Australian Adventure – Day 25 – New Year’s Eve

2013-12-31 | puppy1952

Today we had a bit of a rest day and only went out for a drive in the late afternoon. The thing that has impressed me most about Australia is all the trees. Everywhere we go trees line the streets, there are huge trees in all the parks and shade is always easy to find. In general Australians are conservation conscious. They look after the environment, recycling is a way of life and one hardly sees litter anywhere.

Besides trees there is not lack of rivers, lakes and sea. So to find a pleasant place where you can sit on a park bench, take a walk, throw a line in the water to catch a fish or have a swim is not at all difficult.

After exploring and we stopped at a British Fish ‘n Chips place in Warners Bay and our meal at plastic tables on the pavement. The view was to die for and it was just great fun eating with our fingers as we watched the passing parade! We then went home to watch the count down to 2014 on TV. I doubt thought that we will make it to midnight as we have already seen the 9 o’clock Sydney family fireworks which was spectacular!

Awaba House

In the gardens – Aboriginal Art

A Wetland we stopped at

White headed Stilts

Pelicans

Red-kneed Dotterel

Speers Point

Warmers Bay

Fish and Chips

Fun on the Pavement

Australian Adventure – Day 24 – Wetland Birding

2013-12-30 | puppy1952

Taking care of foreign guests can be a daunting task – but when they have special needs it is even harder. When your guest say to you each and every day – Where are we going to go bird watching today? – I guess you would eventually run out of places to take them. Not so with our intrepid hostesses. Today they outdid themselves and showed as an amazing time at two different venues. The first was Hunter’s Wetland which is a conservation sanctuary, with over 200 wildlife species identified on site. It consists of 45 hectares of wetlands and, it is the perfect nature-based tourism destination to explore, discover and relax. There were a number of walking trails we could do and Earl and I spent a couple of hours exploring while Aunt and Colette relaxed at the Visitor’s Centre where we joined them afterwards for a delicious lunch and then relaxed and watched the birds from the deck.

Moorhen with chicks

Purple Swamphen and Teal

Great Egrets

Wandering Whistling Duck

Magpie Geese

Magpie Goose

Royal Spoonbill

A gang of Spoonbills

White-necked heron

Spotted Dove

The Wetland

White Ibis nesting

Beautiful Butterfly

Later in the afternoon we made our way to Kooragang Wetlands and onto Ash Island which had a gravel roads to drive around it. It turned out to be quite an adventure as the maze of roads got a tad confusing. However, our wonderings led us to some amazing ponds and we found some special birds. The bird of the day was the Black-fronted Dotterel which Leonie spotted at the side of the road all on its own and well camouflaged in the scrubby vegetation. It resembles the three banded plover which we see at home. We were also thrilled to find Red-necked avocets. At first glance we thought they were some exotic duck as they were swimming with their bills in the water. Then we noticed that they were curved upwards and when wading behaved like our pied avocets at home.

Black fronted dotterel

Red-necked Avocet

Australian Adventure – Day 22 – Bateau Bay

2013-12-28 | puppy1952

We met Tim Morris in Botswana on Christmas Eve in 2001 when he asked to join us and the friends with whom we were travelling, on a scenic boat trip we were taking on the Kavango River. He was a young Australian geologist and was back packing through Africa. We were impressed with his knowledge of the birds and he explained that he had been interested in wildlife and nature since childhood because back in Australia his father was a game ranger. He was alone and we invited him to join us for Christmas Dinner, which was a very simple affair in the middle of the African bush. Tim also caught up with us in Cape Town when his journey brought him there. When his parents visited some time later we made contact with them too. So of course now that we ourselves are visiting Australia we got in touch with Anne and Alan and arranged to meet. Tim is in Port Macquarie and we won’t get to see him this trip. He is now a married man with three young sons!

Colette kindly lent us her car and we drove to Bateau Bay near The Entrance to spend the day with Anne and Alan. Their garden is a bird magnet and from their balcony we got to see the king parrot, lorikeets and other small birds. After tea Alan took us to various wetland venues and shorelines and was the most amazing bird guide ever. We saw t lunchtime we returned and Anne presented us with a delicious prawn salad and a dessert which was to die for.

After lunch we went to various places where Alan found interesting birds for us to view. The highlight was a female tawny frogmouth that had a nest in a tree in a nearby park. By the time our ornithological tour was over it was 6 o’clock and we were thrilled with all we had seen both as far as birds and scenery was concerned.

