Mum's Aussie Adventure Days 10 - 12

Saturday 14th March 2015

After Facetiming Dad and then Sharon, we took the free shuttle bus up George Street to Circular Quay and walked to The Rocks where the large weekly craft markets where held.  At the entrance there was a stall selling miniature cupcakes which I couldn't resist and we spent a fair while meandering amongst the sellers wares. 

We stopped in a courtyard cafe for pastries before heading to Martin Place where we caight the train to Bondi Junction. From here we took the bus to Bondi Beach - which had been our plan yesterday had the rain not interfered. 

I'd been keen to complete the coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte for some time but it's difficult to motivate yourself when it's just yourself to please but I also knew that Mum would enjoy the scenery and it was a good reason to spend some time at Bondi.  Arriving in the late morning we spent some time mooching around and sitting in the shade.  We decided that it would be a good idea to start the walk with full bellies so found a fish and chip restaurant.  Even in Australia there's something satifying about eating fish and chips beside the sea - even if the Aussies don't do 'proper' chips!  So with plenty of energy we set off from Bondi along a coastal path.

Within a few minutes we past the Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club.  These outdoor pools fill me with wonder every time I see them - there's something about getting back to nature, with the security of the pool walls, swimming in an outdoor pool which is filled with sea water.  This one, today, was particularly fascinating because the waves were crashing over the ocean side of the pool.  From time to time, the people swimming lengths in that side of the pool were momentarily buried beneath the powerful, frothing waves.

The route we followed, although not steep, was filled with enchanting natural features which both intruded into the pathway and we set out towards the sea.  What I'm impressed with here is the choice that is given to the general public without the intrution of health and safety regulations.  In certain areas there were safety railings but with small, thoughtfully positioned gaps which allowed the public to admire the view, knowing that due care and attention dhould be paid in that area.  At one particular spot I did chuckle because a small group had chosen an amusing spot to sunbathe!
 

At the time, I was surprised how busy the track was, with many people walking and jogging and it wasn't until we'd almost completed the walk that it dawned on me that it was the weekend!

At Tamarama Bay we did have to decend to beach level and rise again along the beach, but the the view down to the sand showed the varied use of the beach.  It also occured to me how many lifeguards must be on duty in Sydney alone and I wondered whether they were paid or volunteers.
 

Arriving at Bronte we found a bench to rest and we were both amused by a chap trying to get a small inflatable dingy out to sea - without much luck! The vessel tossed and turned and filled with water and I don't think he managed to make it past the tall waves!

Back at the apartment I had a nap and a shower and felt a bit peculiar - I hoped it wasn't sunstroke but it didn't amount to anything.  During the evening we oohed and aahed at the Darling Harbour fireworks and it still amazes me that this spectacle is produced weekly and is free for onlookers.
 

Before bed we packed ready to fly to Brisbane and played cards.
 

Sunday 15th March 2015

When Mum and I were planning her trip, we decieded to book flights to and from Brisbane around lunchtime to allow us time to check out and make our way to the airport.  It wasn't until we carried out this plan that we found that we checked out at 9:30am and had time to kill before we needed check in.  Luckily we were ready half an hour before the official check out time which allowed us to visit the Chinese Garden of Friendship before taking the train to the airport.

Midway around the garden, a mother duck with her ducklings appeared and while we stood in the middle of the bridge they cautiously hovered at one end.  As soon as we moved off the other end of the bridge, they enthusiastically waddled over.  Then came the saga of them getting into the water.  The mother duck confidently launched herself off a large rock but when the ducklings followed her they found that they were too high from the water and created a fearful huddle.  Then the mother came back and showed them a natural slide for them to slip into the water.  I photographed how this played out over around 8 or 10 shots and thought they would create a great starting point for some Literacy storywriting lessons. Initially I'd thought a KS1 block but could even be adapted for KS2 - a simple story which could draw out language skills.
 

Last time I came, I was certain I hadn't managed to find all of the horoscope signs but this time, taking a few alternative routes, I managed to find all 12 metallic animals.
 

Of course we couldn't miss out on morning tea and with a little time before we left for the airport, we stopped at the Guillyan cafe and I have to say I wasn't overly impressed - I'm definitely a Max Brenner fan!
 

A train, a plane and a shuttle car transported us from Sydney CBD to Brisbane and after completing the paperwork I navigated our way to the YHA.  Mid journey I exclaimed "Oh my word, we're on the Superman roads!" - I'd previously nicknamed the futuristic (but also daunting) looking roads that swung in and out of the city and over the river!  After circling the block a couple of times to find a parking spot we checked into the hostel and I think Mum was pleasantly surprised. 

As it was Mother's Day in the UK, I wanted to treat Mum to a delicious meal but unfortunately the restaurant I had in mind didn't open on Sundays(?!).  The closure went in our favour though because instead we went to Jimmy's on the Mall which delivered delicious food and was open air.  En route to the restaurant we passed through King George Square where there was a big Bollywood type event on and returning to the hostel we passed the treasury building.
 

Monday 16th March 2015

We were up at a reasonable time after an early night and were ready forLone Pine Koala Santuary Day!!  And my collection of koala photographs grew even further!  During our visit we also saw a variety of birds, playtuses, tasmanian devils, wombats, dingoes, cassowaries, kangaroos and emus.
 

I was keen for Mum to cuddle a koala however, even though she was close to changing her mind, she decided to let me have the honour once again and to pat Orinoko instead.
 

We ate lunch surrounded by koalasa and found my favourite koala photo EVER!  Just chilling dude!
 

These lizards were roaming throughout the wildlife park and at one point I did let out a little squeal as I turned around and almost stepped on one!
 

Towards the end of the visit we went into the kangaroo enclose and had a little pat.
 

I think this one definitely needs a caption - something to do with yoga perhaps!
 

During the day we also listened to a wildlife talk and a koala talk.

After we'd driven back to the hostel we still had a reasonable amount of time before dinnertime so we walked beside the river to the lagoon where we read and dozed on the sand bego wandering round Stanley Street to decide on a restaurant to eat in.  We chose a Mexican outlet before walking back to the hostel and falling asleep really early!
 

A society is defined not only by what it creates but what it refuses to destroy. - John Sawhill