Mooloolaba

Day 5

11.07.2011 - 15.07.2011

We are currently sitting out of the rain in our camper van. The weather up until now has been good & when the kids are in bed we have been able to sit outside in the open air, but not so tonight.
Here's the story so far...
Our first night was spent in Lake Cathie (just south of Port Macquarie) with some friends. As we went to set up the van it wouldn't wind up so thankfully we could stay in our friends' house and get a quick repair the next day.
At least we got to have a good squiz of Port Mac then set off for our next stop at Tweed Heads with Andy's Mum.
It wasn't until night 3 that we actually got to use our new home. We've already got some hot travel tips; everyone seems to have some advice for us - is that because we look like we don't know what we are doing? Or do we just look out of control when people see cyclone Carroll approaching?!
We happened to score a spot right on the beach, so the kids have already been for a swim; and their highlight of each day seems to be the night walks along the beach.
Checked out Australia Zoo where the kids got to feed the elephants (Jack didn't quite get what he was meant to do & ate his piece of apple from the bucket before letting the elephant have a bit!)
Jo was building up the Big Pineapple to be some awesome tourist destination but when we arrived it was not as big as she remembered, run down, a bit manky looking (& closed down). Still managed to get a photo in front of it though to add to our collection of "big" things. Checked out the ginger, chocolate & macadamia nut factories for some free tastings too.

Posted by cyclonecarroll 15.07.2011 03:26 Archived in Australia

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Comments

Great to hear from you! Glad you are going well. Don't know anyone who's had a hassle-free first 24 hours with their campers/vans when heading off on the great Australian road trip!!
We are following your trip on our map so keep in touch and keep the cyclone stories coming (love it!).

Love Penny and all the clan xxxxxx

15.07.2011 by Penny

Love to everyone. Look forward to keeping up with your adventures via the blog. Send the rain down our way - we'll have it please Ros x

15.07.2011 by Bloom

Go Jack! If mum and dad are too busy having a good time to feed you, just grab what you can when you can ! Your number 6 in the pecking order, so don't let an elephant pressure you into sharing the apple.
Lots of love, looking forward to keeping up with your travels on the blog. Hi to all the Carrolls from Uncle Paul and the Clan back in winterland (it got to 7 degrees here in Orange today). Hope you have a great holiday :-)
PS Jack - the big pineapple isn't real so don't try and bite it. ...and the northerners have lots of big fake bits of fruit and stuff, so be careful.

15.07.2011 by Paul (jealous brother #1)

Seems so far so quickly. V jealous of the swimming and sunshine. Very cold down here.. dreaming of skiing in august.Suzy

15.07.2011 by locks

Hey Carrolls, sound like you're having fun, love the blog.
Anna

15.07.2011 by Beniuk

Hi carrolls,I hear you are having a great time near
Port Mac.And I loved your pictures that you took.
When you come back could you please tell us all
about your trip all arond Australia.
love from Bonnie xxoo

15.07.2011 by Beniuk

Hey guys, lucky you have found some sunshine. Keep those good times rolling
Much love,
Jen

15.07.2011 by Jen

You're very brave to sit in the crocodile's mouth, Jack! Glad you're all having a good time.

15.07.2011 by Nanna & Pa

Hello Cyclone Carrolls!! Love your blog name and great to see the map at the top and where you've been. Glad you got the van sorted out and are having a great time so far.
Sorry we missed getting to celebrate with you Andy for your birthday and hope you had a great time.
Take care and will keep following you on your journey wishing I was there while we freeze back down here!!
Anna

15.07.2011 by Anna Hutchinson

scheeesh, you guys are on a mission! seems like you just left yesterday & you're already halfway up the country!

great work on the blog.

all the best from the big smoke, have a great trip.

18.07.2011 by davo gravo

Hi Carrolls,
Fantastic to hear your holiday got off to a flying start. The blog is terrific and it's great to see on the map where you have been. Some of that beach sunshine (the kids went swimming!!!) would be welcome back here as I type in a freezing room with heater on. Miss you already and keep us all posted,
Lou

18.07.2011 by Boris Rorris

Hi Guys,
Glad to hear all is going well.
Andy, looks like those legs haven't seen sunshine for a while (pick the person from NSW)
I think the trick when people are giving you advice is to have your own bit of advice ready about their van when they offer you theirs (and Andy, try and sound a bit technical otherwise it might fall flat!)
Have fun guys, and talk soon,
The P-Chooks

18.07.2011 by David Pennicook

Dear Carrols,
I realy like your blog. I think it's rated A for AWESOME.
I'm wondering who came up with the name CYCLONE CARROL? We love it!!!
From Ivy :-)

18.07.2011 by The Sucurs

Hi Cyclone Carrolls,
Glad to hear that you have accomplished so much in your first week of travel. Hey Jack, standing up to the elephant was a brave thing. Not advisable, but nevertheless brave.
Jemma, this is Stephanie, thanks for your gift. I really liked the card and Sasha loved what you made especially for her.
Thank you ALL for your hospitality at Andy's 40th birthday.
Keep the flag flying and take care on your journey. Will continue to watch with interest on your Australian odyssey.
Mark & family ( The Mexicans at the moment )

18.07.2011 by Bruckner clan

hi macy i miss u and having u over my house
luv ella
p.s hope u have a gr8 time im at ivy house 2day

18.07.2011 by the sucurs

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