Back to Melbourne

 Tuesday is our last day of our long break, stopped in Hastings, had a small walk, they had a longer one, so I had time to view the Harbour.  Beautiful.

So an added treat on the journey home was to visit their second home.  I have to say Australian caravans are a little different from when we caravanned.  A fixed double bed so no joins in the cushions.  Would have been lovely.  Air conditioning and fridge freezer. No room for Mother, well there was, but it would have been a little cozy 🤔🤔

A lazy day today, unpacking etc.  Did the local shops this morning and then during Pam's cycle, one and half hours today, I went for my walk along the Prom.   Beautiful,  balmy afternoon,  so managed to make it to my 10,000 steps.  Sat on the pier and watched a Pied Cormorant, then saw him take off and swim for his supper.

 

A Mob of Kangaroos!

Saturday morning was a farewell to Sydney and our lovely apartment.  It has been a wonderful time, however, 1,161km stretched ahead of us.  512km today, HOWEVER we did a small diversion to Potato Point and saw a Mob of Kangaroos, yes, apparently that is what a group of Roos are called.  They were on a camp site by the beach completely oblivious to us.  So finally I have seen them in the wild.👍👍👍👍

Potato Point beach where the Roos congregate.

 

Another long day on Sunday, but stopping points on the way. One of the places was Sale.  I grew up from 7 yrs old to 14 yrs old in Sale, Cheshire!!, A very different place.  The only photo I could get was of the Port of Sale.

 We arrived at our apartment with an hour to spare before the treat of the day, a trip to Penguin Parade.  This is a wonderful sight where the Little Blue Penguins come ashore every evening around 6pm.  Approximately 1000 per night come ashore, waddling up the beach.  We walked on a boardwalk, very controlled so as not to disturb them on their nightly trek to, at this time of the year, their loved ones.  Unfortunately no cameras are allowed, but the whole evening is wonderful.  Apparently they leave at dawn, feed all day, come ashore and spend maybe a day recovering, before they start again.  The young ones are now getting their adult feathers, so have 21 days to live off their body fat before they leave for the water and the cycle begins again.  A Raft of Penguins when in the water and a Colony when on land

It was a lovely experience.

So today, Monday 25th April is ANZAC day, which obviously over here is a big event.  By a complete fluke we stopped for our usual coffee break in Cowes where we are staying, and realised we were about to see the local parade, passing right by the cafe we were sat outside.  It is to remember Australia and New Zealands contribution in WW1 to the battle in Gallipolli.  A little like our Remembrance Sunday and held in each town.  Lovely to see one locally.

Then we had a tour of several beautiful beaches, and I mean beautiful.  However, on the way we saw a few Wallabies and an Echidna, it was lovely and is a monotrene.  

On another beach Pam nearly trod on a copperhead snake, which is poisonous!!! J

And lots of birds.  This part of the coast is wonderful, rugged and wild, I could spend a day watching the waves break on the volcanic rocks.  

I close my eyes and I am surfing!!!!

               

Signing off from Sydney

 Another beautiful morning, Thursday, and Paul is working again, so Pam and I went down to Darling Harbour and caught the ferry to Circular quay and then the ferry to Manly Beach.  Lovely beach with loads of surfers and a good walk along the Prom.  Back to the centre and lunch at a Scandinavian restaurant.  Gorgeous, and then the heavens opened, so lingered longer with lunch!!

Back on the ferry, this time we caught a different one which did a couple of stops so saw more of the scenery but most of all good shots of the Bridge and Opera House.  

Wandered back on a different route through the Strand Arcade.  Very old fashioned and beautiful.

Back home after 9.8km 

So I would like to say our last day in Sydney dawned bright and sunny, but I can’t ‘cos it didn’t!! 

Lazy morning, early lunch and off Pam and Paul went for their climb over Sydney Bridge, nope I didn’t join them.  I wandered off and found a lovely Arcade, in the dry as the heavens opened just as they would have arrived at the Bridge.  I bought a couple of things and waited for the drenched couple to return.  I had not needed to worry, yes, they were wet but had really had a wonderful time. As no cameras or phones are allowed I had to make do with the official photos, which were lovely but not available on this device.

