Day 268. Airlie Beach

The day that stops a Nation!

It was another beautiful day in paradise....

Scarlett spent most of the morning down at the 'Mung-beans' camp. By 'Mung-beans', I mean the 'anti-schooling' conference that is being held here at the Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday resort. Basically 'they' are a group of people who believe in giving their children 'free rein'; where the kids do whatever they want, 'when they want'. This includes going to bed 'when they want', home schooling 'when they want', and letting the children 'run their own lives to reach their individual destinies' through an alternate lifestyle. They are definitely out there, as some walk around 'partially' clothed - if clothed at all! It's certainly an eye opener - and that is not necessarily a good thing!

Each to their own I say, but I must admit they have been a god-send in that the kids loved going down there and getting their faces painted, all manner of craft making, and story telling! Scarlett spends a lot of her time doing craft, and brings all the different things she's made back to the van. Don't get me wrong, as we don't let Scarlett get away with doing whatever she wants, but the 'Mung-beans' have been a great little substitute child care centre - so to speak!

The park held its own Melbourne Cup 'Chicken and Champagne' luncheon. Bec (along with another Bec - Bella's mum), both dressed up as best they can (considering they have both been living 'on the road' in vans), and went to enjoy the festivities. They were gone for a couple of hours, and had a great time socialising with other fellow travellers while watching the horse racing on the big screen. Bec (my Bec) even had a little run in with a Blue and Gold Macaw that made a special appearance. The look on Bec's face when the Macaw tried to climb onto her shoulder was priceless!

Meet 'Macca' the Macaw

The girls soon returned from the Melbourne Cup festivities with champagne in hand. They wanted to continue their merry making, so they pulled out the chairs and nibblies and sat down outside the van. Soon Gary (Bec's husband and Bella's dad) arrived with beer in hand, so I joined the 'party' outside and we all spent the afternoon drinking, eating, and having a great time.

Before we new it, it was dinner time; so Bec, Scarlett and I heated up left over Thai from last night, and joined Gary, Bec and Bella over at their van for dinner. We spent what felt like hours talking, when finally Scarlett and Bella started to get tired so we bid farewell and went home to bed.

A great day spent at the park with friends, enjoying what life has to offer....