Our bird list today included Grey Butcherbird, Eurasian Coot, Australasian Darter, Eastern Great Egret, Intermediatet, Intermediate Egret, Freckled duck, Australian Wood-duck, Superb Fairywren, Grey Fantail, Red-browed Finch, Tawny Frogmouth, Australasian Grebe, Hardhead, White-faced heron, White-necked heron, Swamp Harrier, New Holland Honeyeater, Australian White Ibis, Crested Tern, Caspian Tern, Wild Turkey, Red Wattlebird, Woodswallow

Royal Spoonbill

Stilts

Intermediate Egret

Red-kneed dotterel

Tawny Frogmouth

Brush Turkey

Red Wattle Bird

Sharp-tailed Sandpipers

The Entrance

Bateau Bay Beach

Lunch with Anne and Alan

Australian Adventure – Day 21 – Karuah

2013-12-27 | puppy1952

The village of Karuah, which is on the old Pacific Highway straddles the Karuah River. It includes the largest Aboriginal community in the Port Stephens LGA and, at the 2006 Census, had a population of approximately 857. The rest of the suburb’s population live in the rural properties which surround the village.

The Karuah bridge was built and opened in December 1957. In 2004, the Karuah Bypass was opened which, as part of the AusLink program, speeds up car and truck travel times past the township.

Colette has a chaletvan in the caravan park where she and Leonie often go for holidays. To day we went there for the day. After we arrived Earl and I went for a walk to check out the jetty on the River, the boats being Earl’s priority focus. The tide was out and we were fascinated by the crabs on the mudflats and the few birds that were hanging out there. We spotted our first Sea Eagle (similar to the South African Fish Eagle) in a distant tree and one also flew over.

The Chaletvan

Hullo South Africa

Jetty into the River

Catching some rays

Australian White Ibis (Sacred Ibis)

White-faced Heron

Bird of the day – Eastern Whimbrel – Largest Wader in the world

There were thousands of these little crabs in the mud

View from jetty

Oysters and mussels under the jetty

The Karuah township has long been known for its oysters and at lunchtime we went to a local outlet and bought 2 dozen cleaned and opened oysters for just $28. We sat at the riverside and ate them with our picnic lunch. What a stunning spot it was. A sea eagle flew over with a fish in its bill, a little egret made an appearance but then decided not to stay, we found pelicans around the corner and chatted to friendly people at the next table. Afterwards we explored the area, went to a local café for coffee where Earl and Colette got into conversation with a local Aboriginal fisherman. We then returned to ‘The Lighthouse’

View across the river from our picnic site – the finest house on the river

Another view

kookaburra

Yellow-face Honey-eater

I went for a walk to the jetty again and along the boardwalk over the mudflats. The tide was in and so the scene was quite different from earlier this morning. A Willie Wagtail entertained me and I managed to get photographs of a peewee and a lorikeet.

Peewee

Willie Wagtail

Rainbow Lorikeet

It was just the most perfect day. We saw birds, ate excellent oysters and enjoyed another piece of Australia. Once again we were blown away by the fact that there were no crowds and that another beautiful spot was just an hour’s drive away.

Australian Adventure – Day 17 – Newcastle

2013-12-23 | puppy1952

After experiencing cool and sometimes cold weather in Victoria and Tasmania we have returned to Cardiff to very hot and humid conditions! It is very much like the climate in Durban, KZN, in South Africa and as we often visit KZN we are used to this kind of heat in summer.

We had a relaxing morning until just after 10 and then went shopping with aunt. I needed to get a ‘dongle’, Earl needed a barber and he also wanted to check our the Australian Woolworths. The barber quickly put his ‘hair’ to rights, I got the Dongle from the Post Office shop and after one or two hiccups with MTN and Telstra clashing with each other I am now have the internet up and running on my laptop.

We then drove to Newcastle to drop off the hired car and to deliver a parcel. (Marilyn we found Brad with ease – mission accomplished). A pleasant morning was then spent exploring the waterfront and beaches of Newcastle. Earl’s boat and water fetish was well catered for. We started with a walk along Queen’s Warf, watched a ship being pushed out by tugs, climbed the observation dome and got magnificent views of the surroundings. We had a drink on the deck of one of the many eateries and then went to put our feet into the Pacific Ocean. At Nobby’s Beach I threw a coin over my shoulder, into the sea and yelled “Marilyn will be back!” fulfilling my promise to her that I would declare this on her behalf! Marilyn has visited Australia seven times and loves this wonderful land. She is soon to retire and wants very much to come back. Marilyn – I know your dream will come true.

