Fun without the sun on the Sunshine Coast

Camping can be a bit like sailing – you need to check the weather on a regular basis to avoid bother.

We fully intended to camp in Caloundra after leaving Brisbane, but news and weather reports said gale force winds and rain were lashing the Sunshine Coast.

Caravan parks around Caloundra were being evacuated and the beaches were closed because of floods and raw sewage pollution.

There was nothing for it but to head for high ground, in this case the Ocean View caravan park in Landsborough, as we needed a base from which to call on friends and rellies nearby. Our trusty Pajero had little problem hauling the van up the steep incline and we found a great site (above) with clear views of the sea and surrounding hills.

Our first port of call was my nephew Matthew Dique’s farm in Campbell’s Pocket about 15km west of Caboolture as the crow flies, and about an hour’s drive from their home in Brisbane.

Matthew (right) has some cattle and horses and is planting lemon grass. He has done a terrific job renovating the farmhouse, set high on a ridge, which offers all the comforts of a well-appointed city home.

It was great to catch up with Matthew and Anne, and children Isaac and William. A big night of wining and dining on Anne’s lamb and risotto ensued.

Next morning we were delighted to have our presence graced by my niece, Matthew’s sister Natalie Wendt, husband Philip and their kids Isabella, Sam and Ben. We swapped yarns over a huge breakfast of bacon and eggs.

Above right: William Dique, Sam Wendt, Isaac Dique, Ben and Isabella Wendt.

Right: Carol, Anne and Matthew Dique, Phil and Natalie Wendt.

Next day Carol and I got together at the Buderim Tavern for lunch with more long-lost rellies: Carol’s cousin Fay Earle, Fay’s daughter Allison, another cousin Kathy Baird and her daughter Ainslie who live on the Gold Coast, and Carol’s sister Kay Bertini and husband Paul.


Right: Carol's brother-in-law Paul Bertini, cousin Fay Earle's daughter Allison Green, another cousin Kathy Baird and her daughter Ainsley, Carol, Fay Earle and Kay Bertini.

After promising faithfully to keep in touch we left to have afternoon tea with two aged relatives of mine who have retired in Buderim: my mother’s cousin Philip Bartley and his wife Daphne.

Philip and Daphne met in India, married and settled in the UK, where Philip served in the RAF during World War II. He later joined Qantas and lived for a time in Sydney, including in our very own Riverwood, believe it or not!

Right: Afternoon tea with Philip and Daphne Bartley.

It was wonderful to see them in such good health and to see that Philip has not lost his dry sense of humour.

For the record, Philip’s dad Percy had five brothers: Edwin, James, Alan (my grandfather), Donald and Podgy, and a sister Marjorie. Donald’s son Maurice (Moggy) migrated to Australia with his family in the 1960s, and suffered blindness. Unfortunately we have lost touch.

Philip has a sister Colleen living in Canada. Another sister Barbara, who died recently in the UK, was very close to my mother when they were teenagers in India.

So much for family matters. This was to be a busy day, for next it was time to call on Carol’s dear friend and school chum, magistrate Di Fingleton, and her husband John McGrath at their lovely home in Pelican Waters.

There we were treated to a delicious dinner of baked turkey with all the trimmings cooked by John, the most energetic man I have met, who relishes in the intricacies of fine cuisine.

Right: Chef d'honneur and friend.

While Carol and Di discussed politics, John and I discussed the rules of healthy living, rules that I must confess were pretty much abandoned after the second bottle of red.

Carol and Di Fingleton -- a toast to future happiness.

We sensibly stayed the night and early next morning awoke to the sounds of John busily preparing breakfast. His really is a hard act to follow.

Our next destination is beachside Woodgate, near the cane growing township of Childers where -- you guessed it -- more rellies await our arrival.