Day 46 - Agnes Water to Tewantin (Noosa)

Awoke to the sound of birds filling the air with joy once again.

Today was one of our shortest drives and given we can’t check in till around lunchtime it was suggested we actually leave early and visit the famous Eumundie Markets.

So that’s exactly what we did. We probably hit the road around 7.30.

Another fairly uneventful drive except encountering a #%£€wit that could have got himself and worse still some of us killed. He’d completely run out of overtaking lane but keep going into a blind corner anyway. Pure luck no one was coming in the opposite direction.

Part of this leg was on The Bruce Highway which was an absolute dream to drive on compared to some of the roads we’d been on, including earlier today.

Whilst the markets are geographically huge, Eumundie is small. Trying to find parking for 4 cars and vans together is like trying to park a convoy of elephants in a shopping-centre bike rack, it ain’t happening. Research revealed the local Showgrounds were available so that’s where we headed.

The extra stroll was well worth it. These markets were amazing. Both Gail and I are certain we’d been here before but uncertain which holiday it was.

We’ve reached the point of our adventure that was one of the primary reasons for that adventure……..to celebrate Jody and Casey’s wedding. They both met us at the markets.

A group of 7 people and 4 dogs then 9 people and 4 dogs doesn’t generally have an impact in a crowd, but we did……..for 2 reasons. Firstly, we could have made a fortune selling tickets for dog petting. Every man without his dog wanted to stop and pet all of our dogs. (I say “our” as Gail and I are now the honorary Aunty and Uncle).

The second impact was the arrival of Jody and Casey……the rapture of open arms and greetings of 7 by 2 people in the middle of one of the main entrances looked more like a royal reception minus the red carpet and security detail.

The welcoming done, it was time to explore. There was everything from the typical side show spruker trying to peddle his whizz bang new invention to a stall where Peter offered up his body for a therapeutic pummelling designed to flush out the unwanted toxins that had accumulated over the last 6 weeks.

Always a sucker for condiments such as sauces and jams of which we still have many in the van, I was adamant no more were needed……..until I tasted some balsamic oil based sauces. My taste buds were in 7th heaven.

Gail of course shopped for Evie and baby Nelson and I managed to find some other items to add to our overall weight, including some chilli vodka.

Just after midday we met at a pub for a quick bevvie before undertaking the final 20kms or so to our home for the next 6 nights.

Our group numbers swelled by three and a half this evening with the arrival of Brett, Bree, Bonnie and Zali. This will be a regular occurrence over the coming days in anticipation of the arrival of other wedding guests from the west.

We’re in another great park with great facilities, none more important than the location of the toilets, showers, laundry and BBQ’s. Here they’re just behind our vans.

A few beers, some bread, dukkah and the condiments we purchased today were served under the trees behind our vans (but away from the ablutions) and made for a very enjoyable afternoon.

A heap of washing was done and we were fortunate enough to witness the pampering of princess Stevie……in our laundry basket (photo and video attached).

Fish and chips with the usual accompaniment of alcoholic beverages (this probably counteracted the pain Peter endured today to rid his body of such poison) for dinner, before hitting the sack.

A significant point in our trip.Read more