A quick change around and off to a Malay restaurant.  I have to say I have enjoyed some lovely food cooked by my son-in-law and been to a several restaurants, but this topped the lot.  All the dishes were wonderful. A perfect end to a great week in Sydney.  I am one lucky lady (and one much plumper one as well). Oh and only 6.4km today!!! 

Two long travel days now so will catch up later.  In the meantime final views of Sydney. 

Sydney Highlights

 Another bright and sunny morning, Tuesday, so a walk down to Darling Harbour.   Beautiful area with cafes galore, except this is Tuesday and they are nearly all closed!!! Managed to find one for the daily coffee/hot chocolate.  Didn’t think we had walked very far but managed 4.5 km. Back for lunch and a lazy couple of hours.  Pam and Paul popped off for a walk and I nipped down to the pool for a quick dip.  Not as warm as the one in Port Douglas, but it was empty so I could do my aqua exercises!!  Very refreshing.

Very early supper and then taxi to Sydney Harbour.  We were not being lazy taking a taxi, we were dressed in our finery and posh shoes as Pam had got tickets for the ballet in the Opera House.  This trip just gets better and better.  Anna Karenina was the ballet and it was beautiful.  To be sat inside the wonderful building was amazing  Don’t think we were in the largest auditorium but it held a couple of thousand people so not bad. Masks not obligatory, however, we kept ours on as did most of the folk near us.  Unfortunately we came out to find the most horrendous thunder storm going on.  Pam managed to get us a Uber taxi and we got home quite dry. Latest night I have had in Oz, but well worth it. 

Lovely evening.

So Wednesday morning, no sign of the storm, bright and sunny. Paul went into the office, first time for two and a half years.  In the 6 years prior to moving out here he visited Australia 17 times, some in Melbourne and some here in Sydney, hence us having a wonderful tour guide.

Pam and I popped into the shopping area and I did my final souvenir buying, well maybe not 🤔🤔

After lunch Pam did the gym, I was going for a swim, but the silly system of plastic keys means they don't always work, and this time they didn’t so back to the room, waited for Pam to return from her 23km bike ride, static, then off to Hyde Park!!  Seems weird all the English place names.  Popped into the Catholic Cathedral, absolutely lovely, Pam then left me and she did another 8km and I wondered back through the Park and watched the Ibis, known apparently as bin chickens!!!

Around 5pm we walked back to Darling Harbour and waited for Paul to arrive at a lovely Turkish mrestaurant.  Lovely meze supper and then walked home to complete 9.7km for the day!!

I have discovered Australia!

Easter Sunday and on our way to Sydney, however, before leaving the Blue Mountains, we stopped at Scenic World.  We booked an early slot and did the SkyWay!!!  This is the huge carriage swinging in mid air over a huge drop to the floor of the forest.  Not for the faint hearted, but I have decided to not be a wimp and go for it!! Pleased I did, provided I didn't think of the drop, it was great.  Then the Scenic Cablecar to the walkway which took us through the forest on a very easy boardwalk. Then back to the top in the world’s steepest railway, the Scenic Railway.  Most of it through a dark tunnel.!!  So I decided my feet in future were staying firmly on the ground.

Or so I thought, we arrived in Sydney to find we are on the 23rd floor.  We have a lovely apartment, I have a bedroom, en suite, small kitchen and balcony, the adjoining room has the lounge, bigger kitchen, utility room and another double en suite.

As Paul does the cooking I have grabbed the small suite!

However, I thought a night view from my balcony was better than my bedroom!!!😀😀

Unpacked and then walked to the Harbour.  The place was heaving, but the views were wonderful, I must admit my first sight of the Opera House was quite emotional, as David had this on his hit list.  Walked round the Harbour to view the Bridge and all the folk who were doing the bridge climb.  Watch this space on Friday.  No don’t be silly, Pam and Paul are doing it, my birthday and Christmas treat for the past two years, and a thank you for organising this tour.  It certainly beats Titan holidays!!

