Sunday

I really paid for the extra wine this morning and felt horrible. Jon got up to watch the F1 and as I don't like it I stayed in bed till 10.20 in the hope that the hangover would not be so painful once I did get up!!

Jon walked down to the local garden centre for breakfast but I stayed home with my cup of ginger tea and a piece of toast!!

And the rest of the day I spent on the sofa watching Neighbours - I am still a long way behind!!

Jon took Totty out for a walk and still I stayed in, that will teach me!!

I cooked dinner, just pasta, chicken and broccoli in a sour cream and lemon sauce which was nice and light.

A boring day but I enjoyed it as I don't often have a day doing nothing!

Bedtime now.

WEATHER
Overcast but not cold 16 degrees.

Saturday

We went down to a café we haven't been to for a long time as it is in a shopping area that we needed to go to to get some photo frames. We also bought an electric heater for the living room as it is very cold when watching TV. Seems crazy when we will be leaving soon but we can't keep up with the gas bottles. The weather will probably warm up now!!

We went to the supermarket and I bought food to make a curry. I have really been wanting a curry for ages but Jon has not wanted to try one. As we are not doing much these days he is going to give it a go and see what happens.

We came back and I made lunch and Jon watched some TV and put the pictures we bought in Australia in frames and they look very good. I made an apple cake that has a merengue topping and it was very nice.

I cooked Moroccan lamb chops for dinner and we had it with a bean pure and glazed carrots and roasted sprouts. All 'windy' stuff but fortunately Bertie didn't object to any of it. We also drank more wine than we normally do!!

WEATHER
Sunny and warm 16 degrees

Friday

Up and ready to go to Red Cross this morning and it wasn't as cold today thank goodness.

I arrived at the shop and as the doors are not working on automatic properly we had to keep them open all morning - no money to get them fixed!! The shop is looking a bit of a disaster really and hasn't looked good all winter due to a lack of stock. It was a big mistake to stop buying so much from Australia as all the local donations are rubbish and our good reputation seems to be going down the drain but we are only volunteers so what do we know!!!

It was good to catch up with all the ladies again and as we were so quiet we had a good catch up!

I left at 1.00 to go to the Mount to meet with Carol for lunch and it was lovely to be able to sit out in the sun just across the road from the beach. We both had eggs Benedict mine with ham and Carol's with smoked salmon, really good.

Les joined us later and we all had a good natter, I will miss these ladies so much.

I left and went to have some photos printed to make up an album of the wedding. I should have got my last lot printed at this place as it is so much cheaper than where I went.

I got home and Jon had vacuumed and dusted all of downstairs and it all looked lovely. He had also been out for lunch and the oven we had put on Trademe had been sold and the man had called to collect it.

Jon went out for his dinner, fish and chips, as I had a big lunch I just had some Ryvita and cheese.

We watched some TV and I sorted out the photos album that the ladies at swimming class want me to take over next week.

The bottle of gas we put on on Monday night finished tonight so that is a bottle every four days, a very expensive way of heating the house but we can't freeze! The forecast is for warmer weather next week and as long as the sun shines that will make it better. It is the cloudy days, which are few and far between, that are the coldest. I do miss central heating!!

WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 15 degrees

Thursday

It is not often we have a day without sun but today was one and it was cold and everyone was complaining, but it is winter! I compared the temperature in the UK and it, too was 13 degrees and it is summer!

Totty had a lie in this morning as I had to get up!

I left to go to my dental appointment and it was very cold out, the sun makes such a big difference to the type of 'cold' we have!

I just needed a clean at polish at the dentist. Robert, the dentist, is so nice and sooooo gentle and I will miss him along with other things when we leave.

I then went up to see Sharon at the Red Cross and bought two warm jumpers. I had a chat to her and them went to get some photos developed to add to the wedding album but the shop still has no ink. They have had no ink since we came back from UK. The local chemist does prints but they are expensive so I will have to get them done tomorrow when I am down at the Mount.

I did some supermarket shopping and then went home. Jon had been out for a coffee and was back and sorting things to put on Trademe.

I made our lunch and then after lunch I made a date and walnut cake (I have a bag of dates to use up so I think we are going to have a lot of date recipes). I also made cauliflower/broccoli cheese for Jon's dinner and he will cook a pork chop to go with it as I have Lions changeover dinner tonight.

I left to go to Lions at 5.30 and it was lovely to see them all again as I have not made a meeting since April I think!!

The dinner was the usual roast, seems that is all the catering people can do but everyone seems happy with it apart from me!! Pudding was sticky toffee pudding which was nice but too big.

The meeting went well and we now have the new officers. I won a raffle prize, three tea towels and I got a plant for my birthday.

We had a boy from the local college that we had sponsored in the Speechmakers competition and he gave his speech which was 'The Queen' and all about how lucky we are to have her and what a good job she does. It was OK but I have heard better young speakers. This boy didn't win but the other girl we sponsored came third.

I helped with the clearing up and then got home by 9.04 - really late nights these!!



WEATHER
Really felt cold today as no sun 13 degrees.

Wednesday

Seems like getting up time for Totty at kennels was around 7.30 as that is the time she wants to be up everyday now!

I went back to bed this morning as it was cold and I went back to sleep for a while.

Once up we had breakfast and showered and then Jon and I took Totty down to the beach and we had a long walk which really wore her out.

We then sat outside one of our favourite cafes and had a coffee and it was quite warm sitting in the sun.

We got back home and I hung out my washing and then I dyed my hair which was long overdue. I aslo phoned the dentist as I have an appointment tomorrow but couldn't remember the time - it is ten o'clock so no lie in tomorrow!

Jon made his own lunch today and once I had finished my hair I had some lunch and then got stuck in to sorting out photos to be printed of Jane's wedding to put in an album. I also managed to send some emails and get some photos put on FB.

Jon has been sorting out things to pack and was in the shed sorting out garden tools as they were getting rusty due to lack of use. He went out to get some oil to sort them out. The gardener was here today and did a lot of cutting back, I haven't been out to see what she has done yet.

I cooked a nice spaghetti dish tonight with grated courgettes and chicken and lots of garlic - yum!

I think Jon is sick of fruit, yogurt and ice cream for pudding as he bought a cheesecake when he was out this afternoon lol! I have been trying to lose some of the holiday pounds so only takea piece of cake out of the freezer for him to have in the afternoon and I have not been making any puddings - oops!

We watched an episode of Coronation Street after dinner and then Jon put an episode of Heartbeat on again.  I am getting a bit fed up with the same programmes.

WEATHER
Sunny with some cloud 14 degrees

Tuesday

I was up ready to get back to my keep fit class this morning. It was better in the bedroom with the heater on but still cold.

Heather called and spoke to Jon this morning with just a quick hello to me as we spoke yesterday.

