Phil & Rena, Byron Bay

We were packed up and driving out of Casino around 9:30 yesterday morning, Monday the 28th of May,  and on the way to Byron Bay to meet up with our cousins, Phil and Rena.
Just as we drove into Byron it started to rain. Setting up camp in torrential rain was no fun at all and it got worse by the minute.
Richard was fast losing his temper with the annex and when one of the poles fell and put a hole  through the annex, his mood had almost hit rock bottom. I then decided to go inside out of the rain and put a second hole in the annex when the wind blew the door open.
I decided to play it safe and lay low while Phil came to the rescue to help Richard put up the rest of the annex.
By 4 o'clock we were all set up and sitting around having a drink, laughing about the afternoon... I suppose sometimes shit happens!
The rain didn't stop all night long but we managed to brave the rain to get to the pub next door for dinner.

Rena, Phil, Richard & I, at the pub for dinner

Before long we were back at the caravan park. Kids tucked away in bed, Phil decided he should try some herbal liquor (use your imagination) he had brought in Nimbin.... after reading the back of the bottle label we were all a bit worried. But none of what the bottle promised came to fruition, from memory :-)

This morning, Tuesday the 29th of May, despite the rain - I braved the roads and found a gym to do a pump class. By the time I got home the clouds had cleared and the sun was finally shining enough to be able to see our caravan park and enjoy the amazing position we had in the park, overlooking Byron Bay. Some schoolwork with the kids and washing done, we went to explore the town, having lunch and doing some shopping.

When we got back to the caravan park the boys decided to go for a surf. It was surprising to see how many people were on the beach for a Tuesday. All the boys had a ball, especially the big ones (Richard and Phil) who ogled at a few young female tourists who decided to strip down into their underwear and jump in...

Richard takes the boys surfing

Richard and the boys on the beach

Richard gives Harry a surf lesson

Jack gets up on the board

Nina gives it her best shot

When we got back to the caravan the boys all had a warm shower. By afternoon Richard and I went to have a drink at the pub across the road while the kids stayed and played with Phil and Rena.

It was pasta for dinner, cooked by Rena, along with giardinera, homemade olives, home made sausage etc... needless to say I felt like I was home - and I felt a little bit homesick all at once.

Rena's Pasta for dinner

After dinner we stetted the kids with a DVD and wandered over to the pub for a drink... Richard enjoying leading Phil astray.

A few drinks and a few laughs at the pub, Byron Bay

Tomorrow Phil and Rena move on, it's been so nice catching up.