So today, Easter Monday, dawns bright and sunny, so off on a tour of the famous Bays around here.  The most iconic being Bondi Beach. Well it looked good for surfers, which obviously I am not, and the beach was good, I think, but there were several bodies on it soaking up the sun.  A quick photo and onto Botany Bay, where Capt Cook discovered Australia, and Sandra decided she could paddle.  It was lovely, but the swim suit was tucked up in the apartment, so that was as far as I got.  A lovely art sculpture on the beach.

Then home, via the supermarket and Bottle Mart.  Alcohol not sold in supermarkets, so Paul pops in there and I pop into next door for my medicine 🤔🤔🤔. Need it after my long paddle.  After yesterday’s 9.2kms today was a bit more gentle only 4.8kms.  Still better than nothing.

Ozzie road trip and still no kangaroos!!!

 So after a couple of days catch up, Pam and I went into the centre of Melbourne.  We picked the best day, sun shining, no wind and a very blue sky.  Paul dropped us off right in the centre. We popped into the beautiful Cathedral, had a few moments to think of those who had once been with us, family and recently, good friends.  Brought it home to me how lucky I was to get this wonderful opportunity.

Then onto our first real retail therapy.  Walked along several alleyways and then into Myer which is a large department store, a little like Debenhams, but better! Bought some shoes and a couple of gifts to take home.. lovely lunch in an arcade cafe and then the circular City tram, hop on hop off, however, it is free in Melbourne. Walked along the Yarra River and sat in the sunshine watching the boats with evening drinks cruises and the University rowers having a practice session.  

Thursday was packing day and after lunch we set off for the Blue Mountains.

Stopped one night in Beechworth at a lovely motel.  As usual a quaint town which seemed to be set in another century.  Next day on the road, 600km to Wallerawang. A long day but through gorgeous countryside.  All those kilometres and I managed to close my eyes as we passed a field of kangaroos!!! Or so I was told!!! One day I will have a photo to prove they really do exist.

However, Saturday we woke again to a gorgeous day, and set off for a day of visiting view points to see the Blue Mountains.  So called because they are covered with eucalyptus trees from which the oil gives off a blue haze.  The sites and views are amazing.  I managed to do 10,199 steps, which I felt was incredible after the blip with the hip last week.  My words cannot describe the views and the photos probably dont’t do the sights true justice.  It was a wonderful day.

 

Can’t Help Falling in Love… with Melbourne

 So following on from the Market visit, Thursday had to be a quiet day, my hip argued with me that it needed a rest!!!  Sat on the roof terrace and listened to the practice rounds for the F1 racing in Albert Park.  Several helicopters flying around, tv stations.  It sounded great, however, I was happy to listen and not watch!! And I also had a good book to finish!!  Then just a short walk for a bottle of Rose, needed something to wash the paracetomal down with.  Still not keen on Australian wine, might be by the end of my trip.  Need more practice.🍾🍾

Friday the painkillers had done their job, or was it the Rose, anyway managed a couple of walks.  Pam is in such a lovely spot so it is a great treat to walk out and be on the Promenade in seconds.  The beach is miles and miles of perfect sand.  Several swimmers each day, but lots of people just walk in, fold their arms and stand for a while in the water.  Loads of joggers and dog walkers.  Dogs are very well behaved over here and all cafes put water out for them.  I could nearly be tempted to own one!!! A dog not a cafe!

In the afternoon Pam did her usual cycle and I sat on the terrace, then great excitement, a fly past from the RAAF, six planes, did a display a little like the Red Arrows but without the coloured vapours.  My photos looked like a flock of seagulls had flown past, so I am afraid I am using Paul’s photos.  Just a bit better!!  Think he got the name and address of the pilots!!

Saturday dawned warm and sunny and Pam had booked us a night away.  Driving out of Melbourne we visited several small towns.  These towns look as though they are stage sets for an American Wild West show.  Really quaint.  

