Brisbane - 25 - 29 April

After a very long journey from Ayers Rock to Brisbane, via Sydney (don't ask), Dani, (my second cousin once removed), was a very welcome site. Dani is a native kiwi (daughter of Neil, whom we visited at Rotarua), and we had not seen each other for 10 years.

So, whilst I have been busy working in the IT business (yawn) and living in the same area that Dani visited 10 years ago, Dani married, moved to Oz and now has 4 kids. Dani loaded us into her new people moving bus and on arrival in Nambour (an hour north of Brisbane) her husband Mark presented us with a lovely home cooked meal.


Above: The boys, nearest to Adam, Zane (6), Brad (9), and Clay (3). At last, Filby had another captive audience for his 'bungee video'

Above: Dani and the very cute Courtney. A little lady who knows what she wants!!

Above: The kids enjoy a great pad and garden, courtesy of Dani's Dad Neil, who owns this place. Dani and Mark are currently building a brand new house on the Gold Coast.



Above: Adam and I took a day trip to Brisbane, and Filby lost the locks - horay. Still getting used to seeing him without curls.

Above: Neil arrived from New Zealand and we took a trip to the nearby Glass House mountains. Named by, you guessed it, Captain James Cook, who thought the mountain range looked like the glass furnaces of the north.

Above: It is not every day you are asked if you fancy a spin on tractor. Well how could I refuse.

Above: A national treasure, the largest and noisiest bird in the woodpecker family, a Kookaburra posed for a photo.

Highlights of our time with the Powell Family:

Getting to know the family

Spending time in a family home after 6 months of travel

Home cooking, including our first roast dinner for 6 months

Lovely ozzie bar-b-q with Neil, Trudy, Alistair, Dani, Mark and family

Cuddles with Courtney

Great night in with Dani and Mark

Visit to the beach with Dani and Clay

Neil flying in from New Zealand

Driving a tractor