Waking up after a low key NZ celebration. Watched the fireworks coming from the Sky Tower and various private party fireworks going off all over the city, from the bedroom window viewpoint !
This morning the threatened tropical storms didn't come in the night but look's pretty black over the city so won't be long!
1st English breakfast of the trip has been promised after Lesley cooked a full roast beef last night.
Rain has started but we are well prepared as I helped Brian clear out the debris from the house storm gutters last night!
Thursday, 31 December 2015
Wednesday, 30 December 2015
Walk on the waterfront and out to relatives
Early morning and down to the waterfront (seaside)! 8kms for the jogger and 6kms for walkers. Summer is good so far but store 's and a few days of rain predicted. Drive up north shore for visit to Barbara and Bruces's place perched on a hill with view of the sea ,don't they all here? Watched storm go around but still no rain . Home to Brian''s and chill.
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
Waiheke Island
45 minutes fast cat to the island we would always try to visit.
We started with a coast path walk to Oneroa Bay but due to the tide being high the path diverts to being more suitable for mountain goats!
However Lesley needed gentle persuasion and I took a bit of flack but eventually we reached the beautiful bay where a swim was the order of the day. 2 swims, lunch and a bus trip to Onetangi beach in the afternoon. Beer and dinner in Charlie Farleys before a stroll along the beach with sun going down. Bus and ferry back, train home and brandy followed by bed!
We started with a coast path walk to Oneroa Bay but due to the tide being high the path diverts to being more suitable for mountain goats!
However Lesley needed gentle persuasion and I took a bit of flack but eventually we reached the beautiful bay where a swim was the order of the day. 2 swims, lunch and a bus trip to Onetangi beach in the afternoon. Beer and dinner in Charlie Farleys before a stroll along the beach with sun going down. Bus and ferry back, train home and brandy followed by bed!
Monday, 28 December 2015
One Tree Hill (with no trees)
Day walk to One Tree Hill and the lovely Cornwall Park. Cafe first and then walk to the top where we found most people had driven up using the small road that winds around the extinct volcano!
360 degree views of Auckland and all its environs, harbours, inlets and islands.Photoshoot from inside a hollow tree followed by a packed lunch in the park (2 rolls) and a wander back via a well earned pint in the Village pub. Temperature mid twenty again but expected more breeze later and perhaps some cloud.
360 degree views of Auckland and all its environs, harbours, inlets and islands.Photoshoot from inside a hollow tree followed by a packed lunch in the park (2 rolls) and a wander back via a well earned pint in the Village pub. Temperature mid twenty again but expected more breeze later and perhaps some cloud.
Sunday, 27 December 2015
Public holiday and everyone is on the road!
Found traffic jams as Auckland travelled south with us on the motorway. We were heading for a peninsula with Brian & Mary when the exodus was spotted, stationary or at a crawl. Towing boats, trailers, caravans or just a ridiculous amount of bikes on the back of the family car. However it soon dissappeared when we took an exit to find stunning countryside with our lumpy hills and valleys. We first picnic-edition in Awhitu national park with a beatiful beach and a large picture frame to pose in front of.
However we chose to move on to Big Bay that seem to live up to its name but didn't look as enticing. On again a few miles to Graham Bay where we took shade and Lesley and I took a dip in the clear warm sea. Swimming was not too easy as the current seemed to want to take us to the other end of the beach! It was good fun though even at our young age.
Back to Auckland for steak on the barby and watch the sun dissappear. Not bad?
However we chose to move on to Big Bay that seem to live up to its name but didn't look as enticing. On again a few miles to Graham Bay where we took shade and Lesley and I took a dip in the clear warm sea. Swimming was not too easy as the current seemed to want to take us to the other end of the beach! It was good fun though even at our young age.
Back to Auckland for steak on the barby and watch the sun dissappear. Not bad?
Saturday, 26 December 2015
Boxing day but you wouldn't know it
The temperature moved up and alfresco breakfast this morning.
Looks like a beach day and so took the 007 bus outside to the waterfront. Tide out and didn't fancy a half-mile walk before the waves came over our knees so walked on to Mission Bay where we found people at last! Supped a cool beer, chilled and watched the sea come back before taking the plunge into an unbelievably warm sea in my new Christmas togs! The beaches have showers and changing rooms so I didn't do my usual changing routine using our postage stamp- sized towels we bought with us, which I am sure was a big disappointment to the gathering and expectent sun worshippers.
45mins walk back to catch the bus back to digs and spotted guys and girls playing that Rob's game of wooden blocks, so he didn't make it up!