We, however, were staying in Bendigo, which felt more modern.  Lovely walk through the park where the flying fox bats were gathering for the evening, flying in and clinging upside down on the trees.  Hundreds of them, screeching and I have to say, ponging!!!  As we left the park we saw that a special exhibition from Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, was on the next day.  Sorry to say, all this culture around me and I chose the Exhibition.  Pam joined me the next morning.  Paul appeared to have the same attitude as David would have, “No Thanks”😂😂 

That part of Victoria was also famous for gold mining, needless to say we didnt find any, except in the jewellers, and they appeared to be closed😡😡

I can’t believe how much we are packing into my time here and there is still more to come.  The weather over here makes for a more relaxed pace of life, the people are friendly and views of Melbourne skyscapers from the roof are amazing.  Mmm when do I return home 🤔🤔🤔

Back in Melbourne

 So we left the heat of Port Douglas behind on Monday morning and arrived back in Melbourne to what seemed like a chilly afternoon, grey and cloudy, to find it was around 19 degrees, just not what we had got used to.

Our trusty taxi driver Paul, was waiting for us, and bought us back “home”.   Then cooked a lovely supper, during which time I sat with a lovely glass of cold white wine.  Well someone  has to drink it, Paul drinks red but not during the week and Pam (temporarily) hardly drinks at all, so it is left to me to keep the economy going.

Couldn't believe I was ready for an early night, but slept like a log.

Tuesday morning was a bit overcast and as they both had calls I took myself off for a walk.  Three minutes to the Promenade and a beautiful walk to the Pier where several fishermen were busy.  They didn't look too happy so I guess they had a trip to the Supermarket on the way home to buy supper!!! No-one to chat to except a couple of seagulls, must be losing my touch!!

Our supper was a Mexican chicken dish, so no need to catch anything!  Today, Wednesday, Pam and I visited South Melbourne Market, where I managed to get a couple of pressies to take home.  A lovely Market with some beautiful stalls, a bit better than Stowmarket Market, well to be honest any Market would beat that one!! We ate a quick lunch outside, Japanese, gorgeous.  Ate outside as we are trying to stay safe.  Not a lot of people wear masks.  Then we walked home.  Trying to do a bit more each day but today was only 4.8km.  Hip decided to play up at the moment which is annoying and is slowing me down quite a bit.  Pam makes up for my lack of energy by continuing with her virtual cycle ride to Darwin.  Has now covered 1000 kms.  I don’t think I stand much chance of catching her up!!

So that’s it for today, think it is now time to have a little glass of wine!!!

London Bridge, Mornington Peninsula 

Arrival in Oz

 Good morning from 32 degrees in Port Douglas.

So after 2 years 5 weeks and several hoops to jump through, I finally made it to the airport and the long 17 hour flight to Darwin.  Met a lovely young man from Tasmania, got an invite for a meal with Pam and Paul.  Arrived in Darwin to be met by a blast of very hot air and another young man who helped me through the machines that then allowed me through Melbourne airport.  A great advantage of growing old!!!

So after 22 hours we finally had a hug and a few Kleenex tissues!!,

Driven to their apartment, had the tour, a cup of tea and went to bed!!!

Woke around 7 am and felt fine!!! False hope, jet lag stayed with me for about 5 days.  Pam is about 4 minutes from the beach, so we managed to have a few walks to give Paul a quiet house in which to work.  Cafe culture over here, so coffee in the sun, or hot chocolate for some!!!

On 28th another flight to Cairns for Pam and I, in a lovely apartment in Port Douglas, or Port as they say here😊😊. And 32degrees.   Lovely apartment with pool.  So been to the rainforest, which was great, except no rain so very warm and  a short river cruise where we saw the largest croc just basking in the sun, grinning away.  Think he saw my fairly large body and was licking his lips, lunch on its way!!! Today off on the Barrier reef to give the new swim suit an airing!   Pam been out for a five km walk (not got my genes!!) I just went in the pool. 

The pace of life is very different over here, laid back, but everyone is so friendly.

Very bizarre situation last night, chatting to a couple by the pool who lived near Pam in Oxford, then found out she had worked for David as a 15year old.  You couldnt make it up.   Had a couple of acquaintances in common.

So we are here until. Monday, then Melbourne and then a few days in Sydney.  I will need a holiday when I get home.

So very sorry you are having snow at the moment!!! It does seem difficult to think of snow in this heat.