Chasing the Sun and Healing the Bum

Ok, I am sure you're all wondering what I mean by that title. It is with reservation and anticipation of teasing that I tell this story, but it has defenitely been a part of our daily travel, so here goes!

First of all, we are here in sunny Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Island and boating capital of Queensland. We're at the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, moving North to chase the sun and good weather. We're following the local lead, as most vacationers and retirees are doing the same.

We spent 4 days in Hervey Bay before heading up here. It was for a very good, but not a fun reason. During our trip to Fraser Island, I had a sore on my right cheek (the 'other' cheek if you know what I mean) that looked like a bite but kept getting more sore and weird-looking. We thought it may be a spider bite. By the time we got back to the mainland we went straight to the Doc to find I had an infection, which we think may have started as a mosquito bite in the Solomons. I got some antibiotics and instructions to see a Doc again in 2 days to have it lanced. I wasn't thrilled about the idea at the time, and boy was it a healthy fear to have! 2 days later I went to the Doc in Hervey Bay and had it lanced and drained. OUCH to say the least - I cried my eyes out! He advised that I stick around and have it repacked and dressed each day. OUCH again. After a couple of days we decided to head North and just find a hospital or clinic each morning.

I've been painfully faithful each day, and seem to be recovering quickly. WHEW! That has to be one of the more painful things I've ever had to endure, but it builds character, right? When I get home and tell the story about my scar - you know, the shot I took saving Michael's life in the Solomns - you all have to go along, ok?!! Michael has actually been the star doing all the driving and being an all-around great help. He didn't even tell me to 'suck it up' once. :)

So, we'll be sending a few days here in Airlie Beach enjoying the weather and checking out the islands. I'm sad I can't SCUBA or snorkel, but I'll work on my tan while Michael 'The Fish' gives me his best description!

MH- Ab has been the star on this trip. She really has endured a great deal of pain and 'pain in the arse it has been' --Literially--. For once it hasn't been me. Hee Hee. Jokes aside, we are glad she is on the mend. We are also thankful this happened in an English speaking country.

Notes of Interest: - Kangaroo's - Nil, The Bruce Highway - Thousands. Unbelievable numbers of road kill. - If you want to meet Australians, go to the camper parks or the pubs. - 'Tea' is dinner. Ask a local where it came from and they will struggle to tell you. - No sleeping in, the Cockatoos have an unbelievable song they love singing. Ask Ab, she about jumped out of her skin this morning.

- Cockatoos are no match for the Cukaberra but the Cukaberra is truly amazing. Get a group of them together and you'll start laughing along with them.

- Don't mess around with the ocean here. Killer jelly fish, salt crocs, and loads of sharks. We are going swimming tomorrow, No worries Mate!!!!