

Norm is minding this little toy for his son - V8 combi!

Our next stop was not much further north to Landsborough and a couple of nights with Harley and Faye. Backed into 'site 3' - designated undercover spot for visitors, then took up their offer to stay in the house as storms were predicted. Weather was so humid it reminded us of the Darwin 'build up' and we were entertained by a thunder and lightning display. Unfortunately not much rain to cool things down. Recently they had a massive storm come through taking out trees around the area - luckily Harley and Faye only had minor damage compared to some others in the neighbourhood.

H&F visitors 'site 3'

After breakfast the next day we were chauffeured around visiting the Mooloola Valley, Eudlo, Palmwoods then onto Caloundra. Stopped for lunch at the Powerboat Club, just getting in before the 2pm cut off point!! On way home stopped at Landsborough Bakery for coffee before heading home for a 'grazing tea' as no one was hungry after lunch. Once again Harley and I traded "boys toys" stories. Thank you guys for a great catch up with many laughs particularly concerning Helen's birthday present - a 3 1/2 inch exhaust system!! Your hospitality is greatly appreciated.

This time of the year the parks offer specials so decided to take advantage of a pay for 3 and stay 4 offer at the Mooloolabah Beach Holiday Park. The first 3 days were very warm and the sea had a huge swell resulting from cyclone Gita, great for the surf but not the best for swimming and at various times the beach was closed. On the first day Helen decided to go for a swim and even staying between the flags, she could not get out of the wash - most of the time being dumped by the big waves! Said she felt like she was in a washing machine so her 'swim' was short lived. At least she had cooled down. I went for morning bike rides but had to contend with heaps of people wandering all over the track. Unfortunately overseas visitors do not keep to the left hand side when walking so bike track became an obstacle course! Helen and I walked around to the Spit - sea had certainly calmed compared with previous days. Went to the Mooloolaba Surf Club for tea and enjoyed a discounted 'Seniors' Meal - things we can now look forward to in our senior years!!

Mooloolabah beach, a very popular spot.

Sunrise from Mooloolaba beach towards Caloundra

Another sunrise photo - I do get a bit carried away.

A few early morning swimmers venture into the larger than normal swell

Surfers taking advantage of the bigger swells

I had thoughts of going to Inskip Point to camp, however as the weather had changed and storms predicated, we moved on 6 km further north to Cotton Tree Holiday Park, and again took advantage of the discount offer. After arriving the wind blew up to 45 km/hr and combined with heavy rain - did not bother putting the awning out. The wind and rain continued for 2 days - Helen was delighted that we decided against Inskip Point. She was happy to get her book out however I was going a bit stir crazy being inside all the time - couldn't even have any windows open. Weather eased on our last day and even saw some blue sky for a short period.