Up before Dan (which was kinda funny, as he was the one working and I was on holidays) and set off to do Manly and Palm Beach. First stop in Manly was the information centre, before going for a walk through the streets and around the coastline, to the Manly Surf Life Saving Club. Continued on to Cabbage Tree Bay and came across a group of scuba
divers, and found out they were heading back out at 12 today – magic! Continued my walk back to George before organising my diving gear and some lunch and took a trip up the hill to North Heads, with a fantastic view of the harbour and the famous Manly Ferry. Back down to pay for my dive and organise other gear before meeting the crew back at the bay. Not wanting to look too woosey I’d left my hood in the car, before finding out the water was a balmy 18 degrees – nothing like Cairns! It wasn’t too bad though, vis was about 7 metres and the reeds reminded me of James Service, but overall a good dive. Saw a few wobbygongs, sea snail, nudibranch, stingrays and a lovely little blue groper that dad would have cringed to see and not shoot! Back to the car to organise to hang wet gear as best I could before heading for Palm Beach, only to turn around and head back to the apartment as I was going to run out of time otherwise. Home, parked, showered and headed out to Darling Harbour, where Luke (friend from Mandurah) and his sister Jodie, who were on the tail end of a trip home from England were staying. Jodie had decided to come back with Luke, so this was her first time in Oz. Had a drink and caught up on the last 8 weeks before heading out for dinner, just as Steve (old next door neighbour from Singleton, same Steve we saw in Cairns) arrived on his stop-over trip from Cairns to Perth. So I went from spending a week in Sydney by myself four weeks ago to having 4 friends all there at the same time – madness! Headed out to Darling Harbour, found a seafood/steak restaurant and had the most beautiful dinner, complete with Preece red wine. Found a pub after that (who asked Jodie and I for ID – how cool!) and scanned us with the metal detector and bought Jodie her first beer... not just in Australia, but ever, a James Squire. Not hitting the spot I sacrificed myself to finish it and we headed across the bridge to another pub, Docks, until about 11.30 when jet lag was taking it’s full effect on the frequent flyers, so we departed and walked them home before catching a cab back to Steve’s place, where I crashed as soon as I hit the sack.18th October
Woke early with my mind racing of things to do (as always – if anyone can tell me how to turn it off I would be grateful!) Hailed a taxi out the front of Steve’s place with the address of the
apartments. I’m surprised the cabbie didn’t laugh at me, because it turned out to be the cheapest and shortest taxi ride ever, $4.20 (flag fare is $3.20). I was about 3 streets away. Went for a run (up more steps and hills, which I would later regret) before grabbing some stuff from the apartment and heading for Homebush and the Aquatic Centre, which happened to have a women’s triathlon running, so the main pool was closed. Jumped in the ‘training pool’ and did my 1km swim relatively comfortable, before cooling down (not that I really warmed up!) with some breaststroke. Back to George to dump wet gear and head to the Stadium for a tour of quite an amazing facility. Raced back and to the ferry wharf, knowing I would be cutting it fine and made it on the 12.13 ferry – but only just!!! Met up with Luke, Jodie and Steve at Circular Quay, with Dan not too far behind. Headed for The Rocks for lunch where we found this Italian Cafe, so we pigged out (Luke’s eyes were bigger than his belly, Steves were just watering from the chilly on his pizza) and were quite content to just sit and relax, enjoying the weather and scenery. Eventually wander back to Luke and Jodes, via the most expensive pastry/bakery, and sat there before Luke decided to visit Telstra to fix his internet. So the rest of us headed for the pub while we waited, and watched the Aussie’s struggle to get wickets against the Indians. Back home for showers before grabbing some champers and catching the train back to Lukes for pre dinner drinks. Ventured over the road
for dinner, which was good and cheap, before Luke piked it not feeling well (and for the remainder of the weekend was named Princess). The four of us then took the train back to Kings Cross, and started at the Kings Cross Hotel, where we played bad pool and had a few drinks. Jodie and I made a few trips to the bathroom, with the most unique faucet facilities I’ve ever seen! Walked a bit further down the road to another pub where we had a drink, until I was falling asleep at the table (yes you all know the look I get when I’m dead tired and had one or two beverages) so I piked it about 1 and wandered home. Didn’t even hear Dan come in!
