Thursday 30 June 2016

Australia & New Zealand - Day 35 - 30th June

Day 35


Cerys was a lot better today and went into school with Amy.  Not long after I went down the school because it was open day to view the pupils art.

It was all very impressive and I was very pleased with Cerys's efforts.  I think she is excellent for a 5 year old, but of course I am biased.

Cerys's nature drawing


Cerys in her classroom

Cerys's Bromwyn Bancroft inspired aboriginal artwork
for which she was awarded a merit certificate. 





















































When I left the school at 09.10 this was the sky above, it was a glorious morning. You just don't know what to expect with the weather over here.

Brilliant blue sky and not a cloud in site 




















It seemed a perfect morning to go out to Palm Beach so I headed off to Dee Why for breakfast. I went to the same place I was in when I had my leg incident, the Onshore restaurant. I wasn't recognised though as there were different staff on duty. After this I walked along the front and up to Pittwater Road to get a bus to Palm Beach.

Just a note here that although there is a car available for me to use, I really enjoy using the public transport in Sydney, whether it is bus, train or ferry.  You know where you are whichever you travel  on. Always on time and clear routes published.  I use an Opal card, similar to the London Oyster card but which is usable on all methods of public transport.

Obviously for trips further out, like the Blue Mountains, I will be driving but within the greater Sydney area I will stick to public transport

The sea at Dee Why from the Onshore restaurant 

Dee Why Beach


































When I arrived at Palm beach it was a bit blustery but just a gorgeous day and I went for a walk along the beach taking in all the scenery and watching a solitary surfer in the not very impressive waves.

South end of Palm Beach

The solitary surfer 

Moving north along the beach



















































I was heading along the beach to a pre planned destination, for the northern part of this beach is better known by another name.  Summer Bay.  This is where  Home and Away is filmed. There was no filming today though so I just took a few shots.

Summer Bay beach

Alf Stewart's surf life saving club - shut!


































So I thought I'd throw in a couple of pictures from last year

Filming from Alf's life saving club 

Filming on the beach


































Heading back to the restaurant I'd spotted earlier I met a lovely young lady called  Emma and we stopped to have a chat. She was touring around Australia and would soon be visiting North Island, New Zealand.  She was to follow the exact route I had taken recently so we had a good chat  about it.

A rare photo of me on holiday, taken by Gemma

Gemma


































Then it was a slice of cheesecake and a cup of tea before heading back to town.

Views from the beachside restaurant 





Wednesday 29 June 2016

Australia & New Zealand - Day 34 - 29th June

Day 34


Well it's another cold one out there this morning. Why did I ever think it was hot in Australia?


Sign in the Blue Mountains


















Cerys was physically sick just before she was due to go to school so I said I'd stay home with her so Amy could go to work. The Palm Beach trip would have to wait another day.

Cerys sleeping it away snuggled up on the sofa.



















Thought I'd check the weather and this is what was happening in Blackheath in the Blue mountains, only 70 miles away from here in Frenchs Forest.

Blackheath railway station

The Llamas don't mind it though






























But I don't know about the kangaroos.

























The weather in Sydney was not as bad as that, only 17 degrees but rising to 20 and not a cloud in the sky.

Blue skies over Adam Street Reserve


















Cerys seemed a lot better after she'd had a sleep and soon began acting as normal, asking for toast with vegemite. She had a little play so I thought we would get ready and have a walk up to the shops. 

Cerys picked her own clothes so please don't judge me.

A lot happier

Art & Craft moment 

Rabbet Reserve - Cerys's choice of clothes

A beautiful afternoon for a walk to the shops



































































Then it was back home to prepare the evening meal



Monday 27 June 2016

Australia & New Zealand - Day 33 - 28th June

Day 33


Did not go anywhere today, stayed at home to meet a builder and window blind fitters for Amy.  They are having work done on the house and Alfie's gone to Perrh on business so I said that I would meet the builders for them.

So I decided to pick some of my favourite shots so far to post again.

Cruise ship in Circular quay

Vivid Sydney at The Opera House

The aftermath of the storm at Colleroy 
Surfing in the stormy waters at Manly



Te Piua Geyser at Rotarua  

Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand

The Art Deco Masonic Hotel, Napier 

Hawks Bay Scenery

Wellington Harbour View


Houses on the Parramatta River

Australia & New Zeaand - Day 32 - 27th June

Day 32


It's very cold today, 13 degrees.   My leg seems a lot better today so I was going to go on a boat ride from Palm Beach (Home & Away location) but because it's so cold I have knocked that on the head and will go to Hyde Park area in Sydney instead.

Before I go though, I am going to try to post a video on today's blog.  It's a short video I shot before I put my foot in the hole at Dee Why.  Hope it plays.



Please let me know if anybody can open this video in this blog post.
























It was reported that it was going to be Sydney's coldest day for 20 years  today  so I layered up before venturing out.

I took the bus into the city, then the train to St James, right on the edge of Hyde Park. There were guys playing chess as I entered Hyde Park.  There were lots of interested spectators around them.




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Although the weather was not good, it was drizzling and cold, but there were still some interesting areas to view.





































Pretty soon, the weather got worse and I called it a day, went and had a late lunch at Buckleys,  then headed back home to Frenchs Forest.