I’m a little behind with my blogging! It’s been super busy. Making our way towards our next stop we covered some beautiful coast line.
Port Isaac home to Doc Martin.
We walked up hill and down stairs to get to Tintagel Castle. Built in 1230. It’s on the coast and was the seat of the Cornish kings.
Further on the coast we stopped at
Ilfracombe harbourVerity: Virtue & Justice. Sculpture by Damien Hirst.
We spent the next night at Minehead. This is the start point of the great Coastal Walk and was featured in the movie The Salt Path.
The next morning was clear as we drove to Bath. It’s beautiful countryside. Green. Fields defined by hedges , narrow roads , little villages. Stopped at Cheddar. Home to the Cheddar Cheese! Naturally we bought some. We found our village in Bath and met Ros and David in the Main Street having coffee!
We were able to check in around 1 and found the apartment was perfect for the four of us. A few stairs! But a very convenient location- just near the hall where our first work shop was held.
A quick lunch with a few of the soul singers and Ros and I headed off to the a capella workshop. We left David and Steve to do the laundry!
David & Steve with the laundry bags. With Jac our musical director!
The workshop was fabulous. We worked on two songs with Laura, a local choir MD. She was beautiful. So encouraging and so good at directing us. We learned Little Shop of Horrors and Bring Him Home from Les Miserables. It was a joy.
After working hard all afternoon we then walking into the main city and did a few pop ups.
Some our Soul Song buddies.
Trying to attract a crowd to promote our two concerts on Saturday. We were singing up a storm. And feeling cold. Even though it should be summer.
Singers getting organised. Rugby supporters crossing the bridge to the grounds. Walking through supporters smoke!
Our final pop up was at the entrance to Pulteney Bridge There was a huge Rugby match between Bath and rivals Bristol from just down the road! The pubs were pumping? The crowds out in their blue, black and white supporters jerseys. We set up at the entrance to the bridge and even attracted a small crowd.
Dinner was a well deserved jug of Sangria and tapas! then a walk home to bed. After a long catch up with Ros and David.
Departing Launceston was a master class in packing. We were told we had a limit and some , particularly the golfers had clubs to check in.
After lots of laughs and weighing we made it into a small 16 seat plane.
Girls in the back.
A brief touch down in Wynyard to collect another 2 passengers then onto King Island.
Collecting the 3 cars takes a small committee of drivers. Not me !
Three couples are staying at Green Ponds Guesthouse with our pocket rocket Host Sonia
The remaining 3 couples are in 2 apartments just up the road.
We stopped for lunch at Legs. A coffee cafe in the day and a wine bar at night. We all walked in and the owner paled somewhat and said service would be slow. And it was but the coffee and the pizzas were great.
Across the road we could select between the IGA and Foodworks for our supplies. Fruit, wine and bread. Sonia has such a well stocked house for us to choose from. It’s so generous.
Our super host showed us the 8 big crays she would be using for our cray salad dinner. My goodness they amazing.
She got all the meat out for us and we had a mighty salad to go with it and Helen’s super dressing.
Beautiful Tasmanian wines and ice cream for dessert was the perfect alfresco dinner.
The air got cool so inside to the prelit fire for chat then early to bed. The beds were cosy, the quilts were a perfect weight, a window opened so sleep came easily.
It’s easy to sleep in. It’s dark until at least 7.30!
So we enjoyed breakfast whilst the golfers had left at 7 to drive north to Cape Wickham golf course.
The non golfers head to the Calcified Forest on the southern tip of the island. On the way we stopped at the site of the shipwreck Cataraqui. It was very sad to read about the 400 people who died there in 1845. Many of them children.
Onto the forest which I hadn’t read much about. Fascinating, they look a bit moon like.
Seal rocks was next. Absolutely gorgeous views. The coastline is treacherous.
Back into Currie the biggest town on the island. After a sandwich a few of the girls went exploring. We wanted to visit the Art Gallery and Museum. No luck. Both were closed even though they were advertised s as open. On small islands there is usually a reason they close. I’m sure our hostess Sonia will know.
Boathouse. Restaurant with no Food
We walked the trail around to the Boathouse- a restaurant with no food.
