Uh-oh – after our easy pack up this morning the poor Prado did not start. A few mutters under our breaths and a call was placed to the RACQ. Luckily she started again not long after our call and we called back to cancel the breakdown call.
With the unpredictability of the starts it was a frustrated Anthony who announced to the family that we were driving all the way to Sydney so we didn’t have to stop the engine, not even turning it off for petrol.
Not knowing if he was joking or not I checked google maps and started to plan out the 17.5 hour drive home. Fortunately after 15 minutes driving it was decided that this was not the best idea with E and Harper in the car and that we would infact be stopping overnight (Ethan was very quick to suggest another cabin stay but that was knocked on the head much to his disappointment)
We drove for an hour and a half and decided Gladstone was the best place to stop for petrol as this wasn’t a little hick town and if we needed help we may be able to get it. After refueling, and a quick check of the tyre pressure it was all fingers crossed and a little prayer to the Prado gods. We started – a little cheer and a thank you and we were back on the road.
Our lunch stop was at a little park in Childers, this gave both kids a chance to get rid of some energy as both are showing signs of cabin fever. We stopped for around an hour and left the car running the whole break!
On our way to Childers Ant decided our night would be spent at Mooloolaba so the course was set and we were off. We arrived at Mooloolaba at around 3:30pm and after a walk around to decide which site to set up on we drove in and started the set up.
Now those of you who have spoken to Ethan about Harper will know there are two things he said he would never do – feeding her and changing her nappy – well peops there is now only one thing on that list. Ethan was given a choice – help with the final stages of set up or feed Harper and after 20 set ups he opted to feed his little sister.
Once we were organised it was time to wander along the esplanade and in typical tourist fashion we stopped for an ice cream and a walk along the beach (well along the path along the beach as the stroller is not equipped for sand travel).
Gorgeous – just gorgeous – please can we stay longer, pleeaasse?
We have decided not to pack up and head off early tomorrow as Anthony would like to take the car into town and just get the battery checked for piece of mind. I’m sure Ethan, Harper and I can fill in the time down on the beach.
There were a few phone calls today between team Dmax and team Prado. Team Dmax enjoyed their last BBQ bacon and eggs breakfast before a leisurely pack up. They left Coffs Harbour around midday and headed for home.
The wind at Forster forced them to eat in the caravan but they still managed to get a great picture of the view before closing up the door for the last time on this trip. They arrived home late this afternoon and were greeted by a welcome home sign courtesy of Katreens parents – we love it Mr and Mrs C.
Rookie mistake of the day – You may recall a previous rookie mistake was giving the boys $20 and sending them into the servo with the instruction to get something for breakfast. At Gladstone this morning Ethan was given some money to get a snack for the next phase of the trip – he came out with an ice cream – it was 9:15am!
Interesting fact of the day – Mooloolaba featured in the fourth season of The Amazing Race and is the fourth town mentioned in the original Australian version of the song “I’ve been Everywhere”
Riff to Tip 2014 
Outstanding report. I want to read one every day, including photographs, even after you get home. Stay safe, dad
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