How fortunate we were to accept the kind Invitation from the Sunshine Coast Club to join with them for a Domestic Exchange on the rebound of a cancellation from Turkey. Ten couples snapped up the offer and soon we were up and running. I offered my services as Exchange Director for the Exchange. Everything was going for me. I had a great group of Ambassadors and my counterpart Patricia Barry from the Sunshine Coast Club a wonderful Exchange Director to work with. At all times we were on the same wave length. Communication flowed easily and came to fruition when we met up on Wednesday 29th July with departure on 5th August. There is nothing like a diary to tell you of the wonderful program of activities provided by the Sunshine Coast Club.

Wednesday 29th July - Bob & Jo
Our first day of our Domestic Exchange to the Sunshine Coast.

We never seem to get away as planned but finally had the car packed and ready to depart an hour later than planned.

The weather was perfect for motoring north to the Sunshine Coast. We had a comfort stop/picnic at the Burpengary Roadhouse with our sneaky snack and thermos of plunger coffee. Later we learned that Peter and company had also made the same stop however Peter had a mishap with his McDonalds thickshake which he managed to knock off the table . Peter, thickshakes really are better drunk though a straw than scraped off one's clothes! We continued our journey and reached our destination meeting point at Jessica Park, Mooloolaba with 15mins to spare. All other Gold Coast Ambassadors had arrived along the the Sunshine Coast Hosts. We met our wonderful hosts Pat and Jack who escorted us home to their beautiful apartment for a lovely evening casual meal and great conversation. We did intend playing cards however the conversation just flowed and we found we had lots in common to share.

It's going to be a great week and we are looking forward to the Welcome Brunch tomorrow along with more friendship and we look forward to the challenge of competing and beating the Sunshine Coast at Barefoot Bowls (not that we are competitive). It is predicted to be a beautiful sunny winter's day.

Thursday 30th July - Eric & Joy
Today we felt right at home with our hosts Bob and Margaret and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. We all enjoyed a light breakfast as we were joining up with the Sunshine Coast Club for a Welcome Brunch at 10am.

Very soon we were on our way motoring from Peregian Beach to Charles Clarke Park Mooloolaba where we were to meet up with our fellow Ambassadors and their hosts and other members of their Club for a Welcome Brunch.

After a short welcome by Exchange Director Patricia we indulged and enjoyed a very full breakfast including juice, beautiful fresh fruit, bacon, sausages scrambled eggs etc. etc.

While having coffee, Patricia officially welcomed all and wished us all a happy Exchange.

Our Exchange Director Gloria responded on behalf of our Club and thanked the Sunshine Coast for their kind invitation. Post our brunch everyone packed up their picnic gear and most went for a walk. We perused the Mooloolaba shops and the women checked out some stores and eventually we went to the local Surf Club to have a cool drink as it was reasonably warm. We walked back to the Charles Clarke Park and made our way to the nearby Mooloolaba Bowling Club where we all participated in Barefoot Bowls after some "limited instruction". We were divided into teams to play each other. During the first few ends, bowls were going everywhere however we all got the hang of it as the afternoon progressed and eventually we had to finish as our hosts and ourselves finished up winners by 7 to 5 over Bob and Jo and their hosts. It was a fun activity. Soon we were motoring back home via Maroochydore, Marcoola, Coolum Beach and eventually arrived home to have a cool drink. It was soon time to depart for dinner hosting. We purchased wine from BWS Peregian Beach and set off for Eumundi and our destination. Our dinner host Faye owned a Bed and Breakfast in a beautiful old Queenslander. We were given a short tour of the B & B before sitting down for a drink and chat. It was soon time to eat so we started with vegetable soup that Jan, our day host had made. It was great, next lasagna and salad which was delicious and lastly tiramisu. We finished off with coffee and chocolates and had a wonderful evening. It was quite a late evening after our travel back home.

It was another typical day of Friendship Force - good company making new friends, too much food, plenty of fun and going to bed tired but very happy after an excellent, interesting and fun filled day.

