Australia : Northern NSW

We landed in Brisbane, met Nikki and Robin and drove 4 hours south for a night in Coffs Harbour. Next day, a spot of Marlin fishing was followed by a drive back up to Byron Bay. It's a laid back beach town that's been invaded by hipsters and celebrities but it still seems to have a cool vibe. We loved Arcadia Guesthouse and enjoyed the beer and music at the Friendly Railway Bar.

On Thursday 28th March we moved to Magnolia House in Ewingsdale with Dave and friends. Nice digs! Good for hanging out after the fest with cheese and wine at 2am. Like a school midnight feast for the foodie 50 somethings. The Byron Bay Blues Festival runs for 5 days each Easter. It was one of the best organised festivals we have ever been to, with an amazing international line-up. We went every day. Thursday and Monday were quieter and therefore more enjoyable; Sunday pretty busy.

Seal, Jackson Browne, Lionel Richie, Robert Plant, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Rag n Bone Man, the Wailers, Chic, Walter Trout, California Honey Drops, Michael Franti, Hussy Hicks to name our favourites. The variety of food trucks and the quality of the food was great but the price of drinks and food was eye-wateringly expensive! It was still good to meet up with the Ewingsdale bunch as well as Nikki and Robin, Colin and Jenni, Richard and Shaz inbetween shows for a beer or a glass of wine in Neil's favourite craft beer tent.

We spent 4 days with Colin and Jenni at their country home in Fernleigh.We visited a lot of good spots like Bangalow, Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads, Lennox Heads and Ballina. Nice beaches, good restaurants and funky shops. Not to mention the fun company and excellent wines and whiskey.