Reflections in the sand

This morning after shopping at the Farmer's Markets, we went for a long walk along the beach - the tide was out, the sea was calm, the wet sand shone, the sky was blue, the air was warm, and all different shapes were reflected in the wet sand.

And to think it is the start of winter in a week's time!!

A visit from Keith

Our mate from the "goat world", Keith, flew up from Melbourne last week to spend a few days with us, and our geraniums came out to bloom, working well with the flowering Camelias.

We spent some time travelling around, Keith had not been here since 1962, loads of changes, in fact I don't think he recognised anything at all!!!! Broadwater looked good as usual, and the pelicans were just hangin' around!!!

Keith was enthralled the man who loved seagulls!!!

Just had to get some seafood!!

The sun disappeared, but we still enjoyed the seafood - outside on the Spit!!!

Another day - we had a great snack at the Coolangatta Surf Lifesaving Club!!

And had to take Keith to the Currumbin Club for a looksea!!

View from Currumbin to the Gold Coast.

Daniel Frank Wroe

This little grandson's name has now been registered, Daniel after the brave Daniel in the Bible, and Frank after his grandfather and great grandfather.

Daniel's grandfather is delighted of course.

She's home

I am blogging this story, mainly for my friends and family in the Northern Hemisphere, however I must say this young one is quite amazing in my eyes. When Jessica Watson was 11 years old, she had decided she wanted to sail around the world, alone, and without touching land, and of course without any help. That was her dream! Apparently she had read the book "Lionheart" by an Australian 17 year old "solo around the world sailor" - Jesse Martin. From this time on the planning started, far more detail and training than any of us could have imagined. The start was not great, on Jessica's way from Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, she hit a Coal Carrier Cargo ship at night - yep, it was her fault they said, how was she going to travel the world, if she couldn't get a couple of hours down the coast. The Media attacked, as did many critics, but there were an amazing number of supporters as well.

A big deal was made as she limped into the Broadwater at Southport on the Gold Coast to sort out the Ella's damages. However, there were many in the "sailing world" who really knew her, the family and her supporters, advisors and sponsors in Southport, they decided to assist and help her repair the "ELLA'S PINK LADY', most of the time and work was donated. Jessica also received support from different New Zealanders - one set of her grandparents live in Christchurch, and the meteorologist who donated his time and knowledge is a Kiwi, and there were others from across the Tasman as well. But for another month during the repairs she put up with more media speculation and criticism. Most 16 year olds wouldn't have coped with this as well as she did!. I think back on last September and how I felt, thought she was crazy, but oh so brave and so determined and I just couldn't even imagine how her parents really felt deep down, but until today I did not know the planning, the studying and training that had taken place - this kid/woman is something else, as are her family and supporters and sponsors. With so much media negativity, she carried on, and sailed out of Sydney Harbour in late October - think the look on her determined little face says it all in front of the Opera House..

I WILL SAIL AROUND THE WORLD BY MYSELF!

She had a good farewell out of Sydney Harbour, but the critics and media were still out there in front.

Farewell, see you in 7 months!

During her trip she wrote the best "blog" for someone so young considering she is only 16 - turning 17 in 2 days time. Blog address is http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/

Celebrating with a bucket of water as she crosses the Equator!!

So she travels around the world - takes 210 days, 23,000 miles, with I think 7 knockdowns, but a lot of THE bad weather was coming home up the east coast of OZ.

WELCOME BACK TO SYDNEY

Think she is happy to meet up with some humans!

Inside the "Pink Lady" across the finishing line!!

Jesse Martin - another lone sailor, and the author of the "Lionheart", which kicked off this whole idea, joined her today, and via email through the whole trip.. When Jesse joined the female Jessica, he had gifts of fresh fruits, chocolates, and orange juice.

Her other mate who joined today, and via email throughout the whole trip was the young 17 (he now might be 18) English "around the world lone sailor" - Mike Perham, he flew out to welcome her today, and joined her on board the Pink Lady to lead her to the Sydney Opera House. In this photo she has just gorged a lovely chocolate coated aussie "tim tam" biscuit!.

One of the supporters waiting for Jessica on the Pink Carpet today, probably an old sailor himself!. Touching her parents for the first time in 7 months! Being guided by her parents with those "boaty" legs! The joy from the young ones was incredible.

The crowds were huge

Even the Prime Minister turned up!

She listened, but still had the final say - thank goodness!!

Next goal is the "car drivers license" after she gets back to our state - Mooloolaba in Queensland on June 6th - we may just drive up to the Sunshine Coast for a couple of days.