We had a lovely visit last month from Reg’s sister Leonie. Quick flight from Adelaide to Melbourne – shuttle bus from the airport to the city centre – train to Pakenham. Now it’s about an hours drive from Rhyll to Pakenham so we headed off in good time. Arrived just before the train pull in – lots of hugs and hello’s – catching up on news on the drive home. Leonie is a very gifted massage therapist and runs a busy business south of Adelaide. Also very involved in local community initiatives. To say she needed a break was an understatement! Lots of quiet times just chilling – jigsaw puzzle on the go – local walks and drives. Visited the “hides” at Swan Lake – a favourite of ours. Water levels high after recent rains. Black swans and Cape Barron geese in abundance. Lots of babies toddling along on the grass or swimming together as a tight little group, following their Mum and Dad. Always so relaxing to sit quietly in the darkness and spy on their world. Went to the pub in Cowes to watch the AFL. Our team was beaten soundly – again! Hasn’t been a good year! Caught up with local friend Terry – also got to know others at our table. All very chatty. Drove to Mornington Penninsula the next day – nice views along its west coast; green rolling hills and vineyards as we looped back through its centre. Visited the very colourful “beach huts” at Mt Martha Beach and enjoyed the outlook from Arthur’s Seat along the way. Dropped Leonie off at the Frankston Station – train and shuttle bus to the airport before flying back to South Australia. Hopefully she arrived home more rested than when she left.
Reg and I have been slowly making our way around the island – visiting as many beaches as we can. Not all beaches are accessible by road and occasionally the weather has been so wet and windy we could barely leave the car. Our favourite along the south coast is Berry’s Beach. Rocky, wild, deserted – well at least in the winter months. Enjoyed walking along the sand – spied the odd house built above the sand dunes. What a place to live! Have also checked out the village of Ventnor on the west coast – nice beaches, red cliffs – views out to Bass Straight and over to Mornington Penninsula. Drove on to Red Rocks Beach – sits right on the west/north corner of the island. Seas are much calmer on the north coast – more sheltered. French Island in the distance. Great for water sports and fishing. Also the home to Cowes – main town on Phillip Island. Supermarkets, cafes, banks etc. Lovely grassed areas and yellow sandy beaches at the end of the main street. Recently chatted to Ray who was happily fishing off the end of the Cowes Jetty. Two flathead in his bucket – caught a third while we were there. Nice to get to know the locals!
Reg and I and friend Tiff have been doing a “Taste of Hospitality” course in Cowes. We only needed the food handling component for our job here at Allansfield – but were happy to do the whole thing. Small group of 7 – just the right size. Having so much fun. We hope to follow up next year with a cooking course. Frank – the lecturer and an amazing chef- is the best!
Now there’s one more last bit of news. Had a meeting in Moorabbin in Melbourne recently so decided to make a day of it. Detoured to Brighton Beach – rather upmarket area close to St Kilda and the city centre. Had a yummy lunch at North Point Cafe before a walk along the foreshore to the Brighton Marina. Great views of the Melbourne skyscrapers and Port Melbourne. Look forward to a weekend break in the city at some point. So much to see – just scratching the surface.
Love Di and Reg
This entry was posted in Australia
Hello Di and Reg, great to see the photos of your touring with Reg’s sister Leonie and your visits to different beaches. Reminds us of our trip over there in May and catching up with you both. Looks like there is good fishing to be had from the Cowes jetty. Phil eager to try next time!
Thinking of you,
X Phil and Annette
Fondly remember your time with us. Really enjoyed catching up again. Things are certainly different here this time of year. Lots of water at Swan Lake when we visited with Leonie – hardly any when we visited with you!!!! Tell Phil to definitely bring his fishing rod next time xxxxx