Monday 31 January 2011

31st January 2011

Another hot day, we should be getting used to it by now! We are putting on loads of suncream, Peter put such a lot on his head it made his hair go "ginger", goodness knows what they put in this stuff, but it won't was out!!!
We took a free tram ride around the city of Melbourne, got down to the dock area and WHOOPS...it came off the tracks!!!! We had to walk quite a way back to town in this heat!
Then decided to have an hours boat ride down the Yarra River, when we got off we had a lovely walk around the MCG and the Rod Laver Arena where the tennis finals were played last evening.
Tonight we dined on a tramcar,it was absolutely amazing, a wonderful three course meal with plenty of wine and good company and excellent entertainment.
Hopefully next time we are in touch will be in Cairns, but a hurricane is forecast for that area on Thursday so fingers crossed that we will be able to go.........watch this space!!!
If you'd like to find out more about the tramcar experience go to
www.tramrestaurant.com.au

Sunday 30 January 2011

30 th January 2011

This hot weather seems to be following us around, we have now got a heatwave in Melbourne, temperatures in the 40's!
Today we did the Great Ocean Road which is about 125 miles of spectacular coastline. This road was built as a memorial to the men who lost their lives in World War 1.
We stopped at several places en route, Cape Patton, Split Point Lighthouse and many more before having a picnic lunch at Apollo Bay.
We then went on to Maits Rest where we walked through the rain forest (but NO rain just the very old trees and ferns to cool us down!)
Another stopping place was the Campbell Nation Park where breakers have battered the soft limestone cliffs creating grottoes and gorges. Here you can see the stark rocks known as the Twelve Apostles, as well as London Bridge, part of which collapsed in the 1990's.
On our return journey we stopped at a lovely Italian restaurant in a town called Colac for our evening meal, all you could eat for 11 dollars each.
During this trip we stopped to see Koalas in the wild, we were lucky enough to see several and get some good pictures. Koala means "no drink" but they get all their fluid from the leaves they eat. Unfortunately we didn't see any kangaroos as they were all under cover because of the heat.
Forgot to say when we were in Ayres Rock we saw lots of camels!
See you soon!

Friday 28 January 2011

29th January 2011

Today we left the very high temperatures of Ayres Rock to fly to Alice Springs and then on to Melbourne where the temperature is 30degrees.....what a relief!!! BUT WAIT FOR IT the forecast for the next few days is up in the 40's.
That's all for now will catch up again in a day or two.

28th January 2011

We had an early start at 5am to be out at Uluru to see the sunrise, what a fantastic sight, really amazing! We came back for breakfast before going out again to see the spectacular views all around Uluru and the Olgas. The Olgas are known locally as the KATA TJUTA which means "many heads" in local dialect.
The temperature today is 51 degrees, apparently the hottest it has been around this area for several years, even the slight breeze was like putting a hairdryer right up in your face.
Because of the heat we we're unable to walk around the base of Uluru as it is closed under these conditions for climbers and walkers.
We were taken around by bus where we stopped to walk short distances to view native paintings in the caves. Also stopping at water holes where there were hundreds of beautiful budgies and zebra finches all flying around and divi.g desperate for water.
Tonight we went out to the desert for a "sound of silence" dinner. We were greeted with champagne and nibbles, which consisted of crocodile, kangaroo and emu, and believe it or not "we" sampled the lot!!!
After another super sunset we sat down to a three course gourmet meal, would you believe even more kangaroo, wine and more wine!!! During the meal we were entertained by a leading didgeredoo (don't think that's spelt right!) player. WHEN the meal had finished all table lights were turned off and we were in total darkness to view the stars, we were able to see the southern cross clearly.

Thursday 27 January 2011

27th January 2011

After an early flight we arrived in Ayres Rock to temperatures of 46 degrees, it was HOT!!! After settling in our room we were taken out to Uluru (Ayres Rock) to see the sunset, it was amazing! Then we sat and had champagne and nibbles before coming back for our evening meal.

25/26th January 2011

We arrived in Mandurah to beautiful weather and a fantastic apartment on the Indian Ocean, overlooking white sandy beaches, very relaxing.
The next morning we caught a boat trip that took us out for three hours on the canals. It was a public holiday for Australia day, there were hundreds of boats all celebrating and decorated with flags and having a great time. On our boat they put on an Aussie Barbie for us, loads to eat and plenty to see.

Monday 24 January 2011

22nd January 2011

Arrived at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Perth after an overnight flight from Johannesberg, still very hot!
23rd We had a tour of the city, stopping at Catisloe Beach where we paddled in the Indian Ocean, then on to Freemantle where we left the coach and stayed there for the rest of the day, a very busy town with lots of markets etc. We returned on a cruise boat back to Perth along the Swan River.
24th A complete change of weather (like Cornwall in July!!)very cloudy and a chilly wind! We caught the Ferry from Perth to Rottnest Island, a beautiful place. We took a tour of the Island and walked miles, saw loads of Quokka's they are like a baby wallaby, they are only found on Rottnest, the name Quokka in Aboriginal language means "meat". To find out more about the Island go to (www.rottnestisland.com) We returned on the ferry in time to be ready for our meal.... it's a hard life!!!
Att lunch time on the 25th we leave Perth for Mandurah for two nights, where we will be staying on the beach in a luxury chalet overlooking the Indian Ocean. From there we go to Ayres Rock, so we may not have a connection to get in touch for a few days.
Will be in touch soon!

Friday 21 January 2011

21st January 2011

Here we are again! Over the last couple of days we have been to Robben Island, a nice relaxing boat trip out there, we found the whole place very interesting, certainly not five star that we are becoming used to!!! We also went to the aquarium where there was plenty to see, quite a large place!
Early this evening we are leaving here and heading for Johannesbugh, from there we are flying to Perth, so next time you hear from us we will be in Oz! Meanwhile we are sitting around the swimming pool, reading and sipping ice cold drinks, a lovely life, don't you wish you were here!!!

Wednesday 19 January 2011

19th January 2011

Here we are in Cape Town staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel right on the waterfront and overlooking Table Mountain. The weather is very hot, in the 30's, so we are making the most of it! Today we have been to the top of Table Mountain where we spent a couple of hours enjoying the amazing views as well as seeing some beautiful wildlife, birds, flowers etc. We came back down quite suntanned, well Peter was.....me, well I was like a strawberry uuuurrrgh!!! and that was with factor 50 suncream! Everyone here is very friendly and there is plenty to see and do, food etc excellent. Tomorrow we are going on a boat trip to Robbin Island. If you'd like to see more about Cape Town go to www.capetown.travel/ Speak again soon!

Saturday 15 January 2011

16th January 2011

Hello to you all,   Today we leave home for the first part of our journey!  Next time we are in touch will be in Cape Town, South Africa..................can't wait to have some sunshine!!!