July 24th, Brandybottle (via Marlborough)

We will always remember the night that Alex proposed to Tess. We were camped out at a country golf course at a place called Brandy Bottle (just off the Bruce Highway), a bit worried about the poor internet quality when Alex sent a message with an invite to a family celebration. Both families jumped into a group call filled with congratulations and tears of happiness. It was beautiful. Dave and I were standing in the dark behind the outdoor restaurant, with live music playing in the background and a group of 38 friends who had made the hour-long trek from Mackay to Brandybottle for the weekend, dancing and enjoying themselves. It was such a happy night.

We had a lovely surprise on the way to Brandybottle when we stopped for a coffee at Marlborough. We didn’t get a coffee (the lady wasn’t too sure what a latte was despite having an espresso machine), but we did manage to see a campdraft. Fun in remote northern Queensland.