Cardwell Day 12

We I apologise for the late blog, but we are working folk now !. I know a lot of you are following our blog - could you leave your initials in the comments below please. We are curious.

FYI - we are also doing a video - since the start of our trip - its got some very funny moments in it - we'll get it up at some stage so stay tuned.

Last night we did 'movie night' outside the Caravan. We have the sound coming through the external van speakers and wrap up in blankets - its tough lol. This time Allie lasted nearly 3 minutes before dozing off - Im so proud of her - a valiant attempt.

We have had a few phone calls from friends  checking up on us - we really have appreciated those calls - despite the fun we are having and the opportunity this gorgeous lady and I have made of the situation - it is still a suckful position having a year of hope dashed - so to those who have called - we really do appreciate you. We have turned it a round and wish this as a lesson to our kids and families that it's when the chips are down, you can come out fighting - and better again - fighting as a team.

The day started with a call from Chef Ruthie, walked along the beach front to Ruthies place, and met her partner Crabby. 

Crabby lived in Thursday Island for well over 30 years, and was really interesting to chat with.

If we get up the Cape we would not miss doing the tour to Thursday Island - it sounds awesome and well worth the day.

We learned that Chef Ruthie is actually Bunny Walters current wife. He passed away some years ago.

Chef Ruthie asked if we could start today as opposed to Sunday as it would be a slow day and a good chance for us to learn her kitchen.

Before I get into it - I start this blog post complimenting Chef Ruthie. A down to earth kiwi lady who has a great sense of humour and is just a downright beautiful person. She is very passionate about her food and cooking and really cares about her customers - she has built strong relationships with many of them - and they return regularly.
Her company is "Heaven on a Fork" - you MUST look out for that when you come by. 

Soon it is arranged for her to pick us up for work at 3pm.

So I practice my waiting skills

Allie and I started by assisting prep for all the meals. I was cook at the start, and Allie got praise for her prep skills. My lamb cutlets got a "best Ive ever had" from a customer.
Well really they are Ruthies design, but I did sear them :-p

Had about 10 people in the restaurant, a very slow night. Sunday is a bigger one and apparently later in the week (we work Thurs - Sunday). It will be quite full going forward.
There is a Ladys fundraiser high tea on so Allie is going in early today to learn that one.

I think while we were in the kitchen we were mentally 'high fiving' each other several times - we loved it.

It was pretty full on- and we tried to work really hard, so a full house will be a challenge - but the Allie and Daz duo are up for anything!

There we extra Lamb Shanks cooked, so we came home exhausted and had those tonight for dinner at the Caravan- mmmmm yum.

Chef wants us to stay - she loves us, and we really think she is awesome - before we depart (whenever that is) however she wants to do a Kiwiana dinner night (theres lots of Kiwis here), and Co-Chef Allie has her thinking cap on now.

Stay ... hmm ... I have actually spotted a massive business opportunity in town which is untapped. It would allow us to work part days, and only for the seasonal 6 months of the year, then travel Aussie for the other 6 months. There is massive potential here, and its such a business we have leave it to people to run while we duck back and see family often.
On the face of it - it seems perfect. There are several perfect shops in the main street dying for someone to lease them. A huge traffic flow through down on season, at any time there is over 20 cars with caravans going through - all day ! - Im looking into this quite seriously.

Stay tuned on that one !