We were amused to hear a warning to bathers coming over the public address system at the beach – “Will those bathers over there please make their way back to the area between the flags. This is for your own safety as it is the only area monitored by the life guards!” The beaches were lovely – and not overly crowded. It’s a pity we left our costumes at home – but we will be visiting beaches closer to home soon.

Bird of the day captured in the garden – Topknot Pigeon

Queen’s Warf

Aunt and me on Queen’s Wharf

A smart eatery on Queen’s Wharf

The Ferry

View from the Viewing Dome

A drink on the deck

Nobby’s Beach – “Marilyn will be back!”

Dolphins in the Bay

Newcastle Beach

Australian Surfers

We are being so well taken care of here with Leonie and Colette. They are treating us with so much love and hospitality and we are having the time of our lives. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and the cousins will be arriving in Cardiff for the holidays. Looking forward to seeing them all.

Australian Adventure – Day 10 – Delayed at Melbourne Airport

2013-12-16 | puppy1952

We woke to a lovely morning and Earl made us a scrumptious breakfast – fruit and yogurt to start followed by fried egg, mushrooms tomato, bacon and banana.

The not so naked chef serving breakfast

We left at 8 to drive to Melbourne where we were to get our flight to Hobart. Just as we were craving a coffee and loo break a sign on the freeway indicated that truckers and others could slip off for a quick espresso. What a surprise – just a van with an electric outlet and fabulous coffee and food on offer – what a good idea. The owner’s dog was an extra attraction – he lay quietly waiting for unsuspecting guests then asked for his ‘ball’ to be thrown to him!

The Van Coffee Shop

Note the picnic table in the background – with Barbie facility

The Dog

Of course I couldn’t miss a bird photo – This is a butcher bird

We were in good time for our flight (1 p.m.) and tried to check in but were told we’d have to wait till 2:30 as our flight was only at 4:30. No problem – we had ham and rolls we made from our left overs and each other for company but – horror – no chairs or benches on which to sit – until you checked through! NOT very friendly we thought. So we sat on our suitcases and ate our lunch. To add injury to insult when we did finally check in we were told our flight had been cancelled! What! – the next one would be at 6:30! -We could have used the time to explore Melbourne had we been informed earlier! And they hadn’t even changed the notification from the board.

Well we finally arrived in beautiful Hobart, waited ages for the luggage to be offloaded, got our hire car – a red Golf – and with a difficulty found our accommodation – very posh with a fabulous view but all in one room! It was late so we ordered room service. Fettuccini with creamy mushroom and bacon sauce. And they only brought after I’d repeated the order four times! Anyway – it was an adventure – and things could have been worse.

The Bridge

The View from our window

Australian Adventure – Day 9 – Sale Nature Reserve

2013-12-15 | puppy1952

It was windy and cool at Lakes Entrance today and we decided against a guided boat trip of The Lakes deciding instead to explore on our own.

Lakes Entrance

We probably chose to drive too far but it ended up being a very worthwhile trip when we discovered Sale Nature Reserve on our way back. Earl, of course, was in search of harbours and boats but the sea was not visible from the roads we drove along as the coastline is lined with trees and bush and very few houses were on the beach front too. We did get out to look at the 90 mile beach and found a lone fisherman trying his luck.

90 Mile Beach

As usual we looked everywhere for bird life and found plenty. Rainbow lorikeets flew overhead but eluded photographs, galahs were noisy and arboreal birds called tantalisingly from the trees granting us only the occasional glimpse for their beautiful colours.

There are many lakes and rivers hosting waterbirds and we stopped to watch them too. The Australian Purple Swamphen which got us all excited in the beginning is so common that we hardly give it a glance now! There are also myriads of coots and white-faced herons. We were pleased to find the Pacific Heron today.