Woke early with my mind racing of things to do (as always – if anyone can tell me how to turn it off I would be grateful!) Hailed a taxi out the front of Steve’s place with the address of the
apartments. I’m surprised the cabbie didn’t laugh at me, because it turned out to be the cheapest and shortest taxi ride ever, $4.20 (flag fare is $3.20). I was about 3 streets away. Went for a run (up more steps and hills, which I would later regret) before grabbing some stuff from the apartment and heading for Homebush and the Aquatic Centre, which happened to have a women’s triathlon running, so the main pool was closed. Jumped in the ‘training pool’ and did my 1km swim relatively comfortable, before cooling down (not that I really warmed up!) with some breaststroke. Back to George to dump wet gear and head to the Stadium for a tour of quite an amazing facility. Raced back and to the ferry wharf, knowing I would be cutting it fine and made it on the 12.13 ferry – but only just!!! Met up with Luke, Jodie and Steve at Circular Quay, with Dan not too far behind. Headed for The Rocks for lunch where we found this Italian Cafe, so we pigged out (Luke’s eyes were bigger than his belly, Steves were just watering from the chilly on his pizza) and were quite content to just sit and relax, enjoying the weather and scenery. Eventually wander back to Luke and Jodes, via the most expensive pastry/bakery, and sat there before Luke decided to visit Telstra to fix his internet. So the rest of us headed for the pub while we waited, and watched the Aussie’s struggle to get wickets against the Indians. Back home for showers before grabbing some champers and catching the train back to Lukes for pre dinner drinks. Ventured over the road
for dinner, which was good and cheap, before Luke piked it not feeling well (and for the remainder of the weekend was named Princess). The four of us then took the train back to Kings Cross, and started at the Kings Cross Hotel, where we played bad pool and had a few drinks. Jodie and I made a few trips to the bathroom, with the most unique faucet facilities I’ve ever seen! Walked a bit further down the road to another pub where we had a drink, until I was falling asleep at the table (yes you all know the look I get when I’m dead tired and had one or two beverages) so I piked it about 1 and wandered home. Didn’t even hear Dan come in!19th October
Sleep in!!! Stayed in bed and read until 9 when I jumped on the computer. Steve called at 9.45 to say he’d been kicked out so could he dump his bags in our room. Dan was still in bed (which would lead to him being called Princess by Luke) so I called Luke and we had a 5 way conversation about what the plans for the day would be. Decided to catch the ferry to Homebush and collect George before checking out Bondi. By the time we made it to Luke and Jodie’s apartment and then to the ferry wharf it was 11.30, with the next ferry to arrive at 12.10. Time for a beer! Of all of the cafe’s along the wharf, only 1 served alcohol, so by the time we found it left about 20 minutes. Jodie and Luke passed on the alcohol, while I went with a schooner (middy) and Dan and Steve tackled pints. When the ferry turned up Dan and I sculled ours, but
Steve couldn’t handle it and left a halfa – and would receive criticism for the remainder of the day about it. Onto the ferry and it was the perfect day, with a slight breeze blowing we stood around the front of Dawn Fraser (name of the ferry) and took in the sights to Homebush, via an unexpected delay at a wharf while the ambulances turned up for a female passenger who was unwell. Arrived at Homebush and sorted out George for all of us to fit in. Programmed Millie for Bondi and we headed off, back through Sydney and out to Bondi... except that the beautiful weather we were having meant that everyone in Sydney had similar ideas and were also headed to Bondi. The traffic was like peak hour! After a pit-stop and refuel at a petrol station we finally made it to Bondi – which was packed like you wouldn’t believe! With no parking in a 2km radius we stayed in the car and headed for Botany, and Captain Cook’s first landing. Busier than your average Perth beach, but empty compared with Bondi we got parking and headed for a look and then lunch... at 3.30pm! Then it was time for a swim. While the boys talked themselves up I took 
a running entry into the water – which was bloody freezing, but managed to give a double thumbs up to Luke and Dan, who then followed with running entries... and came up with some major shrinkage issues, apparently. All 3 of us then played it up to Jodie and Steve, who also made running entries with similar outcomes – well Steve did, Jodie obviously didn’t have that issue! Dan and I went for a swim and then a race into shore (which I happened to win) before we soaked up the view and the sun. Dan and I indulged in Mr Whippy before heading off as the weather started to change back to Sydney. Steve decided we were having too much fun and decided to delay his trip to Woollongong to visit his brother Wayne, so checked into a room in our apartment for the night – coincidently right next door to ours. After doing some washing (so I didn’t have to start wearing my underwear inside out) and getting reading we were back at Luke and Jodie’s just after 8.30pm. Into Chinatown for our last meal together, where we ate and drank red wine and laughed until about 10.30pm. Found an irish pub on the way home where we stopped for another beverage, photos (with Dan taking some interesting shots) and all said what a fantastic weekend we had had. Said our goodbyes to Luke and Jodie (mine was only temporary as they were going to Melbourne) and headed home. 
