Clermont Part 2 - The trip home.

Before we left Louisa, Max and Peet all had another motorbike ride - I seem to have missed a photo Peet everytime he rode the motorbike.

Then we said goodbye, headed into Clermont for a quick stop at Floss's to say goodbye - then on to Rockhampton. We spent an hour in the magnificent botanical gardens - really they are the best anywhere. We spent ages in the zoo. We saw the baboons - who Max thought must be related to dogs because they barked loudly at us.

The kids waited patiently for the lorikeets to show up to be fed. Last time we were there hundreds of lorikeets came and sat on our heads etc. This time they just didn't come - the zoo keepers think there is too much native food around.

But it was worth the wait because we got to see the cutest thing in the world - a baby koala.

We also saw a beautiful family - 7 aboriginal kids and a white mum. We talked to her for a while - the kids were not hers - it was a private arrangement with their mother. She had 3 of the kids permanently and the rest came in from time to time. She was not able to tell the government or they would be taken away so amazingly she was raising them without any government subsidy or tax deduction whatsoever - what an incredible family. We regret no getting her name - we wanted to help a bit.

On to Yeppoon where we went past the Tanby land - and dreamed of living there again. There were the cutest calves - and Louisa and Max wanted to know if they were in the deal.

We had dinner at the sailing club and stayed the night at the beach house.

Louisa became suddenly ill at the thought of sleeping in a room with Max and Peet - and without me! So she hopped into bed with me. Peet read to Max for ages. I started listening to my tape - which requires an uninterrupted half hour. Peet came in about half way through - I waved him away - then Max came in. I heard him come in so I carefully peeked to see him creeping up, I didn't move so he went back to his room.

When I finished I went in to say thanks for not interrupting to find Max in tears and Peet comforting him - so Max moved in with me and Peet moved his mattress in too. This made three in a double bed - but Joan heard the movement and came to get Louisa. Louisa walked in with Joan - but had no idea how she got there the next morning.

Had an early morning walk on the beach before starting the long drive home.

It really is a long way, but worth the drive. For all the wishing to move when we were there - it really was lovely to get home - and just as beautiful and we are all happy to stay where we are.