We finished up the Christmas ham and salmon, pavlova and chocolate cake with Brian & Mary.
Looks like a beach day and so took the 007 bus outside to the waterfront. Tide out and didn't fancy a half-mile walk before the waves came over our knees so walked on to Mission Bay where we found people at last! Supped a cool beer, chilled and watched the sea come back before taking the plunge into an unbelievably warm sea in my new Christmas togs! The beaches have showers and changing rooms so I didn't do my usual changing routine using our postage stamp- sized towels we bought with us, which I am sure was a big disappointment to the gathering and expectent sun worshippers.
45mins walk back to catch the bus back to digs and spotted guys and girls playing that Rob's game of wooden blocks, so he didn't make it up!
We finished up the Christmas ham and salmon, pavlova and chocolate cake with Brian & Mary.
Thursday, 24 December 2015
Christmas morning
It's arrived......... and yesterday's continuous rain is over.
Early morning walk completed ready for the guests to arrive circa midday. It looks like ham as the main dish with fish if you you feel that way! Weather looks set fair now for several days with pretty high temperatures.........if the weather man can be trusted.
Early morning walk completed ready for the guests to arrive circa midday. It looks like ham as the main dish with fish if you you feel that way! Weather looks set fair now for several days with pretty high temperatures.........if the weather man can be trusted.
Monday, 21 December 2015
Christmas shopping NZ style
Walked into the city, that took just over the hour, to be greeted in the shopping centre by Father Christmas wishing us both a merry Christmas only upped the weirdress of this time of year. It's just not right in the summer, however it had to be done thankfully in just a small way.
Secret Santa is the name of the game and 20$ limit is just doable here.
A few things to sort like AT Hopper cards for transport.
Birthday dinner for all & Lesley of course last night at Porta Fina Italian by the waterfront, very good all round was the opinions of all!
Chilling out for few days before Christmas, looks like there will be 14 of us.
View of the city with the sky tower, marina, docks and sea visible about 5kms away!
Secret Santa is the name of the game and 20$ limit is just doable here.
A few things to sort like AT Hopper cards for transport.
Birthday dinner for all & Lesley of course last night at Porta Fina Italian by the waterfront, very good all round was the opinions of all!
Chilling out for few days before Christmas, looks like there will be 14 of us.
View of the city with the sky tower, marina, docks and sea visible about 5kms away!
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Auckland arrived!
Sorry to see Aus behind us but really enjoyed the diverse places and warm to hot weather!
Plane on time and packed with people returning for Christmas. Still can't get it round our heads.
3 hours and views of green N Z looking stunning in the 23C
2 hour forwards clock change
Brian Mary greeted us after usual bio search and some poor guy checking my light weight walking boots for roo poo or what.
Fish and chip supper, Tim went to a Barby and we tucked into a small brandy before sleep
Fireworks over Darling Harbour. Fast WiFi here so photos will download!
Plane on time and packed with people returning for Christmas. Still can't get it round our heads.
3 hours and views of green N Z looking stunning in the 23C
2 hour forwards clock change
Brian Mary greeted us after usual bio search and some poor guy checking my light weight walking boots for roo poo or what.
Fish and chip supper, Tim went to a Barby and we tucked into a small brandy before sleep
Fireworks over Darling Harbour. Fast WiFi here so photos will download!
Saturday, 19 December 2015
Last day in Australia
Wow!
Park run in Sydney park for Lesley in 30C!
Coogee to Bond beach clifftop walk
Swim at Clovelly and of course Bondi that we shared with the rest of Sydney.
Fireworks in Darling Harbour tonight to round off a superb trip.
We both loved Australia! A lot.
Park run in Sydney park for Lesley in 30C!
Coogee to Bond beach clifftop walk
Swim at Clovelly and of course Bondi that we shared with the rest of Sydney.
Fireworks in Darling Harbour tonight to round off a superb trip.
We both loved Australia! A lot.
Friday, 18 December 2015
Blue Mountain to Sydney Harbour by night
Finished our venture into the Blue Mountain with rides on the cable car the steepest railway in the world and thr sky way. More walks and views with a cool off in a waterfall.
Back to Sydney quick shower anf doen to the Rocks and harbour
People were mooching drinking but mainly eating. .........it is Christmas!
Back to Sydney quick shower anf doen to the Rocks and harbour
People were mooching drinking but mainly eating. .........it is Christmas!
Thursday, 17 December 2015
Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Away from the city and up in the hills staying at the very colonial Carrington Hotel
Lots of stunning walking today involving steps down to the floor of waterfalls and of course.......back up again.
