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Published: April 7th 2011
Saturday January 29th 2011
A leisurely morning spent at Fiona's. I booked my flight ticket on the internet, for the evening of Tues 1st Feb, flying from Newcastle airport to Brisbane, reasonably priced with Virgin Blue and due to the daylight saving time difference, I'd be there in 10mins. My homeward bound flight was Thurs 4th Feb.
At some point I'd have to work out how I was getting to the airport in Newcastle, but felt sure something would work out. My biggest concern was the weight of my bags. Knowing how restrictive the smaller budget airlines usually are - I felt sure my case was over 20 Kilos. Time to throw out some stuff.....
Oh maybe not, some good advice from Fiona, put heavy stuff in my hand baggage, and she advised I could take a small case plus shoulder bag (which was big enough to stow some more weighty items), I hadn't realised I could take two items of hand baggage, just some re-packing then. No worries.
It was another beautiful day to head out towards the Central Coast. Robyn's house in Mt Elliot was surrounded by bush. As we drove up the hill to her house,
Robyn's workshop
Sheds are fabulous, reminding me of the shed I used to have to write my book.the Bellbirds were loudly singing their welcome, an unbelievable din. I looked up at the massive trees surrounding us, and was unable to make out the birds producing such unusual ringing sounds. Then we were at Robyn's beautiful house, nestled in acres of land, it was clear to see how much work they would have put in over the years, making a pretty garden area of shrubs and plants, lovingly maintained.
Robyn had a fantastic working area, a huge shed, lined with shelves for her plaster moulds. She has a successful little business, taking the plaster casts from the moulds, to designated spots, in shopping malls for example, during the school holidays. Children come along and paint the various shaped casts, they have fun and a treasure to take home. An excellent idea, and it is clear that she loves doing it, as well as her part time job.
She had a gift for me, some of those plaster casts, plain white, in the shape of a Frangipani flower, a Pelican, and some tropical fish - including some pots of paint and brushes. Wow, fantastic souvenirs and an opportunity to be artistic.
We relaxed on the veranda enjoying
lunch, surrounded by some more unusual bush noises. This time the Kookaburra sung happily near by, eventually swooping over for a visit.
Robyn's husband, Perry, worked hard on the land, clearing fallen leaves and debris, a full time job. I wondered why. It seemed like an endless task, and Robyn pointed out that this was their best way to reduce the risk of any spread of a potential bush fire. They talked a lot of bush fires and the most popular cause being thoughtless teenagers steeling cars, driving them into the bush and setting fire to them. (Something which in fact happened the following day whilst Fiona and I were at the Belmont side of Lake Macquarie). During the dry hot summer, there were many other causes, even the spark from a lawn mower.
It was a constant threat for them and I got a real sense of how much it had an effect on their daily living.
We had a full afternoon and evening ahead, so much fun, exploring the area - the three of us together enjoying the adventure. We started off at the view point, not far from Robyn's house, St John lookout, awesome views
Speaks for itself...
Amazing location... from there and President Hill. Lion Island was pointed out in the distance, (thoughts of the Lion Island at Milford Sound, NZ). This Lion Island was just off Palm Beach, visited years ago when I was in Sydney and joined Mojo's surf tour. The island was a good point of reference throughout the day.
Driving by Brisbane water, around Gosford, Bay lake and Woy Woy, Spike Milligan bridge was pointed out. Stopping at Ettalong, we found out there is a regular water taxi to Palm beach - looked like a good day trip for us to do 'one day', perhaps on my next visit.
We had a quick stop at Ocean beach and Pearl beach, such beautiful locations, well the names describe them perfectly. We parked at Mt Ettalong car park and walked through some bush. Time was running out, but we couldn't help being distracted by the unusual plants and weird shaped trees, the eventual Jewell being the look out. The views were truly breathtaking and even the photographs could not do it justice. Lion Island was much closer now and we could see the water taxi making its way towards Palm Beach. Looked like it could
be a bumpy trip.
We had to make a dash, we were watching a friend of Robyn's, Andy, play his music in Unity Hall, Ettalong at 7pm. He was playing there with Kristian Marsh and Phillip Edgeley. (Locally, well known names I believe).
It was a brilliant evening, Andy was very good. Kristian Marsh also very good, played with Phillip who seemed to have a big chip on his shoulder, shame really, his music wasn't bad but his attempts at being comedian wore a bit thin by the end of the evening. We were not surprisingly, a little tired and very hungry.
10pm and despite our search, no place open for food. We ended up back at Robyn's for Toasted sandwiches, which by midnight, tasted delicious. Fiona and I drove back to hers, still giggling about the events of the day.