I went to my class and it was lovely to see everyone and they are all so nice and asked me 'where have you been this time'! My friend Ros is still not back from her trip to UK and Malaysia but I think she is due back this week.

She worked us really hard and I was sweating after the class. I stayed for a quick coffee and then went home. Jon was out for a coffee and a walk around the Mount.

My friend Janice called and we had a catch up. he was away in Canada for a few weeks and then we have been away so it has been a long time.

Jon came back and is still looking very down and I don't know what to do to get him out of it.

We had lunch and I went back to sorting photos. I have downloaded an app on my iPad to transfer the photos from it to the computer thinking it would be easy. The name is Dropbox and you are supposed to be able to just drag the photos and drop them in. My iPad has been connected to the computer since yesterday evening and it is still uploading photos. I did have about 500 on there but I didn't expect it to take this long. Only 20 to go now so it tells me!! I am sure there must be an easier way.

I rang my friend Carol and we had a chat but she was going off to an appointment and not swimming today so we arranged to meet for lunch on Friday after the Red Cross.

We had a bit of rain here so I phoned the Hot Pools to see if the class was on and they said it was dry there so off I went.

The water in the pool was 33 degrees and really nice and we had a good class. Our lovely Brazilian teacher who got married a couple of months ago is pregnant and not very happy about it as it is a bit soon for them and she is feeling very sick all of the time but she still managed a good class.

I stopped by the supermarket for a few things and it was light when I went in but dark when I came out and I had to drive home in the dark which I hate.

I cooked a very good pumpkin and chicken risotto for dinner tonight and surprise, surprise Jon liked it - he is not keen on rice dishes!

We watched some TV - the last Midsommer Murders which we hadn't seen. I then called my sister and Jon made me a coffee while I had a chat to her.

Bedtime now and hopefully it will be nice tomorrow and we can take Totty for a walk on the beach and then have a coffee.

WEATHER
Cold with cloudy spells and a few showers 15 degrees

Monday

I was so cold this morning when I got up to let Totty out at 7.30 and the heating wasn't on so I went back to bed for an hour and then Heather rang and we had a chat but their phone ran out of battery so she didn't speak long.

The gas heater seems to be using a lot of gas which is why it goes off. There is enough in the bottle to cook but not for the heater so I think it is going to cost us a lot of money if this cold weather keeps up for too long.

I spent most of the morning on then computer sorting out photos from out trip and there are lots of them!

I rang the surgeons secretary to ask when Jon would have his surgery and she told me she had just done the list up to 12 July with Mark and Jon was not on them. I explained to her that he was told the end of June and that we cannot sort out or make any bookings for our shipment back to UK till we know when he is going to have it. She said she would contact Mark and get back to me.

It wasn't long before she called me back and said he was in for 16 July and she would put a letter in the post.

Jon had gone into Tauranga for a coffee and to go to the library so I rang him but he was not very pleased about it. It now means we can't book any flight or sort out the furniture as we don't know how he will be after the surgery and how long it will take him to recover so it is probably going to be more to the end of August. Our rent is only paid for till end of August and we only have Jon's car till then, too.

So we are all over the place now and Jon is going to be bored out of his mind waiting for the next three weeks with nothing to do.

We had lunch and then I started my ironing. We brought most of the clothes back clean from holiday as we had a washing machine in the apartment but it still needed ironing! I managed to watch five episodes of Neighbours but I still have about 26 to watch, not sure I will ever get up to date!

I took spaghetti sauce from the freezer so didn't have much to do for dinner.

Jon has been very down and hasn't said much since he came back from Tauranga - it is going to be a long three weeks.


WEATHER
Sunny but cold 15 degrees daytime but 2 degrees in the morning

Sunday

It was very cold when we woke this morning and very overcast in Auckland.

We checked out of the hotel and went to the airport to have breakfast which was very good.

The drive home was fine but we did hit some heavy showers.

We stopped at the supermarket on the way and it was hard getting back into the 'what shall we have for dinner' thing again. We decided on roast port and bought some other things we needed.

It was nice to get back to the house but it did feel cold and empty with no Totty yet.

We unpacked and sorted everything out and put the cases away. It seems to take less time every time we come back!

Jon went next-door to get the post and we opened all our cards which was lovely.

We went to pick Totty up and she was fine and happy to be home but she is really grey on top of her head now.

We had a cup of tea and sat and watched some TV.

We had dinner and while I had been cooking I needed some foil and when I looked in the drawer for it there was a lot of mouse droppings and I know they are new as I cleaned all the drawers before we left. I also found lots in the cupboard under the sink and there is nothing in there to eat either. I am so glad all my food is in the big larder cupboard on the other side of the kitchen and fingers crossed the little blighter hasn't managed to get in there - yet!! Looks like I am going to have to get the trap out again.

We watched some TV and then Jane called and we had a chat to her all about her honeymoon and then Kirsty called and we had a long chat and she was telling us all about their house and we are so pleased for them and it sounds lovely.

WEATHER
Cold and showers 11 degrees

Saturday

Saturday Cairns - Sydney - Auckland

Well today is our last day in Oz - ever!

We are so sad to be leaving after a really wonderful trip. Such a great country and so much to see although it is expensive! We had breakfast and packed everything up and closed the cases. I looked around for one last check and realised I was still wearing my nightie! I got dressed and put the nightie in the front pocket of the suitcase. This was a bad move but I will come back to that.

The owner phoned us at exactly 10.00 to ask if we were checking out on time and we told him we were on our way down. They charge $25 per hour extra for late checkout!

We decided to leave the cases in reception and drive into the centre and take the car back then go for a walk around and a coffee.

When we got to the rental office he said he would take us to the airport if we wanted so we decided to go and get the cases from the apartment and leave them at the office. We sorted that out and then went into the centre and found a lovely place for coffee before having a look around the shops

We walked back to the rental office and they took us to the airport so saved us $25. We were too early as we knew we would be so had plenty of time for lunch I have to say Cairns airport is so noisy and very busy. We have forgotten what it is like to be around so many people.

Our flight was due at 2.30 but the incoming flight was late so ours was late and we eventually left at 3.10 not really very late but as we only had an hour stopover in Sydney so we knew we were pushing it!

It was a lovely flight down the coast and as we had a row of three I was by the window and got some lovely shots of the coast and some of the reef islands and the sunset. Of all the flights we have had over the last two weeks and none have been late and just when we can't afford to be delayed we are. The stewardess took note of our flight and as we landed she announced that there were a number of people connection to Auckland and the flight was being held till we got there.

We rushed off the plane and to the transfer desk where we waited with about 25 others for a bus to take us to the International Terminal. It was raining really hard in Sydney when we arrived. We were given fast track cards for security who decided they would search my bag fully. It was like they were on a go slow just to annoy us. We finally got through and found our gate to be number 35, the last gate at the end of a very long walkway!

