The Party Day has arrived......
After a bit of a sleep in we were all up and the kids were eager to give Nick his presents and cards, even though he had ordered us not to buy him anything. From all over us Nick received a pair of hiking boots, and due to his failing eyesight, a pair of magnifying glasses, as well as some red wine and iTunes vouchers from Ian, Paul and Jerry, some duct tape from Mark and Lauren and binoculars from Jo & Pete, and Abbey and Freya had drawn some beautiful pictures. Nick was feeling incredibly spoilt indeed.
We headed into Darwin and spent the day at the wave pool. We all had a blast tubing, swimming and jumping in the waves, Abbey especially loving Uncle Jerry pulling her along on the boogy board and donut.
Time flew by and we didn't get back to tumbling waters until about 4pm and although the party was being catered for we still had a bit to prepare before the drinks and nibbles began, and before we knew it friends had started to arrive.
Sitting around our grassy camping area we enjoyed predinner drinks and nibbles with Paul, Ian, Jerry, Jo & Pete, Pete's parents, Kristy, Linda, Sharon, Paul & Caroline, Myles and Tim & Joy. And again Nick was spoilt with more presents including iTunes vouchers, wine, t-shirt and a voucher for a night out kid free. It was a lovely warm balmy evening, probably the warmest birthday Nick has ever celebrated. At 6pm we headed up to the restaurant to our candlelit outdoor tables, set amongst the palms with the sun slowly setting we found our seats.
Ben, the chef, came and announced the menu: Crumbed Crocodile with Aoli, Warm Bread and Dips for entree, followed by Bush Spiced Steak or Thai Influenced Barramundi finished with Chocolate Brownie or Lemon tart. With our taste buds watering we chatted amongst ourselves, laughing, sharing stories, and for some putting faces to names.
As the evening went on the kids disappeared to watch Mamma Mia at the open air cinema, and after dessert it was time for speeches. Unfortunately our friends The Backsons weren't able to come to the party as they were still on the Gibb River Rd, but Hamish did write a poem for Nick, which saved me from having to prepare a speech of my own. The poem is certainly "blog" worthy:
Nick Linton’s 40th Poem
It was a hot sunny day, out in Port Lincoln’s bay,
When we sailed out to swim with the tuna.
If we’d known who we’d meet, on that pride of the fleet,
We’d have booked another voyage sooner!
We’d noticed the Lintons as they sat in a line,
Politely at the back of the boat.
Our crew got there late, having made everyone wait,
And squabbled like a herd of old goats.
By the end of the cruise, with our fingers all bruised,
We were still moaning and shifting the blame,
When our noise was shattered, well, not that it mattered,
And a new voice was heard to exclaim.
“G’day there, I’m Nick”, and in half a tick,
We knew most of what there was to know.
Rosie spoke too, but before she could choose,
We’d been invited to their travelling show.
So to this hairy gents’ sprawling palace we went.
We were nervous but anxious to please.
We needn’t have worried, as our kids up and scurried,
And Nick poured red wine and served cheese.
He proudly displayed, the home gorilla tape made,
And the Jayco they’d bought for 8K.
As Nick pointed out all its sags, he burnt thirty snags
While telling tales of what they’d seen on their way.
“That’s interesting” he’d quote, “because we saw that boat,
But it was bigger, and faster, and better”
Now that we know Nick so well, we know the tales he tells,
Are usually true to the letter.
And they’re great stories too, because they are true.
He’s got a habit of taking some chances.
Liking seeing how far, he can get a van and a car,
With no coolant, petrol, or finances!
We thought we were special when Nick sought us out,
For a chat and then later a beer.
But it appears we’re not alone, for Nick’s most at home
When he’s talking and making good cheer.
And if you’re a Vic, well you won’t escape Nick.
He’ll scour the whole van park to find you.
It’s only Grey Nomads on farms, who are immune to his charms,
But that’s fine because they’ll all be dead soon!
A man of two faces, he prefers bush camping places,
But must always be close to a shower.
