New Year's at Parsons ...

This year finally went well for the Hill's as we headed down to Parson's Beach just after lunch, full of supplies for a great weekend. At last we had organised almost a whole week off and were out to enjoy ourselves.

We arrived at Parsons to a frantic Paul who had arrived the day before and was looking for some company. Rob had also arrived the day before, and was taking a siesta when we got there. Andrew & Sarah arrived soon after, making this just another stop-off on their holiday. Barbara & Katrina and Deb, Dean & Chelsea and Paul & Paula and Jacquie made the trip down after work, completing the group of New Years revellers.

The evening went well, beginning with a late 'Happy Hour', with so much food that most of us 'forgot' to have tea. Drinks were shared and stories swapped as we rallied at midnight to meet and greet the whole town individually. At some stage Paula and I formed the Paul Caldicott ex-wives club and I must thank her for her assistance during the evening.

Saturday started slowly. Even Paul F slept in somewhat. We look a leisurely drive down to the sand hills via the beach. 'The hill' had changed yet again. It was only a couple of months since we had climbed to the top and over the other side. Now there was a large extension of very soft sand at the top. We all took our turn including an elated Jacquie who also tried her hand at a new skill. At the same time we were treated to a show by 2 lads on their 'snow board' manoeuvring very well down the hill.

We headed back to the shack for lunch and a quiet afternoon and some sport fishing. The evening began with happy hour. The evening was dominated by the antics of our menfolk who were in fine form.

Sunday started fine and we all trekked down to Barker's Rocks for some rock fishing. Some of us went for a walk, some played on the beach and others caught one or two fish, that can only be described as pitiful. Mind you when the photos have been doctored, the fish look better and almost reach the handspan of those who caught them.

Sunday afternoon saw us back in the sandhills and this time the Rover didn't fare so well, as you can see in the picture. There is now quite a layer of fine sand all through the hills there, that acts as quicksand when you least expect it.

We went in to Minlaton for tea to take advantage of their lovely, and very popular, all you can eat Sunday roast. For a small town, where there is only one pub and that is closed on Sundays, there was a large crowd. There were even 2 sittings and with such a large group we almost didn't get our meal. The roast night is definitely something I would recommend to anyone.

Somewhere during the weekend the 'beer can tree' was created. I think that Paul was hoping the grafting would take, next time we are there I should check, either way it kept the children happy for a long time.

By Monday morning there were only Andrew, Sarah, Paul, Barbara, Rob, John, Jack and myself left to continue enjoying our break. A little more sand driving, relaxing on the beach & fishing was the flavour of the day. Happy hour extended into a games evening directed wholly by Paul. Several shot-sculling competitions in which all were included. Even Jack joined in with his shot glass of soda. Somehow I got the impression that Andrew found his limit though.

Those who were left cleaned up the shack on Tuesday and headed to the Ardrossan bakery for a delightful lunch on the way home.

Thanks Barbara & Paul once again for the invitation and thanks to all who contributed to a wonderful long weekend and a break to remember. We really enjoyed getting to know Sarah & Andrew as well as catching up with old friends.

Kym, Dean & Sarah

PS. Any differences between what is written here and what actually happened is an oversight due to medication of one kind or another.

While talking to Andrew & Sarah, it was decided that we should do something for Barbara & Paul as a thankyou for having us all there so willingly and they wouldn't take anything to help with electricity or incidentals that we had used.

Since they don't have a wheelie bin we settled on that. I am lead to believe that the reason they don't have a wheelie bin there is due to Paul being worried about it not being there when they returned since they only visited from time to time. So that this one was safe Sarah was going to decorate it with something distinctive.

As you can see by this photo, taken by Dean on his phone at the last meeting, Sarah & Andrew did a wonderful job on behalf of all of us who have ever stayed at Parsons.



Disclaimer : please note