We could have asked for a better day to see the reef. It was warm, sunny and calm. We caught the 6:53 a.m. bus near our place which got us closer to the pier. We arrived early so we hung around the coffee shop until 8.

On board, we were given a wet suit and our snorkel gear. As we headed to the reef, we were then given safety instructions while on the boat and then the people who were going to scuba diving were set up and for the first time scuba divers, they were their training. We snorkellers were able to sit and enjoy the ride.

After about 90 minutes, we arrived at the Norman Reef. After the scuba divers were off the boat, the snorkellers were able to get into the water. I took a water noodle which made flotation easier. I wish water noodles had been around 30 years ago. The water was warm and, with the wet suit, we were not only protected from jelly fish (aka stingers) but also from the sun. I especially liked that the suits were hooded so I didn’t get water in my ears.

I had rented a water proof digital camera and took LOTS of pictures (154 at the first site). Here is just a sample from the first stop. The coral and fish were quite colorful.

After spending 2 hours in the water, it was time for our buffet lunch and then to head to the second snorkelling location, Saxon Reef. While I was impressed with the first reef, I found the second site even more phenomonal. The water seemed clearer and there were LOTS of different fish of every colour. As the tide was going out, the coral and fish were almost touchable.

Some on our trip saw a shark while snorkelling. I had hoped to see a giant clam but only saw an empty shell. I asked one of our tour guides who said that the large ones I saw 30 years ago would have been 100+ years old. There are some smaller ones on the reef but not where we were today.

We were back in Cairns around 4:00 and picked up some groceries before heading back to our accommodations to clean off the salt water and reflect on our day.

Being Sunday, we decided to check out Kuranda which is a small town in the nearby rainforest. It can be reached by steam locomotive, cable car, tour bus or local bus. Because we left it too late to take the steam locomotive, we hopped on the local bus.

After a 45 minute bus ride through sugar cane fields and then the mountainous rainforest, we arrived at Kuranda. There is a butterfly, bird and koala sanctuary as well as markets and a number of shops and restuarants.

As we arrived around noon, we had lunch at Frogs where we shared the dining area with a large collection of water dragons. While they are not to be fed, any food that fell to the floor was quickly removed by the water dragons. Michael befriended one who would raise its leg with Micheal lifted his arm.

After lunch, I picked up some locally made souvenirs in the market as well as checking out the other shops. After checking out the town, we heading to the bus stop to wait for our bus when we had our FIRST rain shower since we arrived. While the rain fell, it was refreshing but once it stopped, the humidity went up.

After returning to Cairns, we walked around downtown to find a place for dinner. We ended up at a Greek restuarant across from the Cairns City Council building and where we found/saw the bat trees. The bats were squawking away and occasionally, one would fly around. As it became darker, more took flight.

It will be an early night as we need to be at the dock by 8:00 a.m. for our Great Barrier Reef tour. We found a bus stop near our place (yeah) which will get us downtown and to the pier in time. It beats a 40 minute morning walk. Goodnight.

After ensuring our accommodation at Double Bay was tidied, we locked it up and headed to the local park to wait for the 9:20 ferry. I told Michael I wasn’t able to push a 15 kg suitcase up the HILL. Upon arriving at Circular Quay, we learnt that there was construction on the train track to the airport so we had to take an alternate route. It meant we arrived just in time for our flight.

As many of you have likely seen on the news or the Weather Network, there has been devasting floods in the Townsville area. While I didn’t see it as we flew to Cairns, supposedly 300,000 heads of cattle have perished as well as lots of wildlife. Meanwhile, near the border between New South Wales (the state Sydney is in) and Queensland (where Cairns is), there have been some devasting fires. What a contast!

As it has been a travel day, I didn’t take any interesting photos but will definately have some in the upcoming days.

On our way to our accommodation, we saw a number of trees filled with bats which I want to get some photos of. We didn’t see any crocodiles but we have been warned to be on the lookout as they can appear in the streets. On Monday, we will be heading out to the Great Barrier Reef for the day, which I am very much looking forward to seeing. I last saw the reef 30 years ago and am interested in seeing how its changed.

Although it is only 8 p.m. local time, it is already quite dark, unlike Sydney that was still bright at 9 p.m. We heading out for a walk so I will end today’s blog. Talk to you tomorrow.

UPDATE: On our walk to the Esplande, the walk and park along the beach area, we found the large outdoor community pool shown in the “photo of the day”. While we went out after it was dark, it was still VERY humid. I can’t imagine doing this walk if the sun is out.

We have had beautiful warm weather while in Sydney and decided for our last full day in Sydney, we would have a beach day. So we packed up a picnic lunch and headed back to Manly Beach, which we agreed was better than Bondi.