What a place. Colourful, fun, eccentric it’s a must. You can bring your own supplies and sit at one of the many painted tables. Done by local artist Caroline ( she came to the island for a week, 20 years ago and hasn’t left! ) the room is filled with of seafaring memorabilia. I don’t know how to describe it. Like being in Greece !
A small rest for all before heading off to Grassey on the opposite side of the coast. To Wild Harvest. It’s a small restaurant owned jointly by Lucinda and her business partner Ian Johnson. They own 2 restaurants here. Different styles on opposite coastlines.
Outside Wild Harvest Ian giving us a between course food description
This one does a degustation. 5 courses. Before each course Ian – the most relaxed chef ever, comes out and explain to the diners what is coming next. there were 22 in the rustic room which Ian built himself.
More than satisfied friends.
Ian also runs a tour company for the island. People get off the plane. Onto his bus to the restaurant for dinner and stay the night at the hotel’ perfect!
We drove home avoiding kangaroos and fell into bed.
Our day started early. We received a wake up call at 6.30 – but not for us. For someone flying out ! We were already up and preparing for a day on South Sea Island.
The breakfast room was buzzing. Swimmers were all keeping the food stations busy. A big demand for bananas emptied the bowl quickly!
We sensibly had eggs to keep us going. And toast with the famous local peanut butter.
Getting in the bus the photographer called ‘Got your swimmers?’ One lady obviously didn’t hear that. On the island there was another call ‘anyone got some size 14 ladies swimmers’ poor lady.
We got the bus to the marina and once all 200 were on board we set off. The weather was cloudy. The wind a little brisk. We met some new people onboard. That’s the special thing about swimming holidays. The people are usually very friendly and down to earth. It’s a bit hard to be a pain or posh in your swimmers with a cap and goggles on.
Thirty minutes later we were in a smaller boat being shipped to shore. It’s the cutest little island. Usually home to back packers – they had been moved off for the day to visit other islands to allow us to have the whole island.
Conditions were not as good as we hoped but Jill and I decided we would try the swim around the island. About 1km.
We watched the big group go off then started behind them.
Along came Deanne a new friend from Brisbane. She had started with the race goers then decided – it’s too tough. She got out then saw us going in so joined us. But … ……..
Mistake 1. It was very shelly, coral bedding leading into the water and we didn’t have our reef shoes on so Ouch!
Mistake 2 We didn’t swim out far enough and before long came to a rocky shelf with small waves pushing us. I got snagged on a rock then immediately got worried about my new knee. So much rough rock and coral. I couldn’t get a cut on the new knee. The infection would be a disaster. So there I am I’m trying back off the rocks.
My swimmers got a small hole in the front. Better my swimmers than my skin.
We swam about 3/4 of the island before deciding to swim in. Alas, more coral and I couldn’t stand up. One of the beautiful Fijian helpers came to my rescue and hauled me to my feet.
Feeling relieved I’d made it back I asked myself. What were you thinking! I have no antibiotics and a coral cut gets infected very quickly. From now on sensible me.
Chris swam almost to the end but got out early as did lots of swimmers.
Next race – the 3km. They cut it back to 2km Steve, David, Kim and new friend Avy lined up all smiles.
It was tough out there but Steve did his best and Avy, a pocket rocket came in 13th overall and Kim not far behind ! Beating Steve and David!
It was a mighty effort from them all.
Ky Hurst ( former lifesaving champion and Olympian ) is the guest swimmer and won the race by a long way! He had also swum earlier with his 11yr old son in the 1 k race. His son came 2nd. And he’s only 11. A champion in the making.
Swimming over it was relaxing time with a bbq lunch and an open bar.
Then it was time for the traditional welcome.
The afternoon drifted on until it was time to return on the boat.
Back on the small boat. Out to the large boat and back to the hotel. Some very tired people on board.
Showers in the hotel were very welcome. A little rest then off to the drinks party.
They had the swim results up.
Steve did well. Avy came first in the over 70’s and 13th overall. What a champ! Kim came 5th in her age group. Steve 6th and David 7th.in the over 70’s
The party included a video of the days activities. Lots of fun recalling the day.
Scott Rice the organiser. The colourful Coolangatta girls!