Yellow Wattle Eye

Purple Swamphen

Coots for Australia

Pacific Heron

Covered by Red Gum woodland and grasslands, the Sale Common State Game Refuge off the South Gippsland Highway covers approximately 300 hectares. Over 70 percent of the refuge consists of freshwater marsh where myriads of water birds make their home. There are boardwalks for visitors to walk along as well as one or two bird hides. Vandalism even in this pristine place has reared its ugly head and one of the shelters is in the process of being dismantled because of it. We were delighted to find two Rufous Whistlers in a mating sequence in the trees above our heads. He sang to her tunefully while she bobbed and spread her tail feathers in a mating dance then they swapped places and he spread his feathers and sang some more. He must have hit the wrong note because after a while she got bored and flew off leaving him still singing but with less enthusiasm.

Rufous Whistler birds courting

Male singing and displaying

We were looking intently into the trees for birds when a young girl came running back along the track she had walked, specially to inform us that there were ring tailed possums in full view. This was the highlight of the day for me. They are supposed to be nocturnal so to be out in the middle of the day was quite unusual. We were able to get right up close to them and took tons of photographs and they were not fazed by us at all.

What beautiful eyes

Note the ring tail hooked onto the branch

Two at play

The wetland

Welcome Swallows

Another Rufous Whistler

Back at Lakes Entrance we found a gull that looked very familiar but it is not a Kelp gull and Aunt says she has not seen these in Australia before. There was only one but the book tells us they are often seen in this area.

Pacific Gull -red tip to both upper and lower bill and black tail

I couldn’t resist taking a photograph of some teenagers at the skate park – looked like lots of fun.

After our lovely day we decided to have an early supper. The local fish shop provided us with ready cooked prawns which we had with salad followed by ice cream and fruit salad, cheese and biscuits and then Earl went down and got us ‘real’ coffee and truffles from the restaurant. A perfect end to a glorious day!

Our Delicious Supper

Cheers till tomorrow

Australian Adventure – Day 8 – Yarra Valley to Lakes Entrance

2013-12-14 | puppy1952

Today we had to leave Yarra Valley and our stunning accommodation. This is a photograph of me in the shower/spa bath which has a clear glass window to the lounge – there is of course a curtain for modesty!

View from the lounge through to the kitchen – bathroom is transparent!

The weather was cool for travelling today. We left at 9:30 and our drive to Lakes Entrance took us just over four hours with a couple of loo stops and one coffee break. The latter was an interesting ‘in the middle of nowhere’ diner with an outside loo just off Princes Highway. There were a few homes hidden among the trees and this place was probably owned by the people in the house next door to it. It was pretty busy too – trucker, tourists and locals obviously find it a convenient place for to break their journey or take a break from normal life. Once again we found the people friendly and efficient. I thought the loo might be dodgy, perhaps even a long drop – but it was perfectly clean and had a well-maintained flush system! The wash basin was outside and the only tiny complaint was that the soap had run out and there was no towel! Luckily I carry my own waterless hand-wash wherever I go! Besides my fetish about clean ablutions I also require my coffee to be ‘just right’ and I get grumpy if I’m served a bad cup of coffee anywhere in the world I find myself. Australia – you have passed the test – I love your “long blacks” and haven’t had an inferior one yet – not even at this odd little place in the middle of the bush!

The Diner

The Diner

Coffee Menu

The Loo

The kitchen is in full view – everything is immaculate

The past two days of luxury are over – but our new accommodation is not half bad. We have a comfortable two-bedroomed apartment with excellent cooking facilities – but it is not serviced – horror! We do have a view and are close to the lake and the beach. There is a washing machine, iron, ironing board and all household gadgets needed. This is the norm in most Australian hotels which is really cool.

We settled in and then went shopping – we intend to self-cater – and we’re finding the quality of the supermarket food quite remarkable. At home I only shop at Woolworths – here all the supermarkets have excellent quality fruit and vegetable and the staff are all very helpful. The interesting thing about Australia is that there seems to be very little class distinction. Any job is a good job and folk are proud of their jobs and do them well and other people respect what they do too – well that’s our experience so far anyway. Also everything is clean and well maintained. We have seen very little litter, lawns are trimmed, fences are fixed and our accommodation has been fantastic be it luxury or budget, everything works and there has been little or no cause for complaint. So often at home we find something doesn’t work – usually the plumbing or electrics. The worst we’ve had here is a problem getting the key card to work – but that was due more to our ignorance rather than technical error!

After a pleasant shopping experience we took a walk along the promenade to check out the beach and boats, watched a couple of lads fish and photographed some carvings that commemorate and honour those who were injured or killed in The Great War.