By the time we reached the plane I was exhausted and was desperate for the loo. They let me use it and gave me a drink of water. We then sat and waited 30 minutes for the other passengers and our luggage to be transferred before we finally took off.

Due to the heavy rain the first half hour was a bit bumpy but after that it was fine and we had a good dinner, two mini bottles of wine and two episodes of Downton Abbey, what more could I ask for.

It was raining a bit in Auckland and only 12 degrees! We phoned the hotel and the shuttle bus was there in ten minutes.

We checked in and were given the same room we had before we left would you believe? We opened the cases and I got my nightie out of the front pocket but it was very wet as were some of the clothes inside. I think they must have got wet in Sydney on the way across from domestic to international and in their haste to get them there they didn't cover them up. Never mind at least they arrived.

I went to bed in one of my tops but it took a while to get off to sleep/

Friday - our last day in Australia

We were able to have a little lie in this morning as no train, bus, boat to catch!

We finally left to drive to Port  Douglas about 10.00 and arrived there just in time for coffee.

After walking through the town, at 11.00, we decided most people were alcoholics as they were already on the  beers and we were still looking for coffee!

After walking around we found ourselves in a shopping mall which, fortunately, for us, backed onto the marina with a lovely view and a lovely coffee bar. We sat and enjoyed a really good flat white!

After coffee we had a walk around the town and decided Port Douglas was not the place for us and Cairns was much nicer.

We went to look at the church but couldn't go in as there was a wedding on but with so few guests I am sure they would have been happy to swell the numbers!

We then drove to the Flagstaff Hill lookout. The views were very good but not sure for how much longer as they are building right front of the view! Not my problem as I will never be here again - sadly!

We got back to the main highway and went to Mossman Gorge.  You needed to buy a ticket for the shuttle bus to take you to the gorge which we wanted to do but first of all we had our picnic lunch.

The bus trip was not long but too far to walk in the heat. It went up through an Aborigine community which looked very nice.

The walk through the gorge was partly on raised boardwalks above the forest floor and was really pretty. The loop track took us into the bus for an hour and was really lovely and so peaceful. Unfortunately, we didn't see any wildlife though I am not sure what we would have done had a snake or a cassowary come out of the bush!

We got the bus back and then got into the car and after a few shots of the sugar cane fields and the trains used to transport it we headed back to Cairns.

And still no kangaroos!!

We had just seen a sign which said beware of kangaroos and I said I thought they were just there for the tourists to take photos when we saw one dead on the road. I looked to my left and there were two fields with horses in them and they were full of wallabies!! At last!

We found our way round and were able to take some photos. It was quite amusing as all the wallabies were looking at us taking the photos!

We got back on the road and went home happy that at last we had seen them in the wild!

We had a cup of tea and I did most of the packing.

Jon went to the bbq area and started cooking our kangaroo kebabs which, in view of the fact that we had just been taking photos of them and now we were happy to eat them!! Cruel! They were very good though and they do have the Heart Foundation tick!

It has been really lovely sitting on our little deck for the last four nights and eating what we wanted and not having to choose from a menu. It has been, apart from the freedom campers, very peaceful and I would not have changed it for a five star hotel.

Really sad for this holiday to come to an end.

WEATHER
Sunny 29 degrees

Thursday - my birthday!

Thursday - My birthday - Kurunda Up again early this morning - so looking forward to a day when we DON'T have to get moving!
 We set off to a freshwater Station to catch the train which leaves Cairns but if you have your own car it is easier to board the train at Freshwater which is ten minutes from Cairns. We had chosen to get the later train, there are only two a day, but in fact we were there in time to catch the early one. While collecting our boarding tickets the early train left the station. A man was standing by Jon as the train pulled out he asked the booking clerk why it was leaving already as his wife and children were on it and he wasn't!, oops if he were my husband I would be mad! He had to phone his wife and tell her he would be up there in an hour! We went for a coffee and a look around the museum which is very good and tells the history of the train line which was built by mainly Irish navvies over one hundred years ago and all by hand - all for gold! Our train arrived from Cairns and we boarded. Our allocated seats were facing backwards (Jon says he can't travel backwards, I have never been around to find out if, when he has had to, what happens!) we were tucked in with six other people which was silly as there was room to spread out and it looked like the train was not going to be full. Just as we were about to leave I said to Jon that we should move to a better seat which we did and everyone else in the carriage did the same! It only takes one! The train ride was really good with beautiful views and a stop off at Baron Gorge to see the dam and waterfall along with about 100 others and we were not in peak season! We arrived in Karunda and caught the shuttle to the centre and had a look around the markets before going to the Koala Park where I held Tilly who was so sweet and it was a much better experience than Steve Irwin Zoo where I last held. kola. We also saw snakes that were in open cages, very scary. Oh! And of course more crocs - I have seen enough to last a lifetime now. We sat and ate our picnic in the sun before asking in the tourist information office where we could buy the famous Karunda ice cream? The lady came out into the street with us and hosed us where to buy it and gave us a bit of a history talk at the same tie - dedication. After our ice cream which was very good we walked around the market and browsed. We walked back to the station and had a look along the river before going up to get the Skyrail. The journey down was, for me, a bit scary but I soon of used to it, the worst bit was over the river which has crocodiles in it! The rest of the trip was beautiful. At the bottom we had a cup of tea and a piece of birthday cake - Black Forest gateau! We then waited for the bus to take us back to the station. We picked up our car and went into Cairns to get our dinner for the next two nights. Kangaroo kebabs for the BBQ and a beef casserole. As it turned out it was too cold to BBQ so we had the beef and hopefully we can BBQ tomorrow. Jon cooked dinner and we ate on the deck. Unfortunately, across the road in the seafront car car park there are some freedom campers playing Irish music but the same thing over and over and it drove me so mad I had to shout across to them to shut up, much to Jon's disgust, he cleared the table and we had pudding indoors. I suppose there are benefits to being deaf! I don't much like Irish music at the best of times but to hear the same bit o re and o re and o dr was just too much for me! We had strawberries again for pudding, they are so good here. Jon we t off to bed and here I am finishing my blog and thinking we only have o e more day in this lovely warm climate. It must be so nice to live in a lovely warm climate like this!