I am so grateful to Robyn and Fiona, showing me their area with so much enthusiasm and my visit a memory to treasure. Hopefully one day I will be able to return the favour, by showing them some of Devon and Cornwall, when they come to England.
Sunday was no exception, Fiona had a list of
Alpaco
At Mandalong Art Gallery places to go, and we started off at Mandalong Gallery, run by a friend of hers, what an amazing place. We were immediately drawn to the Alpaco's grazing. Sheila joined us to talk about them, they were so cute with pretty little faces.
The art gallery was amazing, arts purchased directly from the Australian Indigenous artist including certificates of authenticity. Sheila passionately talked about the art and explained the pictures made in 3D form, unlike pictures of our own culture. The colours and dream time images were fascinating, and I could not resist making a purchase, or two.
As friends of Fiona, we were invited to the house for a glass of wine, David gave us a house tour, showing us some amazing rooms of entertainment, wall size screens and home cinema. Before we knew it, we were relaxing on a leather sofa watching Simon & Garfunkel and the Bee Gees in concert, whilst sipping wine and nibbling on cheese and biscuits. Its amazing how things happen when you go with the flow...............
It was very hard to do, but eventually we had to tear ourselves away from this wonderfully spontaneous generosity and relaxing diversion. These people
had a business to run and we had a list of exploration to attend. One thing for sure, I would never forget Mandalong Gallery.
We drove to Rafferty's for some strong coffee, a beautiful time-share type complex by the lake, and more of those Pelicans.
Continuing onward to the North of the Lake, we stopped at Belmont Sailing club for something to eat, and could see the smoke billowing from the bush fires, of a surrounding bush area.
The final treat of that day was to stop in some grounds of a disused hospital, where there were an abundance of Kangaroo, so many in one area, it was an awesome sight.
Monday and Fiona was back at work, she dropped me at the station. I took the train in the opposite direction to Gosford, where Robyn met me. It was a scorching day. We went back to hers for coffee and preparations for our day, packed lunches and surf body boards. Starting at Ken Duncan Gallery, very different than Mandalong, this was a photographic gallery of spectacular pictures - something for me to aspire to one day. We were invited to see the inspirational video, it was a
great inspiration too, move over mind movies.
From there we visited some of the places of those wonderful photos, Terrigal Haven and Skillion look out, while I admired the scenery, Robyn was admiring the local talent (this is where I go wrong), she was convinced he was a cricketer called Mark. Passing through Batteau Bay, we had our lunch and a cooling swim at Toowoon bay. There was a daily feeding of Pelicans at The Entrance, (the entrance to what I wondered, but that is the name of the place). We were there in good time, waiting with the Pelicans for the ladies to bring their fish at 3.30. There were so many of them, and they were so patient, each waiting for their turn to receive a fish, when they got one, off they went. It was a wonderful experience, particularly as I am so smitten with them.
They are quite funny looking and comical to watch when landing. Yet they have a certain elegance and clearly very well mannered.
We were ready for a flat white at Michelle's and eventually ended up having another dip in the ocean at The Entrance beach, the surf was quite
unexpectedly big, and I got wrapped up with a surfer in one of the large waves, I don't know who was more surprised. Having taken in enough salt water, it was time to call it a day.
We drove on and met Fiona and Marion for a final meal at the Doylson Club, Grahame had been invited, but declined, he had to be in Sydney the following day.
My final day in NSW and it was arranged for me to be taken to the airport in Newcastle by Robyn and Perry. I had the morning to say my goodbyes to Dora Creek, to pack and get organised.
It was so good of them to take me, I felt Robyn would have liked to take a trip herself - we had lunch together and they had to get back for a business meeting. I checked my bags in and needn't have worried, 18KG.
Charlie and the children met me at Brisbane, the airport was manic, apparently many people had evacuated Cairns, due to the oncoming cyclone Yasi.
I had one last day in Brisbane, Cinda treated me to a make over at her salon, Girl Friday's, it
was a wonderful luxurious afternoon in her modern salon. I'd heard so much about it and so pleased there was time for me to visit it.
I met with Milda in the evening for some Thai food at Ormiston. We had exchanged phone numbers at the wedding in Byron Bay. A memorable relaxing way to end another trip of a lifetime.
It was with heavy heart and suitcase that I Flew out of Brisbane, homeward bound. I wonder how and when I can return...............
To view more pictures go to: - www.flickr.com/photos/surfeyeuk/
(keep checking in - more to be added)
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Fiona
non-member comment
Friendship
Lorraine you have captured our part of your life's journey in a way that only you could, the magnificent scenery, the funny and quirky experiences and the lasting impressions we have left on each other's lives. Thank you for such wonderful memories, your "mate" Fiona