It's 2 hours outside Sydney and has a trolley bus to take you to walks etc.
Meal in the brasserie tonight and soon be ready for a kip!
Tomorrow less walks perhaps and take the cable car or rack and pinion or high fly thingy.
The Internet is as slow as the pace of life so pictures are many but downloads are a no no!
Lots of stunning walking today involving steps down to the floor of waterfalls and of course.......back up again.
It's 2 hours outside Sydney and has a trolley bus to take you to walks etc.
Meal in the brasserie tonight and soon be ready for a kip!
Tomorrow less walks perhaps and take the cable car or rack and pinion or high fly thingy.
The Internet is as slow as the pace of life so pictures are many but downloads are a no no!
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Sydney storm tornado and sunshine
We have had it all today. A guided walk interrupted by wind rain and hail. Afternoon sunshine ferry and swimming in the roof terrace this evening. Typical but not really as floods and high winds were a record for NSW.
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Goodbye Melbourne hello Sydney
11 hours plus on the slow train to Sydney
Appreciate the size of oz from the train and how much nothing there is in the interior without even going to the outback!
Checked in at Oaks Hyde Park, very nice, large apartment with view over city and Hyde Park from up high again
Shopping done for essentialsale with a plan to join a walking tour tomorrow to make up for the sitting and jostling today.
Both of us have wobbly legs like we have been on a boat,it's dark now here and a good kip in prospect
Last view of Melbourne
Appreciate the size of oz from the train and how much nothing there is in the interior without even going to the outback!
Checked in at Oaks Hyde Park, very nice, large apartment with view over city and Hyde Park from up high again
Shopping done for essentialsale with a plan to join a walking tour tomorrow to make up for the sitting and jostling today.
Both of us have wobbly legs like we have been on a boat,it's dark now here and a good kip in prospect
Monday, 14 December 2015
Beach and Christmas lights
Perfect temperature and warm sea
Last swim before Sydney.
Christmas lights and Italian dinner in Hardware Lane.
Last swim before Sydney.
Christmas lights and Italian dinner in Hardware Lane.
Sunday, 13 December 2015
Out of Melbourne to the Dandelon Ranges
Train out to east to meet up with Amanda and Graham her husband. Amanda is a colleague from Sterling when Lesley worked there. They emigrated some time ago and now live in the city suberbs.
We all went on the Puffing Billy narrow gauge steam train up into the Dandenong hills. Lovely views of small villages, fields and valleys that looked like home! End stop a pie and back to a drive up the mountain to a view over the city from 35kms.
Train back and a small pnt in the city, walk back to our apartment for second to last sleep in Melbourne.
Weather just perfect hovering around upper 20,s 27 forecast so out to the beach tomorrow. Done city!
Notice the passenger's 'have to ' put there legs out the windows for some reason!
Amanda and Graham our hosts!l
Where is Melbourne?
We all went on the Puffing Billy narrow gauge steam train up into the Dandenong hills. Lovely views of small villages, fields and valleys that looked like home! End stop a pie and back to a drive up the mountain to a view over the city from 35kms.
Train back and a small pnt in the city, walk back to our apartment for second to last sleep in Melbourne.
Weather just perfect hovering around upper 20,s 27 forecast so out to the beach tomorrow. Done city!
Notice the passenger's 'have to ' put there legs out the windows for some reason!
Friday, 11 December 2015
Melbourne
Weather cool but bright at that time of day so no problem for the 270 runners. Lovely setting of one loop around the lake with views back to the skyscrapers.
Thursday, 10 December 2015
End of the Great Ocean Road
Our road ran out today at Torquay after an hour leaving one of the best digs yet at Lone. A hut in the trees with a few birds around for breakfast!
Beach views, a stop for elevenses at Torquay, Bells Beach before joining the 50 kms freeway into the busy centre of Melbourne.
Avoided the trams and quickly learnt about the stay in left hand lane to turn right! Makes sense when you see it. Returned car reluctantly as it was great for thousands of kms. Rain in bursts but still warm. 22nd floor with a view over 4 million people, what a contrast, no roos or koala or snakes......yet.
Last view of the Ocean from the road
Breakfast mates on our balcony rail !
Beach views, a stop for elevenses at Torquay, Bells Beach before joining the 50 kms freeway into the busy centre of Melbourne.
Avoided the trams and quickly learnt about the stay in left hand lane to turn right! Makes sense when you see it. Returned car reluctantly as it was great for thousands of kms. Rain in bursts but still warm. 22nd floor with a view over 4 million people, what a contrast, no roos or koala or snakes......yet.
