TOURIST TUESDAY: SYDNEY HEAD ON PHOTO FESTIVAL 2017

At the end of May we jumped on a plane, and headed down to Sydney for a couple of days. The main reason being Justin was exhibiting in the Head On Photo Festival. (Note One) But, lets face it, it does not take much for me to go on a holiday/mini getaway.

Justin flew down earlier in the week to set up his exhibition, normally flying solo with Jarvis doesn't bother me at all...however, a few days before we were to leave Jarvis was diagnosed as having pneumonia. And I was starting to feel like something the cat spat out, so knew I was heading down the same path.

But, my baby flew like the experienced traveller he is, and travelled like a angel, on the plane and on the two trains to our Airbnb location.

Our first day in Sydney, Justin organised to go to Taronga Zoo. (Note Two) Zoos always give me mixed emotions, I love seeing the animals, but hate seeing them trapped into artificial spaces.

That night, we all caught the train to Justin's exhibition. I was so proud of Justin and his amazing work on display. Plus, it was also good to discover other artists.

The following morning, all we had time for was a scrumptious mid-morning snack, and a play in the park, and then it was time to do the reverse trip home. 

As you can tell by the portrait Justin took of me, at the train station on the way to the airport, the flu had well and truly smacked me around. Also because I was sick, I made Justin feel sorry for me and forced him to do a couples selfie, which he hates with a passion.

Holly Molly, I have never struggled on a flight so much. With high temps and a face that felt so compacted, I am surprised the airport security did not stop me and drug test me.

Lucky for me, Tamika always does the airport runs, and picked us up and transited me home and to the comfort of my bed.

Sydney, it was short and sweet, next time lets make it longer.

Note One: The Head On Photo Awards represent a global selection of the best work from emerging and established photographers across four categories; Portrait, Landscape, Mobile and Student.

Head On Photo Festival, one of the world's most prestigious photo festivals is calling for photographers to submit work to the Head On Photo Awards 2017.

Note Two: Taronga Zoo is the city zoo of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and is located on the shores of Sydney Harbour in the suburb of Mosman. It was officially opened on 7 October 1916.

TOURIST TUESDAY: FINGAL HEADS, ESCAPE THE MADNESS

I had booked a couple of nights at the caravan park at Fingal Heads, back at Easter. But then it rained.  A LOT. The caravan park got flooded, and cancelled all bookings. Plus, the storms damaged my van. So we delayed, and delayed our weekend away. Then it came to the point I knew our little family needed a break. On a whim I called and asked if one of there Luxury Safari tents were available. Because, we wanted to go mid-week we got lucky.

One night. Two days. It was never going to be enough. But, wow! It was still amazing to get away. Plus the beauty of going mid-week is that we had the beach to ourselves, for most of the time we were there.

Long days on the beach. Fish and chips for dinner. Night walks on the beach. All things needed to nourish the soul.

One day, I will live near the ocean again...

Side Note: Relax in total seclusion at Tweed Coast Holiday Parks Fingal, an idyllic beachfront getaway with the Pacific Ocean and kilometres of white sandy beaches at your doorstep. With mild winters, warm waters and beaches that are patrolled all summer long, every day is a beach day at Fingal. Located just 10 minutes from central Tweed Heads, the quaint township is famous for its brilliant surf breaks and fishing locations, all within proximity to the park. Accommodation ranges from large well-grassed tent and tourist sites to Surfari tents, luxury cabins and villas overlooking the beach.

TOURIST TUESDAY: COFFS HARBOUR PHOTOSHOOT HOLIDAY

I was backing up my photos today and realised that there have been many mini holidays that I have not blogged about. So, I am going to go back a few months, and preserve those memories. Because, for me that is really what blogging is about, encapsulating those memories before they are forgotten. Before time and the business of the everyday world fades, those beautiful moments.

Way back in January, Justin had a photoshoot at Coffs Harbour, so as Jarvis and I often do, we tagged along for the ride.

With a selfie and a twirl of the skirt, we set off on the road trip. After driving to South Australia and back, the drive to Coffs was over in the blink of an eye and a couple of crochet granny squares.

The apartment was right on the beach, which was lovely. But, for Jarvis the most memorable part of the trip was spending the night at the fair. He has never been to anything like it, so was totally enamoured with the lights and the rides. It was a pity the rides were so expensive, he would have stayed all night.

In the morning it was a quick swim, and then a stop for lunch, and we were back in Brisbane.

These trips away may not take long, but for me they hold so many precious memories for my little family. 

Side Note:

Coffs Harbour is a city on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. It’s known for its beaches and the Big Banana monument and amusement park. In the waters off Coffs Harbour Marina is the Solitary Islands Marine Park, home to abundant wildlife, seasonal whales and coral reefs. Just east is the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, with its large population of wedge-tailed shearwater birds and learning centre.

TOURIST TUESDAY: ROAD TRIP TO SOUTH AUSTRALIA, DAY EIGHT

The last day of holiday blues were felt this morning. So it was fitting that the skies were dark and stormy. But then, it all cleared for a last dash to the beach and swim in the pool, before it was time to hit the road and drive back to Brisbane.

I could have stayed an extra week, so could have Jarvis, he loved the pool and caravan stay so much.

Only one stop on the way home, because Justin wanted hot nuts. 

But then didn't end up getting them? Macadamia Nut Castle, another iconic road stop along with the Big Banana and, Big Pineapple. What are your favourite cliché stops/landmarks? 

TOURIST TUESDAY: ROAD TRIP SOUTH AUSTRALIA DAY SEVEN

Day seven was a tough day! Ha...not.

 A perfect day alternating between, laying around. Spending time at the beach. Swimming in the pool. Or playing games. Uno is still a firm favourite with Jarvis.

Caravanning at Sapphire beach was... relaxing to say the least. Still my favourite caravan park to date. If only it was that touch closer.

Anyone have any other caravan parks that they would recommend?

TOURIST TUESDAY: ROAD TRIP SOUTH AUSTRALIA DAY FIVE

I was so keen to get going, and leave the caravan park. I wonder if I would have been so eager, if I had known what the day had in store for us?

The day started off similar, town after town. Continuous road. With a break in Yass, and lunch in Sutton. The end of the day, is what held the twist. The original plan was to drive through Sydney (Justin's plan) and stay in a caravan park just outside of Sydney. Estimated time of arrival about 5pm....

No. What happened was we got stuck in Sydney peak hour traffic. Torture for all of us. The stop start towing a van is not easy. Justin and Jarvis were starving, and do not function well with lack of food. I know just how hungry Justin was, as we ended up pulling over in a servo, and having Maccas for diner. First time in ten years Justin and I have ever had Maccas for dinner. The food was still as crap as I remember. Jarvis opted for banana bread and a chocolate milk from the Mccafe.

It was then back on the road, and my turn to drive to the caravan park. Justin and Jarvis must have fallen asleep in a sugar/grease induced haze, as they slumbered I started to think I could smell smoke... All too soon I was driving through bushfires. Very surreal to have flames on either side of the road.

Even worse, was the fact that when I finally got to the caravan park I realised we would not be sleeping there for the night! Bit to close to the flames! The whole entrance was ablaze!

There were lots of road blocks and detours, and we did not even drive through the worse of it. But, what I did drive through was daunting enough.

So I drove on and on and on. Trying to get us as far away as possible from the fire and smoke. After three hours, I could drive no more, so I pulled over and slept the night in a rest stop on the side of the road. There was a loo, and somewhere to clean our teeth. Wet wipes as a shower. And the traffic to rock the van, and us, to sleep. What more could we want?