Friday 31st July - Peter & Margaret
Our Kara's Birthday.
Gloria is brewing a cold, Lawrence still has throat problems.

Another beautiful day! We were picked up by Judy and driven to Pelican Waters to begin our cruise on board 20408QE - strange name for a boat! The wharf is right next to the shopping centre and at the northern end of the canal. We were told by our skipper, Charlie, that the Henshel family had originally purchased the area in 1946. This family has developed the area and sold the first block of land in 1995. The average price of land today is $800,000. We went past large homes of very different types of architecture. As development has progressed the size of houses has increased.

We came to a weir, which helps to control the water flow into the canals. This means that tidal surges are avoided and helps stop erosion. The water is pumped from the Pumicestone Passage. A sea lock enables boats to pass through the weir as the water levels are not the same. Pumicestone Passage is very shallow, only 2-3 metres, so cannot take deep keeled boats. We went past Military Jetty, which was used in World War II to ferry servicemen across to Bribie Island. At that time there was a fort on Bribie Island as a defensive installation. These days Military Jetty is used purely by fishermen.

In 1799, Matthew Flinders took his boat ashore at the southern end of the Pumicestone Passage for repairs and went by rowboat up the passage. He thought he was entering the mouth of a river and named it Pumicestone River as he could see pumice floating in the water. This pumice had actually floated across the Tasman from New Zealand and Tonga. At a later date it was realised that it was not a river and the name was changed to Pumicestone Passage.

We arrived at Caloundra at 11.20 am to take on other passengers and began our return trip. We were told we were in the Moreton Bay Marine Park, which encompasses 23 islands including South and North Stradbroke Islands and Moreton Island.

On our return to Pelican Waters we were met by our co-hosts Barbara and David who drove us to the Power Boat Club for lunch. We had quite a wait for our lunch of fish and chips but it did not seem to matter as we all had such good company.

After lunch Barbara and David drove us up to Maleny and Montville in the hinterland, where we did some shopping as admired the wonderful views from various spots. Back home to our hosts, James and Larraine, where we shared a delicious meal in company with Gabrielle and Graeme. After dinner we were introduced to the fun of "Bolivia", a card game which is a variant of Canasta.

And so ended a very happy day!

Saturday 1st August - Henk & Annette
Had breakfast with our host Pam, enjoyed some leisure reading in the warm sun poolside. We traveled directly to the lovely historic town of Pomona where members from both clubs gathered outside the Majestic Theatre for the purpose of attending a silent movie called "Our Hospitality".

The theatre is a beautiful historic timber building, built in 1921 and is recognized as the world's only authentic silent picture house still in full operation. Continuing the tradition of the 1920's, theatre staff accompany films on a Compton Theatre organ. The theatre operator composes the scores. The theatre is also used for live shows including themed dinner dances. There is a café/restaurant established within the building.

The silent movie we attended was hilarious and one of the best comedy movies experienced for a long time. The film starred the well-known actor of the day Buster Keaton. It was made in 1923 and the stunts and action scenes were quite amazing when having regard to the era. The theme of the movie revolved around an age-old feud between two families. It was almost traditional and for forgotten reasons the sons of two families would shoot each other. Buster Keaton plays one of the those sons who manages to inadvertently become the guest of the opposing family but honor dictates they can't shoot him while he is a guest in their house. He ends up falling in love and marrying his enemy's daughter and thereby ends the feud.

After the theatre we made our way to Lake McDonald and the Noosa Botanical gardens. We there had a very nice lakeside picnic from a hamper prepared by our host. We then toured the gardens established about 20 years ago by the local Ducan family. The adjacent lake was named after an early chairman of the Noosa Shire Council. Lake McDonald is home to the Mary River Cod, which is in danger of becoming extinct. If you happen to catch one while fishing, it is required to be returned to the lake. The gardens have constructed in them an amphitheatre with central floor "brink" work. (Named after the designer) The Operatif! Boutique Opera and Song Company sometimes perform to large adoring crowds. One of the highlights of the gardens was the magnificent magnolia trees that were in full bloom.