Apollo Bay to Lorne for the day
Wow! The wall to wall sunshine, perfect temperature and the road living up to its name. Koala crossed the main road in front of us today but he knew the roads were empty so just posed and sauntered on!
To cap it all the hut is fantastic, up on stilts and overlooking the woodland and sea view. Cockattoo's wanting to share my nuts and short walk down to the town for hopefully a pint tonight.
Swim in the surf this afternoon and drive to the Erskine falls and Teddy's lookout.
One more day of the G.O.R and temperature expected to drop for 2 days before Melbourne so no swimming perhaps?
To cap it all the hut is fantastic, up on stilts and overlooking the woodland and sea view. Cockattoo's wanting to share my nuts and short walk down to the town for hopefully a pint tonight.
Swim in the surf this afternoon and drive to the Erskine falls and Teddy's lookout.
One more day of the G.O.R and temperature expected to drop for 2 days before Melbourne so no swimming perhaps?
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
Otway lighthouse, forest and beaches.......again
Morning trip to Otway lighthouse, guided tour by a Welsh man!
Excellent remote gateway for most who immigrated it was the first point they saw in Australia
A koala bear posed for photos on the way out to Otway rain forest where the temperature dropped to 14C! Great small trek to the triple falls passing massive trees on the way and an old boiler!
Back to our Apollo bay for beach again, take away for Dinner and packing for leaving in the morning to Lorne along the ocean highway for our next stay. Brian is off by bus in the morning back to Melbourne for flight home.
Excellent remote gateway for most who immigrated it was the first point they saw in Australia
Tuesday, 8 December 2015
Apollo Bay via the Otway National Park
Storm in the night with heavy rain and lighting. 5 o'clock fire alarm in our room probably due to power outage!
Rain stopped by breakfast and beatiful day to move the short trip Apollo Bay. Scenery became greener and into the Otway park for the stunning treetop walk. Wobbly road from the hills through the forest to be greeted to the blue sea again.
Nice apartment, one of the best so far. Swim this afternoon and walk this evening through the 'town'. No pub to speak of so milk on the balcony and watch the nothing go by! Great
Rain stopped by breakfast and beatiful day to move the short trip Apollo Bay. Scenery became greener and into the Otway park for the stunning treetop walk. Wobbly road from the hills through the forest to be greeted to the blue sea again.
Nice apartment, one of the best so far. Swim this afternoon and walk this evening through the 'town'. No pub to speak of so milk on the balcony and watch the nothing go by! Great
Monday, 7 December 2015
12 Apostles and other things
Short changed as there are much less pinnacles than advertised!
Reading wiki and it turns out it there were always less but they were still nice to see
We travelled to see all the other cliff shapes and it seemed we were almost on our own as Monday must be a slow day. Afternoon cliff walk as temperature was only mid twenty. Flies are a big pain here and could drive you bonkers!
Tried the local beer again as it would be rude not to. Not as good as cheeky monkey but not bad
Appollo Bay tomorrow and under a 100 k. Weather still muggy and grey but mustn't grumble .
Reading wiki and it turns out it there were always less but they were still nice to see
We travelled to see all the other cliff shapes and it seemed we were almost on our own as Monday must be a slow day. Afternoon cliff walk as temperature was only mid twenty. Flies are a big pain here and could drive you bonkers!
Tried the local beer again as it would be rude not to. Not as good as cheeky monkey but not bad
Appollo Bay tomorrow and under a 100 k. Weather still muggy and grey but mustn't grumble .
Sunday, 6 December 2015
Port Campbell for the next 2 days
Another longish day on the Princes Highway to the start of the Great Ocean Road where we moved from South Australia into Victoria. Half hour clock forward and a leap downwards in temperature from 24C this morning to a cloudy 21C after hitting 30C lunchtime!
Nice self contained houselet, Lesley cooked dinner and looked at must do's over the next day. Too cloudy for sunset over the rocks and looks similar here for several days. Walks look good and lower temp will help. Just caught a glimpse tonight of London Bridge along with coaches of Chinese selfie snappers.....what's that all about?
London Bridge apparently! I think the Chinese believe it really is!
Nice self contained houselet, Lesley cooked dinner and looked at must do's over the next day. Too cloudy for sunset over the rocks and looks similar here for several days. Walks look good and lower temp will help. Just caught a glimpse tonight of London Bridge along with coaches of Chinese selfie snappers.....what's that all about?
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