Steve, Brian & Cheryl under a Jacaranda tree in downtown Manly, Queensland, Australia

October 29-November 1, 2011

Saturday: Brian and Cheryl took the train to Manly where we had a delicious lunch at the MBTBC restaurant overlooking the marina. The city of Manly put on a Halloween celebration, Australian style, in the park next to the marina and the closed off main street, where they had kiddie rides and food stands, vendors and performance stages. After relaxing on Dream Caper for a few hours, we walked over to the evening parade which featured lots of vintage cars with draculas, witches and frankensteins waving, marching bands, and various groups of costumed people to the delight of bystanders 2-3 people deep along the parade route. Okay, so the parade was only 5 blocks long. Two bandstands featured local musical talent. After a good time was had by all, Brian and Cheryl hopped into a taxi to take themselves and our 50 pound rolling duffel bag to the train station back to Brisbane. They will leave for Sydney tomorrow to catch their flight to LAX. We have lots of items that we have accumulated in our 8 years of cruising and with the limited one checked bag rule we know we will exceed our allowance when we return to SFO in a few weeks. Brian and Cheryl had an extra bag allowance so we were extremely happy that they were willing to cart our filled duffel with them.

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday: We sorted through all of the stuff on Dream Caper. It was a chore. Lots went in the garbage or was set alongside the marina garbage cans (the boat cushions and rubber boots were taken by somebody before the garbage was picked up). Arnie and Jan, two local cruisers, allowed us to load their car with charity items which they will take to the drop off bins for us. We emptied and scrubbed all of the closets, cabinets and drawers and put back those items that will stay with the boat. We packed out of sight items that we will be taking back to the States with us and then we scrubbed and cleaned, scrubbed and cleaned, seemingly forever until the interior sparkled. With the woodwork and cabinets polished, the salon carpet washed and dried, and the countertops gleaming, the two yacht brokers toured Dream Caper on Monday and pronounced her in impressive shape for her age (12 years old). Clyde a diesel mechanic came by to arrange for making some minor repairs on the engines. On Tuesday, we scrubbed and cleaned the exterior of Dream Caper, polished all of the stainless steel, replaced the bilge pump in the port engine, and took more trash off the boat. Now Dream Caper is ready to show. She looks terrific. We are hopeful for a quick sale, but one never knows when that one person will come along. We hope it is soon.