Beach Life

A few shots from our local beach in Miami and Byron Bay which is about 80 km south of Miami.

There is a classic Aussie film where the one liner everyone remembers is "tell him he's dreamin". While maybe I am thinking I will make a slash like this one day...but I'm going to giv're a go. 

Watego's Beach in Byron Bay

Watego's...ahhhh shade!
Our outside dining room in front of our apartment
Free BBQ's on the beach...someone was thinking!
Saturday morning junior lifesaver practice on Miami Beach
A point on the way to Byron Bay

The Pass in Byron Bay

Hinterland

We took a tour in the van yesterday to check out Springbrook National Park which is 30 km to the west the Gold Coast. Basically it is a rain forest on very old volcanic remains. 

These signs represent nicely how straight up Australians are. Call it as it is...we were headed for the best of all lookout. 
Best of all lookout...
Big, twisty trees in the rainforest
One of many waterfalls in the park

Natural Arch

More big trees...

Austria? or Australia
Ice cream stop

Noosa

A vacation was in order to start our trip. We rented a house with friends in Noosa for 10 days. Remembering all the safety advice we got from my dad before we left, we are still constantly being reminded. 

Beach driving 101...we felt kinda dumb getting stuck until we realized that everyone was getting stuck.  

Goana our pool pet...3 feet long with huge claws!

Surfing Newbys!

Dave testing the pool depth!

Our first Kangaroo!

Hiking for surfing?!?
Rainbow Beach
Laurie stretching out her back after the long flight.

Surfing with a couple dolphins 

Heading To Australia

After months of planning and packing we finally were on our way. 

Awaiting to board the big bird in Los Angeles. Air NZ treated us well...good food too Jo!
After 29 hours of travel, we were surprised at the Brisbane Airport buy Dave and Helen. They were too kind and came car shopping with us. Kind of helpful being that Dave is a ex-mechanic. 
We settled on "Nomi"...a little loose on the suspension but the engine purr's and was just what we were looking for to turn into a camper van (more to come on that later).

Right side drive....I'm looking calm and collected but in my head I'm repeating "stay left, stay left, stay left". We were off to Noosa for a 10 day holiday with Dave, Helen and Ella.