This is my 100th posting and boy have I been busy!
I can’t remember what I was doing in July, probably freezing my butt off being winter.
Went to the Whitsundays in August and that was beautiful! If you are ever in Australia and you are a beach person, don’t miss the Whitsunday Islands. We rented a boat for a week and traveled around the islands. The corals were amazing and so were the sandy beaches. Must sees include Border lsland for snorkelling, Whitehaven Beach for the finest sand and sun, and Hill Inlet for the ever shifting sands and wild sting rays.
Additional Reading: 100 Magic Miles by David Colfelt is the unofficial bible of the Whitsunday Island. It tell you everything you need to know from how to anchor, the best fishing/snorkelling spots and what not to touch (yes, there are dangerous creatures but they are few and far between).
Three weeks later, we were in Chicago, Portland and various cities in Texas meeting and visiting friends and family. I don’t know where to begin to thank everyone for their hospitality.
To my extended family in Chicago, you guys are a riot! Many thanks to Bonnie and Betty for giving us a place to stay the night; Kathy for being our chauffeur; Ed, Donna, Cheryl and their families, you guys are great to hang out with; Jim A Moore for organizing the family reunion; Ricky and Cindy for lunch with a view at the Hancock; and last but not least, Jim senior for letting us drag him around downtown
Chicago without rest.
Greg, Caroline and Jim, thank you for your hospitality and good weather, indulging us with great shopping, food to die for and spectacular views of Portland. Our visit wouldn’t be the same without your local knowledge.
Zehra, thanks for meeting up with us, I can’t believe it’s been almost 10 years since we last met!
Irene, thanks for you hospitality and patience, driving us around Texas. We wouldn’t have met Wade and family or seen Austin or the LBJ ranch if it weren’t for you.
Photos from top down: Whitsunday Island, Australia; Chicago; Columbia River, Oregon; Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas.
For more holiday snaps: Whitsundays; Chicago; Portland; Texas.
