hi guys, long time no write.

its been a busy time since we departed sydney and headed up the coast with jenni's parents. We spent a week with them in sydney doing the tourist / backpacker things like staying in lovely places, eat at 5 star restaurants! we both enjoyed this as and it was a nice break from rented accomodation and Subways 3 times a day. The highlights for all of us i think was the opera house tour and the bridge climb over the harbour bridge. We also went to watsons bay and lost some money at star city - i think susan enjoyed losing money in the puggies but was disappointed that it wasnt las vegas style old fashioned luck but you actually had to know what you were doing - so we all lost!

We rented a car and headed to hunter valley and stayed in the most gorgeous wee boutique accomodation called grapevines. it had an awesome view over the countryside and the vineyards. After some hard arduous winetasting and beer tasting( especially by Big spencer the bear) myself and john headed to the golf course for a ripper round of 25 over par!!! still got the tiger instincts though as i despatched him on the last even with some wayward driving. unfortunately my joy was short lived two days later as we took to the course in byron bay to be horsed fairly! that makes it 1-1 so its all to play with although i think i will need some more shots and i am sure john will be generous to give them to me( eh john)!!!

After hunter we visited Belingen and Yamba on the way up the coast. the former had a lovely authentic aussie feel to it and a great wee pub in the centre. the latter was crusiey - if you want the definition of this ask susan! Last stop on our joint adventure was Byron. Involved alot of card playing and a few white wines (still sure susan will gt the hang on masur in Whist). we also beached it and a 20,000 mile walk to the local lighthouse for some macaroon bars and ginger beer!!!!! . the views were worth it though as was the beer on the return leg!

We hope John and Susan enjoyed there time with us as we did with them (apart from losing at golf and cards). we were both sad to see them go especially when it started pouring with rain and we were left staying in a leaky tent! only kidding we both had a great time and thanks for sorting out the accomodation and looking after us for the two weeks. we both appreciate it. So off john and susan flew and i was left with a wet t-shirt (from the rain and some from jennis tears). we left byron the next day and spent the night in surfers paradise. neither of us rated it much but that may have something to do with the weather and a cockroach that assaulted jenni and by her reaction i thought the wee thing would get done for GBH!

we then went to brisbane while i really liked. few people have good things to say about brissy but it is a nice city with plenty of greenery around , friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere. Jenni loved it cos she got a cuddle from a koala at the local koala sanctuary! we are now enjoying the beach and the sunshine in Noosa for a few days before we head to Fraser island.

Hope you are all well and life is good wherever you are and whatever you are doing

cheers for now

Gillon And Jenni