We capped off another wonderful day by touring the also historic town of Cooroy. We then returned to our host Pam's home at Mountain Creek via Noosa Heads and the beautiful coast road.

In the evening we went to the home of Barbara and David where Judy and Neville and Past President of Sunshine Coast Club, Helen Kwong were also guests. We enjoyed waterfront and poolside hospitality till the later hours.

New Member's Experience - Lawrence & Chris
Chris and Lawrence enjoy a beautiful morning. Firstly we had to have retail therapy in Pomona`s little village. Then we all met at the Pomona historical silent movies where the young organist greeted us and out lined the history of the theatre.

The lights were dimmed and the organ pumped and then on with the movie.

The story line, from the train ride with the man throwing stones only to retrieve the fire wood.
His ever faithful dog following the train in hot pursuit.
To the finale as the hero caught his damsel in distress with his acrobatic leap, all was terrific innocent fun.
Every one was delighted with the morning.

From there we all went our separate ways.

Our hosts drove us through the country side to Kenilworth for a picnic lunch and then a walk through town to look at collectibles and art galleries, Then off to Flaxton to see the cheese factory BUT not before the local police gave him a breathaliser then sent us on our way through to Maleny for a look around and an icecream.

Eventually back home at four.

Sunday 2nd August - Neville & Judy
The program called for a leisure day and our energetic host Helen made it a pleasure day.

First we took a drive to Caloundra to peruse the Bullcock Markets. To my surprise I escaped with wife Judy only making one purchase.

I think quite a few of our Ambassadors were there but we only met Bob & Jo.

After walking the markets, naturally we were looking for food. Helen suggested a light lunch at the Maroochy Surf Club. On such a beautiful day it was a good choice. We perched ourselves at a window seat enjoying a very pleasant light lunch overlooking the beach before heading home to Twin Waters. Helen as usual had to prepare a meal as she had invited new Club Members Bob & Margaret and their Ambassadors Eric & Joy to dinner. Helen is a fabulous cook hence lamb shanks were enjoyed by all followed by some wicked dessert our guests brought along. All too soon it was time for our guests to depart as we all had to be up bright and early for our Mystery Destination Bus tour. It was another great day with our wonderful host Helen.

Monday 3rd August - Terry & Maureen
After picking up Barry and Chris at their hosts' place Gillian drove us to Ettamogah Pub where we caught our bus for the mystery destination. The ED for the day was Judi. Once on board we were given a map and told we were going to Taromea Camp Ovens at Benarkin. It had now become apparent why we were asked to dress up in our western gear and hats.

After stopping for morning tea at Killaroy and a toilet stop at Moore where Henk drank the non-potable water (! ! !) we were able to visit Taromeo Station established in 1842 by Simon Scott. There we saw several outhouses including a Stone House, Butchers Shop and other outhouses which were built in 1856. The property was the first to be established in the South Burnett and was selected in 1842 by Scottish migrant, Simon Scott and family. The Scott family soon grew and produced many descendants.

In the 1850's Taromeo was gaining a reputation as one of the first horse breeding properties and by the late 1850's it almost represented a small village. It was a staging post for coaches and several buildings had been erected.

The current owners, Talbot Holdings Pty Ltd purchased the property in 1978. It has been listed by the National Trust and registered with the Australian Heritage Commission. Taromeo has been restored by the Talbot Family over the years to its former glory and for benefit of the heritage of Nanango Shire.

During our visit to the homestead we were shown a building full of very old implements used in the early days of the homestead and also had a walk to the walled cemetery where several of the descendants of Simon Scott were buried. There were also four graves outside the walled cemetery which contained the remains of some of the workers on the property.

After inspecting Taromeo homestead we were taken "next door" to the Taromea Camp Ovens and we were served beef and veggies, plus damper cooked in camp ovens, and then lovely home made trifle. The owner of the property then gave us a talk on how to cook with a camp oven and demonstrated several different styles of cooking in the early days.

