Sunday 31st July

Paul's birthday in sunny Oz!

Saved the city travelling until today because it was on special offer!!!
So off we went on the ferry across the Harbour round to Watson's Bay, then jumped on a bus down to the famous Bondi Beach. Lots of people learning to surf.
Sun came out from behind the clouds and we Brits had our swimmers on and most of the Bedford clan could be found jumping the Pacific waves (Katie sadly could not cope with the cold water!! What's new, said Paul!!) Katie did manage to dip her toes in!
Beautiful warm afternoon.

Back on the bus to head back to the Hotel BUT Molly spotted some good looking shops and had to jump off the bus with Mum for some window shopping. Turned out we were on Oxford Street!
Couldn't find a bus stop when we needed one later so had to run after a bus until he got to a stop. At least we made the driver smile but it wasn't good for my poorly foot!

Quick showers and a swim for some, then we were back on a different ferry heading out to Manly for Paul's birthday meal. Beautiful views of the Harbour by night plus a chat with David and Sadie whilst on the ferry!

Poor Paul only got a game of jumping frogs for his birthday! Bless!
Xxxx

Saturday 30th July

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY in Sydney!!

Breakfast at Pie Face followed by Walking the city.
Circular Quaynoverlooking the Harbour Bridge, then a walk round the quay to the Opera House and into the botanical gardens.
A walk across the city to Darling Harbour and a late pizza ( and a well needed glass of wine!)
Beautiful boat show in action and sun shining.
Another walk across the city back to the hotel and some tired people have a swim and a sauna in the hotel pool. Nice end to the day.

When George was asleep, Paul nipped out to get me a hot chocolate....well it was our anniversary!!

Friday 29th July

Last morning in the peaceful Atherton Tablelands.
Ethel very excited because decided to leave my hockey stick and stick bag with her.
Just too expensive to send home as well as taking 3 months to get back! Am glad she's pleased, I just need to get a new stick now!

Packed our suitcases again but at least it was only 6 this time!
Stopped off on the way to Cairns airport to see an amazing bungy jump with a view over the rainforest down to the sea. Oscar was very tempted so we climbed to the top to enjoy the view but not enough time to jump, so maybe next time!!

2 hour 25 min flight from Cairns to Sydney with a good view coming into the city.
Staying at the Marriott on Circular Quay which has a wonderful view of the Harbour bridge.

Went out for an Italian meal and it felt like walking out into London (apart from being warm!)
Loud and busy. Very different from our last week.

Thursday 28th July

A lovely lazy last day on the Atherton Tablelands.
Paul, George and Oscar fished for most of the day down at the Tinaroo Lake.
They managed to catch a strange yellow fish which was quickly put back in followed by a turtle who did not want to let go of the bait! Finally a Black Brim which was popped in the freezer for a later date!

A little overcast today but Oscar still managed a swim and didn't get nipped by any yabbies.
Alice managed to catch one of them to show us (A little prawn like creature)

Out to a typical Aussie pub this evening for our final meal.
We all had huge portions and I sampled my first barramundi (fish) in over 20 years!

Everyone ate and drank well and I returned home with rather a good amount of wind!!
Oh well nothing changes!!

Wednesday 27th July

Am amazing day out on the Super Skippy sightseeing tour of the Atherton Tablelands.
Skippy took us to the crater at Mt Hypipamee which was a blow hole from a nearby volcano.
We then walked along by the Dinner Falls but a bit too cold to swim with the water running straight off the mountains.
Millaa Millaa falls were quite spectacular but no one was prepared to win a certificate for swimming in the cool pool beneath the waterfall.
Onto Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine again large craters caused by underground water being heated up and then exploded out of the ground.Saw a fresh water turtle which was a treat and of course lots of Bush Turkeys (Dad's favourite!!)
The curtain fig tree was also very impressive although George asked why they hadn't just planted a few more recently! Don't think he quite appreciated how old the tree was!

Back to the ranch and now I have to admit that I have done something silly!!!
Was determined to stay on the ripstick (wobbly skateboard) for longer than 1 second. Unfortunately, I have come off worse, damaging my foot so that I can barely walk on it!!
I survived the hockey but clearly need to learn when to grow up!

Paul and I cooked fajitas for everyone this evening (although I had to sit down to chop the veggies) Have started drinking cider and it seems to be going down well especially with a few ibuprofen!!

Time you lot sent us some replies. We miss you all. Xxxx

Tuesday 26th July

Molly and George had a morning in Kairi school with Alice and Harry and had a fun time.
Paul and I managed a coffee together although the exchange rate is making everything expensive.
Paul and Oscar then had a game of golf with Warren whilst we others scootered down at the Tinaroo damm area.
All lovely and a bit more relaxed.

10 of us for a family meal yet again.
Ethel seems to be coping with feeding us all. Poor love!!

Early to bed and early to rise xx

Monday 25th July

An amazing day at the Great Barrier Reef.
Went out from Cairns to a pontoon on the reef with a company called Sunlover.
We all managed to snorkel and saw beautiful coral but we were almost more amazed by the lovely colourful fish who swim alongside.
We saw a clown fish nestled in the coral and were lucky enough to swim with a turtle that just appeared at our reef.
A great day finished off by the biggest burgers we've ever eaten!!
Back to Ethel's for an important shower and a final relax xx