The evening finished with pizza on the verandah and a wee drink.
Another day and another swim tomorrow. This time it’s outside it resort.
We woke this morning to grey cloudy skies – but by mid morning it was warm and sunny. Perfect.
Breakfast was in a large airy garden room with lots of food stations scattered around. Everything from tropical fruits – where the bananas look green but are beautifully ripe inside to delicious locally made peanut butter for the many varieties of toast. Smoothies, pancakes, crafted omelettes, chocolate crackles, Asian food , vegetables. You name it was there.
I ordered coffee at the drinks station. And asked for lactose free milk. The young Fijian said they didn’t have any but offered almond. When he delivered it to me he brought a half carton of lactose free milk to put in my fridge. He said he was lactose free and had some in his room. So very kind. A little reward coming his way !
As we finished we heard the sounds of singers warming up. A small choir of a cappella voices. The men and women were so into it – smiling and singing. They sing farewell to guests leaving. Or for birthdays. It’s a song saying thank you for choosing Sofitel!
After checking out the activities board we decided it was an aqua class for us.
A bit different to my usual class at Centenary pool it was still lots of fun and a way to stay cool. Jill and I followed up with a swim in the sea.
Jill, Kim and me – in the blue hat.
Tomorrow the choices are …..
If you haven’t been to Fiji, it’s a beautiful laid back place. The locals are sweet and kind and love children. And they love a chat. I’m writing this sitting on a deck chair beside the pool. No less than 4 different staff have approached me to ask if they can get me anything! But mostly to chat.
Nearby local ladies are braiding hair and giving neck and shoulder massages.
Around me are families with assorted children – most with braided beaded hair, couples enjoying some quiet time. Families over various generations. In fact Fiji is perfect for grandparents to bring their children and grandchild. There’s something for everyone.
After Aerobics we took the short 15 min walk to the Marina. Lots of boats leave from here for the islands. I expected market type stalls but there is a little shopping and eating precinct. So we had some lunch before walking through lush gardens back to the hotel.
Crossing the bridge back to the hotel The little bus we could have used to get to the marina. David, Chris and Steve
I went to the little trading post this morning. We have a complimentary bar in our room with about 10 cans of assorted drinks, chocolate and chips. You can use as much as you like and it’s replaced each day OR you can trade it a little store. 6 cans is equal to one bottle of wine or bubbles or 2 local beers equals one imported beer. It’s quite a unique set up. I traded the coke, sprite lemonade and kombucha for a bottle of wine! So there’s the 5 pm drinks all ready.
Tonight we have our welcome party for the 200 swimmers.
The organisers are a NZ couple who have run this event for a few years. It’s great.
We arrived and got our swim bag of goodies. A locally made swim bag with local products. Creams, lip balm, ear drops, water bottle, and a lanyard for all the events.
We arrived to a big Bula welcome.
Me surrounded by the Fijian welcome group!
Our group of six expanded to 8. We welcomed Avy, a Chicago born lawyer who married an English man whom she met at master swim event back in 1988 in Brisbane and now lives in NZ. Then there was Tobin. A Texan cattle man who happens to swim and who helps people who need a hand. He started Crosswater Journey aimed at helping families and individuals who have been impacted by suicide. They are helped by professionals and eventually Tobin does a symbolic journey – he swims and tows a small boat with someone who needs a hand.
He was such an interesting fun man.
The evening was perfect. Under the stars and trees, a slight breeze , lovely music with a singer guitar player , meeting likeminded swimmers from about 6 nations ( mostly Australians ).
The second part of our holiday begins. We were a little delayed out of Frankfurt but it was all good in the end.
Lufthansa was comfortable to fly with. The seats smaller than Qantas and Singapore business but comfortable.
I love observing my fellow passengers. The couple opposite did not stop talking except when kissing , holding hands, touching and when everyone was settling for a nap she disappeared. I thought a toilet break but no she had climbed onto his seat? In a very short white skirt. I’m not really sure what happened after that as I put my sleep mask on!
A glimpse of the seats and the skirt.
We arrived into NY JFK airport. It’s never easy travelling into the US. Customs is extremely slow.
