WEEK 2 AT YAMBA

Our second week at Yamba was spent very leisurely and we went for lots of walks along different bush tracks we found driving around. We had to ease up on the hard, long beach runs with Sally as she had a very sore hip and was on anti-inflammatory tablets from the vet. He advised us to rest her up as much as we could, nearly impossible when she’s hanging out for a long walk.  She was limping very badly for 4 days and couldn’t understand why we weren’t throwing stones for her.  She’s a bit better now and still loves her beach walks.  We still went for a walk along the breakwall every afternoon and saw lots of dolphins there every time, much to our delight.  One afternoon they were on both sides of the rocks and we didn’t know which direction to look in.

We’ve been catching up on book reading (Richard instead of fishing).  We’re rediscovering just how good a writer John Grisham is.  We both read 4 of his books practically non-stop this week (you could hardly get a word out of either of us).  The weather has been absolutely superb and we’re really taking advantage of it sitting outside the caravan whilst reading.

We went to Yamba Golf Club for a show called “60’s British Hits” which was $30 each for a meal and show – pretty good value really.  The meal was fairly average.  The band used to be in different bands In England before they joined up together.  There were 4 guys all well in their 60’s too I imagine.  Most of the crowd were in that age bracket also.  From the very first number the dance floor was crowded and it was non-stop boogying from a very lively crowd as there was a big dance floor in front of the tables.  We got up and danced quite a bit as well.  We were surprised and delighted they even did a Rolling Stones number.  There were old favourites from The Kinks, Dave Clark 5, Beatles, Jerry and The Pacemakers, Shadows and many more.  They were called The Chevrons and were a very funny, entertaining group.  We cracked up when the lead guitarist came out with scruffy hair, headband and big ears, coughing his guts up just like Keith Richards from the Stones – he really looked like him (wrinkled skin and all).  We got talking to the other people on our table and had a really nice night.  Got the courtesy bus home so we could both drink.

We were both sorry to leave Yamba as it had been so enjoyable.

 WEEK 7 TWEED HEADS

We arrived in Tweed Heads Monday 15^th August.  It took us 3 hours from Yamba with one stop for a cuppa along the way.  We knew it was a big town as there were lots of high-rise apartments from the Gold Coast coming into view and we passed Tweed City Shopping Centre.  We’re not used to big cities and loads of traffic these days.  Thankfully our caravan park is out of town.  It’s an older style park and the managers were very friendly and helpful and stopped to chat to us for a long time before we parked the van and set up.  We’re right on the Tweed River.  It’s lovely when you step out of the van and look ahead and can see the water.  We went for a lovely walk along the river path and onto the new boardwalk as soon as we’d had lunch and set up.  Richard was checking out  many potentially good fishing spots to come back to.  Half way down the road we were amused to see what must be the locals “happy hour spot” on the grass verge by the water  There are lots of tables and chairs set up in one area, surrounded by bushes and plants that they must have put there also – the happy hour oasis.  There are always lots of hopeful fishermen along the verge in the evenings.  We get a lot of airplanes going overhead as we’re only 10 minutes away from the Gold Coast Airport.

We’ve been checking out other beach areas and particularly like Kingscliff, which has been in the news a lot recently with all the storm damage there.  Most of the beach has totally collapsed.  You can see where they’re trying to rebuild it with huge rocks on the bank. You can see the diggers smoothing out all the fallen trees and debris.  It’s a very pretty town and has a lovely feel to it.  We’ve found a very nice coffee shop where the breakfast is really good – even Richard thinks so – and he’s not a café person.  We’ve been there twice this week already. 

We’re really close to Coolangatta, Rainbow, Kirra and  Greenmount Beaches, complete with all the high rises, cafes and restaurants. We’re in low season and can’t imagine how crowded and unbearable they would be in peak season!  Definitely not our scene.

We’ve been to the old town of Chinderah which is mainly an older style river town.  We then drove down to Brunswick Heads and both of us instantly fell in love with the place.  It’s practically untouched, very small and has a lovely feel to it. We wanted to check out the Ferry Park Holiday Park that takes dogs for future reference.  We found another gem there, situated on a big river.  It’s a fairly new park and only 3 minutes drive to the town and beaches (dog friendly yippee!!).  It’s ultra-modern and very clean and well maintained with gorgeous river views and very friendly staff.  We spotted dolphins in the bay and were really thrilled once again.    We loved the place so much that we’ve altered our plans to fit in a week’s stay there next week.  We both can’t wait to get there.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We’ve been having happy hour drinks with our neighbours from South Australia and they’ve given us heaps of helpful information and tips about places to visit there next year.  They’ve even given us their SA travel guide earmarked with the best places to stay.  We’ve got that many Caravan Park Directories for each state now that we won’t be lost for somewhere to set up camp during our travels.

Well John Grisham’s calling and it’s also Sally’s dinner and evening walk time.  That’s all for now.  Signing out from Tweed Heads.  Get ready for another thrilling instalment from Brunswick Heads next week.

Take care and have a good week also.

love Marian, Richard and Sally