During my time in Cairns I managed to squeeze in a few different events. There was one special one and as everyone knows Jodie's is mad about her "Cairns Amateurs" horse racing events and as luck had it I was in the thick of things.
Just for Jodie, the gates to her Heaven.
All smiles - what else does a bloke need - a Members tickets, a Crowny (in date) and gourmet food.
Did I mention front seats for Fashions on the field. Now that just topped it off.
Another good point is if you get away from the table you can also see the nags come down the home straight.
Winners are grinner's. Nothing better than making a small withdrawal.
After backing all of Jodie's usual suspects which I now think even after 2 months some are still running, I decided to back one just for it's name "Blue Balls" or it sounded something like that in my mind so that was it. But guess what, she came in!
While in Cairns I also managed to join in a few Hashes with the Cairns HHH. Same drinking games but the markings and lack of kids had me scratching my head at times not to mention the lack of stray dogs making you run that little bit fast like in Tonga.
After a not so snappy water pump impellor change out over a few nights we squeezed in an arvo trawl. Chris fowl hooked this travelly in the top of his head. One up bro.
Reel men use rods to catch their muddies! Not quiet up to my normal Tongan fishing but a wet line will always bring a smile to my face especially if family is there to share.
I joined the boys one night at church to watch them practice for a cultural show. They where bolstering the local Tongan community. Wasn't so sure about the kava bowl in an Aussie church though? Nice to have a Tongan feast though.
As luck would have it the stars had all aligned, possibly for all the wrong reasons as Scott's mother and Jodie's grandma had both passed away recently, with both funerals in Brisbane and the day after each other. Unfortunately I had a specialist medical appointment in Brisbane on that same day. The silver lining was that after 3 years apart we all could come together over a few ales at Scott's mums wake to recall the good times and support each other in our times of loss.
The next morning I said goodbye to the family and headed off to my appointment sadly though I had to fly directly back to Cairns to continue my handover with Dave and my future replacement Jonathan Kick (AKA Footy). Jodie and the kids headed to Grandma's funeral.
With no way of saving my tooth and no way of returning to Tonga with it cracked to the base, it was simple... Rip her out! It made for an interesting hand over - lots of nodding.
On the last night in Cairns, Scott and his family flew back through which also gave us a few hours to catch up again and for him to meet the new guy coming to his Island. The kids didn't think much of the pub but muddies play ground on the Esplanade was a hit. Look into my eye boy!
Nic was quick to hide her drink but I think she'll need a few more to get through the next two flights.
I flew into Auckland and caught up with Shayne and Leilani who dragged me out to meet all the girls from Jodie's NZ adventures with Leilani.
The surprise came when Jodie and the kids touched down after midnight and we were all there to meet them.
One last photo before we had a few hours sleep before flying home to Tonga as a family.
