Uncategorized – Page 6 – Life is a Journey

Wildlife Wonders

Posted on December 5, 2021October 12, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Surprisingly we were able to see the sunrise this morning. I wasn’t expecting it so will try to get some better photos tomorrow. Boy was it special being able to drink my tea snuggled up on the lounge under a blanket and watching the waves roll in and clouds float by.

We had a slow morning watching waves, doing some things online and having some breakfast (sourdough toast with jam) before we headed out. There was rain expected later in the day but for the now the weather was lovely.

The coastline is just stunning and there are some spectacular trees around Apollo Bay. We hsd about a 20min drive to Wildlife Wonders where we were booked to go on their guided tour. We got checked in and had a look around the gift store since we were early. There were quite a few things we wanted to purchase but wanted to wait until after the tour so we wouldn’t have to carry them around.

Our tour started with a little info session at 10am giving us an ear piece & radio so we could hear the guide, some binoculars and a bit more info about the conversation center. Then we headed outdoors on our walk to learn about and see some of the wildlife and fauna that are native to the Otways. The animals are free to roam around the property but there is a fence that is fox and feral cat proof to protect them. We saw some emus, a wallaby, a cute tiny bird sitting on a nest, Eastern Grey Kangaroos, and a few koalas (most of them spotted by Kevin) high up in the trees. We also learned about some of the plants, including one (2nd row center) which was only discovered a few years ag.

One thing I found really fascinating with the Mother Shield fern, which grows a baby fern on a frond , the weight gradually lowers it the ground and the “mother fern” then protects/shields it.

It was nice easy walk along the boardwalk through different kinds of ecosystems that are found in the area and then out onto the open clifftops where we had stunning view of the ocean and could even see people hiking /walking the Great Ocean Walk. It was rather windy up here and chilly too.

We then visited the research center. It was odd because the staff who work there obviously leave (I assume) when I group comes on (or they are off doing something else) but their computers are mid work and their bags are left lying by their desks. There are some information posters and guides and cute little tortoise.

And there were a few kangaroos watching the going ons. On the way back to the center we learnt more about how they conduct research around the grounds.

It was a really good tour, and something different. Would be an amazing way for international tourists to see our wildlife in a more natural setting. We picked up the things we wanted from the gift shop and got a piece of this vegan ginger loaf. I ate in the car and it was AMAZING.

We drove back into Apollo Bay and parked near Food Works as we were needing a few more grocery items, which we got before walking to the main street to go to the bakery – which I had read had some vegan options. The vegan pasties looked good but we had walked past a noodle shop on the way and decided to get that for lunch. Instead I picked out a vegan lamington. Kevin got an apple cake. We had super quick walk the small markets that were being held and then want to Chopstix to order lunch. They had quite a few things on their menu that could be made vegan. Oh,how the world has changed for us vegans !! We decided to get it takeaway since we have such an amazing view at our studio.

Back home and we were super excited to dig into our lunch. I had sweet and sour tofu. And it was AMAZING. So sad I can’t get this at home. Kevin also really enjoyed thi beef & noodle dish.

We had a really lazy afternoon – some of which was spent writing blog posts in bed (since was nice and comfy and cozy). And yes, I had already gotten into my pajamas :-). Outside there was a bit of rain but it didn’t really come to very much.

Later on I had my lamington and it was really good. Such a spurlge having two sweet treats in one day but they were so worth it. Kevin really liked his apple cake (I really need to start photographing more of his food).

Dinner tonight was some veggie burgers.

After dinner we enjoyed a nice bath (complete with a lush bath oil). The nights still get pretty cold here so Kevin has enjoyed putting the fire on in the evening as the sun goes down. And I managed to capture another lovely sunset.

Shopping at Chadstone

Posted on November 28, 2021October 13, 2026 by Libby Withnall

We had a VERY slow morning. After the long day and early start yesterday it was nice to just hang in bed (something I never do at home) with a cup (or more) of tea and enjoy this view. I also edited some vlogs and later ate breakfast in bed. Kevin opted for granola while I had sourdough toast with strawberry jam.

Many, many hours later we had our showers and got dressed for the day. Kevin needed to go to an Apple store to buy a better charger for his watch so we decided to head to Chadstone shopping center. I’ve never been before but knew it was supposed to be nice shopping – though we were more interested in browsing as we aren’t big shoppers any more.

Before we went to the shops I wanted to have a little drive along the foreshore to see a little of St. Kilda.

The drive to Chadstone wasn’t the best with LOTS of traffic but we eventually got there. We were lucky to arrive when there were still some parking spost available (on the rooftop), but it was crazy busy. Neither of us realized there were BLACK FRIDAY sales on !!

I was excited to see this Disney car parked right near us.

Thankfully the center did require facemasks to be worn. We wouldn’t have stayed if they weren’t. Most people were complying. Shops also had limits of the number of people allowed in. The center is lovely, esp. decorated for Christmas. It is huge and I’m sure we visited just a portion of the shops.

First stop was, of course, the Apple store. I thought it was a good opportunity to go to the bathroom, but I got lost when I came out – having taken wrong turn and ended up in the next corridor to where I should have been. I had to laugh at myself and use find my friends to see if I was headed in the right direction.

After being reunited we ventured down to the food court in search of lunch. Kevin suggested Schnitz since they have vegan options. I thought this was a good choice and we were able to be seated straight away. I had the Garden of Vegan wrap. I haven’t had one in the longest time and I’d forgotten how good they were. Kevin enjoyed a Chicken Parmigana.