We got off the plane – me with my crutch and swollen knee to be confronted with a huge queue. I’m not underestimating the 600 or so crowd of ‘Others’ – the US citizens went one aisle & the others in a long queue.
I stood for awhile until a staff person saw me swaying on my crutch and took me to the front and a special quick lane. Thank goodness. I would have been standing for at least 2 hrs.
There were 5 customs officers each taking at least 7 mins to process each entry.
We still waited for about 15 mins to get to the top of the 2 person queue.
Then a wait for luggage. Then a 5 min walk to a bus. A 10 min bus ride to an air train. A few mins in the train and finally to the hire car place.
We landed at 1.30. We were on the road to the Hamptons on a Friday afternoon by 2.50 and reached East Hampton and our friend Lynn at 6.30. Phew.
Lynn is a friend we met on our swim trek to Galapagos about 7 years ago. She, her sister Lois and five other friends often zoom with us and we meet up when we can. It’s always fun.
Looking towards the courtyard designed by Lynn’s equally talented & gorgeous sister Lois.
This time it’s just us with Lynn, along with her lovely cheeky step son James and his fun wife Aline. They are such a friendly couple who have just moved back to NYC after raising their two daughters in Connecticut. We are so fortunate to be having the weekend together in Lynn’s fabulous house in the Hamptons.
We arrived in time for drinks and a delicious lobster meal. What a welcome.
The next day after a morning swim we took off for the beach and a bit of sightseeing in the area.
If you look closely at my pictures you can see Lynn’s love of the African giraffe.
The closest beach is Georgica beach. Dolphins were playing off shore, the water was sparkling & beautiful and the two young lifesavers really friendly.
We came up the Hamptons to Sag Harbour a few years ago with Rob & Jordan and Jordan’s parents Lisa & John. That weekend was great though it was cool and a bit rainy. This time it’s warm and sunny.
Main Beach East Hampton.
Lynn’s house is like a resort. I could stay for months. And Lynn is a warm generous host. Definitely a 🛌 🛌 🛌 stay. With a usb special plug next to the bed! Thanks Lynn.
Lunch was a fresh corn, avo, tomato, feta, & herb salad. Just what a weary traveller needs.
The afternoon was spent swimming, reading and preparing for dinner that night. Lynn had invited a few friends in for dinner.
Such an eclectic group. Alan an actor with several films under his belt, Brooke a retired Journalism professor, and author and Marilyn whose husband , Don Hewitt, now deceased had founded US tv show 60mins which was then produced as an Australian 60 minutes as well. Lynn, our friend was a journalist was on the ABC news magazine. And a nicer lady you could not meet.
We had a terrific night.
Today we talked about playing pickle ball, a new game which is taking over the US as a new sport. It was hot, we were tired from last night so spent time sitting around the pool relaxing.
Then it was time to head into NYC. The drive back was much better than the one going out. We found the hotel with no problems and found the room to be big and very comfortable. I had heard the wifi was terrible. It’s not.
The Tuscany by Lux I’m giving you a 3 🛏️ 🛌 🛌
We were going to meet some friends but plans didn’t eventuate so we had a drink at Alberts Bar on 42rd St. and watched the last few games of the US Open.
Then dinner at a little Italian. Too bad we hadn’t organised with to meet James & Aline for dinner. They live quite close and are great company.
The second part of our holiday begins. We were a little delayed out of Frankfurt but it was all good in the end.
Lufthansa was comfortable to fly with. The seats smaller than Qantas and Singapore business but comfortable.
I love observing my fellow passengers. The couple opposite did not stop talking except when kissing , holding hands, touching and when everyone was settling for a nap she disappeared. I thought a toilet break but no she had climbed onto his seat? In a very short white skirt. I’m not really sure what happened after that as I put my sleep mask on!
A glimpse of the seats and the skirt.
We arrived into NY JFK airport. It’s never easy travelling into the US. Customs is extremely slow.
We got off the plane – me with my crutch and swollen knee to be confronted with a huge queue. I’m not underestimating the 600 or so crowd of ‘Others’ – the US citizens went one aisle & the others in a long queue.
I stood for awhile until a staff person saw me swaying on my crutch and took me to the front and a special quick lane. Thank goodness. I would have been standing for at least 2 hrs.
