Oz farewell

---

We tried to cram as much family time as possible into the last 2 weeks of our visit - including a Christmas celebration knowing it will be a couple of years before we can get back.


The panorama of Bondi Beach at the beginning of the blog is a first.

For those of you not into family pics, give this entry a miss!

---

Photos

rainbow lorikeet
these spectacular parrots love bottle brush trees

rosellas
yes, more birds! but to see them in Sydney backyards is pretty amazing

Tom Thumb 111
this ferry was built in 1946 (older than us even!) and was named after the little lifeboat used by early explorers Bass and Flinders - we took the ferry cruise up the Hacking River in the southern region of Sydney

Hacking River Cruise
we took this cruise with Ian's cousin Chris, his wife Yvonne, brother Garry and Mum

early Christmas
we enjoyed the beautiful backyard of Garry and Jan's home with their son Jarrad

family
enjoying a few oysters prior to the Christmas dinner

Jarrad
nephew Jarrad is working in a tv studio - we hope he will come to visit us at Sauble in the not too distant future

Sydney fish market
yes - more seafood! A place not to be missed (if you enjoy ultra fresh seafood).

Blackwattle Bay
we walked off our seafood lunch with a brisk hike around the bay and across the ANZAC Bridge (background) with Garry and Jan

golfing legends
we enjoyed a beautiful day at Boomerang golf course with long time friend Keith

sand save
Marlie showing good form out of the sand

yum cha
or dim sum - a smorgasboard of Chinese appetizers in Sydney's Chinatown

sydney farewell
we enjoyed yum cha with old friends Paddy, Paul, Bill and Noy

Comments

[Penelope Jayne]

Look forward to your blogs and enjoy them. Best of the season. Mom Looks well

[Brian McGhee]

Hi Folks, Enjoyed receiving your latest blog, as always. My mother passed away in late Oct. so will plan to visit Australia in the winter of 2012. I'll be seeking any advice, suggestions etc. which you may wish to share. In the interim, we're off to Vegas Jan 9 with Tom Newcomb and company, Feb. March in North Port Florida and a cruise starting April 3. We hope to stop and visit John & Judi as you did 2 years ago on the way home. Let us know if your boating plans for this winter will allow us to get together. Brian & Lydia.

[John Logan]

goodbye Oz
It must have been a difficult departure, knowing it would be a while before you could return. It was nice you could connect with so many there and have an early Christmas. I thought of you yesterday as we were at Pricilla, Queen of the Desert, not because of the flaming gays of course but because of the setting. Best wishes for the season and for a great cruise aboard G o' W. Hope you can avoid any random oil slicks. Will you be sailing it north this year? Merry Christmas, Joan and John

[Beth]

Especially loved the ANZAC bridge!! :) xo