From Byron to Mudgeeraba

Sunday 3rd February 2007

We’re really lucky, in that the woman who runs the apartments, recognised this was a family reunion and told us not to worry about checking out early, the apartment’s not booked for tonight and so she would not bother getting the cleaner in till tomorrow, so we could have it as long as we wanted for today. (Her son is in the surfing business and just about to move to Newquay Cornwall from here, so we gave her a list of good places for her to visit in Cornwall and Devon when she goes over to see him). That meant a leisurely breakfast, a long play in the pool, another game of tennis for the four boys (while Carole and I sat round the pool having more long natters) and then packing up early afternoon.

We then walked down to a lovely pub/restaurant which fronts the beach, for a late lunch, before going back to the apartment building to collect the cars. We drove up to Cape Byron (10 minute drive, but our busy day didn’t allow for us to walk it) to the lighthouse on the most Easterly point in Australia. Very, very beautiful scenic spot on a perfect sunny day. We all took it easy in the sun today as yesterday’s ‘sports day’ exposed us to a lot of hot sun, but fortunately with no sunburn.

At about 6 pm we headed up to Mudgeeraba – the junior Platt family home. About an hour’s ride north along the Pacific Highway – just inland from Surfer’s paradise, although their closest beach is a ten minute drive away. They have been really excited all weekend about taking us home, as they are really proud of what they have achieved – and now we can understand why. They have a beautiful home – built into a hill – in a cul de sac. Mudgeeraba is a large ‘village’ just inland from the coast and with the bush (which I think means just countryside really – that’s the best way that Carole and Dan could explain it) adjoining their back garden. It is absolutely beautiful and peaceful with masses of birdlife in their garden, which has bourganvilla (can’t spell that, sorry) spilling over the fence. I’m sitting on their decking now, writing this, while Sam and Jake are bouncing on their trampoline in the garden. Carole’s working tomorrow, but Dan has got this week off. We will take the boys to school in the car tomorrow and then I’ve said I’ll borrow Dan’s bike and take Sam on his bike to school the days after that. They really are lovely kids and we’re having great fun with them.

Just had my first email from Oscar, who is obviously a very bright boy too, considering he is not yet five months old. Guess his mum had a hand in that. Off to have some food now, which Carole is preparing. The chef in her never stops!