Lakes Entrance

Earl loves this place

Boats in the harbor

Pied Oyster Catcher on the shore

One of the carvings done to commemorate those who were injured or died in The Great War

Young boys fishing for Bream

Earl is cooking dinner tonight – lamb chops, baked potatoes and vegetables. Could life be more complete than this – a fabulous setting, a divine husband who cooks and an aunt who loves me.! How lucky am I!

A Husband in the Kitchen

Australian Lamb Chops

Eating In

Refrozen Ice Cream for dessert- still delicious

Australian Adventure – Day 7 – Healesville Sanctuary

2013-12-13 | puppy1952

Today we spent the day at Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. In South African if you want to see African wildlife you take yourself off to a Game Reserve. This was more of a cross between a zoo and a game reserve. The animals are in enclosures but are relatively free but do not have to rely entirely on themselves to hunt for food. The director of this sanctuary is a South African and according to the volunteer staff that we met he made excellent changes to the place. He is extremely highly thought of.

On my wishlist was Tasmanian Devil and Duck-billed platypus – not easily found in the wild so good to be able to find them here! We are of course also interested in birds. We saw quite a few free and wild and also some in walk through aviaries. The staff – some permanent and some voluntary were very friendly ad helpful and clearly great animal lovers. We spent the best part of 5 hours at the sanctuary and thoroughly enjoyed everything we saw. It could be compared to The World of Birds in Hout Bay, Cape Town. Some parts of the park also reminded me of an Aquarium experience although the creatures we saw were mammals.

Australian Kesterl seen on our way to Healesville

Australian Kestrel seen on our way to Healesville

Bower Bird Nest – note all the blue objects he collects

The Bowerbird - collector of the blue items

The Satin Bowerbird – collector of the blue items

Pied Currawong

Gouldian Finch

Scaly-breasted lorikeet

Moorhen on nest – in the river that runs through the park

Buff-banded Rail – in the river that runs through the park

In South Africa we love going to ‘Eagle Encounters’ at Spier in Stellenbosch. Here we enjoyed what they call the ‘Spirits of the Sky and features Raptors and Parrots. The birds come out on cue fly around the arena and two men give an informative talk about these lovely creatures. The audience is warned not to stand up nor to try to touch the birds. We were entertained by a barking owl, black kite, several parrots and an wedge-tailed eagle also known as an eaglehawk.

Wedge-tailed eagle

We had a lovely time looking at the platypus and other night creatures but their enclosures were darkened at they are nocturnal and photography was impossilbe. So I decided to have my protrait taken on a carving instead!

Doing the compulsory touristy thing

At the Tasmanian Devil we met a South African who had recently imigrated to Ausralia. His sister was visiting him from Port Elizabeth. It was good to hear a South African accent – first since we arrived here and I thought Australia was full of South Africans!

Tasmanian Devil

I have to post at least one Kangaroo!

Spiny Anteater – almost missed him when looking at the Koalas!

Koalas are sleepy creatures and you usually find them sleeping in their gum trees. But today we got lucky and found some wakeful ones. We even watched them climb and jump from one tree to another. I have a video but don’t know how to post it.

Koala with baby

Koala chomping leaves

Lyre Bird

These are just some of the creatures we enjoyed today – there were many more. We had lunch at one of the cafeterias and found the food and service very good. Before returning to Mecure Yarra Valley, we stopped at one of the bigger supermarket chains, Coles. Earl was hugely inpressed with the fridges and the way everything was laid out. A young mom noticed that we were a bit confused as to how things worked and she got her little boy to handed us a number at the cold meats counter and explained that it would be called when it was our turn. So of course we chatted for a while. She had two little boys with her and they were pushing miniature trolleys.

Kids get to push their own trolleys – This little chap is 6.

We stopped off at the Chocolatery on our way back and bought delicious ice cream for dessert. We only had five minutes to browse as it was closing time. Yum – it all looked so delicious.

Dinner was in again tonight – cold meats and salad followed by ice cream.

Australian Adventure – Day 6 – Ballarat to Yarra Valley

2013-12-12 | puppy1952

Oh my but it was freezing again this morning. We headed to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and had breakfast at a restaurant opposite which has a magnificent view of The Lake. Because of the cold we sat indoors next to a window and the view was to die for. After putting in our order I went outside to take photographs. The Purple Swamphen in Australia is not a shy bird as it tends to be here. In fact there were hoards of them prancing about on the front lawn – Really these exotic birds are quite boring here in Oz!

