The Baileys down under

Well the Baileys have come and gone and after a few days rest, I have regained the energy to do a blog about our time together. I am pleased to say that the itinerary was achieved and countless activities were ticked off with much zealous from the dadda!

The two weeks involved lots of sightseeing, lots of eating and of course every and I mean every opportunity was taken to crack open a bottle of wine or to sink a few stubbies!

Dadda’s highlight was definitely turning into Bailey Biggles and flying high over Sydney in a seaplane- chops away! Momma truly excelled herself not only did she survive the much dreaded flight but during her time in Oz she went in a seaplane, held an Olive Cobra snake and developed a serious love of Leffe beer! I thought she was going to request bungee jumping off the harbour bridge as her next challenge!

Deb and I had a cool night out around Darling Harbour. We sampled cocktails in the Homebar, sank a few Bundies and coke in Pontoon and mingled with the locals in Cargo!! Deb’s highlight was probably the massage that she received from a three minute angel who turned out to be an attractive Canadian backpacker- I wonder why he got the job- hmm……

Chrissy boy finally got to go to Lunar Park after many weeks of waiting. The dodgems were a great laugh; dad managed to bump everyone except Chrissy! I actually drove my dodgem car better than I drive a real one that says a lot for my driving doesn’t it!

My highlight was really getting to spend time with Mom, Dad and Deb. I have missed everyone so much since been in Oz and to see them again was amazing! We must have looked very amusing to all the people at the airport when we did our screaming and hugging thing when we finally spotted each other.

Anyway I will leave you with a few photos but believe me there are many many more and the camcorder footage of course! It is going to be a very long xmas for all those unlucky enough to find themselves around the Bailey household during the festive period!!!!!

See you at Christmas!

The Ashes have just started here so Chrissy Boy is in Heaven!

Bye for now

Don

Sissies down under

 

Now shall we have wine or bundies and coke next? 

Dadda and the emu

 

Watch your fingers dadda! Getting to meet the locals at Featherdale wildlife park. 

Momma on the pop!

 

This is a photo of the momma and her new best friend- Leffe Beer. She was quoted as saying "I don't care where we go as long as the beer is good". 

Hunter Valley wine tasting

 

Now that's the way to do it! The lads wine tasting! 

Feeding time at the zoo

 

Chrissy boy getting to grips with his ribs!!! 

Manly

 

After a day on the beach we decided to tuck into a steak or two! 

Debba and a furry friend

 

Taking a break from the eating and drinking to meet the locals at Featherdale wildlife park. 

Jordon's seafood restaurant

 

Now where do you start with all that lot............... 

Bailey Biggles

 

Dadda and Momma had a great time flying over Sydney in there very own seaplane (with a pilot of course!!!) 

Red Rocket Adventures

Sorry about the lack of blogging but we have been having such a fab time that I haven’t had two mins to sit and do this. Also the weather has been so nice this week that we have been getting down the beach! Sorry to rub it in, but I need to get as much sun as possible because I doubt whether I will see it again in Brum until around April time- what do you reckon?

Anyway before I talk about the Bailey visit to Oz I will bring you up to speed on our Red Rocket Adventures. Basically we had an amazing time we saw some fantastic places and met a really nice bunch of people from all over the world, although mainly Europeans and Aussies of course.

The week involved lots of travelling it’s a very long way between Alice Springs in the Red Centre and Darwin in the North! We camped out in various locations along the way and Chris and I opted to sleep under the stars in a swag! It was an amazing experience especially when we saw shooting stars in the sky! I thought that we may be eaten alive by mozzies out there but we didn’t (they did however take a real liking to Chrissy boy but opted to dine on him during the day rather than at night!!)

It is difficult to describe the beauty of some of the places that we visited so I thought that a range of photos from the week would be a better way to capture our time in the Northern Territory or as I call it the real Australia!!!!

So here goes!