I’d gotten excited when we passed a Bath & Body Works earlier, and though I don’t really buy all the stuff I used to from there (trying to buy more natural & ethical brands) I thought it would be very holiday like to check it out. Thankfully the line to get in wasn’t too long and actually moved quickly. We waited around 10 mins, which we really appreciated because the store, though busy, wasn’t super crowded. Plus you had to show proof of double vaccination to enter.

The black Friday sale was buy 3 things, get 3 things free. It was fun getting to sniff everything (though Kevin did say it felt strange/wrong during this covid time). Just a few years back I would have bought so many things but this time we ended up with 6 3-wick candles. A good choice really since the weight means we never bring back more than 1 or 2 when we visit the states.

We then went to Peter Alexander which is always a fun store to look around and we picked some jammies for Christy for Christmas.

Kevin spotted the cardboard dog just as walked into the store and we thought it looked very like Koda. How cute is it?

On our way back to the car Kevin picked up a few treats to eat and we went to Starbucks since he had 2 free drinks to claim. We both had Green Tea Frappuccinos. It’s something I very rarely have so did enjoy it.

Just as were about to leave we spotted a Coles so decided to pop in and get a few supplies so we didn’t need to stop on the way home.

We were pretty tired by now and glad to have this task over and done with. Back at the car it took quite some time to exit the carpark due to the number of cars entering and trying to find parking spots. So glad we arrived when we did. There was much less traffic on the road and it only took us 20mins to get back to the apartment.

I spent some time writing up yesterdays blog post before we watching some YouTube. Dinner tonight was some rice paper rolls that we pick up today from Roll’d. They were okay but not as nice as they could have been. I think the ones I make myself are tastier. But I definitely appreciated not having to make dinner.

The sunsets here are pretty late – close to 8.30pm but I’m loving getting to see them as it’s something we don’t experience at home.

Just as were going to bed I realized how pretty it was when the sun had gone down and the city lights were on show.

Tomorrow : Markets and a walk around St Kilda

Want to see more? Watch the daily vlog

Day 19 & 20 – Last days of the cruise

Posted on December 22, 2019October 13, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Our last two days of the cruise were sea days as we made our way back to Fort Lauderdale. On day 18 I still wasn’t feel great – but was certainly better than the day before. Still a good bit nauseous and my appetite had not yet returned.

The day basically went as follows :

Breakfast at Windjammers , time in the Diamond Club lounge, reading in our room, lunch in the Dining Room, a spa & swim, reading in our room, dinner at Windjammers, back to our room to watch some Vlogmas videos.

Our last day was pretty much the same, except for the swim. And thankfully I was feeling even better again and my appetite is almost back to normal.

Breakfast at Windjammers, time in the Diamond Club lounge, reading in our room, lunch in Windjammers, PACKING, reading in our room, dinner at Windjammers (with our tablemates from the dining room), put luggage outside room, read.

Can’t believe the cruise is almost over. We have enjoyed it and really enjoyed the South American ports but I do think I might prefer other modes of travel for now, or at least cruises with less sea days. I guess after 20 years of cruising our lifestyle/needs have changed somewhat and we probably aren’t getting what we used to out of cruising.

Day 16 – Late arrival into Aruba

Posted on December 18, 2019October 12, 2026 by Libby Withnall

No alarm this morning but I still woke about 6am (which was now 7am since our time zone had changed again but we didn’t realize this until 12pm

Kevin kindly went and got some soy milk so I could make a tea & a coffee for himself. about 9am (which was 10am) we went to have breakfast at Windjammers. We sat out the back in the open which was nice and cool due to the sea breeze.

After breakfast we went for a little exploration of the ship. We checked out the Diamond Club (for Diamond level cruisers). Would be a lovely area to use if we didn’t have our own balcony. We sat and enjoyed the view over the pool area for a little bit…

then checked out some of the bar areas….

And other areas around the ship.

and then around some of the outdoor decks. It was pretty windy out there today, but still very warm.

Back in the room for a bit where, after sitting outside in the sun for about 10mins, I worked on catching up on my blog posts. Kevin had a little nap. About 2pm there was a knock on our cabin door with a special delivery (for being diamond club members. And I confess I had half of the strawberry and half of the chocolate cup. Both were delicious. But it meant we had dessert before lunch !!

Finally we realized the correct time and about 2.30pm we went back to Windjammers (again) for a late lunch. We had planned to go the dining room but it was closed by the time we were ready for lunch. We ate outside again but this time at the back of the boat.

I spent the rest of afternoon desperately trying to catch up on the last few days blog posts before I forget all the details. We arrived in Aruba about 4pm (not that we can see much as we are facing the ocean) and after I finally finished off yesterdays blog, we headed ashore.

Dinner tonight was a surprise Kevin – The Dutch Pancake House. It was about 10 min walk and was in a really lovely place – all lit up for Christmas and there even a band/singing performance going on nearby. So we finally got to listen to some Caribbean music (sadly this ship doesn’t have a Caribbean band onboard.

Kevin and I both had pancakes. I had fruit delight and Kevin had bananas with a pina colada sauce (turns out it was our waiters invention). Both were delicious and they were the thin pancakes which I really prefer.

After dinner we strolled through the complex (mainly restaurants but some shops) and back to the ship.

We were hot and sweaty when we got back (still 28C outside) so I decided to have a cool shower to freshen up (not much point having one in the morning since we’ll be going swimming). Kevin and I then did face masks (it’s not Kevin’s normal thing but he was happy to join me). I then wrote up this post (yes, I’m all up to date and current) – just need to add in photos when I get the chance.

Going to read for a bit then go to sleep.