Sleep in!!! Stayed in bed and read until 9 when I jumped on the computer. Steve called at 9.45 to say he’d been kicked out so could he dump his bags in our room. Dan was still in bed (which would lead to him being called Princess by Luke) so I called Luke and we had a 5 way conversation about what the plans for the day would be. Decided to catch the ferry to Homebush and collect George before checking out Bondi. By the time we made it to Luke and Jodie’s apartment and then to the ferry wharf it was 11.30, with the next ferry to arrive at 12.10. Time for a beer! Of all of the cafe’s along the wharf, only 1 served alcohol, so by the time we found it left about 20 minutes. Jodie and Luke passed on the alcohol, while I went with a schooner (middy) and Dan and Steve tackled pints. When the ferry turned up Dan and I sculled ours, but
Steve couldn’t handle it and left a halfa – and would receive criticism for the remainder of the day about it. Onto the ferry and it was the perfect day, with a slight breeze blowing we stood around the front of Dawn Fraser (name of the ferry) and took in the sights to Homebush, via an unexpected delay at a wharf while the ambulances turned up for a female passenger who was unwell. Arrived at Homebush and sorted out George for all of us to fit in. Programmed Millie for Bondi and we headed off, back through Sydney and out to Bondi... except that the beautiful weather we were having meant that everyone in Sydney had similar ideas and were also headed to Bondi. The traffic was like peak hour! After a pit-stop and refuel at a petrol station we finally made it to Bondi – which was packed like you wouldn’t believe! With no parking in a 2km radius we stayed in the car and headed for Botany, and Captain Cook’s first landing. Busier than your average Perth beach, but empty compared with Bondi we got parking and headed for a look and then lunch... at 3.30pm! Then it was time for a swim. While the boys talked themselves up I took 
a running entry into the water – which was bloody freezing, but managed to give a double thumbs up to Luke and Dan, who then followed with running entries... and came up with some major shrinkage issues, apparently. All 3 of us then played it up to Jodie and Steve, who also made running entries with similar outcomes – well Steve did, Jodie obviously didn’t have that issue! Dan and I went for a swim and then a race into shore (which I happened to win) before we soaked up the view and the sun. Dan and I indulged in Mr Whippy before heading off as the weather started to change back to Sydney. Steve decided we were having too much fun and decided to delay his trip to Woollongong to visit his brother Wayne, so checked into a room in our apartment for the night – coincidently right next door to ours. After doing some washing (so I didn’t have to start wearing my underwear inside out) and getting reading we were back at Luke and Jodie’s just after 8.30pm. Into Chinatown for our last meal together, where we ate and drank red wine and laughed until about 10.30pm. Found an irish pub on the way home where we stopped for another beverage, photos (with Dan taking some interesting shots) and all said what a fantastic weekend we had had. Said our goodbyes to Luke and Jodie (mine was only temporary as they were going to Melbourne) and headed home. 20th October
Early rise to be out of the apartment for 8am. Goodbye and good wished to Dan
before Steve and I headed off for Manly for my second dive. Got to the dive shop to find out they hadn’t booked me in, so no instructor – bugger! Rang Steve and went for breakfast (my second) at a little cafe overlooking Cabbage Tree Bay. Headed off for Palm Beach, aka Summer Bay, was very recognisable, but due to the threatening weather, not very appealing. Various other stops along the return trip to see the beautiful scenery before deviating via Parramatta to get to Waterfall, and the start of the 140km coastal strip. The breeze was quite strong, perfect for the half dozen hang gliders floating around. Further south, the coastline was absolutely amazing, with a road that they’ve built over the water, so kinda a bridge, but doesn’t join two islands. Further down we came across the Scarborough Hotel, where stopping was a necessity. Had a beer before a phone call from Wayne, Steve’s brother, and found out we weren’t too far from his place, so decided hanging out in the pub was a good way to go. The pub was amazing, with beautiful furniture and spectacular views (just no sunsets!). Headed for Waynes after he called to say he was home, where we had a beautiful home cooked chicken kievs and salad. Sorted George out (as instead of repacking this morning I’d kinda just thrown in everything that I’d taken into Dan’s apartment) before settling down to Good News Week.
