After slurping down a large fruit juice for lunch we continued our drive to find the Tin Dog, a little retreat not too far from Byron Bay which Kath and Andrew had recommended ages ago. Armed with a list of directions we of course managed to get lost and were halfway to Ballina before turning back to get on track.
We couldn't help but notice that the roads were getting thinner and a lot bumpier as we got further into the hinterland. The local drivers were more than happy to terrorise city slickers from Queensland so we were 'nudged' off the road a couple of times during our stay. Thankfully defensive driving and frantic prayer were sufficient for us to get to our destination in one piece.
The accomodation was quite lovely with big rooms, fresh biscuits and friggin fantastic breakfasts all included. It wasn't too hard for us to hang loose and just relax.
Putting our tourist hats on we drove around the local area to visit Minyon Falls (deadly driving required), Mullumbimbi (dangerous driving at night involved) and Bangalow (grab the steering wheel and hold on). There wasn't all that much to see at the falls or in town but boy was the food good. The other highlight of trip was being able to see all the animals. We must have looked like yokels to everyone else but I thought it was like a domestic safari. Alison even got to pet the Tin Dog's resident cow Sesame.
On Saturday morning I decided it would be a great idea to get out of bed at four in the morning to drive down to Byron Bay lighthouse to watch the sunrise and take some pictures. Shame that we weren't the only ones that thought this would be a good idea so we were jostling elbows with other tourists to get a good spot on the railing. At least cutting our sleep short was worth the wait and we were treated to a beautiful sunrise over the sea. Interesting point of trivia, this lighthouse is the eastern most point in Australia and the local community congregated there during the Millennium celebrations to welcome the year 2000 to the country.
Sunday morning and we had the ceremonial exchange of presents. I received a jumbo bottle of smelly liquid (Armani Mania) and some slippers. Alsie got yet another boring ring on cheap discount.
After our second scrumptious breakfast we had to make a move back to Brisbane. We drove up to Mt Tambourine on the way back just to avoid the monotonous Pacific Highway but were somewhat disappointed with the scenery and shops. Well rested and fed I guess we're now ready to face another week back at work. Next holiday to look forward to will be Malaysia and Hong Kong in November. Bring it on!
2 comments:
I really hope you guys can maintain that relaxed feeling until November.
Some gorgeous photography Sharim. The lighthouse looked much nicer in your photo than it did in real life, and I love the fairy silhouette (we never found it in the garden!)
Thanks! Maybe the fairy was a new addition. We found them near the bench next to the bridge crossing over to the gazebo. There was also a little stone dragon there which I liked.
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