Piper’s Restaurant

My Breakfast Club would love this place It has ambience, style and the menu would definitely caters for our gourmet tastes. How about it girls – A breakfast in Ballarat?

What a menu – What a view

So the visit to the Gardens afterwards was okay – but it’s not Kirstenbosch. I loved the arum lilies in different shades thought. And the Prime Ministers Avenue was quite a nice touch. The staff were friendly and it was interesting to note that all the labour was white. I love the Australian attitude that any job is a good job. There is so little class distinction and people are respected for whatever they do.

The Hot House

Yellow Arum Lily

Prime Minister Avenu

The thing that has impressed me is that so many places of interest have free entrance. I am not opposed to paying to see something interesting but when we went to Sovereign Hill which shows off an old Gold Mine Town we were hugely disappointed. To get in it would cost $47 each! That is just ridiculous. We decided to give it a miss. It included a visit to the Museum and a Light show. Maybe it was worth it but we didn’t want to take the chance. Remember that converts to R470 each- more than I would pay to see live theatre!

Australian School Children on an outing to Sovereign Hill - No Hat No Play

Australian School Children on an outing to Sovereign Hill – They’re in Civvies but are still required to wear hats – NO HAT NO PLAY is the slogan at every school.

So instead we headed for Yarra Valley. As I said it was cold this morning but by the time we arrived at our accommodation – Mecure Yarra Valley the temperature had risen and it was beautifully warm.

Lovely to see mountains in Victoria

Mecure Yarra Valley

We were at an hour early for check in so went to the restaurant for a cold drink – a bowl of delicious warm olives, a beer and two sparkling waters set us back $20.00

Aunt and Me in the larney Restaurant

We decided that dinner at this establishment would be out of our budget! The place was divine. It is set in a wine growing valley surrounded by beautiful mountains – which made us feel very much at home and how lovely to finally see some mountains in flat Australia. The resort has a Spa so we immediately booked a massage each. There is also a gym albeit it small. We have been over indulging in rich food so I thought I needed to work some of it and before the massage at 5 I took myself off to do a workout – (Hope you’re proud of me Steve!) I did the Big 5 that Steve tells me are essential for good back maintenance as well as Suit-case Squats and Turkish Get-ups. Then I got onto the treadmill and did a good 25 minute run. I felt great afterwards and felt that I earned my massage!

Our accommodation is beyond luxurious. We have a jacuzzi/shower, self catering facilities and a view. We decided that after all the rich food we have been eating we should shop and self-cater for the next few days. We loved Iga Super Market – excellent quality fruit and vegetables. We got a ready cooked chicken, salad stuff, fruit and vegetables, cheese and biscuits and local wine and beer. Our meal was stunning and dinner, breakfast, lunch and possibly another meal cost us way less than yet another rich meal out!

Australian Advenure Day 3 -Melbourne to Warrnambool,The Bay of Islands and The Twelve Apostles

2013-12-09 | puppy1952

It was a very early wake up time this morning. Earl was not feeling well last night and getting up at 3:00 a.m. did not help either. By four o’clock we were on the road with Aunt in the driver’s seat. She did not need the Garmen to find the way. It was a perfect morning and after dropping off the hire car and checking in – quite a mission because of the distance one has to walk – we checked in. Do you know you have to pay for a trolley at Australian Airports? I thought $3.00 was a bit steep! I was a little nervous when I saw the terminal was like it was used to be in the olden days when you walked onto the tarmac to board the plane. The first one I saw had propellers and Earl almost had me convinced that this was ours! The name Jetstar put me at ease!

A day to depart from Newcastle to Melbourne-

Dawn departure from Newcastle to Melbourne on a Jetstar Flight

It was a bit of a shock to land in a wet and windy Melbourne. I was so sure that Australia was a hot country that I didn’t pack any long sleeved shirts or warm jerseys – my jeans, fleece and school jacket would have to do!

It was a long drive to Warrnambool (Maria I promise this is really how you spell it!) Fortunately Earl was feeling better and took the wheel. We stopped for coffee at a quaint little coffee shop in one of the small town en route – excellent and Aunt assured us that $3.00 for a long black was cheap by Aussie standards.

