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Home again after a great time in Oz..... but look at the weather which greeted me. Not the greatest for sure.

I intend to keep the blog running but not the almost daily that it has been. To all who have been following my travels this time, I hope you enjoyed. I did, especially the comments you made. Thank you.

Koala Park

Had a great time today at the Koala Park, where there are in fact all sorts of Australian animals and birds, mostly being cared for until they can be reintroduced to the wild. Had to take a few photos of course. Also got one of both my grandkids together which I title "My Street Kids".... they were engrossed in watching the building of a brick wall just along the road. The rest of the pics are of a Dingo (Ozzy wild dog)...The feeding of a Kangaroo...The kids petting a Koala. Hope you can sort out which is which.

Last Sydney Stroll?

Went for a another stroll in the city today, may be the last this trip as I leave on Friday... and yes, it's Tuesday here. Spent time in the Museum of Sydney... great information on construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and on the tram service that used to run here. Some cable car and some overhead electrical power system.
Wandered the Royal Botanical Gardens for a bit and got some photos there of course,thought the sign telling me to PLEASE WALK ON THE GRASS was worth showing, then lunch in The Rocks and a ferry ride back to the north shore. I've thrown in a pic of a Manly Ferry... bigger than the local harbour ferries but with a peculiarity. It never has to turn round.... two bows and no stern so it is going forward all the time, sort of like the "pushmepullyou" in Hugh Loftings "Doctor Dolittle". You want to sit at the front end you go to the end facing the ocean when you board. Valuable information for anyone always wants to look where they are going. :)
I thought the view of the Jacaranda tree in the middle of the public area of Circular Quay was worth showing. Sydney makes sure you see blooms wherever you go.

Zoo report :)

Just got back from Taronga Zoo. It's a good zoo as much as any zoo can be good.... and yes we had fun.... went on the sky-ride and all. Took several photos, many no good at all, but some fit to show, especially the one including the baby elephant. OK I'll say it first.... "CUTE"

Thanksgiving

Yesterday afternoon we all went to a Canadian Thanksgiving lunch in Sydney, Australia. It was organised by a group of are, were, or maybe, Canadians who live in the area and wanted to get together for the occasion. Excellent food, enjoyable wine and beer, and the greatest company. Should have had my camera along but didn't. Earlier in the day I took a stroll and just had to take a photo of a Fig tree. Didn't know they came this big but they do. (No camera tricks in this photo). Also showing a pic of a small restaurant at Milsons Point almost under the north end of the Sydney Harbour bridge.
Going to the zoo this afternoon with a 5 yr old. You think we won't have fun ???? Should get a few photos too.

Weekend again

Not the greatest day weatherwise but Saturday was ok I guess. Spotted this Bougainvillea as I wandered along, and then the Poinsetta. Not shrubs we find outside in BC, at least not the Okanagan Valley. Maybe I just haven't been looking.

Return to Syney

Got back to Sydney on the bus last night. Good trip.
Found a few more things in Canberra yesterday before I left, like my favourite spot to sit and rest :) Also stopped in at Floriade (the floral display) again and actually found other than tulips.... but the tulips are really gorgious. I thought the pansy tree was neat too. Several of those around.
Visited the National Museum (interesting)and the Canberra Museum and Gallery..... some interesting stuff there too. Canberra is very spread out and not designed for foot travellers, which I was. And I thought walking the golf course was exercise? (Haha)

Canberra

Got to Canberra yesterday arriving in heavy rain... not a nice welcome... but it cleared.... Wandered as is my thing.
Today, Wednesday, went to the floral display which is running here. Lovely displays
of mainly tulips, but interesting to see other smaller flowers planted between them.... made sort of a backdrop for the tulips. Very effective.
Walked tfrom that venue to the Portrait Gallery.... seemd to be all paintings of people :)... actually lots of good stuff.... and then on to the National Gallery. Wonderful art.. much by Australian artists... would you believe "No photos" :)
And would you also believe that by the time I walked back to the hotel my feet were tired? Good day though.

Manly again

Surprise, surprise, we went to Manly today and it didn't rain the whole trip. Pouring and thunder now we are home. I must have done something right lol.

There is a jazz festival on so hordes of people and some very good music, mostly swing despite the title, but a couple of excellent jazz groups. Got a pic of a Manly street scene....A view from the seafront of part of Manly....The Surf Lifeguard crew, they were busier than they look here.... and lastly one of my favourite part of Manly. go figure :)

This post isn't set out just as I would like it, so you will have to figure for yourself which pic is which. Maybe someone will tell me how to do this in a better way.

Manly

OK Diana, you wanted a pic of Manly so I found one on line. "Cheating?" Well ok but not claiming it's mine either... Likely breaking all the copyright rules too.
Anyway woke this morning to rain.... it's now 8:30pm and yes... it's still raining :) Hopefully tomorrow will be a great day.

Yesterday (Thursday)

OK total confusion but yesterday was Thursday here. Accept it.
Went down to Milson's Point, just below the north end of the harbour bridge, and as usual I wandered. Also took a few photos, of which only one I feel is worth showing. It's my grandaughter Claire aged three, and my title for this pic is "Who Cares?"