There were 5 customs officers each taking at least 7 mins to process each entry.
We still waited for about 15 mins to get to the top of the 2 person queue.
Then a wait for luggage. Then a 5 min walk to a bus. A 10 min bus ride to an air train. A few mins in the train and finally to the hire car place.
We landed at 1.30. We were on the road to the Hamptons on a Friday afternoon by 2.50 and reached East Hampton and our friend Lynn at 6.30. Phew.
Lynn is a friend made on our swim trek to Galapagos about 7 years ago. She, her sister Lois and five other friends often zoom with us and we meet up when we can. It’s always fun.
Looking towards the courtyard designed by Lynn’s equally talented & gorgeous sister Lois.
This time it’s just us with Lynn, along with her lovely step son James and his fun wife Aline. They are such friendly couple who have just moved back to NYC after raising their two daughters in Connecticut. We are so fortunate to be having the weekend in Lynn’s fabulous house in the Hamptons.
We arrived in time for drinks and a delicious lobster meal. What a welcome.
The next day after a morning swim we took off for the beach and a bit of sightseeing in the area.
The closest beach is Georgica beach. Dolphins were playing off shore, the water was beautiful and the two young lifesavers really friendly.
We came up the Hamptons to Sag Harbour a few years ago with Rob & Jordan and Jordan’s parents Lisa & John. That weekend was great though it was cool and a bit rainy. This time it’s warm and sunny.
Main Beach East Hampton.
Lynn’s house is like a resort. I could stay for months. And Lynn is a warm generous host. Definitely a 🛌 🛌 🛌 stay. With a usb special plug next to the bed! Thanks Lynn.
Lunch was a fresh corn, avo, tomato, feta, & herb salad. Just what a weary traveller needs.
The afternoon was spent swimming, reading and preparing for dinner that night. Lynn had invited a few friends in for dinner.
Such an eclectic group. Alan an actor with several films under his belt, Brooke a retired Journalism professor, and author and Marilyn whose husband , Don Hewitt, now deceased had founded US tv show 60mins which was then produced as an Australian 60 minutes as well. Lynn, our friend was a journalist was on the ABC news magazine. And a nicer lady you could not meet.
We had a terrific night.
Today we talked about playing pickle ball, a new game which is taking over the US as a new sport. It was hot, we were tired from last night so spent time sitting around the pool relaxing.
Then it was time to head into NYC. The drive back was much better than the one going out. We found the hotel with no problems and found the room to be big and very comfortable. I had read the wifi was terrible. It’s not.
The Tuscany by Lux I’m giving you a 3 🛏️ 🛌 🛌
We were going to meet some friends but plans didn’t eventuate so we had a drink at Alberts Bar on 42rd St. and watched the last few games of the US Open.
A lazy start. After our epic 3.5 hr film last night. (I still can’t believe we did that!) we loved our room. Quiet, great bed, no noisy neighbours.
Steve headed off for his solo exploration. He’d made a plan which included a few things I’d love to do and one I wouldn’t really care about. I’ll leave you to guess what that is as I describe his day as related to me over afternoon drinks.
He left around 9 and walked the winding streets to the cathedral and had no trouble getting in – no tourists around at this early hour.
One of the many little streets approaching the cathedral.
Making his way to the little sightseeing boat, he stopped off for breakfast. He could easily be French. Loves his pastries.
Not finding any boat or ticket office (which we have since found out the office for tickets is near the cathedral or online) he walked to the Petite France area. it’s a beautiful area established in the 16th Century for the fishermen , millers & tanners.
Then he took the tram to the place he was to get the bus. Only Steve could encounter a surly ticket inspector. He had failed to validate his ticket and nearly copped a fine! Luckily an older guard took pity and jumped off and validated the ticket, much to the displeasure of the young gun guard. A benefit of him having grey hair?
Then he boarded the bus to La Wantzenau. It’s about a 30 min ride. “What’s there?” I hear you ask
He arrived at the exciting La Wantzenau. Naturally he didn’t know where to get off, so at the end of the line the lovely lady driver took him to where he wanted to be. What a lady!
He was visiting one of the largest private museums devoted to WW2.
Rooms & rooms of vehicles, guns, uniforms.
