Mullumbimby (Apr 22)

While on the Gold Coast for our business conference, we met up with a colleague we had only met online thus far. She invited us to visit her on our way home, as she lives in northern New South Wales and we planned to go home via that route. This despite the fact that her home had been somewhat underwater during the recent flooding.

31st March, Mullumbimby

On the way south down the M1 today, we encountered a section still covered by residual flood waters. The highway is now passable, but traffic control was forcing all vehicles into the centre lane where the water was shallower. The northbound lanes look to be a little higher in elevation than the southbound, so all lanes were open on that side of the highway.

The first exit from the M1 into Mullumbimby was closed due to flood damage. However, the second exit remained open, adding no more than a 15 minutes to our drive.

Arriving at our friends place in Mullumbimby, we were able to park the van in front of her home for our short stay. Oh, and Mullumbimby also checks off another I’ve Been Everywhere place.

Although the floodwaters had mostly receded, it was still eye-opening to see the damage the floods had caused and the beginnings of the clean-up throughout the town. It was sad to see flood damaged possessions lining the roads in the town as we passed through, knowing they represented the loss of those affected.

Our friends were not missed either. Their house had been filled with water and mud, but fortunately not more than 20cm or so above floor level. Even so, while they had already cleaned out the mud and started removing the gyprock from the bottom of the walls to beyond where the water reached, it just demonstrated how little control over nature we have. They were now in discussions with their insurance company. Not fun.

On the other hand, someone who did have fun was Neo. He loved the cool, damp grass and mud remaining in the backyard.

Despite the condition of the home, and how much work they had been putting in over recent days, they insisted we have dinner with them that evening. BBQ out back and a few drinks was a great way to end the day.

1st April

Our friends had various tasks they needed to get to today, so we decided to head to nearby Brunswick Heads for breakfast. Unfortunately, we were our usual selves and didn’t take any photos or videos save for our breakfasts.

That evening, our friends were very insistent that we try the dinner on offer at the local hotel. Save to say, they were absolutely correct and dinner was delicious. If I could remember the name of the pub, I’d gladly give them a rave review.

2nd April

We planned to head off today, but an early start wasn’t necessary, so our friend wanted us to try a place for breakfast that she likes. In a bit of a twist, this turned out to be the same cafe in Brunswick Heads where we had breakfast yesterday. This was no issue for us, as the food was good… both times.

Anyway, back on the road.