AUSTRALIA DAY

How good was our AUSTRALIA DAY - just super from our point of view. The Brig and I arrived at Burleigh at 6 a.m. car parking was an ordeal, as so many people had come to the beach early to claim their Aussie day celebration spot, there was an ocean swim (400 meters) and run (4 kms) which started at 6 a.m., plus a large surfboard competition - so it was all go right from the start. We decided to walk from South Burleigh Head to North Burleigh head (below)

and back

Surf boarders were eyeing up their challenges along the whole beach

Once we returned to South Burleigh Head we sat up high at the entrance to the National Park and watched a few of the competitors taking some practice runs.

I took these photos with my 6 year old Olympus, next plan is to take the SLR up to the headland one morning and focus the big lens

By the time we left the Headland, the beach had really filled up, it was only 7.30 am.

These young ones chose a site on the beach to set up for their celebrations We succumbed to the smell of a barbequed sausage sizzle, and consumed one number each.

then headed back down the beach to the car

everybody was heading for the water

We then met up with Gail and Steve and Yvonne and Ross for lunch at the Currumbin RSL on Currumbin Creek - the creek was just so busy and active with many groups and watercraft celebrating. We were also entertained by a super couple of musicians - "Fiddle in the Middle',

Their renditions of the ole aussie songs were super, of course a load of irish stuff in there as well, and they played 4 different instruments each.

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The card above was emailed to us from the Faulkners in Sheffield - Ta Guys.

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An aussie flag would have been flown at Lois and Glenn's in Bedford, New Hampshire, but alas the flag pole was frozen!!

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Michael Parkinson was chosen to give the Australia Day Speech, first time a non-Australian has ever given it, but he does sort've know us, having spent most of his summers here for the last 30 years, he had loads of interesting and complimentary things to say about OZ and its people.

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A great day finished off by listening to our TEN TENORS - sing "I Still Call Australia Home" - just delightful, but I do love the one by Peter Allen, the creator of this moving song (for aussies) the most - though Hugh Jackman's version is not bad either!!.

The Finke River and Gorges

I have just received some more photos from the red centre - Lisa's photographs are super, on looking at them, we have decided that around the Alice area and the Flinders Ranges will be our destination for the next van trip. A couple of days ago, Lisa, Darin (the state of Queensland was their last home) and young Mikie took a day off and drove out from the Alice to Glen Helen Gorge through the West MacDonnell ranges.

Stopping along the way to check out this wild land

and it's wildlife - a dingo

Mikie with Dad

Mikie's first dip in the Finke, one of the oldest River systems in the world - look how green the back ground is in the Red Centre - loads of rain.

Another Gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges

I suspect this is the Ormiston

Anyway it's enticing enough for a late afternoon dip for Darin, with Mikie watching on, and of course Mum Lisa is behind the lens - great how the sun is setting over the water.

Darin backed by a red centre sunset

Just love it

AND TOMORROW IS AUSTRALIA DAY.

Tomorrow in Brisbane a huge aussie barbeque and concert, is being staged to thank all the volunteers, with the likes of Tru Blu (John Williamson) and some other greats donating their time. What have they called it - yes "THE MUD ARMY BBQ!"

Of course the clean up will go on for many months, but what's wrong with a little celebration to the SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA along the way.

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"YOUNG'' AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2011

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Has just been announced tonight in Canberra - Queensland's own Jessica Watson

She sailed alone around the world at the age of 16.

Her message to the young - "DREAM BIG AND DO NOT GIVE UP."

Well we are seeing plenty of that up here from the young, middle and older ages!

Sunday at Surfers Paradise

Yesterday, we drove into Surfer's Paradise, which is basically the oldest part of the Gold Coast, along with Coolangatta. Our reason for being there was a volunteer concert being put on by the Gold Coast Japanese Ass. for financial aid to the Queensland flood victims, via the Salvation Army. Our neighbour, Kumi was to sing, and those wonderful Taiko drummers (wide drums) were the starting act at this Concert. However, before the start of this concert, two of our Meter Maids wandered past in their gold lame attire and akubras - they caught my attention!. Some background - in the mid 1950's the Surfers Paradise Meter Maids were formed on a voluntary basis - collecting donations, which they would then insert these coins into parking meters to prevent tourists from being fined for overstaying their time - tourist ambassadors really. Their costumes have changed over the years, however, they are still in Surfers Paradise in full force, and below are 2 of our current Meter Maids. .

A little different to the attire below

Similar colour though

The Gold Coast "Taiko" drummers got things rolling

If you care to hear a few seconds - play this below.

More beating of these drums - I just love their energy! And the weather was perfect

Kumi entertained us with two lovely songs

She has a wonderful powerful voice, we love it.

And below is a typical sign made by a flood victim to thank Australians who have given so much to this tragic situation, either by volunteering or donating, and of course to those like the group above who gave their time and skills to aid this cause in their new country - arigatou gozaimasv - thank you in Japanese.. Before going into Surfers, we had spent a couple of hours at Burleigh Beach - long walk and watching the Nippers back in training again - photos another day.

On the way home, we heard Macca on ABC - say "the Yanks are coming". We assumed he was talking about the Cyclist - Lance Armstrong, who whilst over here had donated gernerously to this cause. We were wrong, Macca played a telephone conversation he had that morning with a chap from Dallas, Texas who phoned to say a group of USA BlazeAid volunteers were coming back to Australia on January 28 to lend a hand mending fences, building sheds etc. etc. they came out and assisted after the deadly 2009 fires.

BlazeAid was actually started by a Victorian couple in Kilmore after the 2009 fires,

However volunteers for BlazAid also came from New Zealand, USA, Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, England and Canada and worked tirelessly to help in 2009, and I am sure there are many of them out here now, or on their way - GENEROSITY and MATESHIP!

Lance Armstrong did head a charity ride through Brisbane today, which raised hundreds of thousands dollars for the flood charity. He received a lot of support from cancer survivors as well.

Queensland won't be the only State that will need the likes of BlazeAid's help this time, Victoria is also in trouble.

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A quick note!

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All the kids in Oz went back to School today after their summer holidays, in Queensland 92 schools were affected by the floods, and after all the hard work, only three were not able to open today - and those kids are being accommodated at other schools or buildings. There will be loads of things missing at the Schools, but Schools are back in action!

Across the Tasman

The Kiwi Wroes have just enjoyed a great week away with Sarah's brother, sister in law, and their 4 little ones at a Bach in Ohawini Bay, near Russell in the Bay of Islands. Sarah's Brother and co, flew out from Belfast, Ireland, for 3 weeks. Ohawini Bay looks a delightful spot, with plenty of things for seven kids under seven to do.!!!

The photo above is definitely in "age order"

Daniel Frank took to the air Ethan to his boat

And Immy to a rope swing,

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY FOR TOMORROW IMMY.

ENJOY YOUR PARTY.

Great Godson loves the white stuff

Young Sean Martin seems to be loving his time in the snow on his new sled in Manchester, New Hampshire. Our Godson's wife (Jenn) emailed these to us this morning, just love these pics.

What a cute little bear all in blue

Only 6 months old

Godson Scott is the Sled horse

Sean Martin with his very gentle "minder" - JUNEAU, same name as the Capital of Alaska!

Next trick will be skis.