Happy New Year!

Well, we've ended 2014 with a bang!
What better way to spend New Year's Eve, than surfing lessons?  Naturally!
Up and out the door this morning, we headed north toward Bangalee.  Just off the road, at our turn, we were so excited to see our first kangaroos in the wild!  Apparently very common, we were amazed.  We stopped the car, rolled down the window, and took pictures.  Luckily there were no locals around to see us, because they'd probably think we were nuts.

And further down the road, we parked and waited for Pat with Capricorn Coast Learn 2 Surf.
Loaded down with swimsuits, towels, extra sunscreen, water bottles, and the camera, we piled in his landcruiser.  From there he drove onto the beach, and a couple miles north we started seeing the waves get bigger.  There were a few other people out, surfers, dog-walkers, people with fishing poles, but we had no trouble finding a big open space for us beginners.
After unloading the boards, we had a lesson and practice session on the beach before heading into the water.  The waves were nice, the sun was bright (we're all a little pink), and we had a great time.  Pat, our teacher, was a really cool guy!  Patient, laid back, safety conscious, and he had great surfing stories.  I don't see how we could have learned without him.
Of course, Will picked it up pretty fast.  The girls all did great.  Me... not so much.  I thought for sure I'd be good, especially since I was a skateboarder in my younger days.  (That's something an old person says)  Maybe I need more practice.
Two hours later, and we were exhausted.  Another guy in the water said to me "This is why you never see a fat surfer."  What a workout!

Sunburned, tired, thirsty, covered in sand, wet, Pat took us back to our car.  He gave us all a certificate and Queensland Surfing bumper sticker.  Again, great guy and great time!
And we were off back to town.
Next stop... Ice Cream!

After showers, naps, and dinner, we were ready for more action.  We headed into town to sit by the beach and watch fireworks.  A little far away, but at least we saw fireworks.
Back home, we watched a movie and forced ourselves to stay up until midnight, so we could beat our American friends and family at saying "Happy New Year!"  I must say, if you've never watched the Sydney fireworks show, it is amazing.  I think that's making the list for next New Year's Eve!
Here's to a great 2014, and an even better 2015!
-Peter