Well that’s it, school holidays finished.

Flying back from an unexpected trip to Flinders in Victoria ( RIP Uncle Stephen), I have time to reflect on the travels over the last 5 weeks during the break from the school terms.

Christmas Day was a short drive through Qld summer storms to an RV park on the beach at Haliday Bay. The best thing about storms in Qld is that it’s not cold. I’m not going to say we were camping, because to me that’s roughing it with just the basics. This was definitely a Caravan trip with all the luxuries of home, including the air con which is a must have comfort for Central Queensland summer.

Seven days at this quiet little place was a wonderful way to rejuvenate. Tips of the week! Those anti flap kits for the awning are worth it, and if you are not from QLD you need to understand that Curlews will continue to make that noise if you yell at them or not!

I remember when I first moved to Qld and heard these birds, I only ever seemed to hear them when I was camping, so I called them “camping birds” now I see them everywhere.

The week of the new year saw a trip down to Zilzie in the Emu Park/ Yeppoon area. While this was a trip to visit family, also a great time to work on business ideas and a new logo for the VenturingDucks. I travelled down the Beef road for this trip, haven’t been on it for a while, the green grass from all the rain was a pleasant way to change up the normal boring dry trip.

Next was a drive up to Townsville and a car ferry over to Magnetic Island, here we had an Air BnB, very different to the usual camping or glamping style, but it was a special occasion so was perfect. More travelling tips here, if you don’t want your car covered in salt spray and splash’s try and park in the middle of the line up, so you get the middle of the ferry.

Over on the island there is plenty to do, swimming enclosures are at lots of the bays, so there are safe stinger free places to cool off. Unfortunately the rain put a dampener on the hikes, so we will be returning there in the future, as there are a lot of like to do.

The sad passing of my Uncle meant a quick trip to Victoria, and an area I have not explored a lot. However from Flinders I was able to see Phillip Island which brought up memories of my teenage years living over there.

Funerals are a unique time, where you are saddened by the loss, whilst in some situations also relieved for the end of their pain, and then also given that chance to connect with family that you have not seen for a very long time. It is bittersweet that the loss of another brings others together.

Flinders was a unique little town, a tourist town with tourist prices, but the look of an old country town complete with some roads still dirt. Our little motel still had the breakfast door, and all the features of a 70’s motel. The trees had me mesmerised with all their beauty. I had to stop myself from photographing them all.

All in all another adventurous summer break. Looking forward to what comes next!