Final night crash east coast at Miami beach

Lucky to find a hotel on long weekend...

Long weekend means No couches, no parks, no toilets ... You get the idea

No matter - LA tomorrow

Now I know why they say it's relaxed in Chang Mai

The place I am staying has a reggae bar!!!

Show bathed in sunshine and success

Blue skies bathed the Whitsunday Boat and Lifestyle Show in sunshine and success this weekend past. Held on the 10th and 11th of September 2011, it is the 9th edition of the show produced by the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach.

After a year off, the show has returned with more enthusiasm, a new venue, new time of year and success at its simple goal.

“All we want to do is bring loads of people here enjoying themselves” says Allan Robinson. This was clearly evident across the weekend on the faces of the many thousands of people attending the show and in the wonderful imagery captured across the weekend.

Six months in the making, the thirty plus local Rotary Club members, their partners, Dalwyn McErlane, John Nayler and sponsors weathered the critics and the odd economic tumbleweed to bring a show that offered plenty for every visitor.

A marina full of various vessels, sized from the Kevlacats to the 75 foot Endurance luxury yacht bedazzled enthusiasts. Under the big top people saw the latest in satellite telephones, marine electronics and hi-fi from makers like I-com, Raymarine and Fusion.

Elsewhere under the sun, the static displays offered Malibu ski boats, outboards from most manufacturers and the likes of the magnificient Brig Eagle 780 centre console rigid inflatable.

Regardless of product of service, exhibitors reported well. Engine, vessels, charters, fishing gear and apparel featured strongly in sales reports, sold to what mostly appeared to be an out of town crowd. The other signal of economic result was town's accommodation booked out, with one operator reporting that she “could have filled up twice”.  

All this, the Fish D'vine seafood festival Sunday, Whitsunday Fun Race and after party together have turned the second weekend of September into a major event weekend with the entire local economy prospering.

Thanks go to the long list of sponsors, committed exhibitors, prize givers and supporters with complete information available at www.whitsundayboatshow.com

Google plex!

Seen it. Bought the t shirt.

New York - got in last night and CS has provided a great place for me to stay

Couple of days of fun and adventure before departing for the drive to Miami!

But first there is so much to see here in NY, that I have hardly bothered.... Emp state building, the stock exchange, Ground Zero and then uptown for an "open mic night" at the Gael Pub on 3rd Ave. Great day out and about in the thriving city.

Interestingly, the city is quite for traffic as NY'ers leave town - leaving it for the massive influx of tourists that come here for New Years celebration. FRiends of mine talked themselves through 4 check points to get into Time Sq for new years - its was packed! apparently.

$15,000 for grabs with the Queensland Government First Home Owner Construction Grant

Relief is being offered to assist first home builders by the Queensland State Government through the First Home Owner Construction Grant. In the welcome move, people have the opportunity to escape the rental squeeze and build their first home with a $15,000 boost available through the grant.

Terry Kemp Builders have a range of designs that dove-tail nicely with the offering, such as their eco friendly designs that are in-expensive to build which also have ongoing economic benefits. Traditional building designs and construction hardly factor in the cost of cooling in a tropical climate, garnishing unwary home builders with the rising cost of electricity. With a Terry Kemp eco efficient home, you will make savings year after year, with the choice to use the saving on electricity consumption or to pay off your home sooner.

Such TK designs as the Dreamcatcher and Tranquility have proven themselves with their electricity consumption being much lower than the regional averages. The reason for this is smart eco efficient designs that negate the need for air-conditioners. Wide breezeways, louvres for ventilation, elevated and attractive timber floors are just a few of the innovative inclusions in a Terry Kemp constructed home. 

For more information about putting your First Home Owner Construction Grant to smart eco friendly use contact Terry Kemp on  0409 050 155      

For more information about the Grant, you can find information on the Office of State Revenue web site.