We had a leisurely breakfast in our van then drove to Montville to have lunch with our friends, plus two others who live on the Sunshine Coast. The crew had chosen Wild Rocket which is a restaurant with a microbrewery. There is an expansive covered area where we were able to take our dogs. Blue was very well behaved and slept quietly under the table the whole time. The food was good and conversation flowed with a couple of tastings of the brewed offerings. The setting is an old timber building which was originally the Fancy Goods and Lolly Shop.
Last night's dinner at the Mapleton pub was also a great night. The seven of us staying at the caravan park were joined by six others who drove here then drove home, about an hour and a half each way for some. There were mixed reviews on the pub's food but we all thought it was very good, although the servings were way too large. Blue had to stay in the crate at the back of the Toyota and Tilly stayed in the van.
After dawdling around Montville I needed to stretch out so took Blue for a walk around the caravan park. Then it was Tilly's turn but she just sat eating grass. A man in the nearest cabin came out to see her and we chatted while she munched on the grass. He is from Norway so was quite interesting to talk to as I have been to Norway a couple of times. Our campsite is on a sloping gravel surface next to the area reserved for tents. The rainforest background is attractive.
On our drive back to Mapleton yesterday afternoon I was unable to avoid a python crossing the road. It was a winding stretch of road with double white lines so I managed to straddle the white lines but could not avoid the poor snake. The car behind me stopped to remove the snake from the road. I hope that is the only critter we hit on this trip.
We finished the 70th birthday celebrations with a pizza from the Pizza and Pasta restaurant at Mapleton where we ate on Friday night. It was the best pizza I have ever eaten! Blue tried to play with the 15 year old dog Gadget without success. At least he got some exercise trying. I managed to comb through Blue's fur while he slept on my lap.
We will leave here tomorrow and drive to Childers for the first day of our Aussie Road Crew tour. It will take practice and patience to manage feeding, toiletting and playing with Blue and Tilly on days we have to pack up and drive. Fortunately they seem quite happy playing and snuggling in their crates. I have a small one in the van where he sleeps but it is big enough for them to both get inside. We use it to make sure Tilly doesn't escape when we are in and out the caravan door.