When we were last at Manly Beach, we only had a few hours as Michael was getting together with an acquaintice he made through his book sales. Since we had more time, we decided to check out Shelly Beach, a short walk from Manly, which had been recommended by a local at our last visit.

Along the seawall to Shelly Beach is a marine reserve and there were lots of people snorkeling in the reserve. There were also signs about the local water dragon stating that they were not to be disturbed.

Shelly Beach “faces” Manly Beach and is sheltered in such a way that no wave come into it so the entire beach is available for swimming. The water was cool but is very clear which allowed me to see large schools of fish. I didn’t have my waterproof cover for my camera so the attached photo is from the internet.

We had found a shady spot to set up our towels which we had to share with what we called “water” turkeys. They were quite the pesks trying to steal food. Michael offered one a grape but it “turned its beak up” as it was more interested in junk food.

As we left to return home, a water dragon crossed in front of us and stuck around for some photos!!

On the ferry ride from Manly, we were able to see some of the sailing races that were taking place. We didn’t see a boat from Canada but did see boats from China, Japan, Great Britain, the USA and, of course, Australia.

And sadly, the ferry took us by the Sydney Opera House for one last look. Its time to pack for our next stop – Cairns.

After a late night for Michael and I, we had a later start to the day so we decided to check out the Royal Botanical Gardens. It is located in downtown Sydney. We chose to take the train so I started the morning with the HILL. I’m finding not as difficult so maybe all the walking I have been doing is paying off. I walk 83000+ steps from Monday to Sunday according to my FitBit.

Being late summer, the gardens were not at their best especially the rose garden but there is still a lot of local and other vegetation to see. I saw and heard my first Kookoburro today but due to their coloration, was unable to get a good photo.

There was an exhibit of carnivorious plants that we saw. The video presentations were very informative. For example, I did not know that the Australian Desert is home to two carnivoius plants.

We made out way to Lady MacQuaries Chair where we got photos of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It brought back memories as this was on of the first stops on my Contiki Tour in 1988. I’m looking forward to comparing the photos.

Interesting fact for the day. The photo with the caption is a fountain in the park. The water not only contains fish but also eels. The park has drained the fountain in order to remove the eels but somehow they keep returning.

After enjoying a picnic lunch in the park, we made plans to go the Queen Victoria Building. We’d stopped at one of the park exits to check the map and in doing so, I put down my phone. Only 10+ minutes later did I realize I didn’t have my phone which had ALL our photos. Michael quickly ran back to the location where I’d put down the phone while I sat and waited. About 20 minutes later, Michael returned WITH my phone. I cannot describe how I felt and how thankful I was that no one had taken it.

We continued to the Queen Victoria Building where there were some of the standard high end shops but also some unique ones, like Hobbyco and a miniature military figure store, which Michael enjoyed seeing. The building has a clock with depictions of Australia’s early history as well as some beautiful stained glass windows.

After 5 hours of walking around, we returned back to our accomodations. We had planned on going out for a nice dinner as it was Valentines Day but instead Michael went to a local Chinese food resturanat a brought in take out.

After a very warm day in Sydney, the temperature had dropped to more human levels – about 25c. While no cloudy, there was a haze earlier today which was quite thick.

Because it was “cooler” and because Michael was being picked up at 3:00 to get together with a gaming acquaintance, we took a trip to Manly Beach. To get there, it is recommended to take the ferry so we caught the ferry at the end of the street to Circular Quay and then the ferry to Manly.

It was too cool to say at outside on the ferry but the ride was very pleasant. Upon pulling up to Manly Wharf, Michael was disappointed with what we believed was the beach. We soon learned that it wasn’t the beach.

There is a pedestrian only walk with stores, mainly beach related down to the beach. The beach itself, appeared longer than Bondi. There was swimming area at each end. It wasn’t a crowded although it was early Wednesday morning.

After walking to the far end of the beach, we both took some time in the water. The water was cold but after being in the water a while, it was comfortable. Again, it is surprising how shallow the water is but it is also very clear. You can walk out quite far into the water except that the waves become quite large.

Since Michael had plans for the evening, I went grocery shopping and then I headed downtown for the evening. Being such a lovely evening, there were lots of sailing boats.

Not unexpectedly, the shops in the downtown were already closed by the time I arrived so I headed back to the Circular Quay to get a meal by the water. After dinner, I had planned on walking to Lady MacQuaries Chair where there is a lovely location where you can get the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in one shot. Unfortunately, the path from the Opera House to Lady MacQuaries Chair was closed because there is an open air movie event in the area. I then tried another route but it was also a dead end. I did however see some interesting creatures – bats. They were coming from the Royal Botanical Garden. Some were quite large.

As it was getting late, I returned to Circular Quay to wait for my ride back to Double Bay. This gave me an opportunity to take some night shots of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Hope you enjoy my artistic photos.