Wednesday

Wednesday - Great Barrier Reef We were up a doubt early this morning as we had to be down at the harbour by 8.15. We found the recommended car park and walked to the check in. From there we went to our catamaran which takes up to 350 people but they like to keep it t 200 but fortunately, we only had about a hundred which is fine by me. I was a little worried about Jon this morning as he said he had a tummy ache and he doesn't usually say anything unless it is bad. I was briefly in panic mode and said if he was not up to it we should not go but he said he would be fine. A few words has an effect on my tummy that's NO laxative has!!! We boarded our vessel and found sets in the sun on the rear deck. The trip to the Reef takes 90 minutes and is 50km offshore. I was Fine but I hate seeing people who are not and the trip could not be over soon enough for me. We arrived at our platform, all very well set up this operation, and had morning coffee and cakes which was good and I was more than ready for it though the same cannot be said for many others!
I was the first group to do he snorkeling tour and I was with a guy from Dargaville (a gay dairy farmer, and I didn't tell him he awful we thought Dargaville was when we were there over Easter! ) we also had an Australian boy of about 10 and a Chinese boy of about 12 who I had to help a lot and also hold him back when he would have just launched himself from the platform! It was good to go with a guide as she showed us things that we would not have otherwise seen. The time went over so fast. A huge Maori Wrasse fish, named Wally, came over and I touched him but unfortunately not when the photographer was looking my way so missed a real photo op. Once finished I went to see Jon and we went on a semi sub boat trip and looked at the coral and fish we also did a glass bottom boat trip before stopping to have luch which was really good. I presume everything is brought over on a daily basis but it is all very efficient and works well. I went in for another snorkel after lunch and really enjoyed floating round on my own but couldn't find Wally again. We were then given afternoon tea while we all gathered ourselves and our belongings to get back on the catamaran to head back. The ride was more bumpy than when we came across but sitting on deck at the top in the sun was fine and we got back bout 5.00 a very long but good day. We got back Nd showered and it felt good to be salt free! I prepared and cooked our dinner and we sat on the balcony to eat but it did get cold later and we had to come in. I prepared our packed lunch for tomorrow so we will just need to sort ourselves out We need our beds now!

Monday - Cairns

Monday - Cairns We had the best night's sleep ever and didn't wake till 8.30! We showered and went down to reception to check on. The man, Andrew, was very helpful and we got lots of information from him before setting off to walk into the centre to have breakfast and get the hire car.

It didn't take long before we found a nice cafe for breakfast before continuing into the CBD to pick up the car. We then drove to 'Central Cairns' which is a huge shopping mall with AC and you do need it here! We had a look around the shops and I could have spent all day here but there are better things to do! We had a coffee and a cookie!

 We then hit the supermarket and bought pretty much all we will need for the next five days. We have had enough of dinning out and with our lovely peaceful balcony we are happy to sit in at night. There are also lots of easy options for meals, something we don't have in NZ. We also have a BBQ by the pool which we intend to use.

 Shopping done we left the mall in search of the bottle shop, they don't sell booze in the supermarkets here. All stocked up we headed back to the apartment for lunch. Life is very laid back here and I love it. I have done a couple of loads of washing since we arrived and we are all clean now.

 We went out for a walk along the Esplanade and saw so many people running, jogging etc all very healthy. It is such a shame the beaches cannot be used here due to crocs and jellyfish as they are lovely, the beaches that is, not the crocs!

We came back to the apartments and reception and booked the two tours we think we should go on even though they are very expensive but we won't be here again! The Great Barrier Reef  which is a full day and I was worried what Jon would do while I am snorkelling but it looks like there is plenty to keep him busy.

The second trip is to Kuranda on the scenic railway and back on the 7.5km chairlift over the rainforest which we will do on my birthday - how lucky am I?

We got back to the apartment and had a glass of wine or two and I cooked our roast dinner that was freshly prepared in a tray and you just pop in the oven and the lamb was delicious.

Now it is time for bed ready for our day on the reef!

Sunday

Sunday -Jon's Birthday and a day on the hop on hop off bus! We got up and ready and went out to find the bus stop to go to the crocodile park with the intention of having breakfast on the way. We got to the bus interchange only to find buses don't run on Sundays. The V8 Championships are on here and the only buses are the ones to go to the track so we needed a re think. We saw the hop on hop off tourist bus and after a chat to the driver decided to buy tickets and see the sights on that. She told us about a place on stop 7 where we could have breakfast and it was also the Northern Territory Museum so we decided to make that our first stop. We travelled through the city which is really small but very nice and we had a commentary on the bus. We arrived at our stop and went to a very nice cafe overlooking the harbour and got a table right on the front outside. I had muesli and yoghurt and Jon had eggs Benedict and it was lovely, very popular and we were lucky to get a table. We then went into the museum which was really good. They have a stuffed croc there that had been caught in the river with the intention of moving it to a reserve but it had died as they caught it. It is called 'Sweetheart'! And is huge! There were lots of interesting things to see, birds, reptiles, shells and Aborigine tools etc. one of the displays was about Cyclone Tracey in 1974. I had read about this and it happened on Christmas Eve and devastated Darwin. One of my friends daughters lives here and she told me she didn't know if she was dead or alive for two days! At that time most of the houses were wooden and built on stilts and they had all come crashing down. The pictures and films of it were dreadful. The city was rebuilt and the houses are now more substantial. There are four houses left that survived the war and Cyclone Tracey and are now a protected National Trust site which we drove past on the bus. As we came out of the museum the bus was there and so we got on in the hope we would get back to the fish feeding site near our hotel which is only open at high tide, we made it with ten minutes to spare. As they were due to close they let us in for half price. It is just a bay on a fish reserve and some clever people have cashed in on it. We had missed the feeding of the 'meat' eating fish but we were able to walk down the causeway and paddle in the water to feed the fish with bread. The fish were amazing and come right up to your feet. One little girl was actually feeding them by hand as opposed to just throwing it in like I did. I was really glad we made it. We then walked back to the bus stop and another bus was just coming along so off we went again and got off at the museum, our first stop. We had a look around and walked down to the beach area. I told Jon that people didn't swim in the harbour for fear of crocs but he said I must have got that wrong! He really should know better than to disagree with me! I never argue about it but one way or another we find out and I am usually right! We caught the next bus out to East Point where the war museum is. On the way the commentator told us that people don't swim in the harbour as the saltwater crocs often come in along with box jellyfish! I rest my case!! One day he will learn! I do a LOT of research before we go on these trips and he should trust me! Lol! Once off the bus we went into the cafe and had lunch. It is so nice to be able to sit outside and be warm. We then walked around all the outside exhibits and it was fascinating to learn all about the part Australia, and especially Darwin, played in the war. So many air raids. The film Australia makes more sense now and I want to watch it again along with the Thornbirds. We watched a film about the first bombing of Darwin and it was very moving, poor people didn't expect it and were so shocked by it. We had to wait half an hour for the next bus to get back to the city and we got off at the Waterfront which is a lovely area near the port, Darwin Harbour as a whole is huge. As there is no swimming allowed on the beaches they have built an artificial beach which is lovely. They don't have waves on the beaches in the harbour so a lovely wave pool has been built. The whole area is landscaped and very nice with young people relaxing and families playing games. There is a walkway, four floors up, back to the CBD which we took and on the way we passed the courts in lovely old stone buildings and the cathedral which is very modern. We walked back to the hotel very tired. We were given vouchers for warm cookies yesterday when we arrived. There were none ready so we used our vouchers today and got our cookies and went to the room and had a cup of tea with them and they were very good. I later went across the road to the viewing platform to watch the sunset which was very nice but not spectacular. We went out for dinner and the town was very busy with all the people from the V8 races. We decided on the Ducks Nuts (means the same as the Bees Knees apparently) for dinner. We had a lovely meal sitting outside watching the world, all the 'merry' V 8 spectators, suspicious Aborigines and goodness knows who else pass by. I don't think Jon will forget this birthday. Our waitress, Julia from Germany, was really lovely. She was so helpful and gave us lots of information about her life here in Darwin and how the Aborigines really are and all enjoyed with a bottle of Mrs Wriggley's rose wine. We walked back to the hotel after a lovely day. I just hope we can get to the crocodile park tomorrow. Our flight is not till 8.00 so we have the whole day

