The One with a Reunion in Peanut Country

Back at Hervey Bay we are met by Janelle (who we met on the Canyons Trip back in the USA). We are going to stay with them for a couple of days. Tonight however we stay at her parents holiday home in Hervey Bay, where we all have a very pleasant evening, chatting and eating a yummy roast.

The next day, and after 3 days of rain, the sun is out, on cue, for our trip down the Sunshine Coast. We head through Gympie (an old gold mining area), Coolum, and Maroochydore, before heading inland to the Ginger Factory. We didn't actually go in but it was good for a few funny photos (mainly due to the colour of Rhod's hair!)

Now in the mood for silly photos we also head to Nambour's Big Pineapple. I had head about Australia's "Big Things" from one of Danny Wallace's books, and was pleased to get to see at least one before we headed home.

It's not so big!!!

We drive back to Kingaroy the scenic route, so that we can see the Glasshouse Mountains - absolutely beautiful in the afternoon light.

Back to Kingaroy, and we catch up with the lads - Lionel, Brendan and Hayden. Considering we'd konwn these guys all of 3 days, it feels like meeting life long friends, and conversation certainly never runs dry. We also get to try some Australian Fayre - Rocky Road and Pavlova.

Next day, and we've brought the rain with us. The Wiecks rejoice at being able to squelch in the garden, and once more I'm reminded the serious drought that Oz has. This rain could make all the difference for the farmers of the region. Once the boys are off at Work and School, we have a tour of the farm, and the local area,a nd the city heathen that I am, I learn how peanuts grow (on a bush, but on taps under the ground!)

Then we're up to the Bunya Mountains, swathed in cloud and mist, but a good opportunity to see wallabies and a kookaburra as well as the brightly coloured parrots that live in the trees here.

We have another lovely evening, and I'm sad to know that tomorrow we'll be back on our way.
Lionel (who also works for the PCA - Peanut Company of Australia) - brought home a big bag of flavoured samples to try. Lionel for your information, in order of preference: Sweet and Salty, Salt and Vinegar, Cajan, Malaysian Curry, Butterscotch and Caramel, and Chili and Lime.

Thank you all so much for your kindness and hospitality, and I know we'll see you again soon!