With the expected temperature in Sydney to be 37c today, we decided to take a trip to the Blue Mountains where it was expected to be only 27c. The trip took 2.5 hours from our accommodations.

We took a different route to get to the train and discovered an “Osborne Village” like setting just down our street. Lots of quaint shops and restuarants that I will check out later this week. After the pleasant walk through the “village” , we faced the HILL which it appears there is no means of avoiding if we want to get to the train station. It made for a good morning workout.

The Blue Mountains got their name from the blue hue that hangs over the mountains due to the eculyptus “fumes” When the first immigrants arrived, the Blue Mountains were considered impenetrable and took over 100 years before someone was able to find a way through the range.

We arrive in Katoomba, the key destination in the Blue Mountains. The downtown area is filled with lots of antique shopes, restuarants, clothing and other such shops. While it was a sunny day, it was VERY windy at Echo Point and Three Sisters but the view was still breathtaking. Other than a ranch, which you cannot see, the area is untouched.

Another interesting item: We haven’t had the “pleasure” of seeing the toilet drain in reverse. There must have been a major initiative to have all the toilets replaced with low flush toilets which don’t swirl.

After getting a couple of loads of laundry done, we heading out to see Sydney. We took the ferry, which is at the end of the street to Circular Quay (pronounce Key) which took about 15 minutes but came with wonderful sites along the habour.

We headed towards the Rocks known to be the first area settled by the First Fleet. Over the years, the area transformed to warehouses like downtown Winnipeg and now house shops and restuarants. We found a number of interesting shops including one containing paintings, didigeridoos, etc. created by Aboriginals from around Austrailia. Michael bought a hat made from kangaroo hide. I`m looking for a hat because I’m finding it isn’t taking too much to get burned. According to the weather network, the UV is considered extreme.

After a lunch in the Rocks, we headed to the Sydney Opera House for a tour. There have been a number of changes to the opera house since the tour I took in 1988 and since my visit in 2000. Regardless of the changes, it is still an iconic building to visit.

After the tour, we heading back to Double Bay before the evening rush hour started. We picked up groceries for dinner as well as meals later in the week.

We having a quiet evening in doing the last of the laundry and watching local television. Tomorrow, the temperature is to be 37c in Sydney so we are heading to the Blue Mountains where it will be cooler (27c).

After a short flight from Melbourne, we arrived in Sydney at 11:30 a.m. After collecting our luggage, we found the train which took us near our accommodations. We spent about 1.5 hours hanging around the mall attached to the train station as we could not get into the accommodation until 3.

There is a store totally dedicated to fresh produce of every kind and some very unique local produce. There is also a bakery and butcher. There is lots of lamb of every cut you could imagine including ground. One of the major grocery chains, Coles, is also in the mall. The meat prices were more reasonable than at the butcher but food costs are surprisingly high.

Interesting item for today. Coles sells kangaroo meat (steaks, sausages) and crocodile sausages.

Our accomodations is wonderful. As advertised, the location is just steps away from Double Bay. We are beside a school and our accomodation is attached to a yoga studio and a liquor store. The area is very treed and green residential area.

After settling into our accommodation, we headed out to Bondi Beach. On Sundays in Sydney, all trips on their transportation system (trains, ferries, or buses) is free after your first trip. Unlike my last visit to Bondi Beach which was not completely accessible due to the beach volleyball Olympic venue that occupied much of the beach, we were able to access/walk the entire beach. Being Sunday, there were lots of people at the beach. What was surprising is how shallow the beach is as you see people able to stand quite a distance from the shore.

After spending a number of hours at the beach, we made our way back to our place. It gave me a chance to update the blog, especially adding pictures that I’ve been struggling to upload. I hope you are enjoying the photos.

We woke this morning to a cloudy, windy and rainy day. Out by the pool, a flock of ducks had gathered and throughout the front lawn there were lots of kangaroos still grazing.

At breakfast, we met Lemon Tree, the local mooch.

After breakfast, we went to the Bellfield Dam and on our way out of Halls Gap we saw some “domesticated” emu. I say domesticated because they appeared in a penned area.

The roadway to Ararat was a very pleasant drive. The entire route is treed line with pasture or crops beyond the tree line. There is a lot of sheep in the area and occasionally we’d see a kangaroo hopping through the pasture.

Our key destination for today was Ballarat. It was a major centre for the Australian Gold Rush in the 1850’s and a Ned Kelly stomping zone. We went to Soveriegn Hill museum where I tried my hand at panning for gold.

Ther is still gold being mined in the area and we saw a demonstration where a 3 troy ouce bar of gold was created. Some lucky children actually got to hold the gold bar which was worth about $108,000 AUD.

Interesting item for today: We saw our first “Koala Crossing” sign although we didn’t see any of them trying to cross the highway.