What an AMAZING country--with hoppy things!!

G’day, Everyone!

Had a WONDERFUL day yesterday, our first in Coff’s Harbour – straying FAR away from the coast…but to take this chronologically…

Got up early and headed out for a walk … sometime when I’m running low on things to talk about (if ever…) I will discuss Australian flies … however…supposedly, our resort is advertising as being “a block” from the beach, so R and I set out to look for it … a block…right…if that’s an example of an Australian “block” then this is a WAY bigger country than I’d thought!!

Walked out of the resort, and followed streets and signs, and FINALLY – something that felt like 2.5 km later, after several VERY strenuous UP hills, there it was!! A wonderful cove, lined by cliffs, stunning views – and of course, we did NOT have our camera! (So, you realize what that means.. we’re going to have to trek that way again…) Basically deserted except for a lady walking her miniature Schnauzer and a young man setting up for line fishing. Had a nice visit with lady and dog, and headed back.

Showers all around, as we’d really worked up a sweat – and were ready about 9 to head out toward the Jacaranda Festival in Grafton. Stopped first along the way at a small farmer’s market, but seemed to be more fleas (and flies!) than produce! Then hit Grafton. Beautiful jacaranda trees everywhere and even the rain the prior day hadn’t completely stripped them of their beauty! We walked through the market there, and I was lucky enough to find a unique Christmas present (but I can’t say what it is, as it’s for someone reading this blog!) and then decided to have lunch. Found the Crown Hotel in town, right on the river; lovely porch overlooking the boats. People water skiing, canoeing and kayaking; very busy place! LOTS of water; apparently due to the recent rains, rivers were VERY high up, although we saw evidence that they had been higher! Robert and I had a Greek salad and a Caesar salad, respectively; excellent! Then we pushed on (stopping for ice cream – Magnum Classic; my favorite!) along a very winding road, looking for a hand-hewn rock tunnel. Road quickly turned to gravel, which we traveled for 4-5 hours; thank heavens for Norm & Marg’s Land Rover Discovery! Suffice to say that all four of us LOVE to drive…which was good, as we were on the road something like 10 hours in total! The scenery was nothing short of spectacular! We were on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range of mountains; lots of trees and water and waterfalls – rivers were high, and at times we were actually fording them! This certainly is our way to travel!! Thanks, Norm & Marg, for an amazing day!! We saw a variety of hoppy things – I’ve included pictures; both kangaroos and wallaby’s, although (sorry, Zappala…) we still can’t really tell the difference! Just know that we enjoyed them immensely!

We didn’t get back, though until just 9 p.m. and by that time, the grocery stores in Coff’s Harbour had closed (!) – and we were still in need of supper! So, found Eagle Boys Pizza and carried out two pepperoni/mushroom pizzas – excellent! (By the way, there is also a Domino’s in town…) Ate at the condo and retired early – exhausted, but after an incredibly lovely day! So…up and another beautiful (albeit cloudy) and warm day in OZ! Finished the leftover pizza (MY kind of breakfast!). Marg & Norm have gone work a walk; I’m blogging, and R is reading…think today we’re going to explore “town”; supposed to be a wonderful walk to Muttonbird island, and through a mangrove swamp! So! Enough of yesterday – there is today to do!

Much love to all!

m