Sydney
Trip Start
Jan 28, 2008
1
14
42
Trip End
May 27, 2008
Sydney,
Australia
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
We've just spent a day of relaxing at Manly Beach. That's a suburb on the north side of Sydney Harbour.
Let's recap why it was necessary to have a day off. We've been busy. Since my last missive from Lakes Entrance we've headed north.
First, at the restaurant manager's suggestion we headed inland to the Bachin Caves. While we didn't take in the caves (we arrived too late for one tour, too early for another) and we've seen stalactites and stalagnites before. We took a short trek up a nearby hill for another scenic view and (maybe) see some kangaroos. The view was great and even educational as we learned about the various strata on the hill opposite and depressions representing more limestone caves. No kangaroos until, on the way down their was a rustle under the trees. There's one. And another. A whole group once you got used to what to look for. Motionless until I edged over for a closer look. Got a bunch hopping away and a mom and joey (baby) close up. Rains moved in so we hurried on down but saw a couple of wallabies further down. I even captured the sounds (only) of some kukaboora birds loud laughter.
Back down another windy road, no other cars on the road, and very few houses. Sure hope we don't have car trouble. At one point we were worried about the brakes but after stopping we heard it again. There's these yellow birds slightly bigger than a canary that emit a loud squeak. We also smelled the transmission at one point. That's what you get for trying to pass on one of the overtake lanes uphill and around sharp turns. No problems since.
We pulled into Merimbula on the Saphire Coast and stayed at a Best Western on a hill overlooking water on 2 sides. The owners were feeding the birds and we got close up to several Rainbow Larkins. Gorgeous birds. I got a few to land on my arms feeding on Cheryl's green grapes.
On Friday we pushed inland to Coombs. Up in the Snowy Mountains the noon temperature was only 11 celsius. I know that most of you out there wil have to wait 2 months to get a high of 11 but to us it was cold.
We pulled into Canberra earlier than we thought we would. Gosh I have a great navigator. We made our way downtown and checked out the pedestrian malls, had a gellato, and phoned Douglas. We got to Douglas' by six and were warmly welcomed by Douglas and Kathryn. What a great couple and a lovely home! We caught up on Elford family news, showed off pictures of home and family and stayed for a couple of nights.
Kathryn and Douglas showed us the views of Canberra from Mt. Ainslee and Black Mountain and showed us the slendors of the city. I especially liked the Art Gallery and Museum. There's a interactive display to interpret the Aussie sayings. Google "dag" and see what the computer has to say. That night we went to the Ainslie Football Club for a good dinner and good fellowship. Thanks cuz!
Sunday we headed up to Sydney. Straight through we hoped and would have had we been in the right lanes at the right time. Unfortunately the same road changes names every time it changes direction so we had a few detours. Lots of helpful Aussies however so we made it across the Harbour Bridge to North Sydney and Manley.
Tomorrow we'll take the ferry across the harbour, past the Opera House, and into downtown Sydney.