He was there 3 hrs. Recommended for military buffs!.
Then the bus back. Another long story and a big walk back to our hotel where I was laying in wait for an afternoon glass of wine.
And what, I hear you ask, did I do?
I had a very leisurely start. Then brunch in a lovely cafe. A slice of quiche and a coffee. Feeling rested I decided to walk for awhile. I zigzagged through streets towards the Cathedral. Oh, how I love this charming city.
Loads of food shops.
I made it to the Cathedral. It brought back many happy memories. Today was a little windy and cool so I sheltered in a little cafe enjoying mint tea and writing yesterday’s blog.
I remember this restaurant from 2015
I walked back and choose a restaurant for tonight. Everything seems to get booked.
I’ve chosen Mamama. It looks cosy and the menu reads well.
Back to the hotel for a rest, a read and with the windows open I could listen to the sounds of the street below. Happy voices, children playing , wheelie bags being pulled over cobbles (did you know some villages in Italy have banned wheelie bags as they are destroying their ancient cobbles?)
Steve arrived back and we went to the bar down stairs in our cool hotel! And so we sat over a glass of wine and compared days. He loved his day and I’m happy with mine. He walked 13,000+ steps. I walked 3,100.
Tonight dinner and perhaps the light show on the cathedral if the rain holds off.
Excitement this morning as we headed to the airport. Once again Brisbane was grey & rainy. We left home in short sleeves carrying sun hats as Darwin our most northern capital is still hot.
The plane was crowded and nearly four hours of wearing a mask is not fun!
Darwin is a very different capital. Even from the air it appears laid back , tropical , slightly dusty, low level buildings, a bit of the Wild West feeling about it …..and lots of water. Bays, beaches, rivers – all of them unsafe for swimmers. This is the outback – by the water.
Stepping out of the airport the heat feels tropical. I love these airports. Small, casual , lots of greenery and lots of thongs. That is the footwear of choice.
A very long taxi queue had us on the Uber app which worked well and we reached our apartment around 3pm.
The Argus Apartments are huge but a little tired looking. But the bed is good, it’s cool,the view is great and it’s big enough for 4. Our friends Chris & Jill are at Kakadu and will join us tonight.
We unpacked changed into more tropical clothes- shorts & tshirts and went exploring. What struck us at first was how empty the streets appeared. No one around. Like a sleepy Sunday… but it’s Thursday 3.30. Coming up to peak hour.
We searched for somewhere to eat something light. Lunch was served in the plane but at 10.30am I didn’t feel like sausages.
The very busy mall.
We walked into the mall. It was not crowded. I’m fact we barely saw anyone. After walking into an arcade we found a cafe and had a berry smoothie. We didn’t want to fill up because tonight we are heading to the Mindel Beach markets. They are famous for their food and flaming sunsets.
We walked to the waterfront and found a few of the older buildings in town.
Cyclone Tracey back in 1974 flattened most of Darwin. It was Christmas Eve and 71 people died There are just a few buildings left. One being Lyon’s House one of the only stone houses in Darwin. It was used during WW2 by the Americans. Darwin was bombed during the war and again suffered a lot of damage.
Lyon House. Today a museum
Across the road another old building Admiralty House today houses a restaurant.
The streets have some great trees providing pedestrians with some much needed shade. And there is some great street art to catch the eye.
We found a Coles for a few supplies and a Liquorland for some refreshments. A few mini bottles of Prosecco and some beer. Steve needed to show his ID to buy the alcohol. Later he realised he’d bought Zero alcohol beer! Not sure that will be a taste pleaser!
After dropping our supplies back to the apartment we caught the bus to the markets. The Gov here in the Northern Territory provides free bus travel for over 65’s. I knew there were benefits and this is one !
The markets are set under shade tree along the beach. The food handicraft and clothing stalls run for around a kilometre. And they were super busy. If you visit Darwin these markets are a must. The food is a reflection of the cultures which make up this northern tropical city. Asian, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Sri Lankan, Thai, Greek, Italian even the Aussie crocodile burger were attracting big lines. The smells were incredible. A heady mix of spices and bbq along with a dose of sweat.
