Today was a memory day. It was one of those days that will stay with me forever.
We packed up and left Bairnsdale and got some petrol for Bonnie. It has been over five years since I had to put petrol in a car; just a little known fact and
then we hit the road. The boy likes driving, in fact in the morning you can see he just can’t wait to get behind the wheel again! Found the road we wanted to be on and we were off. Usual thing. Andy driving; me kangaroo looking. We stopped off at a little town called North Marboo to get a coffee and stretch our legs. Bakeries are a big thing in Australia and they do like a pie. I remembered this from my last visit. I opted for an egg roll and a coffee; Andy went for the pie. He could not figure out how to open the little sachet of tomato ketchup that come with it. The Australians have their pies and then spread ketchup over the top. I have no idea why. Anyway, next thing I know is this ketchup is flying straight I the face of Andy and not on the pie. It was so funny. Fortunately, it hit his glasses and there was some left for his pie, but it was funny.
Our journey today was around three hours (remember, Australia is big) and our destination was Phillip Island. We arrived at our accommodation and met our host. But her and the accommodation are so lovely. I think this is the best
place we have stayed yet. We both have our own room and it is very luxurious. Our host had left us some cheese and crackers as well as a lovely breakfast and we stood having a chat with her and her lovely little dogs. It is funny as I could see her trying to work me and Andy out. This happens sometimes it is obvious we are not a couple and I make it clear I am not his Mum. It really is funny how people make assumptions.
Then the day started. Andy said shall we look at the helicopter rides. In my big birthday year this was something I wanted to do as I have never done it. We jumped back in Bonnie and headed for the airfield. My first impressions was that the helicopter looked very small! The guy who served us was lovely. I told him I wanted to give it a go but was a bit reluctant and he was joking, in a good way. In the end we decided each to push the boat out and do the 20-25 minute trip around the island. Will was our pilot and he too, was lovely. He explained to us how the helicopter worked and what he would be doing. We then wen to get in it and Andy went in the front and I, goodness knows how, cocked my leg up and got in the back. I cannot say enough how much better my back has been since arriving here and thank goodness, because some of the things I have done.
Then we were off! It was amazing, absolutely amazing. I was not scared, in
fact I loved it so much I want to do it again. We went right round the island and Will pointed out places. We even went over our accommodation. Everything, obviously, was very small but the views were out of this world. It really was a wonderful experience and one I will always remember with fondness and total excitement. When wee got back in the car I was still buzzing with adrenaline. I would really recommend you give this a go if you ever get the opportunity. I need to find a man now with a helicopter ……… along with the 10030404 other requirements I have.
We went to Cowes for an early dinner (more about that later). Once again we found the lunch is 12.00-2.00 then dinner 5.00-8.00! They really do not do a
late night the Australians or places where you can get food all day. In the end we found a pub and grabbed something there but it really is strange their opening hours. We had a quick look around Cowes and I have decided that Phillip Island is somewhere I could live. It really is beautiful here. The reason why we had to eat early is tonight we went to watch the Penguin Parade. I have seen video of this on YouTube. Each night, little penguins come in from the sea to roost in the grasses. They know what time they are expected and tonight it was 8.15. Andy and I arrived early. Of course we did, we always do. In fact we even said that if we were penguins we would arrive on the beach an hour before anyone else! The doors open at 7.00 and no one in those crowds were worried about coronavirus or loo rolls and I did not see one face mask! Funny that.
You have seat on the beach and we waited for it to get dark. Then, all of sudden, you see them. Tiny little penguins venturing onto the beach. If they
got scared, they would run back into the sea and try again. They would come onto the shore in groups, for safety, and you could see them waiting for each other. They will say on land now for three weeks as they need to get their new coat. Then they will go back out to see for days at a time, just hunting food. It was so wonderful to see them waddle across the beach and then negotiate the rocks and go up into the grass area. They always return to their own home every time. It was amazing.
We then were frozen as it was quite cold so walked along the broad walk and looked either side and we could see them settling down for the night. They were so noisy as they communicated with each other. Nestled with them were these huge, grey geese and the old wallaby. It really was a wonderful site to see. Then I looked up and finally, the stars were coming out. Granted not as good as when I saw them at Uluru but I could see Orion’s Belt upside down again! I really do struggle to try to understand that and then the Southern Cross. When we were looking one of the security guards noticed and come over to speak with us. His name was Mick and he pointed out the stars of the Southern Cross to me and we had a lovely chat about our adventures and what we had seen. He was a great bloke and I am so pleased I have seen some stars at least.
Back in Bonnie it was time for home. Our host had provided a snack of cheese and biscuits for us for when we arrived so we sat and ate them and had a hot drink to warm us up. Australia truly is a wonderful country. It stole my heart when I was 17 and it is has a hold on it. There is just so much here to see and it is so varied. On our journey we have seen forests, plains, mountains, beaches, lakes, rivers, sea. It really is such a beautiful country.
As always, with my love x
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