Dionne’s Hens Party Phase 2 and 3

Sat 13 June – Pistol Shooting

Dionne, Jimmy, Lynton, Sue and Gary.



We all met out at the Southport Pistol Shooting Club down the Gold Coast (opp the Brickworks) – paid our $99-, signed in and got our eye protection, ear protections and our rounds (50 rounds of .22 Ruger Pistol, 10 rounds of 9mm Glock, 10 rounds of .45 Glock 6 rounds of .38 Ruger GP100 Revolver & .44 Magnum- Dirty Harry).

As we were all unlicensed shooters (most of us first timers), we were shown how to load the pistols etc and help was at hand at all times. The pistols were also locked to cables so they could not be improperly handled (which was very reassuring).

We started off with the smallest pistol, and gradually got bigger. My favourite was the 38 special!!!.

Mind you watching Dionne with the 44 Magnum (The Dirty Harry gun) was hilarious, if it wasn’t for the cables, I think she would have ended up in the wall!

Linton and Sue did their best shooting with the 44 Magnum – very scary!!!!

We all had great fun!!!

We all headed across the road for a yummy lunch.


Dionne and I then went Light shopping for a couple of hours – very unproductive. Grabbed some dinner and a couple of movies, and hankered down in front of the fire with a bottle of red. Great way to catch up for the night.



Sun 14 June – Go Karting at Le-Mans Coomera

Dionne, Jimmy, Chrissy (the lead foot), Lynton and Trent (the two Sue’s where our cheering squad.

Well, I have to say it was way more fun than anticipated, it was a staggered start – which was great and each lap was timed. We started off on the smaller carts and when we got used to them, we got upgraded to the big ones. It turns out that Chrissy the lead foot and I are very competitive…… and because we where next to each other the pit staff/crew where egging us on to get more out of the carts. We would continually shave off 100th of a second on each lap taking it in turns and being first) I think in the end we both did about 25 laps (we where only meant to do 18), my hands where red raw afterwards. Who won???? I have to admit that Chrissy beat me by 200th of a second in the end – and I will be looking for a rematch!!!!

We then headed over to Oxenford Centro for a beautiful lunch, then headed home exhausted!!!!

Gallery, Slide Show

Nicks Bucks Party

Over a nice chilly weekend in mid June a group of us got together to celebrate Nick's Bucks party at Thunderbird Park (Mt Tambourine).

Most of us arrived Friday afternoon and set up camp before heading to the Breaded Dragon for a few drinks, games of pool, tragic country music and a good dinner.

On Saturday the rest of the crowd arrived and we all completed the Adventure Parc ropes course. Last year Maria and our friends completed this course while I watched on, as I was unable to participate due to a fractured bone in my right ankle. If Maria could do it, then so could I was my motto. Thinking of this was the only thing that got me through a couple of the challenges, but later I found out that Maria in fact didn't do the hardest challenge (the stirups). Overall it was great fun, but boy did my body ache a couple of days latter.

Saturday night we headed to Saint Bernard's Tavern for a few drinks and another good meal. This time instead of country songs from the juke box we entertained ourselves and the crowd at the pub by singing alone to an old pianola playing oldtime songs. Great Fun.

Sunday was packup time, but before we left we had a quick game of putt putt.

Gallery, Slide show

Wintersun 2009

This year we made the most of our Wintersun break and headed down the coast on Wednesday night (the state of origin was on, so there was no one on the roads – perfect!) grabbed the keys and unloaded in the wonderful Orion unit at Point Danger.



Thursday 4th June

The real action at Wintersun starts on the Friday so today we just wondered around Coolangatta looking at various shops and vintage cars. Maria discovered "That Shop" and got two Bette Page dresses – cost a small fortune – but worth it.

Then had lunch back at the unit with Ken, Sharon and Sharyn, before picking up Michael and Lesley and headed to Seagulls for dinner and the Rockabilly Jamboree.

The wintersun office really pulled out the big guns this year. With some great bands. Wes & sonic aces, The Satellites, Pat Capocci combo, Luis & The Wildfires (mexico), The Vargas Bros (USA) and a special appearance from Sabrina Kelly (USA) Deadbeat covergril (Some serious fun bags on this one – if she fell over she would bounce straight back up again!!!!) we had an awesome night!

Friday 5th June

We checked out the Wintersun Vintage markets in the morning

We organised dinner with Chris & Jimmy, Ken, Sharyn and Sharon, Mark and Sue, Chrissy, Ray, Claudette and Jess (who is going to be a father!!!) We had dinner at the Bali Hut (opposite Twin Towns) – great service and food – we all had a fun night and was great to catch up!!!

Saturday 6th June

Maria headed off back to the Markets, while Michael spent most of the day at the swing stage. We watched some great bands including - Quick Draw McGraws, Harry DeLuxe, The Satellites (again), Darling Buds of May.

Mikey and I headed into Tugun for the Rugcutter’s swing ball with Big Kitty and the Scaredy Cats. The sound, floor and the company where great!! Mikey even won a crystal bowl! We had a ball!!!!!

Sunday 7th June

Headed to the local surf club for a great value breakfast before heading back to the unit for a brief thunderstorm. Maria caught up with Lesley for lunch watched a few bands headed back early to do mine and Sue’s hair for the Ball, While Michael went back to Stage 10 (swing stage) and watched some more great bands including - The Dirty Boogie Band, Adam Hall & The Velvet Playboys, The Gamble Sisters, and The Velvet Set.

Darling Buds of May

Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys

The Velvet Set

During a break in the bands Michael caught up with Baz and Jenny and teh kids.

We all headed into to Seagulls to she the Darling Buds of May (WA)and Harry Deluxe – who where excellent yet again!!!!

Monday, 8th June

Well it is all over for this year, pack up the gear and headed home for some rest before work tomorrow!!!


Wintersun 2009 - gallery, slide show