People were buying food and drinks and heading over the low dune to sit on the beach. There seemed to be a no alcohol policy so the blenders were whirring madly making smoothies and juices.
In a crowd this size it’s hard to know if you should be wearing a mask. Covid is everywhere in Australia at the moment and we are trying to avoid it for our holiday. So far so good.
The build up to sunset was filled with anticipation. Crowds were sitting on the beach picnicking on their food stall delights. Children played, local aboriginal people sang as we all looked over the ocean watching as the sun dipped and its colour changed.
Watching the changing scene was magical.
When the sun disappeared the crowds did as well. After a hearty round of applause then it was …..Back to the markets for more food.
There was music and children playing in the candlelight.
Back to the apartment by bus and a glass of Prosecco to welcome Jill and Chris.
Plans were discussed about our trip to Tiwi Island tomorrow. And so our adventure begins.
Our plane was on time and as we walked down the stairs onto the tarmac we were reminded that Tasmania is much further south than Queensland. So much cooler.
The walk into the terminal seemed rather long for such a small airport. The security guards were ready for us with questions about covid. Have we been in high alert sites? No. Do we have any symptoms? No. Were we carrying any fruit or vegetables? 😅No. They are just as aware of passing germs to their fruit as much as covid to their people.
We were cleared and stepped outside to a warm welcome from Ginetta & Stephen. We haven’t seen them since before their 2020 year spent in France & Italy. We were meant to catch up in Edinburgh last year but no such luck.
We had a little tour of the docks and things are looking beautiful down by the water. Through Battery Point and along the waterfront to Sandy Bay.
Their house is beautiful. Newly renovated since I was last here. After the downstairs flooded they had to replace floors and carpets and have rearranged rooms. It’s lovely. Ginetta is a collector and has lovely pieces from her travels. They also have a library! With a bar and a sunny corner. We might not want to leave here.
After a delicious Italian style lunch the boys went into Hobart to visit the Mawson Hut and the Lark Whiskey Distillery. Ginetta & I had coffee with a friend from ADFAS. The arts society we are members of.
When the two Stephens arrived home it was Aperol time.
Sitting with a beautiful view we are very happy to be in Hobart
The beauty of Queensland is there are so many great places to visit close to home.
It’s school holidays so eldest son Peter is home and invited us to have a day out on his boat. He keeps it at home and trailers it to boat ramps for a days outing.
Today we headed south towards Dreamland. Just behind there is a boat ramp and today, a Wednesday, it wasn’t busy.
In no time the boat was in the water and we were away.
We were heading towards South Stradbroke Island. I’ve written an earlier blog on North Stradbroke- go back and read it.
Today South Straddie. We headed into the wind so it was a little breezy !
Ollie didn’t like it much! He pulled his hat down and listened as I sang in his ear.
Happy but hiding from the breeze
We passed the lovely Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove. We’d stayed there a few times when the boys were young. It’s a lovely resort.
There’s a beach where you can pull up and jump out onto the sand. The minute you arrive it feels like a holiday.
There is a restaurant with indoor and outdoor tables. all very casual resort style.
We made ourselves comfortable in the shade, waiting for our lunch to be delivered and were entertained by a watching a large lizard roaming around.
Ollie watched from the safety of Didi’s arms.
Our lovely lunch came – nice salads, sandwiches and fish & chips. Ollie liked his kids serve contained in a pirate ship!
Good to look at!
After lunch along came a wallaby! So much entertainment.
Standing up for a better view!
Following the wallaby show we played in the sand and the shallows until time to go.
El and I walked along the path to find the camping ground. It’s really lovely. There’s a few tent structures for hire if you don’t want to bring your own. lots of bbqs , picnic table and access to the beach. We decided we’d like to come here to stay.
Back on board the breeze had dropped and we cruised back via Couran Cove. There are some great looking houses. Again we decided it would be good to rent a house when we want a family getaway.
We cruised around the canals of the Coomera area. Then back to the boat ramp.
Ollie was having a great time and loved running up and down the ramp! With me in hot pursuit.
He wore himself out and slept on the way home.
Why not consider a Queensland holiday? Right in our own backyard we have a wealth of great beaches, rivers parks. Plan a visit soon. You’ll love it.
frans travel tales 