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Published: February 4th 2015
SYDNEY HARBOUR
We love the sail-in and sail-outWe were fortunate to have perfect weather as we crossed the vast Pacific Ocean. Now being in the Southern Pacific Sea, we weren’t quite so lucky. After two days of bouncing around the ocean, many passengers were very happy to see the entrance to the Sydney Harbor. It was a beautiful sunny morning as we cruised past the Sydney Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge. Silver Whisper docked at the new White Bay Cruise Terminal which is a bit inconvenient due to its remote location. The ship provided a shuttle bus to the Circular Quay which is convenient especially since we were catching the ferry to the suburb of Mosman.
Our good friend Dawn lives in Mosman. We haven’t seen her since her husband John passed away last spring. We were fortunate that we were able to be with John last February while visiting Sydney. He was a great friend and wonderful man whom we miss terribly. Several of Dawn’s daughters joined us to share some memories, some tears and a lovely lunch. After much too short a visit, Monica and Maureen gave us a ride to the train station.
Several years ago we stayed at a B&B
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Beautful at any time of day. This was evening. in the village of Toronto while driving around Australia. We needed a place to stay one night and we happened upon the Gables Inn. Ilse, the proprietor, is a warm and welcoming hostess and we ended up staying a week at her inn. Since the train system is so efficient and frequent it was easy to plan a get together. Ilse picked us up at the train station and treated us to a fabulous home cooked meal. Joining us were her friend, Alistair, daughter Martina and her three doggies.
We sailed out of Sydney on a beautiful evening right into a Tasman Sea and a "southerly buster.” That is a big gale with cold wind coming up from Antarctica. So it was a pretty rocky ride again through the notorious Bass Strait. Since the ship slows down in rough waters, we were late arriving in Melbourne. Cruise Specialists had five private car tours lined up for our guests. The tour company was able to adjust the schedules and everyone enjoyed their sightseeing around Melbourne. There was enough time for us to get to the Queen Victoria Market…the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. It was especially lively since
MARY and PIETER
Sydneysiders have traveled the world on planes, trains, ships and motorcycles there was also a Kansas City BBQ festival going on.
Melbourne is renowned for its changeable weather. It is said that in Melbourne you can experience the four seasons in one day. This day we got mostly autumn weather combined with a hint of summer. We heard that this has been about of the coldest January on record.
Longtime friends John and Cheryl live in a condo right at the end of the pier where we dock. They invited us and cruising friends, Bob and Jan, for a traditional Aussie bbq…you know, “throw a shrimp on the barbie, etc.” We had a great view of our ship from their balcony and also of the Rod Laver Stadium where the finals of the Australian Open Tennis Tournament were taking place. John and Cheryl served a bounty from the sea including salmon, fresh oysters and the aforementioned shrimp and provided plenty of luscious Aussie wine to wash it all down. What a feast with friends.
Speaking of the ocean, it was time to get back on the ship and head out of Port Phillip Bay to the garden city of Adelaide with the promise of balmy weather and fair
SYDNEY FERRY
The ferries make Sydney a very accessible city seas.
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David & Mary Anne
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Missing Australia
Your stories about Australia reminded us how much we enjoyed our past visits. We especially liked Adelaide so are looking forward to your next blog.