We have spent a relaxing 3 days in Hervey Bay. We re-acquainted ourselves with Aldi (it’s been 4 months since we’ve seen one) and Ray said that he witnessed pure happiness on my face as we walked in. Too right! 

We went to Bunnings to buy a new hose fitting and a new door stopper for the van. A total purchase of $3.38. Less than a cup of coffee. Ray didn’t want to exert himself too much so he spread out the 2 chores of fitting the hose piece and stopper over the 3 days. 

I have enjoyed some early morning walks along the foreshore, feeling the cooler wind straight off the bay. We have noticed a severe drop in humidity here, much more cloud and very strong winds. The nights are cooler and the mornings crisp. It is actually nice to feel the elements after spending such a spell in weather that is so perfectly nice, that (dare I say it) it’s actually boring. 

I miss wearing jackets, scarves and boots. The shops here have a very limited selection of anything resembling warm gear. I actually feel a little sorry for those who don’t get to experience all the elements of the 4 seasons, their wardrobes must be tiny!

As we are travellers, we needed to locate an interstate polling booth. We found one nearby and as we were passing, were able to vote early. That is one job we don’t need to do on Saturday, along with the rest of the community. 

I made an appointment at a hairdresser for this afternoon (serious grey hair annihilation was desperately needed), so I spent a luxurious couple of hours in solitary bliss with a couple of magazines and some girly chatter. I got out my scissors after dinner and gave Ray and Caleb their regular trims, offsetting the cost of my salon trip with a home haircut for each of them. Someone will need to straighten them up when we get home. 

Dessert tonight was toasted marshmallows, toasted over a candle. This is how I enjoy them the most. I think I have been thoroughly spoilt by numerous campfires and don’t enjoy them ‘raw’ nearly half as much anymore. Caleb is good at getting the burnt part just as I like it. He’s well trained. 

The reality of how close we are to the end of our trip is slowly sinking in. We plotted our route home this afternoon, knowing that in a few short weeks we will be there. Decisions have to be made. 

In the meantime, we are enjoying and appreciating every moment that we have here together before the frantic moments of real life set in again.