Homesick Blues

I don't understand it. I haven't been homesick once since moving here. Instead, I have happily and effectively adjusted to my new life abroad. Don't misunderstand me. If it weren't for Skype, Email, IM and Facebook, I'm sure I would have had bouts of homesickness by now. But, I haven't... that is until the day I took my sister to the airport.

My older sister, Dayna, spent three weeks with us. We had a great time showing her around our corner of Oz. We spent most of the time in or around Brisbane, but the last four days of her trip were spent at a friend's beach house north of us on The Sunshine Coast.

Sunrise at Marcoola

Seeing the Sunrise over the Pacific on the East Coast of Australia


Sisters enjoying the beach at Marcoola

With the exception of two days, we were on the go the ENTIRE time. You name it, we did it! I can't say that Dayna and I were the most adventurous kids. Anyone who knows our mom, will understand why. She was/is a little overprotective (Love you, Mom) For this reason, I think we are both more cautious than we'd like to be. During Dayna's trip, we threw caution to the wind. Hell! You only live once right?

We zip-lined through a ropes course on Tamborine Mountain






We rock climbed at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs












We hiked in the Rainforest at Mt. Glorious






...and the coastal track at Noosa National Park






We kayaked in the Boondall Wetlands


We rode our bikes for miles and miles through neighborhoods and along the coast at Redcliffe






We took a 12 mile cruise up the Brisbane River on the Miramar II to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary






We pet some wallabies




We got a little more comfortable with the giant Aussie lizards






We ate a Bindi Burger at the Australia Zoo




Where we saw heaps of crocodiles and other animals native to Australia








We pet a Koala and some more wallabies






And we watched as a koala, who had been hit by a car, had surgery on his broken jaw at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.




During her trip, we seemed to gravitate towards places with superior views (which in Oz, is not difficult to do)






And we had delicious lunches and superb coffees.








All in all, we had a fabulous time. When the time came for her to leave, it was a little surreal. She and I had been looking forward to her trip since before I moved here, and now it was coming to an end. I reluctantly dropped her off at the airport and solemnly drove home. I felt a bit sad on the drive home, but it wasn't until I walked through the door and saw Ryan that I began to cry. Poor Ryan had to wring out his shirt when I was done. I've lived here for almost 10 months, and until that moment I hadn't felt heartsick for home. Thankfully, Ryan is taking a 3 1/2 week holiday from work next month, and we are headed home for a visit. Based on my reaction to my sister leaving, this trip home couldn't have come at a better time.

More of the Magical Whitsunday Islands

We've been home from the Whitsunday Islands for a week now. It was a great holiday, and we're daydreaming about returning next June. We have some friends coming from The States then, and we're hoping to convince them to join us. It is a magical place, and we think anyone who visits would agree.

(Click on the picture to the right to see more pictures from our Whitsunday holiday)

Whitsundays

We took a trip to Paradise this past weekend. The Whitsunday Islands off the North-East coast of Australia are indescribably beautiful. There are 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsundays. Most of these islands are uninhabited, pristine national parks. A handful have resorts and can be visited by hopping on board a Cruise Whitsundays Catamaran ferry. The first thing that hits you in these islands are the colors. The ocean is the most beautiful turquoise and aquamarine. They say this is caused by very fine particles of sediment in the water which scatter the sunlight as it penetrates the surface. Whatever the cause, the water color was unlike anything we've ever seen! We spent three fun-filled days here and had the time of our lives.

The first day was spent on board The Voyager, where we enjoyed a four island day cruise.


We started the day at Daydream Island. In 1930, a couple left Sydney in their Yacht Daydream on a world cruise. They got as far as the Whitsundays (only about 1,000 miles) where they fell in love with the islands. They purchased what is now Daydream Island and set about establishing a tourist resort.

After enjoying a buffet breakfast, Ryan and I only had about an hour to explore the island.

Ryan feeling the ocean and discovering it's warm!!


The main beach at Daydream Island Resort


A small portion of the extremely large pool that overlooks the beach at Daydream Island


Lover's Cove


Ryan and Me at Lover's Cove


After spending a short time at Daydream Island, we boarded The Voyager and cruised for about 45 minutes to Hook Island, which is the second largest island in the group, but has only one small resort.

Hook Island Shore


View of Hook Island Resort from the water


The Resort Store


Looking toward Whitsunday Island from Hook Island ~ this is where we snorkeled


Getting ready to snorkel... we saw some beautiful fish


After snorkeling, we went on a semi-submersible sub and got to see the abundance of reefs. Here is Ryan on top of the sub.


...and we saw a sea turtle swimming around...


before we set sail for our next island, Whitsunday Island. We cruised around the east side of the island and ate a delicious buffet lunch on board.




After a short cruise around the east side of the island we landed at Whitehaven Beach, one of the regions most precious jewels. Stretching like a pure-white ribbon beside a sea of crystal-turquoise water, Whitehaven is unforgettable!!!

Enjoying the hell out of each other : )


Stealing a kiss


Knowing that we're seeing something special


Looking south


Looking North ~ The beach stretches on for almost 7 miles


Sadly, we had to leave Whitehaven. We boarded The Voyager to cruise to our fourth and final island, Long Island. Long island is about 6 miles long and is covered in dense forest. There are plenty of walking tracks. However, Ryan and I were just too tired to hike by the time we got there. Instead, we relaxed on the beach and enjoyed a tropical cocktail.






The next day, we returned to both Daydream Island and Long Island. Cruise Whitsundays has high speed vessels that transfer day trippers between the mainland and the islands. We bought an island hopper pass and set out on our own itinerary.


We started the day by returning to Long Island...


We were much more refreshed than when we visited the island the day before, and we hiked three separate trails that gave us good views of the island and the sea.




We spotted subtle signs of island life,


Thousands of Butterflies,






Spider webs,


And a cute, little rock wallaby


before heading back to the dock to catch the next vessel.


Next, we returned to Daydream Island where we had a half a day to wander around and take in the sights. And, let me tell you, this island definitely lives up to it's name.

Wouldn't it just be horrible to watch a movie here?


The pool on the south side of the island


The helicopter pad where we watched helicopters coming and going


A great place for a BBQ


The three mermaids watching over the main beach



The wedding chapel with a view of....


THIS! ...and YES I did get an idea!!


And perhaps the best part of Daydream... our wallaby encounter (check out the video on my Facebook page to see more)







At Lover's Cove


It's a rough life... but, somebody has to do it!


On our third and last day, we stayed near Airlie Beach on the mainland. Airlie Beach is bordered by Conway National Park to the South. Ryan and I rented mopeds and drove through the forest and along the coast. Since we both have our motorcycle licenses, the guy rented us 150s, and we had a blast!!

Off the beaten path!


There's nothing like riding in a sundress and leggings.


Our long weekend in the Whitsundays was incredible. Words can't describe the beauty of the region. We have our memories, and we have our pictures. However, Ryan and I both agree that we have to visit The Whitsundays again before moving back to The States. So, our plan is to return next June and enjoy it all over again!