Saturday

Saturday - Alice Springs to Darwin Despite a lot of initial noise it all went quiet and we both slept well. I got up and had a shower and washed my hair but the hot water ran out with my head full of shampoo and I nearly froze to death. Jon decided to wash rather than shower and I don't blame him as it was very cold this morning. We went across to the kitchen area for a DIY breakfast. They leave out bread, cereal, milk and tea and coffee and jam and of course Vegemite and you help yourself and then wash up. All cheap stuff but it was OK. Some people there had stayed here three times! I wouldn't come back again, it needs major renovation and hot water! Some of these people are in their 70s and go on trips of five or six days camping in the Outback and think nothing of it. You see their vehicles loaded up with everything, apart from the obvious camping equipment, they have spare parts and spare wheels! We left the motel and drove to the Botanical gardens and had a look around but they were not particularly good but then with the climate here you are not going to get lush gardens and even a bit of grass is difficult to maintain. We then drove out to The Old Telegraph Station which is where and why Alice Springs began before moving to the new site it is now. It is a lovely spot and very well cared for with some lovely old buildings and lots and lots of Galah birds (think of Karl and Susan's bird in Neighbours!) The station is also a very sad place as once it closed down and moved it was used to house the half caste children born to the Aborigine women and snatched from them and taken into care as it was thought they would be better off. It is all a big disgrace to the then government a bit like the Barnardos disgrace by the British government in the 60s. Many never saw their mother again. It was known as The Bungalow. We didn't really think much of Alice Springs. It seems to be a town that has spread out either side of the Stuart Highway with not much thought. We still haven't seen any kangaroos! We then drove to get petrol before heading to the airport and it was still only 9.30! We stopped by the Flying Doctor Station which is now three very large buildings with lots of planes, gone is the little wooden building of yesteryear if it ever existed! We gave the keys back to the car and checked in. This plane is smaller and we are in a row of two so I will be able to see and take photos during the flight. As we were going through the security check they pulled Jon's bag out as they spotted the scissors he has for cutting the holes in Bertie. None of the other security had seen them. He was not allowed to touch his bag and we explained what they were and he had to tell the guard exactly where they were and she got them out. She said we could surrender them or take them back to check in and they would put them in a bag in the hold which is what we did. We then had a coffee and waited for our flight and had a few minutes of Internet. The flight was really good, smooth and clear and we landed on time in a very warm, 30 degrees, Darwin. Jon's scissors came through on the carousel with the cases, a little plastic bag with a luggage label on it! We got a taxi to the hotel and checked in. Darwin is much smaller than I though. Population of 120,000. In all the Northern Territory only has 200,000 total and that includes the 120,000 here and it is a really big area! There are more Aborigines living here than in any other city in Australia and you see them lying around drunk, sleeping in doorways and parks and they are very scary looking. We went and sat by the pool and had a couple of beers and read our books and it was very relaxing. We got ready and went down to the restaurant in the hotel for dinner. I had Laksa soup which was very good but too big a bowl for me to finish. I then had a vegetable tart. Jon had Baranundi and really enjoyed his 'invalid food' as I call it! Jon ordered apple crumble and we waited 25 minutes for it and when it arrived it looked more like a pie with crumble topping and it was cold! We didn't eat it and told the waiter and he took it off the bill. We went back to our room and had a coffee there before going to bed.

Friday

Friday

We woke at 8.00 this morning and after showering we went for breakfast.

It was another beautiful clear day but very cold, about 4 degrees. The days here are very nice with clear blue skies but they are also very cold and they do get lots of frosts. The annual rainfall is 2 inches! We wold all like that in the UK, wouldn't we? However, Darryl told us that due to the heavy rain in Australia last year the area around Uluru is greener than it has Ben for more than fifty years.

We checked out of our room and paid the bill - very expensive but no choice here! We went down to have a look around the Square but there was nothing much, bank, post office, supermarket an a few gift shops. I don't know how people live here for more than six months at a time, it would drive me crazy once the novelty wore of.

We did see a job for a school cleaner advertised for $25.30 an hour! That is very good for a cleaner.

We set off on the road to Alice, what can I  say? it is long, straight and boring and after another 4.5 hrs we still didn't see a kangaroo but we did see another dingo! We saw lots of the 53.2 meter road trains and I can tell you overtaking them is very scary! I drove for a while as I wanted to drive in the Outback! Lol!

We stopped for gas once and we stopped for lunch other than that we drove. We saw Mt Connor which looks a little like Uluru but not so big.

We arrived in Alice and I was disappointed it did not live up to my romantic idea that I remember from The Flying Doctor days!  It is very big.

We found our motel which is basic! Clean rooms but nothing plush.

We went back into the town to go to the Cultural Centre only to find hey close t 4.00, it was ten past! We walked around the gardens and saw some lovely birds but we also saw groups of Aborigines who were drunk and walking round with crates of beer and bottles of wine. One group were having a big argument before getting into their car! I had heard there were big problems with alcoholism and the Aborigines.

We drove into town and had a cup of tea before going back to the motel and catching up with email which we now have for free but it i very slow.

The owner here said there was a club down the road we could go to or dinner which saved us the drive into the city.

We walked down he road and heard shouting coming from cross the road  which was a park. A group of young Aborigines came out of he park shouting at each other and carrying bottles of wine and beer. They are very intimidating and we kept our heads down and walked faster. It is sad they have such a problem here and it is not jut young people in fact more old people really. In over four years in NZ I have never come cross anything like it with Maori.

The club was like a working men's club, a bit rowdy as it was Friday but the food was good and we just needed to eat and get back to the motel. On the way we came cross another drunken group - glad I don't live here I would prefer to take my chance with a snake than these people.

