Downunder

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It has been two years since we were here last to spend time with family and renew old friendships. We were determined to make the most of the six weeks and managed to, as the pics will show.

We have spent time in and around Sydney, Melbourne, Seven Mile Beach and Port Macquarie.

In less than a week from now we will be on our way back for Christmas in Canada, then on to Gust O'Wind in Florida.

Cheers for now!

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Photos

Give me lunch or I'll bite you!
This bold cockatoo joined us for a picnic lunch. They are frequent visitors to Sydney backyards.

Convict cruise
We took a brief ferry ride on the harbour to tour a former convict prison. Great spot for the included lunch.

Manly
A must for all visitors to Sydney is to ride the ferry across the harbour to Manly for fish and chips. Taken with Ian's mother Joy and brother Garry.

Melbourne
We flew to Melbourne for a 4 day getaway. This is Flinders Street railway station in the heart of the city.

Electric tram
Melbourne kept its trams when many other cities were getting rid of them. For $3 we could travel all day on trains, buses and trams.

A green city
Taken from the Melbourne city gardens....we found Melbourne to be a great place to enjoy.

Mornington Peninsular
We rented a car to see the countryside outside the city. This is south, on the shoreline of Port Phillip.

Rental boats
A popular holiday area for Melbournites.

St. Michael's
Garry and I were fortunate to be invited to play in a corporate tournament at one of Sydney's top courses...I was given a set of Callaways to use and two meals and refreshments were provided. Luckily, we had a minibus to drive us home!

near Port Macquarie
For a final family event we rented a large time share cottage in Port Macquarie...a 5 hour drive north of Sydney, for a week. This taken from a park looking to the Pacific.

Winery lunch
Garry is looking forward to this antipasto platter at Innes Lake winery, Port Macquarie.

Gone fishin'
Ian & Garry spent a few hour feeding bait to the local fish.

Go away....
He was not impressed with us disturbing his nap.

Koala in the wild
It is not common to see a koala in its natural habitat. This was a first for all of us, even Ian' 92 year old mother.

On the water
We rented a pontoon boat for a cruise on the Hastings River and an attempt to catch some fish for dinner.

Breakfast afloat
We were treated to Marlie Mcmuffins for breakfast.

handout
This friendly little wallaby was grateful for the free lunch

Comments

[Lorraine Runstedler]

Unreal !!!
What a life you are having - Following your dream - love it - Amazing pictures Ian and Marlene - Get back to Canada soon and put up that Christmas Tree(ha) CHEERS!!! xo

[Garry and Yola Grant]

re Australia
We have had the good fortune to be in Aussie twice. First time to Sydney, PalmCove and the Great Barrier Reef and the last time in Melbourne and Hobart. What a great country. Your pics brought back many memories. Have a great Christmas and hopefully we will see you in Wiarton next summer. G and Y.

[anonymous]

Hey there, Ian and Marlene, great blog, brings back lots of good memories for us. We're here in Florida and perhaps we might catch up with you when you get down here. John and Kath.

[Lin]

Heigh Ho to you Guys Downunder
Well we went to Naples, Fl., for our fake snow being blown into the streets LOL.... but will soon be experiencing the real thing in Ontario. Great pictures once again. Keeps everyone up on your travels. We'll have to go to New Zealand and Australia one day. Please say Hello to Joy for us - she is a lovely lady. Look forward to seeing you soon. LIN AND RICK

[anonymous]

From the Marina....
What a retirement you two are having. Enjoy every blog you send. Try to share with everyone here but can't print the pictures like I use to. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Margot

[John Logan]

looking good
Hi guys. Loved your photos and really glad you were able to get back down under. Great your mum's still so active. Safe journey on the return, and Merry Christmas! Joan and John