ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR

Air New Zealand’s flight to Sydney was smooth but = except for our small quartet -there was little enthusiasm for rousing choruses of the national anthem upon touch down. Disappointing for only a few moments.

We cleared customs and taxied to Darling Harbor – where Australia Day was in full swing. Our apartment overlooked the harbor…and settling in quickly left plenty of time to explore. We walked over the harbor bridge and down to the Maritime Museum. – a treasure that requires return visits to fully enjoy.

It was easy to join in Sydney’s celebrations. Top rate planning scheduled activities everywhere…from daylight to dark. At Darling Harbor, boat parades, and schooners filled the harbor, brass bands, singers and dancers performed on the ‘island’ stage, and Aussies streamed onto the multiple wharfs. “Ned Kelleys’ on stilts celebrated this “Aussie” Robin Hood and Sydney Nolan the artist who created his modern ‘face’. Needless to say, “jumping roos’ added to the fun.

In the evening, we walked to Chinatown for a fabulous Sichuan dinner before fireworks over the harbor. Views from the 6^th floor apartment were perfect!

In the morning, it was pack up and off the car rental. McFerrans pack a lot of stuff and somehow, it all fit in. We drove out of Sydney suburbs and down the coast to Tuross Head…through eucalyptus forests, cattle and sheep farms, and along wonderful coastal bays.

The picnic at Jervis Bay was terrific but the large kangaroo jumping across the field was even better. Jean and David promise more ‘roos’ over the next days.

Our cottage borders a wonderful beach…and having ‘loaded up’ on groceries, we settled in. Crashing waves, beach breezes, wide stretches of sand…and the Australian Open on the telie…a perfect evening!

In the morning, the ‘locals’ knew we had arrived…as lorikeet parrots stopped by to check out our breakfast on the porch. In the afternoon, sun, sand, and dips in the breaking waves! In the evening, Eric and David took their fishing gear to the beach...and this morning, just where they had been walking, a giant kangaroo hopped across the sand.

We're in Australia!