Sunshine Bay

If you walk along the lake's edge, as if you were going to Fern hill, you'll find Sunshine bay. It was at that weird time of year, between Summer and Autumn. A beautiful spot that we pretty much had to ourselves.  I couldn't believe somewhere so close to town could feel so isolated.

Walk to Queens hill

At the top of the list for budget things I could do in Queenstown was this walk. Although a little steep at the beginning, it does get better and even my dear friend Louise, who in her own words doesn't 'do' hills, managed it.  In a couple of hours we had admired the view, sat in a basket sculpture (I know, aren't we just too crazy), had some cheese sandwiches and took photos for strangers.

I also got to use my amazing walking boots. They are probably the most expensive footwear I've ever bought but worth every penny.  No blisters, no hard skin, no worries!  

A weekend of snow

"....and I never loved England more than when covered in snow" - Laura Marling, Goodbye England.

My weekend plans may have been cancelled due to the weather, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate its beauty.

My Kentish Heart

When I think of home, this is what my brain sees.  And when the sun shines, its what you get.  Kent truly has some beautiful spots. In my first few weeks back in England, I spent a lot of time roaming footpaths and remembering my land.

Here I am not a stranger, a traveller or passer through. On the beautiful days when I wander fields and footpaths, I belong.

A volcano walk

Impressive isn't it? Our four and a half hour trek certainly delivered.   

After a twenty minute lift in a truck, we hiked through jungle for an hour and a half...

then came to the ash plains, which came as a 'flat' relief...

but, uh-oh what's this, yes its boulders to climb over and around.

However, with great heights come spectacular views and even when I was crawling up the almost vertical path, all I had to do was look around for inspiration. I forgot how beautiful hiking could be.

and in this instance, great heights also came with a lava pit. Note: if you ever do this, bring a scarf to protect against the fumes (mmmmmm sulphur lungs!) and a jumper - it gets a little chilly at this altitude!

In our expedition up to the volcano, we were extremely lucky to see the lava mouth so clearly.  Previous crew had trekked up here only to find cloud coverage.  After lots of oohs and arhhs watching the lava spurt up, we hung about eating our pack lunch and took a few more shots.

And then it was time to start the long walk home...

Out and about in Sydney: The Bondi to Coogee walk

 Way back in October, me and Zim walked the coastal route between Bondi and Coogee beach.  Along the 4km stretch we found the beaches of Clovella and Bronte, saw a pod of dolphins, rated the water side homes and walked across a massive graveyard. I found myself fascinated with the catholic graves, many of them the resting place of Navy men and their families.

After food and a nap on Coogee beach, for some bizarre reason we did it all over again!!!! I think part of it was because we didn't know the buses in Coogee.

Although the weather was cool and the wind was blowing, this is definitely a great way to see Sydney outside of the heads.  A definite must while in Sydney.