Early rise to be out of the apartment for 8am. Goodbye and good wished to Dan
before Steve and I headed off for Manly for my second dive. Got to the dive shop to find out they hadn’t booked me in, so no instructor – bugger! Rang Steve and went for breakfast (my second) at a little cafe overlooking Cabbage Tree Bay. Headed off for Palm Beach, aka Summer Bay, was very recognisable, but due to the threatening weather, not very appealing. Various other stops along the return trip to see the beautiful scenery before deviating via Parramatta to get to Waterfall, and the start of the 140km coastal strip. The breeze was quite strong, perfect for the half dozen hang gliders floating around. Further south, the coastline was absolutely amazing, with a road that they’ve built over the water, so kinda a bridge, but doesn’t join two islands. Further down we came across the Scarborough Hotel, where stopping was a necessity. Had a beer before a phone call from Wayne, Steve’s brother, and found out we weren’t too far from his place, so decided hanging out in the pub was a good way to go. The pub was amazing, with beautiful furniture and spectacular views (just no sunsets!). Headed for Waynes after he called to say he was home, where we had a beautiful home cooked chicken kievs and salad. Sorted George out (as instead of repacking this morning I’d kinda just thrown in everything that I’d taken into Dan’s apartment) before settling down to Good News Week. 21st October
Awake at 7.30 for some blog catch-up. Shower, breaky and Steve and I left by about 10am to head south. Checked out the port and lighthouse before heading to the biggest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. This was a great place to take a step back and reflect for a change. The serenity (and it was actual serenity, not ‘The Castle’ type) was fantastic, and made me
appreciate just how good life is at the moment. Steve and I both put a burning incense and said our prays/wishes/thanks before leaving, feeling very relaxed. Still heading along the coast road the next stop was Shellharbour, which was rather windy and not overly pleasant, but did have some great views of the coast. Continued south to the Kiama blowholes, which were impressive before stopping at 2pm for lunch at a thai restaurant – yummo! Said goodbye for Steve before setting Millie for Canberra, via Batemans Bay. Took photos of Seven Mile Beach along the way (which was pretty deserted, except for a whole class of kids doing surfing lessons – think I’d pass today). 
Stopped for more photos (yes I have gone camera/water crazy) at the Ulladulla Harbour before getting out for a walk along the beach at Batemans Bay, taking photos of the ‘locals’ relaxing in what was now rather pleasant weather. One more random stop about 50 kms from Canberra to take photos of the sun setting and rain over the mountains before stopping in Queenbeyean for a swim at the swimming pool – 1.5kms of quality work! Back to the rest stop about 700 metres away and set up for the night, cuppa soup and a muffin for dinner. Too easy!
Awake at 7.30 for some blog catch-up. Shower, breaky and Steve and I left by about 10am to head south. Checked out the port and lighthouse before heading to the biggest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. This was a great place to take a step back and reflect for a change. The serenity (and it was actual serenity, not ‘The Castle’ type) was fantastic, and made me
appreciate just how good life is at the moment. Steve and I both put a burning incense and said our prays/wishes/thanks before leaving, feeling very relaxed. Still heading along the coast road the next stop was Shellharbour, which was rather windy and not overly pleasant, but did have some great views of the coast. Continued south to the Kiama blowholes, which were impressive before stopping at 2pm for lunch at a thai restaurant – yummo! Said goodbye for Steve before setting Millie for Canberra, via Batemans Bay. Took photos of Seven Mile Beach along the way (which was pretty deserted, except for a whole class of kids doing surfing lessons – think I’d pass today). 
Stopped for more photos (yes I have gone camera/water crazy) at the Ulladulla Harbour before getting out for a walk along the beach at Batemans Bay, taking photos of the ‘locals’ relaxing in what was now rather pleasant weather. One more random stop about 50 kms from Canberra to take photos of the sun setting and rain over the mountains before stopping in Queenbeyean for a swim at the swimming pool – 1.5kms of quality work! Back to the rest stop about 700 metres away and set up for the night, cuppa soup and a muffin for dinner. Too easy!
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