Farewell New Zealand - Gidday Oz

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Chrtistine had left us keys to her house so our last night in NZ was spent in relative luxury. Following morning made our way to airport without mishap and so off to OZ. Arrived in Brisbane and caught shuttle into town to meet up with my favourite daughter. Had a really nice evening, Cara was still a bit jet lagged (recovering from her 30 hour epic flight the previous day) so early to bed then up early to meet up with Gavin (my favourite son) and Niome at Niome's parents for a day out on the beach.
Taxi dropped us off about 8.00 at Niome's parents house just outside Brisbane then off to the Gold Coast for a morning on the beach. Unfortunately our weather (heavy rain) caught up with us so we made a brief detour to a shopping mall where yours truly found a barbers. No sooner had the rain started than it stopped so back in the car and down to the beach. The beach was huge stretching for miles but with limited accesss for swimming due to undertows, currents etc. It was, however,relatively quiet (most people probably still in bed recovering from the night before) The water was warm with awesome waves - great fun but you have to watch out for bluebottle jellyfish (both Gavin and I got stung - nothing serious a bit like a nettle sting). Back to Niome's parents (John and Noelene). A barbecue had been arranged (what else - it's Australia) down by the river. So after loading up 2 cars with food, table, chairs and most importantly booze (including a nice home brew made by John) off we went.

The barbecue was in a nice little park between the river and some pink volcanic cliffs. The cliffs are used by local climbers for practicing (more later). We were introduced to a whole raft of John and Noelene's friends plus various friends of Niome and Gavin (either people they had met in Canada or else people who had stopped off to visit them in Edinburgh).
A safety rope had been set up on the cliff and both Gavin and Niome made successful ascents to the top (some 25 metres) so not to be outdone yours truly decided to have a go. Unfortunately none of the available climbing shoes fitted (Wendy reckoned I looked like one of the ugly sisters trying to get my foot into the glass slipper). Undeterred I decided to try it barefoot (not a good idea as it turned out). I did manage to get up about 20 ft before stubbing my big toe (rock faces are Hard) at which point I decided that discretion was the better part of valour and descended gracefully to the ground.
A really pleasant evening, warm, with the lights of the city on the other side of the river and good craik (mainly travellers' tales (John and Noelene and most of their friends having travelled extensively not only in Australia but throughout Asia, Europe and North America)).
Then back home to bed (Gavin and Niome were flying up North early Sunday to visit Niome's grandparents).

Next day, Gavin and Niome left for the North and, after a quick dip in the pool the three of us plus Noelene and her cousin Lynn went sightseeing. For a paltry fee, we bought day tickets for the river ferry and cruised up and down the river. The real estate along the banks was incredible - think what Leith docks are like now and then think how much busier it would be if Edinburgh got reliable sunshine. Then we went for a pub lunch in a hostellry beside the river before heading back for another swim.

I don't actually know what the river is called, as we sent our Australia maps and guides straight here with Gavin rather than cart then round NZ - and because we've had knowledgeable local guides, we haven't looked at them yet. (My guide informs me it's the Brisbane River)

Mid-day heat is almost unbearable - my arms felt like they were actually under a grill.

Early yesterday evening, Noelene and John organised a route for the next 5 or 6 weeks for us - it's basically a tailor-made tour and far better than anything a travel agent would do. All we have to do is hire a car to do the trip in.

Once that was sorted, we relaxed over a roast dinner and a couple of glasses of wine. John and Willy then moved onto port - and once the restraining female influences had gone to bed, a bottle of Dranbuie was produced. This morning Willy proclaimed that he was in pain and needed a pain killer. He also felt not quite up to typing this...

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Photos

Weird and wonderful(?) wildlife Australian style
Came across this on the beach - don't know what it is but wasn't going to touch it

The Ocean - Cara is on the right hand side
Wendy would have been on thids too but she ducked at the crucial moment

Southport Beach
But not Southport as we know it. Waves were fantastic, but it's just so hot. Gavin, Niome, Willy and Cara.

Gavin climbing at Kangaroo Point
This rock face is practically in Brisbane City - alongside the river, which has free electric barbecues and picnic areas - and was really popular on Staurday evening

Gavin reaching the top
One bit took him a while to negotiate, but he made it.

Niome setting out
Niome has done this before - but not for a while and not in smart trousers!

Willy climbing
Notice the bare feet - shortly after this picture was taken he stubbed his toe and had to climb down.

More climbing
Gavin and Niome will be climbing across this bridge next weekend