We're Home

We took the early train home this morning, leaving at 5:45, meaning we were back in Caboolture by 8:45. I think personally I prefer to drive, but there's no doubt the trip on the Tilt Train is far more pleasant for DD. We read books, colour in, eat the snacks we bring with us, and usually buy one treat (packet of plain chips or juice) from the galley, simply because it's another activity to pass the time.

The holiday was a week of new experiences for DD, beginning with buying her own small fishing rod, and going fishing! She's been playing at fishing for ages, every time she finds, or makes, a fish, she has to make a fishing line and go fishing too, so it was wonderful for her to get the chance to actually try it for real. (And look at our matching skirts! I very carefully resisted wearing similar t-shirts.)

Grandpa is an expert at fishing luckily, since I'm certainly not, and DH isn't keen on fishing at all! He baited the hook for us, and was very determined to catch DD a fish. It's very good to see her taking to him, as she has been scared off by is gruffness up until now. I think it was the My Little Ponies he gave her that did it. That was a great idea Grandma!

And yes, in case you're wondering, our persistence paid off, and we did finally catch this little bream. DD was absolutely thrilled. Unfortunately it was a tad on the small side, so he went back into the ocean, which DD was totally happy with. She wasn't too sure about actually eating a fish.

I actually enjoyed this exercise too, and now have at least some idea of how to set up a fishing line (I'm sure there's a technical term for all that tying lines and putting on hooks and sinkers, but I'm clueless as to what it is), so have another little skill added to my self-sufficiency checklist. Not that I'm sure there's anywhere to catch an edible fish nearby, but you never know.

While we were reeling in lines, baiting hooks, and casting out over and over, we noticed what we at first thought was a log floating past. Then we realised it was moving, and my first thought was "Crocodile!" (Not totally out of the blue, they'd been talking about finding croc's further south than usual on the news the previous night.) Luckily it turned out to just be this lizard/goanna going for a swim. He wandered up the beach, as if he was exactly where he wanted to be. Very strange.

The pelicans thought it strange too, and one even wandered after him to ascertain if he was edible, but decided his size was a bit of an issue, and wandered off again. They were far more interested in the chance of getting thrown some leftover bait.

On the last day of the holiday, we all woke up really early for a visit to Tin Can Bay to hand feed the dolphins. Despite the long drive (over an hour) each way, it was well worth the effort. DD loved it, and was only disappointed that she couldn't line up to do it over and over again, as she does with the elephants at the zoo each year. We've promised to go back soon and take Daddy too.

There is, of course, one more activity we did on holidays, another infamous holiday quilt, but you'll have to come back tomorrow for pics of that.