THE FEET ARE GETTING ITCHY

 It's that time of the year again. Brother Bill has left Oz and returned to his homeland, the weather's been a bit ordinary, and the A'van Club of Australia is calling us to Longreach of all places. (Outback Queensland). We can do that trip comfortably in 8 days of travelling. 2,758 km averaging 345 km (215 miles) per day of travelling. Into that we'll throw 3 "rest" days. Some of the folk don't know at this stage that we're gonna be in a "town nearby". Some folk we've not seen for quite some time. 

The A'van Club of Aust holds its annual gathering at a different venue each year. It moves from state to state. Sometimes we can make it and sometimes we can't.
ddd
Interestingly, some of the A'van members are also members of Servas - our hospitality organisation. Some are Bike Friday club members - folding bikes with little wheels. Some are Christian folk also. None of them (yet) are number plate collectors! 
ddd
Once again, Fay will be selling some of her very popular bags at the market during the week in Longreach. Isn't she clever? Which one is your favourite? Can you see the New Orleans one? 

ddd
It is expected that there'll be around 250 a'vans in Longreach for this event. They come from all over Australia. So if you're travelling around this time of the year, keep an eye out - you might see a few on the road. Seeya. 

TO BIKE OR NOT TO BIKE

 There were about 12 bikes in the stable at last count. This one was borrowed to fit a growing Logan (8). He is a very competent rider and generally quite responsible also.

 Owen's bike is nearing replacement because of size. He fancies himself as a future trick cyclist. Just hope he lasts long enough to reach that goal! Becoming braver - is that a good thing? He is nearly 7. He rode 19 km a couple of days ago. Excellent effort.

 Top female cyclist is Nina. Nearly 3. She is learning to steer - a handy thing for cyclists. She's keen as mustard and always wants to be out amongst the action.

 Here's the contingent. Team Keast-McLaughlin. We are fortunate to live in a cul-de-sac with minimal traffic. The surface is lovely and smooth. Kids love it.

 Here is Connor the solicitor. (Don't mess with him.) He has come along in leaps and bounds in the cycling department. Only learnt to cycle without training wheels a matter of weeks ago. Now, look at him go! He rode to Swanhaven and back - 9 km. Great effort. (With two older brothers, he's quite competitive.)

Unfortunately Goliath and David met, and contrary to expectation, this time Goliath came out on top. This photo was taken just as Connor went down. He's nearly 5. The old wheels connecting trick. Usually results in at least one rider on the deck. The good news was that after a band-aid was put on to cover the new wound, he was up at it again, BUT there were a few provisos that he wanted introduced! Told you he was a solicitor didn't I?
fff
These are Deb's kids and obviously they have grasped the cycling craze from their mother and her father.
ddd
Fay and I are off to Mansfield for the annual Bike Friday gathering. Wonder how many bikes we can fit in! No, we're not taking the grandkids!