Category: Travel

*** I had another report of photos STILL not working, so here’s working they work today. SO FRUSTRATING.

Woke up around 6.30am and spent some time on the computer before getting ready and heading over to bowling alley just before 10.30am where we were to meet up long-time internet friend, Kez and her boy, Billy. This was our second time meeting up and I was looking forward to seeing her again. We decided to meet up for a game of bowling – which worked out well for us because the alley is right across the road from the resort.

Unfortunately I didn’t take Kerrie’s advice and book a lane and there were none free till 11.30am. We decided to head back over to the resort and get some morning tea, which we enjoyed poolside.

At 11.30am we headed back over but had to wait half an hour while some young boys finished up their game in the lane we were waiting for. Luckily we got popcorn and a drink as part of our ticket price so we had those while the kids plays a few arcade games.

Then finally it was time to bowl. I loved how the 3 kids had very different styles of bowling. Christy does a running throw, Billy swings the ball back & forth and drops it so it very slowly rolls up the lane, and Amy dances & bowls the ball without hardly looking what she’s doing.

Christy and Billy stopped for a deep and meaningful mid-game. Not sure if they were discussing bowling strategy or Club Penguin – I’m guessing Club Penguin :-).

It was a fun game and best of all I won. Not sure I’ve ever won a game before. I made sure to take a photo so I had proof 🙂 I also got a strike but the little dude is covering it up.

After our game we had some lunch in the cafe, before coming back over to the resort so the kids could have a swim. Good day for it as it was rather hot outside, even though it was mid afternoon.

The kids had fun doing a few laps while Kerrie and I got to sit, relax and have a chat.

They left about 3.30pm and I hopped into our plunge pool with Nan & Pop to cool down. Then spent the rest of the day reading some magazines. Later I was lucky enough to cash in a coupon for a foot massage (Christy had given us coupons earlier in the week :-)).

Tonights dinner was nachos.

And then Pop took the girls on a special outing to the fun fair in Nelson Bay. They had  great time and didn’t come home until 9pm. Mum & I read and watched Oprah in peace and quiet :-).

When I woke this morning Amy & I decided not to go for a walk…which was lucky as it started pouring down when we would have been out. So we had a slow relaxing morning and eventually decided to go the Shark & Ray Center again as the girls had loved it so much last year.

But this year they decided to suit up and go IN the water with the sharks and rays.

These guys remain my favourite… they are so cute and so friendly…

This one is pretty cute too :-)….

We stayed her about 1.5 hours and then decided to have lunch at the nearby Barramundi Farm restuarant – called Cookabarra!

While we waited Christy played with “Ray”.

In addition to the Barramundi Farm they have have hydroponic vegetables. And shortly will be opening a retail store :-(.

Amy and I shared a Magharita Pizza and wedges. Both were really yummy.

After lunch a waitress bought the girls a container of fish food so they could feed some of the barramundi in the pond beside the restuarant.

We arrived back at the unit about 3pm. Christy went to swim with her friend in the big pool, Mum & Dad swam in the plunge pool and Amy & I stayed out of the sun (with my mild sunburn I didn’t really have any choice) reading. We all then read until about 6pm…

when we all decided to head over to the big pool and do a few laps. We ended up having a bit of race so I managed to get in a workout as well :-). Then it was back home for tea and watching Oprah again.

Had a good nights sleep and a bit of a sleep in, so didn’t wake up until 7.30am. I got dressed and Amy & I headed out for a walk. We thought we’d see if we could walk to the water – which we did. It took just 15mins.

After taking a few photos we headed back to the apartment. We had breakfast by the pool then decided to head to Little Beach so the girls could do a bit of snorkeling.

We didn’t believe Pop when he said he saw a penguin but we were convinced when one came ashore – before being scared off by lots of squealing kids.

We stayed for almost 2 hours then drove back home to have some lunch. Today I had a falafel salad. Yum.

It was very hot so we headed over to the main pool shortly after lunch. I took the underwater housing so I could get some shots from the water.

Some of the units have access right into the water and while we think it might be fun we also think it would be rather noisy.

I’m not sure how long we stayed here. After doing a lap with the girls I laid out and read. Until I felt I’d had more than enough sun for one day. I wasn’t wrong. Despite having suncream on and it being a mostly overcast day I ended up with a mild case of sunburn :-(.

So I stayed inside the rest of day and finished reading JD Robb’s – Naked in Death (I’m a bit behind as it was written in 1995!).

Another BBQ for dinner. Isn’t he good how he keeps our veggie burgers well away from the meat? 🙂

After dinner we found a friend.

And went for a swim in our private plunge pool to cool off.

We then watched Oprah’s Australian visit show and are pleased to be able to say we’ve been to all the places she visited on the first show.

Well the day didn’t start the best with the alarm going off at 6am!!! Not very appreciated when Kevin didn’t arrive till 11.30pm and we didn’t get to sleep till around 12.30am. The good part about Kevin driving up last night was they we were able to save about half the fridge food. Everything in the cooler bag (with frozen goods) stayed cold. But the other bag  was full of warm cheese :-(.

After the alarm went off we were unable to get back to sleep and I went down to get a cup of tea. Here I am with our hero, who luckily is looking more awake than I was – since he had a 3.5 hour drive home.

By 7am he was on his way…

and I settled down with a cup of tea and my laptop.

When both the girls woke they decided to have a spa bath. When I went up to tell them to be quiet (since Nan & Pop were still asleep) I had to smile when I saw their clothes all laid out on the beds.

I love the attention to detail with clothes laid out in order that they’ll be put on.

We had a quiet morning – breakfast, reading and the girls had a swim in the big pool. Just before midday we were finally ready to head out for lunch and to replace the lost groceries. Our usual lunch spot was closed so we headed up the tea rooms where a lighthouse once stood.

Today it is home to the Coastal Patrol.

As you can see you get a great view…even on an overcast day. Our table had no shade so we made to cream up because when the sun did appear it was intense.

I thought of Lisa when I saw the menu included some gluten free options.

There were a few more gourmet vegetarian options so Amy & I requested a cheese, pineapple and tomato melt. It was delicious.

After lunch we headed back to Salamander Shopping Center and today I left Pop in charge of the car keys. We wondered through a few shops then picked up the replacement groceries before heading back to our apartment. I made us a dip & cheese platter and the girls and Pop had a swim.

Later I took the girls over the main pool. I didn’t take my camera as I intended to swim but once I felt the water I decided not to – it was a bit on the cool side. It started raining so I headed back with the girls towels – as there was no where to leave them where they wouldn’t get wet.

Before we knew it it was time for dinner. Pop made us a BBQ which was enjoyed by all. Then computer time and reading to Christy. I’m thinking it will be a rather early night for me.