We're All Going On A (Almost) Summer Holiday!

The family clan is together again. We are insitu in a charming little beach house in Coolum, close to Dad's retirement village. We flew from Perth, faster than a speeding bullet. The flight, 3746 kilometres in distance, usually takes about four hours. Due to a strong cold front and a blasting tail wind, we landed after only three and a half hours. Later that afternoon, Michael (brother) was located by us at Brisbane Airport having caught a Virgin south after a propellor job from Cooktown to Cairns. His description of flying through mist and cloud reinforced my firm belief that small planes are not my style whatsoever.

We then turned Lily the hire car in the direction of Coolum just before four o'clock and immediately ground to a halt. The combination of Friday afternoon traffic congestion and the inevitable roadworks led to a start-stop trip for about the first forty kilometres. When we eventually moved into thinning traffic, the call of nature struck the Michaels and we needed to stop at the facilities. Bollocks.

Back to the highway. We arrived at our digs - Coolum Home Base - just after dark. After a minor foul-up working out how to unlock the front door, we entered our home away from home. Friendly, casual, comfy and close to Dad's retirement "resort".

We chucked our bags in our rooms and set off to visit Dad. He was snoozing in the TV room with a cup of tea. Once Dad opened his eyes, he was overjoyed to see us. We had a quick hug, chat and promises to come back in the morning. A delicious Thai meal and a couple of glasses of vino later, brother Michael had showered and gone to bed. We weren't vertical that much longer.

After a very long sleep, we woke to a gloriously warm morning. What an introduction to our holiday. We had a very late breakfast. bliss. David roared into the environs to join us, having driven from the Gold Coast. Laughter and loudness emanated from Coolum Home Base. After midday,  I walked to the retirement centre. The boys drove over. We spent a delightful hour and a half with Dad, watered his garden and gave him the gift of his service records (which David had sourced). Dad was ecstatic.

Mike and Dave left to book the local cafe for our family lunch on Sunday. I wandered the long way home to join all the lads. The afternoon passed with more companionship, the odd beer and a few glasses of vino. The conversation became livelier and more raucous. An absolute blast.

This day has been perfect. Blue sky, warm sunshine, a gentle breeze and a marvellous atmosphere.

Roll on tomorrow.

Photographs from the aircraft -

In Queensland, they have yellow traffic control!

My brothers with Dad today.