TandA takes a loong walk...

So we decided to do this trek from Manly to Spit, but what is a Spit?...

 Beginning of the walk.

Manly seven miles from Sydney a 1,000 miles from care...

 We agree...

 T has taken this to heart...

Before she knew we were on a 4 hour hike...

T watch out for the possum!!

T where is Manly???

There's Manly! Bay on one side beach on the other! 

Aboriginal fish carving, still going strong! 

Is this a Spit??? 

 Is this a Spit?  No this is a water dragon iguana, I think...

We finally made it!!! 

Time for a well earned dip in the water... 

Well we thought we made it, gotta keep going...

 This is Spit!  All that walking for this???

That's a 4 lane highway... Had to take a bus back to Manly.

Oh well! We earn a beer or 2...

Bird is the word

Australia has the most beautiful birds.   So many that we consider this our "big year" .
These are crimson rosella- seen in the blue mountains.  absolutely stunning

This one frequently visits our balcony- known as a Rainbow Lorikeet.

The one was in the zoo, notice they tagged its legs

This may be a duck- but hey it is beautiful

Just another Cockatoo, they also frequent our balcony and make a loud squawking noise.  Happy to trade the NYC horns and  sirens for the word of the bird.  

Tagged

Kookaburra

Not sure what you are.....

 but Australian streets are filled with random empty "artistic" bird cages- waiting for you!

A flock of Galahs- in the vineyards at hunter valley 

 a roadrunner - spotted during a hike in Blue Mountains

Oh and more Cockatoos, on Hamilton Island

Birdy, why do you look so sad.....

because Australian's drive around in "no birds" cars

yep that's right- rental cars named "no birds"
still trying to figure that one out!

Cheers!

Derby Day!!!

It's racing season in Sydney and we decided to go....

Got to get properly fitted out to attend the races...

You may remember this suit from such places as my wedding...

Cuff links courtesy of my lovely wife!

A beautiful day for the races!

 Just 2 gentlemen of leisure attending a race...

Oh yes and my lovely wife is here too!

Black and white themed race day...

Side note: Hat did not make it to Sydney, still working on procuring one for the next race... 

And... They're OFF!!

Around the turn they GO! 

Annnnnd the winner is T!!!!!!!

$70AUS which is like $72 US, no big deal....

Needless to say a great day at the races!!!

Alex's 30th in the Great Barrier Reef

Hurray we finally arrived to the GBR for Alex's 30th.  We have been talking about this day forever!  Pic taken at Whitehaven beach, quoted "the 2nd most beautiful beach in the world".  The sand is 90% silica making it the softest and coolest sand we ever put our toes on. Also great for jewelry buffing.

Ok lets back up.  The Great barrier reef is the longest stretch of reef in the world. It is comprised of 2900 reefs that stretch over 133,000 miles.  We chose to visit Hamilton Island, which is a part of the WhitSunday Islands.  It is  a 30 minute boat ride from Hamilton Island to the inner reefs and a 2 hour ride to the outer reefs. 

                Hamilton Island is a quick 2 hour  flight from Sydney.  Here is the view  from our resort, tide moving out due to the full moon.

There were a ton of fun activities on the island, to help us celebrate Alex's big 30.   This was our first time on paddle boards, what a great work out.

Beware there are sting rays here and turtles.  I was scared but Alex managed to swim with the turtle.  

More fun to be had on this tiny island, there are no cars, just golf carts to drive around.  Seat belts included.

And since this is Queenslands territory, we were allowed to cuddle with Koalas!  The nails did hurt my arm!



Ok on to more of Alex's week of birthday activities...

 We made 2 dives on the outer reef.  It was breath taking and the most beautiful reef I have ever seen.

 Matching stinger suits to prevent jelly fish from attacking us.

and we are off!

Misson accomplished!

Day of Birthday Skype....hello Whitey, Ro, Rob and Sara! 

Opening cards  on the balcony from family- thank you mom/dad, grandma, aunt barbara/uncle bill!

Thanks for the letter Gram!

Birthday rainbows...

Birthday Beaches

Birthday Sunsets...

Goodbye 20's its been fun! 

On to more adventures in my 30s!