Deb Schapel has just returned from her dream holiday, spending a month away Deb travelled to South America and along with long time friend Tash climbed for several days to reach the moutain ridge above Urubamba Valley in Peru that holds the famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Situated some 2,400 metres above sea level, Deb said the climb was very difficult at times due to the altitude and she suffered a dose of altitude sickness before recovering to complete the climb with no other issues other than a few blisters.

Well done Deb, that is one of lifes boxes ticked and not one that many people get to do.

Ben Maywald recently had the holiday of a lifetime when he followed the Australian cricket team on their tour of the West Indies. Arriving in time for the 3rd Test, 20/20 and 3 One Day Internationals, Ben had a fabulous time at the cricket soaking up the relaxing West Indies atmoshpere (not to mention soaking up the local rum!!). The tour group even shared hotels with the Aussie team and Benny met a few legends along the way including Boony, Kerry O'Keefe and blonde bombshell Lara Bingle (you rock Benny!).

Ben is a keen fisherman and, always keen to wet a line, organised a trip few a few of the gang on the trip when along came a big fish who volunteered to come along in the form of Merv Hughes. Big Merv was a hit with the boys (as he always is) and the trip was a success with The Magnet (see story below) landing a nice Wahoo and another angler scoring a sailfish.

We have long felt that Ben Maywald has many special gifts but near the top of the list is his ability to catch fish. During a recent trip to the mouth of Tommycut Creek Ben (known as the "Fish Magnet") was in fine form landing several fine fish, he was however shown up by guest angler Alex

Following the recent swiming with crocodiles incident we now have to nickanme Dave Langley's car "Red October" after the famous submarine! Dave was recently launching his boat at a very flooded Shady Camp when the vehicle encounted an unexpected hole in the launching area and promptly filled with water. In Dave's defence he was not driving at the time but that has not stopped the ribbing and the "look I found a dead fish" jokes.