Back to our room and Jon decided to re arrange the furniture. The double bed is next to the wall on
the side he sleeps so no bedside table. As he likes to see a clock - he likes to know how many times he has woken- he decided to sleep in the single bed but had to move it so that he had the bedside lamp, too. He is a creature of habit!

Hopefully we will both get some sleep.

Wednesday

Wednesday - Adelaide to Alice I was up first at 5.58 and read the clock wrong as I thought it said 6.58 and. My alarm was set for 7 .00 Just as well I checked and enjoyed another hour in bed. We went down for breakfast, tea and toast and then back to close the cases. We were in reception by 8.20 waiting for our taxi which didn't arrive till 8.45! Our flight was 10.00 and we were starting to panic as the traffic was heavy. We arrived at the airport at 9.00 and rushed in, checked our bags and they were telling us to go to the gate. We both hate being late and rushing so it was all a bit hectic but we made it. The flight was good and I watched Downton Abbey but had to get off the plane with three minutes still to watch! I will finish it on the way to Darwin. My headphone socket wasn't working but fortunately there were empty seats on the flight and Jon moved across the aisle and I moved into his seat which gave the rather large man I had been next to a bit more room and he wasn't squashing me! Coming into Alice Springs I was surprised as I thought it would be flat and bare but it was quite hilly and lots of trees! We collected our car and set off to Ayres Rock or Uluru as they like you to call it now. The drive took four and a quarter hours on a long, boring road and we didn't see any wildlife - where have all the Roos gone? We stopped for a sandwich at an outback gas station, quite an experience ! We also stopped at Curtin Springs where a real Yorkshire lass served our gas! Our first glimpse of Uluru was through the trees and it is really big. You think you are nearly there as you drive along by it although it is still a fair way off. Our hotel was a disappointment as we had no view but then looking at all the other hotels they are the same as the hotels are all built in dips so that you get uninterrupted views, more or less and there are located viewing platforms around the reort. We can share the facilities from every hotel and we have a shuttle running 24/7 We had a look from the viewing platform and took some photos before going to the bar. We had a beer in this big open bar which has a take away and a BBQ. You buy your meat then cook it and help yourself to the salad bar, a really great idea. Jon had a buffalo burger and I had a steak and we shared a kangaroo skewer all really good. It was a great atmosphere there with everyone chatting at the BBQ, drinking a beer and generally having fun and swapping stories, really social. You just sit at one of the big tables and join in. As it was open sided they have lots of big gas heaters so it is really warm. We were not dis appointed anymore! Dessert was a peach and apple crumble with custard, really good. We had a really good time and I helped some French tourists to choose their dinner as they did not understand the cuts of meat. One lady thanked me later and said she had really enjoyed her dinner and was glad of my help as some of the others in her group had not enjoyed their steak. Back to our room where we needed the heating on as it was very cold and it was only 8.00 never mind the sunrise is 7.28 in the morning so we have an early start.

Thursday

Thursday Uluru - Ayres Rock Wow, wow and wow! We woke in time to see the sunrise and were so glad we did. What looked like a dull dreary morning suddenly changed into one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen! We really thought we had wasted our time getting up and out to the lookout point so early but we watched and waited and were rewarded with the most beautiful sky. It started rosy pink and spread all over the sky to the most beautiful peachy pink colour slowly spreading from the east across the sky and lighting up Uluru first followed by the Olgas so incredibly pretty and all in a matter of ten minutes before the sun showed and the world was back to normal, such a moving experience and so glad we saw it. Back to the room for a shower before a real bush tucker breakfast! We then got on the road and were so glad we had our own car and could stop and take photos when we wanted to. We drove first to The Olgas, about 30 minutes away. Some people told me they preferred the Olgas to The Rock and we did enjoy them and stopped at a lookout before getting to Wind Valley where we walked through a lovely area to a lookout. You could continue for another seven and a half kilometre track but we decided to go back and do another walk. I was desperate for the loo and they are few and far between around here. When we got to the picnic ground and the loos I really had to hold my breath as they were so smelly - even Heather would have had to agree that the Kiwi long drops are better! From there we went to Wapa Gorge which was another lovely spot with amazing views and we walked right to the top and I am so proud of Jon for what he is able to do in view of what he has been through. It was surprisingly green with lots of trees and good snake ground cover plants. The rocks that have fallen down, and you can clearly see the holes they have come from, look like a mix of small rocks all mixed together and glued. I read later on that hey are in fact small rocks from a river and have all joined up to make the huge group now called The Olgas - it looks a bit lie landfill from millions of years go! We then drove to Uluru (Ayres Rock) Cultural Centre where we had lunch and a welcome loo break. I feel they could make more of his pace considering the thousands of tourists that visit every year it was very dated and old. We continued round the road to Kuniya, one of the walks around the base track and also to a water hole which was so pretty. We saw a cave that had been used as an Aboriginal home for many years and had lovely drawings on the walls. It was all soooo beautiful. We walked around the base and certain areas are protected and you are not allowed to photograph and you have to respect that. We got back in the car and continued around the base which takes four and a half hours to walk. We came to the spot that you can climb the Rock and it is really steep. We did go a little way but people told us it takes two hours! The Aborigines really would prefer people not to climb but understand that they want to so there is a handrail but it is very dangerous and maybe two years go we could have done it but not now. We were so happy to have driven around the whole rock. On our way back to the hotel I asked Jon to stop to take more photos as the sun was in the right place. As we pulled in we saw a dog - dingo - walking by the road. Now, bearing in mind there has been a considerable lack of wildlife - are there any kangaroos in Australia! - we could not believe our luck. However, when we got ou of the car the dingo went off into the bush and stood watching us before heading towards us. I panicked a bit and he ran off! We had about an hour to gather our breath before heading off on the camel ride at sunset! This was the best experience ever and so much more comfortable than an elephant. We shared a camel and ours was called Murphy and we were the last camel in the train. We were first to get on and each camel in front of us was mounted in turn a sort of domino effect in reverse! We had an hours ride through the bush and it was magic. Darryl, our guide, was a really Ozzy Bloke, loves his job and was full of stories and information and the whole experience was fabulous. We saw the sunset which due to the very clear blue sky could have been better with some cloud but it was lovely. Darryl took photos on our cameras and it was all really special. We got back to the camp and dismounted in reverse order so we were last off. Murphy was a real gentleman and we had no problems with him at all We then had drinks, champagne, beer or wine with snacks. Damper, a sort of bread, Aussie Dukah which was lovely and other bits and pieces the end to a great afternoon. We were driven back to the hotel and we went to the bar and ordered a pizza and had a bottle o wine sitting with so many different nationalities - what a great day

Tuesday

 Tuesday Hahndorf and Glenelg

We woke just before 9.00 this morning so we must have been very tired and needed it.

