Life is a Journey

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.

If you’re friends with me on facebook you’ll already know it’s been an eventful first day on holidays. The first bit of “excitement” was when we all piled into the packed car only to discover it had a flat battery. Everybody back out and lucky enough Dad was able to jump start it from Mum’s car. So 45mins later than expected we were on our way. We had technology to keep us occupied for the 3.5 hour trip.

We had a lunch stop, where there weren’t many vegetarain options but they did offer to make me a salad.

Then it was on to Salamander Bay and the Pacific Blue Resort – our home for the next 7 nights.

We got checked in…

admired the lovely lobby,

And found our 3 bedroom apartment.

It is really lovely and our private plunge pool is so very cute.

My room…

and bathroom…can’t wait to indulge in a spa bath.

After we unpacked Mum, Amy and I headed to the shopping center, which is just a few minutes away. Pop and Christy stayed behind as she was desperate to get in the pool.

We got our groceries and here’s where things went wrong. When I was packing the car I managed to lock the remote key in the boot. All the doors were locked which meant we were locked out and the groceries (including lots of cold foods) were locked in :-(. It’s my Dad’s car and I’m obviously not used to it. So I rang BMW and were told someone would come out in the next hour. So I waited in the shopping center (and out of the very hot sun). I had sent Nan & Amy back to our apartment (luckily it wasn’t very far) and later Pop came over. A short while later I received a call to say it was unlikely they’d be able to access the car and we needed to get the spare key….from home. They did offer to get a courier to pick it up but we wouldn’t get it for a few days so Kevin kindly said he’d drive up with up.

Dad & I walked back and since it was getting towards dinner time (and our dinner was in the car) we went to get some dinner from the restaurant. Just as we opened the door the pool man had arrived – our pool was looking a little cloudy. When we came back we found Christy out chatting with the man – which is so typically Christy.

There wasn’t a lot to chose from on the menu but it was food so that was good. I chose  potato gnocchi (the only vegetarian dish) and it was quite nice.

After dinner Nan, the girls and I went for a swim in the big resort pool. Here’s a photo I took on the way to get dinner.

By the time we went for our swim the sun was starting to set. The water wasn’t too cold though but by the time we did a whole lap – the pool winds all the way through the resort – we were a little chilled. But it was a lovely way to end a rather stressful day.

After getting into my PJs I played on the laptop and started typing up this post. I then put the girls to bed and read to Christy for a bit.

Then more computer time while I hopefully stay awake until Kevin arrives around 11.30pm.