Hiking up Kings Canyon

 

The first part of this hike was extremely difficult (Claire knows what I mean as she did it too!) especially when the temp was 36 degrees c! Keep going Chrissy....... 

Swagging it!

 

Ok I look a bit rough but what would you look like getting up at 4 am!!!! The swag experience was amazing though the stars were the brightest I had ever seen and there is something very peaceful about sleeping under the stars- honest! 

Uluru (ayres rock)

 

Ok it is just a great big rock but it is a strange sight to see this massive sandstone monolith smack bang in the middle of nowhere and the way it changed colour during the sunrise was, as the aussies would say- awesome! 

The Devils Marbles

 

These were a strange array of rock boulders that have occurred naturally over millions of years- there were loads of them in all sorts of strange arrangements! 

Mataranka Thermal Springs

 

Now it's not every day that you can say, that you have had a dip in a natural thermal spring! It was strangely refreshing even though the water temp matched that of the air temp which was around 34 degrees c! 

Edith Falls

 

This place was truly beautiful. Chrissy boy managed to swim over to the waterfall and back. I got halfway and decided to turn back- maybe I needed some waterwings!!!!!!! 

Kakadu National Park- Mary River Wetlands

 

The climate is very different once you across the Tropic Of Capricorn, it goes from semi-arid in the red centre to the tropics further north. They don't have seasons like us but they do have a dry and wet season. During our time on the boat cruise we saw lots of flora and fauna that inhabit the Mary River including saltwater crocs!!! What do you think of this fella? 

Jim Jim Falls

 

It should be called Don Don Falls. We had to do loads of hiking over lots of precarious rocks to get to this place- it was worth it as it had waterfalls and beautiful secluded beaches. Unfortunately I am not very well designed to hike over large rocks and took a tumble- it's a good job our Aussie guide Luke had his first aid kit ready!!! 

Recovering in Darwin

 

Looks like Chrissy boy is having trouble staying awake to drink his beer! It was a pretty full on week so we'll let him off! 

The end of civilisation as we know it

G’day everyone!

I thought it was about time I wrote another blog entry- so here it is!

We have been enjoying our time in Sydney immensely. It has been so nice having lots of time to explore all the suburbs and see places that we didn’t get to see on our last visit.

Since my last blog we went on the train to visit a place called Wollongong, which is a town about an hour and a half from Sydney. We had a look around and enjoyed exploring the beach areas and shopping precincts.

The only bit of trouble that we had was that I tripped up on a paving stone and broke my sandal. We then had to endure a very slow walk back to the shopping area, with me hobbling with one sandal one and one sandal off! On the upside I got to buy not one but two pairs of new ones- what a result!

We also spent a very enjoyable day at Randwick races the other Saturday. We did extremely well and between us managed to win the first four races! Unfortunately due to our strict budget keeping we only put $2 each on per race, so we never made much profit. In fact on one of the races with our bets combined we actually made a loss.

Anyway never mind it was a great experience and been a girly I liked looking at the horses close up before each race and we had enough money for us both to get, shall we say a little tipsy!

We have both been very good and have made the effort to go swimming at least three times a week. I managed to swim sixty lengths in half an hour the other day but felt like a needed a lie down afterwards.

The weather has started to warm up nicely although it is rather erratic at this time of year. One day it will be in the high twenties and lovely and sunny, the next it will be nineteen and overcast. A couple of days last week it got to 36 degrees C so of course we were straight down the beach! The weather will definitely be hotting up by the time the Bailey posse arrive on our doorstep!

Yesterday we walked from Cammeray down to Milson’s Point via North Sydney. This is about a half hour walk and gets my fat legs moving. We then walked over the Harbour Bridge which again takes about half an hour but is well worth it (especially at the other end when you come down the stairs and find yourself in the Rocks right next to two cracking pubs!) We will make the Baileys do the Bridge walk and reward them with a pub crawl around the Rocks! What more of an incentive could they need!

