Surfin' Byron Bay

We woke to a knock on the door by Rena this morning, Wednesday the 30th of May. Her and Phil had been busy packing up and getting ready to head off.
I think another day together and Richard and Phil would have ended up causing serious damage to each other's livers.
Rena and I had left the two of them at the pub last night, deep into a bottle of Mount Gay Rum and Coke.
They both wandered back much later, no doubt holding each other up, so everyone was a little slow to get moving this morning - and the strong bursts of rain didn't give us any incentive to get out of bed.

Phil & Rena, all packed up, ready to move on

Both Phil and Rena came over for a cuppa before the kids had surf school on the beach... so we all went down to watch.

The kids with Corrina, their Swiss surf teacher

Listening intently to the surf teacher

It was amazing how interested both men were in assisting and watching the kids at surf school, it left Rena and I wondering (but not too hard) whether the Swiss female surf teacher had anything to do with it... all of a sudden Richard became very hands on in surf school and Phil decided he'd hang around to watch a little longer.... too funny and not very discreet!

Rena, Richard and Phil say goodbye

Time to move on, I went back up to the caravan park with Phil and Rena to say goodbye... again it was raining. It was sad to see them leave. It had been so nice to have familiar faces around and to spend some quality time with them. We resolved we would all catch up on the farm and at Gelorup at Phil and Rena's house when we get back to Harvey.

Bye Phil & Rena, thanks for the great company and safe travels

After waving goodbye I ventured back to the beach to watch the rest of the class, taking photos as each of the kids managed to get up on their own...

Richard, Corrina and the boys

Jack manages to get up on the board

So does surfer dude Harry

Nina gets some direction from Richard

Finally, chookie gets her balance

It was a very successful morning of lessons. The kids emerged from the water famished so we went into town for lunch before heading back to the caravan. The afternoon was quiet because the rain continued to fall.

The forecast isn't looking any better for the rest of the week - but for some reason the rain doesn't matter in Byron Bay... it's still such a cool place, full of great restaurants, funky shops and amazing coastline.