Once a high flying suit, he’s now tasting new fruit,
Ask Rosie, she’s got all the power.
When Nick got the can, he became a true family man,
Quickly shedding his corporate walks.
Now Josh teaches him fishing, and how to play cricket,
Whilst with Abbey he talks and he talks.
Matt takes him to watch birds, with feathers not skirts,
And he helps young Zach wrestle crocs.
Watching cloudy sunsets with Rosie, they get nice and cosy,
As they plan their next tour de force.
Who knows where they’ll stop, will they drive till they drop?
Though it’s likely the van will fail first.
One thing is for sure, if Nick’s got something to pour,
He’ll definitely not die of thirst.
So thanks Nick we say, for that hello on that day.
And the way that you laugh with such ease.
You’re a good friend and a mate; you make your own fate;
Happy 40th Nick and GO DEES!!
Thanks Hammer. Everyone had such a good laugh at the truth and humour of your piece.
Jo Leonard also saved the day for me having prepared a speech also. Although similar to Hamish's, Jo shared some very funny and special moments we've had together on the trip.
Happy 40th Birthday Nick!
Across the Nullabor towards the West
Was when we, the Leonard's, met you at your best.
Relaxed and on holiday around Australia's coast
At Cape Le Grand for Rosie's birthday, we did toast.
You thought us posh folk from Sydney with our fancy van
Compared to your Jayco Hawk 'Bob' which was part of your plan.
But you welcomed us with a smile and a cheeky little grin
Saying "... come over for drinks, we'll all pitch in".
You travelled with a miracle tape, gorilla was its name
To hold your tent together was where it found fame.
Now Nick uses gorilla tape for everything little thing
It's tough, and strong and covers every ripped thing!
Now it's been 4 months since we met that fateful day
And travelled together over corrugations, rivers and sand all the way.
Sandy Cape with the seals, Kalbarri on kayaks
Monkey Mia, Cape Range where we stared at sharks that looked like Salma Hayek.
Now Barn Hill was interesting, not just for sunsets and snakes
But ye cranky grey nomad whose van we did shake
With laughter, good old banter and political news
He got up your nose, I thought you'd give him a bruise!
We carried on, our lot, meeting in Broome for the moon
Where you got your car fixed, you terrible hoon.
Now Nick's no mechanic, we all know that,
So when asked "when did you last put oil in?" he choked and spat
"what on earth for!" was his reply
"Rosie, didn't you do that?",
"No Nick, you're the guy!"
But aside from being towed from Cape Leveque
He's had dear friends to fix things, and their labour was cheap!
Pete with the car and Mark with the zips
It all comes together Nick, as you sweet talk with those lips.
As we've grown to know and love Nick we see he's a marketing man
With hundreds of ideas, promotions and plans
He could sell you anything with a chink of his glass
Over fine cheap wine, "...camp and stay awhile on the grass".
Now Nick, I feel like I've known you all of my life,
Sharing family moments with you and your beautiful wife.
We've seen turtles and dolphins, sea lions and crocodiles
But I'm sorry, I stop there, loving the 'Demons' may take a while.
You're a teacher, father and husband with your family of six,
Travelling on a journey with no quick fix.
But you have taken the time to talk, play and explore
With your four beautiful children, whom I know you adore.
This journey is for all of you, and us as well,
For when we are old - past 40! - we'll have great stories to tell.
We've struck up a friendship which I hope will last
Cos with the Lintons, Baxtons, Virgonas, we've all had a blast!
Here's to you Nick, our great friend, you're 40 years old mate
But remember, it's the journey, no regrets, it's never too late!
Happy 40th Birthday Nick!
Well.... Nick was speechless, probably for the first time in his life. He was overcome with gratitude at the efforts his family and friends had made to come to his party, and the words expressed in the poems so funny, yet so true.
Words finally came to Nick, and he gave an emotional, sincere, short (yes I said short) speech conveying his gratitude, sharing thoughts and feelings about his life.
All too soon it was time to finish the evening with a toast.
Happy Birthday Nick. I hope it was one that will be remembered and treasured for many years to come.
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