Photos say it all...

Byron Bay is a trip looked forward to each year; I now hope this will be an annual event.  So far it has been a chance to reconnect with friends, family and to meet some amazing people.  Children wander from parent to parent and we all quite happily swap and choose them as we please.  Conversation flows.  Life seems easy.  Cares are melted away with early morning yoga but happily awakened with your own children playing in the park behind you. Subconscious or real?  It all seems to melt into one.  This seems to be my one time of year that I reflect on the past and predict the future. Like a car, I need to be serviced.  Byron Bay is my yearly service. 

Time to wax the board....




And hook the line...







Parents try to escape...

Children try to escape

Play 'Bay Watch' theme in background

surfing with cousins



Still trying to escape at night time, points for persistence.......



Faster, faster!!!!



Time for family and time for me; a time for understanding...



Faster Pa!

Faster Nana?!?




 



Practice on dry land....



Beauty is serene...



Attack aunt as instructed!  Now!  Woo Haa!!!!!




Corny, cheesy, beefy, fishy, chickeney.... what ever you want to call it.. "My Byron Family",
(No matter how far I roam...")



 

Shoo fly, don't bother me

After a good nights sleep, we were prepared for a day of exploring Hyden.  Our first stop is Wave Rock.  This was our 'draw card' in the first place, as it is Hyden's major destination. This is evident by their merchandise of t-towels, key rings, thermometers and stubbie coolers.  Wave Rock is a granite cliff that stands 15 metres high and 110 metres long.  The wave-like shape was caused by weathering and water erosion, which has undercut the base and left a rounded overhang.

In 1960, crystals from Hyden Rock were dated as being 2700 million years old, amongst the oldest in Australia.

After surfing the rock, we all climbed to the top to explore various rock formations, to view the damn, and enjoy the 360 degree view, (while spotting some lizards).  Warnings are given to wear appropriate footwear, and in hindsight thongs and crocs were probably not the best foot attire for steep and slippery rock climbing.  They had a picture of high heels on the sign, so I figured thongs would not be so bad.

Hippos Yawn consists of an unusually shaped granite top that was formerly part of the larger outcrop.  It is next to Wave Rock, and yep, you guessed it, was shaped like a hippo yawning.  You could climb into the cave and the children particularly enjoyed being passed from rock to rock like a swinging monkey, needless to say, a good workout for the parents!

Hippos yawn

Little explorers

There was a salt pool on offer, (every Resort has a swimming pool), only this one is a little different.  First warnings were from the receptionist at check in, "Good fun, really harsh on your skin".  Okay....  We spoke to some other swimmers yesterday, "Don't put your head under, it burns your eyes."  Okay...  Written warning next to pool "Enter with caution."  Okay...  So for some strange reason I was a little dubious to take the children in .  But surely this is where the magic happens, or was that just the Lake Magic? I am encouraged to go first, (I've always been hopeless with peer group pressure), and 'apparently' I volunteered to be lab rat for this particular experience.  The crowd sits on the edge telling me to "get on with it", I have a funny feeling if I scream it burns, I will be the only one swimming today.  The water was actually refreshing, and guess what else?  Magical!  I could not sink.  I was as buoyant as a rubber ducky!  On my back I could of quite easily floated reading a book and balanced a cocktail on my belly, I was not going under.  On my belly, my bottom bobbed above the water like J-Lo and it was near impossible to do a breastroke kick without my calves waving around like a beginner synchronised swimmer.  Due to the lack of co-ordination my children possess, (no idea what side of the family that comes from), they had both acquired many grazes after the morning's climbing adventures.  I am presuming by the volume of their screams on the waters entry, that this would indicate the burning of salt water on open flesh wounds.  Perhaps not my most proud parenting moment, but I satisfy myself that salt water will clean the wounds.  Keep in mind this satisfaction does not arrive until well after the screaming ceases.  Despite my judgement in parenting, the salt pool was worth the floating experience.

The last stop for our busy day of exploring Hyden was at Mulka's cave.  I had mentioned earlier the rumour of the cabins being haunted.  This is regarding the Aboriginal Legend of Mulka. Mulka was the illegal son of woman who fell in love with a man with whom marriage was forbidden according to their law.  It is believed that a result of breaking these rules, she bore a son with crossed eyes. Even though he grew to be an outstandingly strong man of colossal height, his crossed eyes prevented him from aiming a spear accurately and becoming a successful hunter. Out of frustration it is said Mulka turned to catching and eating human children and he became the terror of the district. He lived in Mulka's Cave, where the imprints of his hands can still be seen, much larger and higher than that of an ordinary man.

