Across Australia for a weekend Nov 9-11th

We travelled across Australia with Qantas, but Kel and Norma floated halfway around the world to see us on the Vollendam. Having met on our adventures on the Rocky Mountaineer in June, we couldn't wait to see our friends again. It was their first trip to Perth so we arranged to see a few sights around Fremantle - not realising that we were taking them from one prison to another!

The tour at Fremantle Prison was fascinating. We assumed the Round House was a signalling station for ships, but it was yet another prison! Our accomodation in East Perth was well located by the Swan River and we enjoyed a lovely meal outdoors on a balmy Perth evening. All too soon, it was time to head home but we hope we can meet again in Vancouver in the next couple of years.

Oaks Day 2013

One of the aspects of my job at Monash Children's is fundraising. When it involves dressing up for Oaks day, it is lots of fun. Jodi and Silla from the Bellevue Project again chose to organise an event to raise money for a play therapist in the emergency department.

Fascinators and dresses were the order of the day with balloon popping, silent auctions and a few big items auctioned. All together they raised $35000 - an amazing effort.

David's marathon effort - Sunday October 20th

After his big accident earlier this year, David was off the road for 6 months. With great effort, he began with small rides, then hills and is now getting back to full strength. Luke and David set out on their annual ride "Around the Bay in a day" with the wind at their back. They raced down to Geelong, on to Queenscliff and caught the 9am ferry. Unfortunately, a headwind challenged them throughout the rest of the day. Luke struggled to the end with David encouraging him all the way along.

Cathy and Melissa managed a coffee before cheering them across the line!

Not the full marathon - Sunday 13th October

Cathy has been training consistently but was not feeling very confident about her half marathon. The weather threatened to dampen the occasion but Cathy managed to keep ahead of the heavy downpour. In fact, it was heaps of fun, with the highlight being the run into the MCG. David was at the end with a great big hug. Not a fast time but still within 4 minutes of my best time 8 years ago.