We missed breakfast so just got ready and left to find breakfast and the bus stop.

We found a bar just up the road and opposite the bus stop I 'thought' we needed.

Jon had a full breakfast and I had a croissant and a cupp of tea, all freshly cooked and very good.

After breakfast we went over to the bus stop and waited about 20 minutes for the bus to Hahndorf which is a small town in the Adelaide Hills where Bavarian people settled many years ago and it has kept the traditions from Germany with food and crafts and is really pretty. The bus ride was an hour and only cost $6 for both of us and what a lovely ride through the Adelaide Hills - I could live here were it not for the brown snakes!

We arrived and wandered through the town stopping off for a coffee. The shops are full of gifts and crafts  which are really lovely - I have to keep remembering the weight allowance!

We had lunch, soup and bread, in a little cafe and it was very good on a chilly day - the temperature is much cooler up here than in the city

We caught the bus back to the city and got off just round the corner from the tram - I love Google maps!

The tram was a bit of a nightmare as it was full of schoolchildren on the way back from a games  competition. You need to buy tickets on the tram from a machine and I had to ask the help of a lady who sorted us out and tapped in 'concession' for our tickets - we must look very old!

The tram ride was good and we reached Glenelg the beach resort, very quickly. We had a walk around the town which was quiet as out of season. We walked down the pier and back and then got back on the tram to the city and we bought concession again!

We went into the big shopping mall for a cup of tea before walking back to the hotel via the 

 North Terrace which has some lovely old buildings.

Jon thought he didn't like Adelaide much but today he really enjoyed it. I think because we arrived over a public holiday and it was vey quiet there was no atmosphere but today it is buzzing. 

Back for a little rest and I did a load of washing in the laundry before going off out for dinner. We went to a lovely Argentinian restaurant and had a lovely meal but far too big portions. We had a relly nice SA rose wine all really nice and, if I had the chance, I would go to Solsta again!

Back to the hotel and pack up ready to leave tomorrow.

Monday

We were up early and down waiting for breakfast at 7.45 but they wouldn't open till 8.00. We had so e pretty awful muesli and toast and tea but it was enough.

Back to the room, clean our teeth and off to walk to the bus station which we made in plenty of time.

The bus finally departed at 9.15 with a mixed bunch of old, middle age and young

We drove up through the Adelaide Hills which is lovely but snakes would stop me living there!

It took an hour and a quarter to reach Mannum where we boarded the Proud Mary. Unfortunately the crew were the most unhelpful, rude and scruffy people I have ever come across and very hing was too much trouble. They 'barked' instructions and orders at us as if we were schoolchildren and I have actually complained about them as the trip was not cheap.

The ride on the river was nice but as nothing was Sid to s about it, no commentary, it was a little boring. We were shouted down to lunch, which was good, but could have been much better if they had been more pleasant.

Off the boat which took a long time to dock (there were a group coming aboard for a five day cruise - rather them than me!) we had a ride on the free river car ferry which is just a road extension and free for cars as they don't want to build a bridge.

We had a walk around the town and an ice cream before boarding he bus again.

We stopped at a toy factory on the way back which had a huge rocking horse outside which you could limb in but we didn't we had a cream tea instead.

We were then driven back to the bus station and then hitched a ride back to our hotel, very tired.

We went into the city for dinner and had yet another Italian, so many of them here! It was goo and then as we were walking home we came across San Churro Cholatier and went in for pudding. They were queueing for tables and it was well worth it. I had a chilli chocolate pudding and Jon had a chocolate and custard trifle it was amazing. I would love one in UK but as far as I can see only in Oz but 32 of them!

We walked home as we needed to but could have done with a few more miles to work it off! Lol,


WEATHER
Sunny and warm 19 degrees

Sunday

Sunday - Sydney to Adelaide

We got up and ready and went down for breakfast.

We finished packing and went down to check out. Jon tried to log on to the Qantas site to pre book our seats for the Cairns - Sydney trip as we didn't want to be squashed at the back again and resigned ourselves to paying the extra $50! Unfortunately, you only get 15 min free wi-fi in the hotel lobby and it ran out before he had finished.

We decided to go to the airport and do it at the Qantas desk so we went outside and got a taxi to the airport a bit early but not to worry.

We did our own check in and then dropped off the cases before going to speak to Qantas customer services. The lady told us she couldn't do it as we had to speak to reservations and told us we could use the direct line phone which we did.

Jon told the lady what we wanted and she booked them for us (Jon needs an aisle seat to be able to get out easily. Unfortunately, it now means I have to have a middle instead of a window) and booked all the other flights, too and didn't ask for my money! Not sure why you have to pay if you do it online but not on the phone? Well it is done now and we have good seats for all the flights.

We went through security and had a coffee before going o wait at our allocated gate. It was half an hour before the flight and still no plane at the gate. I happened to overhear a man say they had changed the get and off thy went without a word to any of the rest of us so I thought they were at the wrong gate. Just in case Jon went to check on the board. Sure enough they had changed the gate from number one to number nine right down the other end. We got up and I told the other people waiting that it had changed and we all, about 20 of us, rushed off to the gate where it was on the final call! Phew! You would think someone could have come down to tell us!

The flight was fine and not full so we had a row of three to ourselves and so I got my window seat. We had a sandwich and a drink and an apple which was fine.

When we landed and collected our cases we went out to get the bus to the city. I asked the driver if he went to the street where our hotel is and he said he would put us down near it so we got on. He dropped us in the city and then told us we needed another  bus to get to the hotel! It wasn't far but too far to walk. We headed off in the right direction then decided it was silly so went and got a taxi which we should have done in the first place!

We arrived at the hotel at 3.10 and I had arranged to meet Derek, one of the doctors I was secretary for in Newmarket, at 3.30! We checked in and then had five minutes to do a twenty minute walk to a place we had never been to so didn't know where we were going!

We arrived at the Wine Centre and Derek and his wife Teri and daughter Emily were there. We had a really lovely afternoon with them. Jon got on with Derek really well only ever having known him as a GP and I got on well with Teri and Emily who I felt I knew anyway due to Facebook. We had some good wine, too

Soon it was time to leave them as they had Derek's parents coming over so we reluctantly said our goodbyes. They are very settled now and love life here and after a few major hiccups they now have their permanent visas through, just last Friday. So happy for them. I had brought them some little gifts from NZ and they gave us a very nice bottle of SA wine all bubble wrapped to travel so we might break that open in Cairns for my birthday as we are in apartments there.

We were by now a bit cold as we had rushed out when it was sunny and it was now dark but once we got walking we warmed up and were soon back  at the hotel.

We had a half hour rest then went out for dinner.