Fish and half moon

Hand prints

The cave was fascinating to explore. It was hard to see the hand prints, so I found myself going snappy happy with the camera, and viewing them after the photo was taken. Hidden images seemed to appear from nowhere. Maybe it was just my paranoia working overtime, or just the spiritual feel after being educated about Mulka, but I think I got an image of a face. Could it of been Mulka?

Do you see a face?

Mulka's Cave

The Humps are a large granite rock formation that is used as a water catchment.  After climbing through Mulka's cave, we trekked over rocks, through bush (stumble, trip, stumble trip), to be greeted by lovely views and more steep climbing.  We kept trekking until all 3 of our little explorers literally fell apart, I think the adults were in denial for a little while.  Fatigue, clumsiness and hunger set in so we cancelled our expedition and tried to successfully find our way back to the car.  I must admit, I am glad that I shared this experience with the children... but... if they were not in tow, and we were wearing better shoes, and had more sunscreen, and had more water, and I had a hat with corks hanging off it, then hubby and I could of trekked for a few more hours.  Regarding the hats with the corks; the flies were like an artillery of insect warriors.  I spent the majority of my time outdoors waving my arms like a ninja with invisible num-chucs trying to swat flies.

Nanas talking about the view

Shoo fly, don't bother me!

Wanted to trek some more!

Apart from the flies, it was a wonderful holiday, and I would recommend the area of Hyden to anyone wanting to explore inland Western Australia.  I would love to say we will be back, but probably not, as there is so much more of Western Australia to explore.

Day of Advertised Love

Many people give cards called valentines to people that they care about and sometimes chocolates, or candy if in America, and flowers are exchanged, too! But where did this tradition come from?

The history of Valentine’s Day is a bit mysterious to me. Apparently back in the 3^rd century there was a man named Valentine who was highly looked upon by religious people and was made a saint. However, there were also several other St. Valentine’s in history.  We do know that legend associates Saint Valentine with being a heroic and romantic person and the tradition of sending love notes comes from him.  It’s a good occasion to express care for one another!  Or perhaps "Valentines" was really created by 'Mr Hallmark Cards' or 'RSVP.com dating service' in an attempt to boost sales.  After all, look at how much money can be made on the hype of Christmas and Easter.

Basically Valentines Day holds two options for everyone;

1. You panic about how you can proclaim your affection for someone special without being too obvious.  Sending flowers once a year doesn't really impress, so it is time to stress over a restaurant, with a set menu of 'the romantic favourites' with a complimentary glass of cheap sweet fizzy wine.
2. You panic that you do not have anyone to proclaim your affection for, so you waste your money and effort on purchasing new sparkly collars for your dog or cat, or spoil yourself with a stay at home dinner for one, that is most likely portioned to be a dinner for two!

So you thought it was easy?  Why roses? Nana is the only one who grows them.  And to be totally honest, they hurt.  A lot.  No matter where you try to hold them, those things are lethal.  Is it a hidden message?  I love you so, but I will hurt you just the same? Roses are the traditional gift given on Valentines Day, but before you buy roses, know what message you're sending. Colour means a lot.
Red roses proclaim "I love you."
Yellow roses indicate friendship and freedom
Pale pink roses connote grace, gentleness, and gratitude.
Deep pink roses say "Thank you."
Lilac roses indicate the sender has fallen in love at first sight with the recipient and is enchanted.
Pure white roses symbolize truth and innocence.
Peach roses speak of appreciation and gratitude.
Coral roses express one thing with their passionate color:
Orange roses communicate enthusiasm and desire on the part of the sender. 
Dead Roses rregardless of the original color, dead roses say "I love you more than ever", just joking, "It's over" loud and clear.
 
And then there are combined rose combinations that bring on an entire new meaning.  I wonder if anyone has received a bunch of roses mixed deep pink and dead.  "Thank you, it's over", how very polite!
 
Shouldn't everyday be Valentines Day?  After all, it feels like it is when you are in the first 3 months of a relationship.  I would much prefer a post it note on the bathroom mirror proclaiming love.  Or even "please clean the mirror, love hubby", it is the thought that counts.
 
