A trip to the zoo

One of my favourite trips is to go to the zoo. We have been to lots of zoo’s but nothing beats going on the ferry and seeing all the animals surrounded by Sydney Harbour.

There is always something new at Taronga, this time it was the Tasmanian Devil enclosure. 

Night time exploring

Tonight we braved the cold and went out in search of a Masked Owl. We knew the spot where we had identified the owl before, at the end of Lysaght Road, Wedderburn near the old archery fields.

Alas there where no owls tonight, instead we heard some noises on the ground keeping pace ahead of us off the side of the fire trail. We followed along for about 100 metres and then we lost it. After a little while Stephen spotted three glowing eyes with his torch. What is it? On closer inspection it was a Koala and its joey in the crook of a tree. We think it had made its escape upwards from us. 

Update: This is the southern most recorded breeding koala (Campbelltown records). 

A day in the snow

Fun times ahead

Is this Australia?

It's snowing

Markers in the snow

No road surface, thats how deep the snow is

Virgin roads

He looks cold

Letter boxes

Rosco makes snowballs with his feet

Snow girl

Icy water

Snow dog

Too cold for ducks

Rosco chasing the car, 'Don't leave me behind'

Back to civilisation

Rumours abound that snow fell across the mountains last night. So off we go in search of adventure. Heading up from Goulburn to Taralga we first hit snow at about 850m elevation, this is looking positive. The snow gets thicker and thicker, the road is covered and by the time we hit 900 metres it is a winter wonderland. No one is around and we have the forest to ourselves. A wonderful day exploring.

Hop on a ferry

Our visit today is an amazing blend of 19^th century industry and art installations. We are at the 18th Biennale of Sydney at Cockatoo Island. Waiting in the line for the ferry there are many adults with lattes in their hands exulting the virtues of art to toddlers. An ambitious endeavour.

The island is in the middle of Sydney Harbour and has been used as convict site, dockyards and boys prison. The most dominant features are the dockyards that have built and serviced boats since 1850. We wandered around and discovered massive industrial cranes, huge factories and secret tunnels. All the industrial buildings makes this place a worthwhile day trip.

However amongst all this are broken tea cups spilling out of a shipping container, wind chimes in a cement bunker, steam spurting out from a rock wall and lots more. All installation art making great use of the island.

Exit through the gift shop

Bye for now!

Jeff and Mary arrive to take us to the airport. How is that for special treatment. We pass the cricket ground and lots of other buildings that all look so familiar now compared with the day arrived. It was only 3 weeks ago and seems to have gone very quickly.

With a few tears and a bit of trepidation I leave my London family and make for the terminal. I check in and continue the theme of the trip and wander through the shops to settle down in the BA lounge.

It’s been an amazing trip but now looking forward to seeing Stephen and Rosco.

Boarding soon, bye for now.

Champagne tea at Ladywell Lodge

Where I write my blog posts

Pesky squirrel

Lewisham history sign

Ladywell greenery

Final champagne tea

My stay in London is with Jane, a long time friend from the NZI days. After a 20 year stint in Australia she now lives in London. We are based in Lewisham which is kind of funny as my Mum grew up in Lewisham in Sydney and my boss, James lives there now.

Lewisham is about 6 miles from the centre of London. The history of Lewisham goes back a long way as the oldest road also ran through Lewisham. More importantly right near here Captain Cook’s boat the Endeavour was fitted out for the big journey to the southern ocean.

Jane’s house is just lovely and close to Ladywell station. My room has a massive window with beautiful views of the trees. Squirrels run around in the backyard, Jane dislikes them, I think they are novel the way they scamper around.

There is a great big park out the back with kids playing in the creek, dogs roaming and lots of football (soccer) playing.

Our day today was spent with a lie in, followed by a packing session. OMG I had no idea I had brought so much stuff and nearly had a meltdown trying to fit it all in. Luckily Jane is much more experienced at packing than me and sorted it all out.

Then finally we celebrate with a champagne tea, what a way to finish the most amazing holiday.

A big thank you to Jane for making my stay in London so wonderful!

Icing on the cake

Buckingham Palace

Garden Cafe

Cakes with ER logo

Us in gardens at Buckingham Palace

Nice view

Waving goodbye to Nelson and London

It’s Saturday, which means its shopping day. But first we detour to Buckingham Palace as the state rooms are open today. Well the lines are miles long but the palace knows how to run events with precision. We are ushered through and enter the palace via the Ambassador Gate and the Grand entrance at our appointed time. Onto the quadrangle and then arrive in the first of the lush rooms, the Green Drawing Room, gilded and set with florets, decorated with paintings, chandeliers and 17^th century furniture it is a sight to behold. The tour goes on and on though the throne room, picture gallery, music room and much more. It is all exquisite and very practical how the rooms are arranged for people to enter and leave. We have an audio guide that gives excellent commentary on the function and history of the rooms.

It is the most amazing palace and to see this on my last tourist day just tops off a wonderful trip. But wait there’s more, time for lunch at the garden café. Jane had heard that the café was good, well good is an understatement the food is exceptional, especially the cakes. We thoroughly enjoy our garden tea at the palace.

Then guess what, surprise, surprise there is a gift shop. More shopping. Then onto the gardens. What an event.

Back to familiar territory now, I will pine for being at Covent Garden on a Saturday, there is so much hustle, bustle and excitement. A few more shops conquered and then we explore Cecil Court.

Its time to retrace our very steps from the first Saturday. We go past the National Gallery, see Trafalgar Square and wave goodbye to Nelson. Then home for plaice and champage, or was that Champagne and plaice? 

Finally after many nights of cloud I see the North Star. Tick.