Myrtle Beach

We also visited Myrtle Beach. No, not the one is South Carolina. This one is secluded at the end of a walk through what is referred to as an enchanted forest.

Wasp Head II

After our quick visit to the North side of Wasp Head, we drove around to the south side and found a marvelously sculpted landscape of sandstone and sea.

The Lorikeets at Pebbly Beach

I forgot that I have several short videos of the Rainbow Lorikeets at Pebbly Beach to share. These fellows are very tame. Enjoy.

Wasp Head I

After the Superb Lyrebird experience, we visited Bateman's Bay for a quick look about and some breakfast (or Brekkie, as it is known here). Naturally, we were drawn to McDonald's (aka: Maccas). All instances of this chain restaurant have a separate barista and the coffee is good.

The Superb Lyrebird

While driving in to the cabin at Pebbly Beach the first time we were greeted with a Superb Lyrebird running across the road in front of us. This was an exciting moment. But, it got so much better.

Pebbly Beach Arrival

Driving to Pebbly Beach took us through a marvelous forest of eucalypts. A truly special drive over a hill and down to the beach. And the hill completes the blockage of the cell signal and leaves you in place that is near, yet utterly isolated. The first thing we noticed upon arrival was the lawn full of kangaroo.

Leaving LTP and Heading South

Last weekend we left Lemon Tree Passage behind and headed south toward Sydney and beyond.

In Melbourne!

We've arrived in Melbourne and are working at getting settled in. I've got loads of photos to process and post, so stay tuned for the tale of our travels. We've had a fun adventure. Details on the way.

Preparing to Move on from Lemon Tree Passage

One last post from Birubi Beach. Such a magical place, especially when it is empty. OK, I cheated a bit and took out the few people that were present, but there really weren't many there. There was more wind that on the last visit and the sound of the surf was louder. If you looked carefully (you can't see it in these photos), you could just make out a cloud of mist hovering above the breaking surf.

'Tis the Season

In a recent trip to New Castle to visit the Apple Store (trackpad problems on E's laptop), we saw that "the season" is finally here and Australian's do indeed celebrate with many of the same rituals as Americans.

FIngal Bay

Another visit to Fingal Bay on a stormy day brings a deserted beach at low tide. You can just see the sand in the distance as it stretches across the horizon from the mainland to Shark Island. It is possible to walk to the island at low tide, I suppose, if you are more adventurous than me.

Window Shopping in Nelson Bay

We made a stop in Nelson Bay to do a little shopping, mostly window shopping.

Gan Gan Lookout

We made another round of visiting places we had either not been to before or had not fully explored. On this list was the Gan Gan lookout just inland from Nelson Bay.

Swan Bay

Swan Bay is a place we visited that required driving through the area of the bush fire, as seen in the earlier post. Out by the water, it was very, very quite. The road  led along a small residential neighborhood on the landward side and the water on the other.

That Fire You saw in the Earlier Post Off in the Distance

On the way out to visit Swan Bay, we drove a short distance on the Pacific Highway, the road we took for about 1/2 of our trip here from Toowoomba. This section of the road was closed during the bush fire. As you can see in the photos here, large sections (miles and miles) of the forest is dead. Completely.

Boat Harbor on a Calm Day

On the same calm day that we went to Birubi Beach, we also visited Boat Harbor again. Once more the deep blue sky and sea create a special place.

Birubi Beach on a Calm Day

Our first visit to Birubi Beach was on a windy weekend. There were lots of people, the waves were rougher, and it was posted for no swimming. This day was different.

Lemon Tree Passage

The center of mid-town Lemon Tree Passage is a park, a restaurant or two, a hair dresser, a post office, and a coffee shop. Not a lot more than that. On one of the posts in the water sat an Australian Pelican trying to have a nap. With that eye open, it isn't clear how mush sleep he's getting.

Rudd Reserve

In Lemon Tree Passage are several reserves. These photos are from the Rudd Reserve.

Tastes at the Bay

Last weekend, Nelson Bay held their annual Tastes at the Bay Food and Wine Festival. I guess the name is long to compensate for only doing this once a year.

Our Current Wards

In our current house sit, we are charged with the care and safety of two doggies and a cat. The black & white dog is Bear, the red & white is Ziva.

Koala in the Wild!

We have now officially seen out first Koala in the wild! Yes, I know you have to look hard to see the Koala in this image, but I only had my phone on me.

More Shoreline Exploration

Gentle reader,you will be getting a pretty steady diet of coastal views for a while. Being here at the beach means this is the main attraction.

Birubi Beach

We are in a place filled with beaches and we have finally had a chance to visit a few. Some of these we will certainly visit again. Among those we've stood on so far, the most amazing and impressive by far is Birubi beach.

Coffs Harbor

Coffs Harbor most nearly resembles a place along the coast in the US from about 1955 on steroids. Same kind of stuff, just more of it.

The Town of a Thousand Jacarandas

After leaving Mallangaree, we drove through a long stretch of parklands and pasture. All green and surrounded by great vistas.

On the Road

It has taken me a few days to get the photos together and get settled into our new digs, but finally, we start the tale of getting there. Along the road, not far south of Toowoomba, we find hundreds of these beautiful yellow flowers.

Stick Your Head Out the Door!

Here's what we have to look forward to in Seattle. Think it might rain?