I am the first to say "don't waste your money on flowers, I would prefer quality time together".  But when I received a delivered bottle of champagne and dozen long stem roses delivered to my door, I must admit, I did blush.  (And then I thought, 'doesn't my husband know me?  Shouldn't it be a long stem rose and a dozen bottles of champagne?')  Actually, not really delivered to my door.  I received a call from the delivery service...
"Is this Mrs Gonzalez?"
"Ummm, yes"
"I have roses and champagne to deliver and you are not home."
"Ummm, okay"
"What do you want me to do?"
"Ummm, keys under the mat, light the candles, pop the champagne and prepare the oysters...."
Okay so I did not really say the last part, and luckily so as the delivery person was female and over the age of 70, (not my type).  She was, however, willing to wait the two minutes until I arrived home, then she passed the champagne and roses to me via my car window as I drove in the driveway.  How many of you can say that you had flowers delivered to your car on Valentines Day? Not many I am sure.  I am one lucky lady!

Flowers from hubby and friend, 2 dozen roses, I'm feeling the love!

Last thought, for now, the words.  Who is cheating on the Internet for a romantic message?  Be honest with yourself.  Don't worry.  Majority are just writing "Dear you", "Love me" on a Hallmark card.  Don't kid yourself, there will be no rose petal messages across your King sized bed that drapes an imaginary mosquito net, nor will that message trailing behind that bi-plane be for you.  After all, your name is not Audrey, no matter how much you try to alter or twist your nick names for each other, it is still not Audrey.  (By the way, happy Valentines Audrey, blah, blah, blah, seriously some people in Perth have money to burn, they are obviously in the first 3 months of a relationship.)
 
So I receive a card with my gift today.  I hope hubby does not mind that I share it with you.  (He is away in Karratha for the week, he has a memory like a goldfish, so I figure if I speak now, he will of forgotten by his return.) 
 
"Dear You,
You made my dreams come true when you became my wife.  I hope JK you will be my Valentine for the rest of my life.
Love you,
Me XOXOXO"
 

Isn't that sweet, although.... who the $%£& is JK?  Seriously, do you know?  I've been trying to turn my name into JK all afternoon, and it can not be done.  I've been trying to make cute nicknames for myself with these initials, like... JK, Jolly Kisser, or JK, Joyous Keeper!  But they just don't seem to be right.  So then it hits me, JK, Just Kidding!  Oh no! Is hubby breaking up with me in a Valentine card.  Just Kidding will you be my Valentine! Really!?!  Then why waste the money on the roses and champagne?

 

So once again, I jump the gun, or not jump, but leap a country mile over the gun.  Apparently hubby has no idea who JK is.  When he scribed the message to the florist JK was not included.  I am presuming the florist is single and hates this romantic day of celebration and is out to cause turmoil amongst lovers.  That is my guess.

 

Happy Valentines Day.  A day to let anyone that you care about, know that you are there.  Does not matter the message, or the colour of the flower, it is all about the thought.

 

 

Big fat tick

This was definitelyy on my list of things to do.  Maybe even my bucket list; you know, what I want to do before I expire?  My list seems endless, it is all in my head, and I add to it daily.  I guess I should really script it before my memory starts to go?  Every time I tick something off my list I seem to add another two.  Anyway, for now, big fat tick next to Pinnacles.

I was not really sure what to expect. Something on a smaller scale to Stonehenge perhaps? Considering Stonehenge is man made dating back to 3000BC, and Pinnacles are nature made limestone pillars.  Yeh, not even close.  Should of done more research before arriving.  I actually enjoyed the element of surprise; this further explains why I love not knowing about a movie before I see it. I do not like to create expectations, (this is why I was not overly taken by the movie Avatar... also, the fact that the man sitting next to us in this epic movie had horrid body odour that couldn't even be masked by a cinema full of that glorious popcorn smell.)

The Pinnacles are within the Namburg National Park.  They offer an interactive information centre that does not sell ice cream, (just in case you are wondering).  There is a 4km loop that you can drive with a 10km speed limit, that gives you plenty of opportunity to park and walk about.  The very cheery lady that took our $11 entry fee warned about the heat, ensuring that we had plenty of water, hats, and advised not to stay out in the sun for too long.  This is it!  I am as close to the desert as I will ever be, (or perhaps wish to be).

It was so hypnotizing.  It had an eerie feel, but was so beautiful at the same time.  Thousands of limestone pillars poked out of the ground, each was different, yet some appeared to be grouped together appropriately.  They were rough, smooth, pointy, rounded, ripply, holey, (yes these are my scientific words, similar to that of a true metamorphic petrologist).  To me, they were like clouds in the sky, each had its own unique shape representing something possibly I could only see. I saw elephants, hands, body poses and a kite.