On the way back to the Sunshine Coast we had a half hour stop at Blackbutt, and then continued on through Kilroy, Peachester and Beerwah. We saw Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo and arrived back at the Ettamogah Pub about 4:30.

Because of a very hectic day Gillian, Terry and I returned home to a quiet night in front of the television with nibbles. It was a very enjoyable day.

New Member's Experience - Trevor & Ros
Trevor and I were up early today for an early start and dressed to kill for the day looking like Annie Oakley and Wild Bill Hickcock.

I think I had more problems than Annie getting into the denim jeans. (I'm sure she didn't dine with the Sunshine Coast Friendship Force the week prior to trying to do up the zipper).

We met the other 'cow cockies' at the Ettamogah Pub before boarding the bus for our Mystery Destination.

I was so relieved when the mystery was solved and we found our destination to be the Taromeo Camp Ovens. Having broken a rib a few weeks earlier prior to our departure I was dreading the thought of having to ride some bucking bronco at the local rodeo. (Of course Wild Bill and Annie would have had no problem if not for the previous injuries).

A nice morning tea was provided for us in Yowie Park Kilcoy. No sighting of yowie but plenty of screeching cockatoos overhead.

After leaving the D'Aguilar highway via the Black Butt Range and Jessie's Well we arrived at the Taromeo Station and cemetery. A well preserved homestead built in 1842 by Simon Scott along with the old stone cottage (now museum) built 1856.

Also on the estate, a butcher shop, a blacksmith shop and a stone walled family cemetery. There were three unmarked graves of workers one of whom did the stonework around the estate. We soon moved on to the Taromeo Camp Ovens for a delicious roast lunch served in an old style hay shed. The owner Chris Thomas gave us a talk on the ovens and his collection of wares.

After lunch we were free to walk the country grounds. On this walk we came upon a body lying in the supine position under the shade of a 'coolibah tree' (or whatever). Thank goodness we two waited for a minute or two before rushing into mouth to mouth resuscitation. The motionless body began to move with right arm slowly releasing from the sling and beginning a range of exercises, the up and down, the right and left movements were nicely synchronized with the moans and groans from the supine body. As we are new members we had been informed Peter Jamieson is accident prone hence we realized he did not require assistance. We then continued on our walk before departing the property and headed home.

We returned home to relax and had a lovely evening with Daphne and Bill eating pizza, drinking wine and port. It had been a great day.

Tuesday 4th August - Barry & Chris
Another perfect sunny day, although just a little cool.

Our Host, Joan drove Tom to the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden at about 7.00 am. Each Tuesday, Tom and Joan, volunteer as gardeners at the Botanic Garden, all day, doing various jobs.

We arose at 7.00 am and were up when Joan arrived home.

We had a leisurely breakfast and Joan made 2 dampers, plus sandwiches for lunch. Whilst the dampers were baking, I went for a stroll.

We departed our Hosts' home just after 9.00 am, and we arrived at the Botanic Garden just in time for the 9.30 morning tea with 20 Botanic Garden Volunteers.

Joan brought the 2 dampers and others brought various home made cakes, chocolate, banana etc. All were great.

Many of the Volunteers are retired professional people. Met a Nambour retired Surgeon, whom we remembered.

We arrived when the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Payroll staff, were returning to their cars to go to work, after spending some time in the Botanic Garden, bonding.

Many of the Volunteers have not only donated their time, (one day a week), but financial support also. One man donated $50,000 on one occasion. In fact, until recently, the only money and improvements, has been done by the Volunteers. Council has been absent. The Volunteers have done roads, carparking and pathways, as well as planting and maintaining the plants.

Saw a sculpture that our Hosts, Tom and Joan, donated, as well as trees planted in honour of each member of their family. This was originally instigated to honour the death of a family infant.

After a huge morning tea, and a very casual Volunteers meeting, we walked around the Botanic Garden, which took a few hours.