Camp Quality (South Qld) Christmas Party

It was time for the 2024 Camp Quality Christmas Party for South Qld... Again, Damian would be performing MC duties, so he took Bluey along for some free advertising and to mark the location for families arriving!

This year was at a new location in Banksia Beach (on Bribie Island, still). 

As always, the Wallum Action Group had a giant novelty cheque for Camp Quality - this year the giant, not so novelty amount on it was $20,000 - an amazing effort!

The Qld Fire Department sent some of their finest for the annual Firies vs Camp Quality water fight... as always, the Firies brought the firepower!!  (Well, water power, really...)

While the families were lined up to see Santa, Bluey made a special guest appearance!

Damian, Bluey and Santa.

Bluey with the Firies...

Damian and Liz standing with Bluey... Liz is another long-term Camp Quality volunteer who also comes along on esCarpade... she recently made the move to Qld!

With many thanks to the various Lions Clubs and all their supporters, the day was a roaring success... the weather stayed dry (which was a miracle after the torrential rain on Saturday) and the families and volunteers all had a great time!

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a very happy and safe New Year!  (Even if it is still November!)

esCarpade 2024 - Day 9 - Drive Home Part 2

The boys woke up to a lovely Taree morning... there was a fair bit of dew/frost on the windows though!

The Bluey mascot was struggling to see...

Walked down to the river to get a coffee, only to find the Boathouse coffee shop doesn't open on Mondays...

Returned and did a quick check of the air cleaner... bit of fine dust in there!

Nothing some percussive maintenance can't fix!

Downtown to grab a coffee before heading home.

Lots of bridges in today's post... enjoy!

The boys once again stopped in Maclean for a coffee and stretch of the legs...

Across the old Maclean Bridge (probably has a different name, but honestly, that'll do!)

Welcome to Queensland!

Hoges dropped home safe and sound...

The last dirt of esCarpade 2024...

Damian home safe and sound too!

What a trip 2024 turned out to be... some ups and downs, but in the end things panned out alright.

One little postscript to the transmission saga:

Damian received a message from one of the regular blog readers saying that he would like to cover the cost of freight and installation for the transmission so that Damian wouldn't be out of pocket.  Damian was taken aback with this offering of generosity, and advised that the installation was pretty expensive, and he wouldn't expect it to be paid in full, but welcomed the offer of support.

Long story short, this very generous person (Damian knows who it is, obviously) insisted on paying the installation and freight cost in full to help out "because of all that Damian does". 

Needless to say, Damian was humbled by this unexpected support, and gratefully accepted the offer.

There are still great people in this world!