It poured most of the way so stopping to sight see was not on the agenda. It cleared up when we arrived and so we explored the town and surrounds for an hour.

Water everywhere

Birds abound. This is a Blue-billed duck

Our accommodation is a two bedroomed, two bathroom, open plan livingroom/kitchen apartment and very comfortable. It has all the mod-cons of home including a washing machine!

After a rest we set off along the Great Ocean Road and took in the compulsory tourist must dos. And boy were they worth it. The weather was awful but the beauty was still sensational and it was well worth travelling all these miles to see these incredible natural phenomena. Also there were no crowds and no entrance fees to spoil the experience. We could just take it all in and enjoy. Of course we looked out for birds en route too!

We stopped at an old fashioned diner for delicious take away ham, cheese and tomato rolls.

Still need to find out what this bird is

Me at The Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands

Amazing rock formations

The gale nearly blew us away at the view point of The Twelve Apostles

The photographs do not do justice to the magnificence of these rock formations. I would also love to come back on a sunny day although I think that the wild weather added to the beauty of the experience in many ways. The sea was turbulent, the wind blew through our hair and we felt both awed and invigorated. It was good to feel the rugged beauty both in the rocks, the sea and the weather.

Australian Wood Duck

Spur Lapwing

Wood duck again

Australian Black Bird (type of thrush)

Black Swans

We got home quite late and went straight to Beu Jangles for pizza. I loved the Christmas hat sported by one of the chefs. Typical Aussie – the prettiest bush hat I’ve ever seen!

Christmas Bush Hat

Australian Adventure – Day 2

2013-12-08 | puppy1952

After a good night’s sleep we were woken by the dawn chorus of the noisiest birds in the world. I was too sleepy to get out and take photographs thinking that tomorrow we have to be up early anyway so I’ll get piccies then! But of course, tomorrow we will be up before the dawn chorus as we have to be at Newcastle Airport at 5:00 a.m.!

After breakfast Aunt took me to meet the neighbours. A swallow greeted us from the overhead wires.

Welcome Swallow

Terry and his sister Marie introduced me to the swimming dogs. They adore the water and use the pool more than their humans. The fun part is jumping in and chasing after a ball. They need no second invitation and use the pool at least four times a day! Only in Australia!

Water Dogs

We then took a scenic drive to visit Colette’s niece Rose. Her sister Mikki and her family were visiting from Perth. Rose her partner Ross are in the process of fixing up a beautiful home with the most beautiful view over Lake Macquarie. The garden attracts many birds too and we saw a Kookaburra but did not manage to get photographs

View over the Lake

Noisy Mynas (Soldier Birds) are seen everywhere

Ross is into vintage cars, boats and fishing so he and Earl had a lot to talk about. He took us for a drive in his beautiful old Dodge. I felt like the queen sitting in the back of this beautiful car.

Sam and his parents went first

Ross’s Pride and Joy

A Royal Ride

On our way home we stopped to take photographs of The Lake and to chat to a local fisherman.

A Boat comes out of the water

An Aussie Pelican gets a hand out

Silver Gull

We then went to Swansea Return Services League Club for lunch. Everybody in Australia belongs to a ‘club’ where meals are served at a reduced rate to members and their guests. Every club has a casino – we decided not to gamble today!

We had prawn cutlets and chips – totally delicious

It was fun watching the bridge open for the tall yachts that needed to pass through. Earl of course enjoyed all the water activities. It was a bit windy today and quite rough on the lake.

Bridge Opening

On our way home we found a flotilla of black swans which are indigenous to Australia. Unfortunately I had to shoot into the sun.

Black Swans

The swans were in front of this Guest House

The swans were in front of this lovely Guest House

After this lovely outing we went home to rest and then went to Mass at 6 o’clock. I was overwhelmed with the welcome I received from many of Leonie and Colette’s friends. The priest was a hoot and gave a “Grinchy” explanation of how Christmas was not the most important Christian celebration. He mentioned Madiba and prayed for the people of Africa who were in mourning for him while they also celebrated his life. Leonie introduced me to him afterwards and I was touched that he remembered Mom with fondness.

It was a lovely end to a perfect day!

Tomorrow we are off to Melbourne and Tasmania – a weeks self-drive tour in each – hopefully I will be able to get internet connection to BLOG.