Sunday: we're off

As Rohan and Nook were flying off to Melbourne, the rest of us were up and about packing cars and caravans ready for the trip south.

 By 8:30 we were all congregated on Rainbow Bay beach, a lovely morning  to meet with and remember Dad. Rainbow was at its charming best, with people everywhere, but the north end was free for us to gather for a re-read of Mum's letter from the day 20 yrs ago, (11Cor 7: 3,4) and a prayer from Barry.

From there we all went to church at Tweed, which is now at Banora Pt Primary school. What a great service, and how the church has grown! Worship was very easy;  Brian Bruce preached a challenging and thought provoking sermon; Brian 'interviewed' Barry on the purpose of the families' visit to the Tweed; morning tea in the courtyard and meet and greet several who wanted to be remembered to Nana.

 From church, back to Cabarita to hitch up the van, pack the cars and head off to Ballina. On the way the rain started and got heavier as the day wore on. Mum and wives very happy no boys on bikes.!! Lunch stop at Ballina Maccers (where else?) where good coffee and playground undercover makes everyone happy.

Kids playing musical chairs in cars and we were off again, through Grafton and up over the mountains to Glen Innes. The Territory did a sterling job pulling the van over the top. As the rain eased Mark slid his bike off the trailor, donned protective gear and headed the cavalcade through the hills, Ian in hot pursuit.
Greg and Joy made a dash to GI, getting to the supermarket with 15 mins to gather dinner supplies before closing.... hamburgers replacing mince for Mexican Pile On! Worked a treat.

Master chef Erica gets full marks for a fine meal in fairly minimal conditions.!!

Joshie saying grace and praying for safe journey: what a man!

To finish the night we all moved inside to get warm and discussion centred around 2  questions:

"what makes a good marriage" and " make a statement about your childhood".

Great answers by all.

Davo: " I've been well trained by Jess for marriage. Just do what ever she says as it saves a lot of time"

Editor's Observation :"Where else in the world could 14 adults sit in a room and ALL say "I had a fantastic childhhood"?   we are blessed.

Ian finished the night with a DKT Ride Award: the Welsh Plug Award, which today went to Mark for his ride over the mountain.