It is now just over two weeks until mom, dad and Deb arrive in Sydney and we can’t wait to see them. We have been very busy planning loads of things to do with them and to be honest I am counting the days down now. It seems like ages since we were in Brum and a life time since we saw our families. I’m just soooooooooooooooooo excited to see them again! Also I’m sure Chris will be glad for me to talk someone else to death for a change- I’ve always liked a good natter!

Before the Bailey time we are going on a really cool adventure this Saturday to Alice Springs, Ayres Rock and Darwin stopping off at loads of nice places on the way. I will leave you now with a 'brief' itinerary, so you know what we are up to and where we are(basically in the middle of bloody nowhere!)

Sat 21st October- fly to Alice Springs and survive a day and night in what Claire described as a dog hole! Thank God we have managed to sort out our own accommodation in the YHA hostel, as the place the tour company offered us, is supposed to be the worst hostel in the whole of Oz, according to reviews from other travellers!

Sun 22nd October- we are picked up at 5.10am (in the morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) to start our journey to Kings Canyon and Uluru (the proper name for Ayres Rock). Firstly we travel to Kings Canyon where we explore the spectacular North and South Walls, Amphitheatre, Lost City and the Garden of Eden. After lunch we journey to Uluru for our overnight stay in a permanent campsite (what no five star hotel!!!)

Mon 23rd Oct- another early start today so that we catch the sunrise at Uluru. Then we get to do a base walk or climb Uluru which I am not going to do as it is disrespectful to the Aborginals as the rock is sacred to them (nothing to do with me been too lazy to get up there of course!). Next we visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and learn about the significance of this spiritual place (I think we will both be needing a little tipple of spirits by now!) Then we journey back to Alice for an overnight stay in our hostel.

Tues 24th Oct- we cross the Tropic of Capricorn (now that’s not something you can say every day!) before stopping at a place called Ti Tree. Next we stop at Barrow Creek Pub (now that sounds more like it!) to view the historic Telegraph Station and then travel onto the Devils Marbles which are precariously balanced boulders sacred to the traditional owners. Next we travel to Banka Banka for an overnight stay at a cattle station and a dip in a picturesque waterhole. (I just hope the cows have an early start in the morning too and turn in early!)

Wed 25th Oct- Today we head further north to the famous outback pub at Daly Waters (nice!) which is the oldest pub in the Northern Territory and the first international airport in Australia (how bizarre is that!). After lunch we head to Mataranka to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the crystal clear thermal springs (now this sounds good to me). Late afternoon we travel to Katherine Gorge for another night of camping (lets hope it’s not like Carry on Camping!)

Thurs 26th Oct- Firstly HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CLAIRE on this day! Today we can spend half a day canoeing or cruising the gorge (I’ll do the cruising, Chrissy can do the canoeing bit!) After lunch we head to Darwin via EDITH Falls and Adelaide River. In Darwin we have booked a nice double room with private bathroom so a welcome break from the camping here I think.

Fri 27th Oct- Today sounds cool as we get to view wildlife at the Mary River Wetlands on a Crocodile and wildlife cruise!!!!!!!! After this we visit Bowali Visitor Centre and Ubirr Rock. Then yes you’ve guessed it another night of camping, this time in Kakadu National Park ( I hope the crocs aren’t hungry that night!)

Sat 28th Oct- Our first stop is a place called Jim Jim Falls, then we journey to Twin Falls where we join a National Park operated boat and boardwalk experience up the stunning gorge to the waterfall where we get to chill before returning to Darwin. On our return we have a night in our hostel again to recover a little!

Sun 29th Oct- We have this day free for ourselves so that we can explore Darwin a little more.

Mon 30th Oct- Fly back to Sydney.

So what do you reckon? It is better than a wet week in Brum don’t you think!!