Do you see a face or is it just me?

My daughter commented that there should be Indians and camels around because we were in the desert.  My son just said, "mummy, big rocks!" I guess his vocabulary has not advanced to the same stage as his sister's?  Hubby thought it was a bit like looking at tombstones, the place certainly had a spiritual feel to it.

I will let the pictures speak for themselves.  This should be listed with Australia's natural wonders, if not the worlds.  Big tick off my list, now time to think of two more things to add ... how about 'meet the Dalai Lama' and 'walk on fire'.  By the way, is my expiry on my bucket list negotiabledate... cna I get an extension of time?

By the way... if I had 'see a chubby man in a kilt dressed as a pirate with a vacuum on his back in the desert' on my bucket list... Big fat tick!

Hippy with foot hygiene

From Madrid to Jurien Bay.  This time last year we were living in Europe and holidays were always so easy to organise last minute.  Flights were cheap and short, and accommodation was inexpensive due to the quantity available in built up cities.  Now that we are residing in a place that seems so remote, popping on an hour flight to another country is not an option.  Last year my daughter was lucky enough to celebrate her 3rd birthday in Madrid Spain..  This year it is Jurien Bay, Western Australia.  Last year it was in an apartment in the midst of the hustle and bustle of a very hip city filled with wine and delicious tapas.  This year it is in a cabin at a caravan park with leftover food from the birthday BBQ we had the day prior.

Cake one

cake two

The cost ... pretty much the same!!!
The experience at both destinations ... priceless.

Jurien Bay is located 3 hours north of Perth.  It seemed like the logical destination to combine proximity to the beach and the park for the children, combined with a day trip to the Pinnacles.

Our cabin

Son trying to master the jumping pillow, not too successful!

I was only saying last week how I wanted  to go to the desert.  At this stage this is definitely the closest I have come to such a desolate landscape.

I am not turning into a hippy; but isn't nature wonderful.  The scenery on the drive changed continuously and altered from one side of the road to the other.  Plains of barren land, green shrubbery, fields of black boys, fire affected areas, salt lakes and large dunes the size of mountains sitting randomly away from the coastline. The surroundings were captivating.  Nature is bewildering.

Random sand mountains found away from the coastline

Actually, maybe I am turning into a hippy.  I was definitely moved by nature.  And, I didn't wash my hair the entire time that we were away.  I even dismissed my morning shower for a swim in the ocean.   Admittingly, I did have to shave my armpit and leg hair on the second day, and I continuously wiped my feet with baby wipes as I could not stand the sand on the cabin floor.  But that's okay isn't it? I am sure that 'hair-free' and 'foot hygiene' are high on the hippy list of priorities.
Anyway, back to the drive.  You know you are 'not in Kansas anymore Toto', when you start spotting signs warning of kangaroos.  Shortly followed by a sign with a kangaroo and emu.  Shorty followed by a sign with a kangaroo, emu and echidna.  Really?  Kind of cliche, 3 out of the 5 main Australian animals on one sign.  I commented that I would love to see a platypus on the next sign.  My husband is quick to point out that the platypus live near fresh water streams and lakes in Eastern Australia, therefore it would be highly unlikely for them to be found in this area.  Really honey?  I had to stop him before he started explaining the eating habits and reproduction cycle.  Obviously hubby does not understand the comedy acquainted with my new hippy holiday sense of humour.  Chill out babe, enjoy the nature, we are on a beach/ desert holiday.  (Doesn't sound right does it?)

Maybe my prior love of lemongrass incense and my awe of the scenery isn't enough to embody the role of a hippy, but I must say I doubtlessly have a new found respect for this part of the Australia, and as a matter of fact, this part of the world.

"I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror
The wide brown land for me!"

Blah, blah, blah... you know what I mean.

Jurien Bay

Perfect for the younger children

Our little helper

We only had 2 nights and 3 days to explore, but in that time we managed to see Green Head, Jurien Bay, Cervantes, Lancelin, Ledge Point, Sea Bird, Two Rocks and Yanchep.  These little coastal towns truly bought meaning to there location of the Turquoise Coastline.  We also stopped to see Stromatolites, Hanson Bay Lookout, Moolah Hill lookout, Grigson's Lookout, and of course the Pinnacles.

Moolah lookout

The only thing that hampered this trip was knowing that we were not to witness any of the wild flowers that are usually in this area... we missed them by a few months.  If I thought it was amazing now, then I will have to search hard in the thesaurus to describe it when the flowers are out!  We will be back.