We found an Italian place not far away and had a nice dinner before getting home and ready for an early start tomorrow.

Saturday

I woke and thought it was 8.00 so got up and had a shower. When I came out of the bathroom I looked t e clock and it was only 7.45! I had read the time my alarm was set for! I just sat in bed till Jon woke up!

We went down for breakfast which was very good. We texted James and arranged for him to meet us at our hotel as he was staying out at Bondi where the job he was doing was holding the presentation so he had to get a bus in.

We had decided to catch the river cat up to Paramata which takes an hour, have a walk around, lunch and then back to the city. We didn't want to do too much walking as we would be walking a lot at night.

James arrived and we took him up to view the city from our terrace and we then walked to the ferry terminal. James had arrived at 6.00 after having to circle for an hour as the south runway, over the city,  doesn't open till 6.00 and the north runway, approach over the sea was too windy.

The ride up to Paramata was interesting and I had no idea what it was going to be like up there but the ferry was good. We arrived and a tourist information man was on the pier and I asked him what we could do for a couple of hours in Paramata. He was very helpful, gave us a map, told us about the free bus around the city (yes, Paramata is much bigger than I thought!) we decided on a walk along the river followed by the loop on the free bus.

The bus ride was very funny and I commented to James that we were pretty much the only white people on the bus. He counted how many were on it at one stage and out of the 35 passengers only five were white, three were us! A very funny and interesting ride.

We got off in the street where there are apparently 150 places to eat - not sure that is true!

We found a bar that served 'healthy burgers' and had a really nice lunch sitting outside. It came with some lovely chips which had rosemary on yum!

We then walked back to the pier and the ferry was just coming in. The ride back to the city was a bit cooler due to the wind blowing in our faces but it was still nice.

Once back on Circular Quay it felt much warmer and was very busy. We walked back to our hotel and we went in for a half hour rest and James walked around the market at The Rocks.

We all went out and walked to Darling Harbour and had a look around before finding a place to sit to watch the water and laser show. We sat on the steps and James and Jon said it would be better right on the front were people were starting to sit with feet hanging over the edge. I was a little reluctant but they won me over and we st on the edge. So glad we did as we had an amazing view of an amazing show.

We then went to find something to eat along with thousands of others! It was always going to be difficult so we went away from the harbour and found a little pizza place run by Indians! It wasn't plush but the staff were friendly and the food was good and we were able to hold a conversation without having to shout.

We left to go back to the harbour for the fireworks which were amazing.

We then walked back with thousands of others to Circular Quay as James had not seen any of the displays yet.

We walked round them all and had a really good night with James. I could see Jon was tired and I am sure James must have been, too so I said we would call it a night and go back to our hotel. I felt bad for James as he then had to walk back to  Circular Quay and try and find the bus back to Bondi which, I found out the next day, took him two hours and we were well in bed by ten and probably asleep.

Friday

Had breakfast which was very good after a good night all round.

Caught the 10.00 shuttle and when we arrived at the airport it was  really  quiet and check in was very quick. Security was quick, too. Always the way when you have plenty of time!

We bought Bronwyn's whiskey and then went for a coffee, bought some cough mix for Jon and then sat and waited till our flight was called.

Unfortunately, our seats were on the back row so no reclining in our seats and hopefully the ones in front wouldn't either. I know we have been lucky travelling business so much but I had forgotten how tight they squeeze you in. We had Hone Hanuwera a very controversial and outspoken Maori MP sitting in front of us, a very big man. Fortunately, he didn't recline his chair through the flight!

The flight was a bit bumpy in places and long, 3hr 20min, due to strong winds. The lunch we had, beef casserole for me and fish for Jon, was extremely good.

We landed with a bump much to the horror of the young girl next to me who hates flying. We cleared security and headed for the train.

We arrived at Circular Quay and had to walk up to our hotel which wasn't far but due to a cruise ship and lots of boarding passengers it was very busy along the quay.

Our room in the Holiday Inn at The Rocks was on 8th floor and fine. We had a view of the Harbour bridge but unfortunately there were Venetian blinds on the window between the two panes of glass and you could open/close them but not pull them up so the view was restricted!

We went straight out to the harbour and sat and enjoyed a beer in the very warm 23 degrees - not what we expected with all the winter things we packed!

We went back to the hotel and up to the roof terrace and pool to have a look over the city. The cruise ship blocked the Opera House but it was due to sail at 6.30.

We had a bit of a rest and then went out for an early dinner to an Italian place we had been to once before with Heather and was just behind the hotel. We had a really lovely meal sitting outside with a group singing songs and paying the guitar.

We then set off and walked miles and miles to see all the light displays. They were really good but we didn't feel the 'wow' that we felt the first time. The Customs House is still the best followed by the Opera House and now the other big one the Art Museum. There were not so any small displays as last time.

We walked under the bridge to see how it looked from the other side which was lit up by interactive lights but on the wrong side we thought as you couldn't really get to see it unless you were south of the city or coming in by ferry.

We got back to the hotel and were very tired and fell into bed

Thursday and off we go - again!

I woke up to let the dog out at 6.00 and then couldn't get back to sleep - grrrr!

I finally got up at 7.30!

Totty was following me around the house as he knew what was happening, poor little dog.

I left to take her to the kennels. Jon was due to have coffee with Lisa but she cancelled due to a meeting??? Are we getting paranoid about these people? Jon has not heard a word from anyone and it looks like Mike has disappeared off the face of the earth - fickle people!

I asked Bill at the kennels if Totty had a fight when she was in last time as she had a scab on her neck. He said he hadn't seen anything but he did say she gets a 'bit bolshie' with some of the other dogs 'if they get in her face' lol! He said they are careful who they let her out with in the exercise yard and that she is an old lady who has lost her patience!

From the kennels I went over to Bethlehem to have my nails done which took an hour.

I picked up a coffee on the way into Tauranga and then went to buy a few things I needed, like a cardigan!

I got home and got stuck into packing and I must be getting good at it now as it was soon finished and we were nowhere near our weight allowance which is good as we don't want to be lifting heavy cases around for the next two weeks.

I rang Margaret to ask if she wanted to go to a concert which is a fundraiser for the local hospice and the runner up of NZ Got Talent is singing. She is eleven years old and has a lovely voice. Margaret said she would like to go so I booed the tickets online.

We had lunch and then tidied up the house, went to tell the neighbour we were off and then we left.

The drive to Auckland was good apart from the very low sun as we got near to Auckland which made driving difficult.

We checked into the hotel and Jon went to park the car where it will stay or the next two weeks. We sty here the nigh we get back, too.

We had a lovely dinner in the hotel and now, after my early start I am ready for bed. We only have wi-fi I. The bar so I need to finish now.

Weather
Sunny spells 15 degrees.