Bundaberg with Bev...

Bev is one of Michael's long-time friends, part of the crowd that gathered as teenagers in suburban Perth in the early seventies. The boys from the Hills bonded with those from the coastal plain and surprisingly, developed life-long relationships. Bev and husband John moved to Gin Gin after stints elsewhere in Western Australia and Queensland. Suddenly after a very long time, Michael and Bev have been able to refresh their friendship, in person, due to her proximity to my brother Simon.

Bev has rapidly become my friend as well. In her early sixties, she still runs a school canteen and is heavily involved in her local community. She and John live at an idyllic property near Gin Gin. Bev was the perfect host to show us the attractions of Bundaberg the day before we left Simon's house for the trip south.

We started with an early pub lunch at the Metropolitan Hotel. The food was quite acceptable without being outstanding. Good honest fare. And the air conditioning was delightful on a very hot and humid day. The facilities were also very clean. As I am a total toilet tragic, these details matter.

Onward to the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery (BRAG). We did a double take as Edwina, who we had previously seen in the Childers Art Space, was doing a stint in Bundy. We were delighted with the exhibitions being shown, especially the photographic display of their sister city Nanning, China, titled 23 Degrees North and South. A stroll to the former School of the Arts revealed the beautiful internal staircase and lovely restored interiors.

Next stop was the historic water tower. Michael and Bev circumnavigated the building with Michael taking photos at all angles. Out to Bargara Beach to view the Pacific Ocean and enjoy an ice cream from Gary's van. Needless to say, his wife was a patient of Simon's and Gary was most complimentary of Simon's doctoring skills.

On the way back to Bundy, we drove up to the summit of the Hummock, the one and only high point in the vicinity. Now the remains of an extinct volcano, the views from the top were glorious in all directions. We listened to the commentary, enjoyed the cooling breezes and took more photographs for our burgeoning album.

We arrived back at Simon's house after a thoroughly entertaining day. Bev had acted as a tourist guide par excellence. We bid her a fond farewell with promises to return.

An utterly satisfactory last full day in Bundaberg with a lovely friend. We will be back.

At the Metropolitan Hotel with Bev.

Two friends.

The School of the Arts -

At BRAG -

The historic water tower -

The Hummock -