Bye for now

Chrissy boy on Manly beach

 

Not a typical Friday 

Supping wine at Manly Wharf hotel

 

This is pure research for the Baileys visit- honest 

Manly Beach

 

How good does that look! 

Tunks Park

 

This is the life!! 

Tunks Park

 


This is our local park- it beats Red House park any day! 

Balmoral Beachy

  

G’day Possums!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’m here again to tell you about the truly wonderful time that we are having in Sydney! I now consider myself to be a sydneysider- yes I have been seduced by the sights of this superb city (Chris still has his loyalty with Melbourne and considers himself a true Melburnian through and through)

We have spent the last couple of weeks getting to know Sydney. It’s great to have the time to really explore, as last year we were only here for a few days so only got to see the main touristy things.

Big Sister Claire was soooooooooo right when she said the North Shore was the place to live. There are so many places to see and you feel like you are a true local. We live in a place called Cammeray which is a small but friendly suburb with a nice mix of people.

We have already sampled some great meat from our local butcher and exchanged friendly banter with them! Those of you who know the League of Gentlemen should note that the butchers are a strange looking pair and would be right at home in Roysten Vasey! Seriously the one guy has a humpback and the other has deformed hands. I was expecting an offer to buy some “special stuff”- may be next time….

The North Shore has a very good bus service which means, not only can we get over the bridge and into the city in 15 min, we can also explore other north shore suburbs with ease.

The first place we went to see was Crow’s Nest where Claire used to live. Well it’s a busy place much larger than Cammeray and boasts a range of cheap eating places, shops and pubs. We tried out the Crow’s Nest pub and went to find Claire’s old apartment. Well you’ll be glad to know Claire that it’s still standing. It was a strange feeling to think that my big sis had been here before.

We have also ventured to North Sydney which is mainly dominated by the city workers, who like us Brits like to enjoy an after work bevy or two! Having said that the area also has a good range of shops to browse in (this is a favourite past time of mine whilst been a back packer!).

We also explored Kirribilli and Milson’s Point (Kirribilli is right next to Milsons so mom and dad can explore both with ease). The views around this area are truly magnificent!! Mom and Dad are in for such a treat, their accommodation is in the best location in the whole of Sydney. They are right next to the harbour bridge, they have breathtaking views of the harbour and can catch the ferry over to the city. There is a little park called Lavender Bay park close to their pad, which I would say has some of the best views in the world! In fact I think they can stay in Cammeray and us Wheldons will stop in the Milson’s!! HA HA

We have also joined our local club which is called the North Bears Social Club. It is mainly full of old aussies flitting away their pension on Bingo and the pokies! It does however has a great gym and pool. We both love to swim so have made full use of the pool. I swam 54 lengths in half an hour which is pretty good for me!

The weather in Sydney was wonderful last week so we decided to check out the beaches. Bondi was superb just as I expected it to be, as was Manly. The surprise gem was our local beach Balmoral. Been close to us and relatively unknown to me I thought it may be disappointing but it was lovely!

Yesterday we decided to do some serious research in preparation for the Baileys visit, so we did a Rocks pub crawl ( all in the name of research of course!) We had a list of 14 pubs and managed to visit and have a drink in seven of these!

My personal favourites were the Heritage Belgian Beer café which had a great range of strong beers, the Australian which had a great atmosphere with the locals getting excited over the rugby and the Glenmore which had a rooftop beer garden with excellent views over circular quay and the Opera House. Papa will definitely like the Hero of Waterloo and Lord Nelson (we didn’t visit this one but apparently it has a vast range of ales/beers and the best PORK PIES in Australia!) Needless to say we will be visiting the other 7 next Saturday!!!!!

Our plans for the immediate future include visiting other suburbs like Northbridge and Chatsworth, Cremorne Point etc, etc and visiting the beaches again if the weather stays nice. We will also be doing further research for things to do with the Baileys. We are both so excited to see them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not long now momma!

Bye for now

Don don

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Alexandria Bay