Day 12: The final push to home

Pie heaven .. jalpeno steak ... fuelled for home at Coffs

Once it's time ...  it's time. No mucking around - we were keen to get on the road and head for home.

At one stage thought we were going to have ot borrow a trailer to get home. With true country style hospitality- we had so much stuff to add to the car - glass sets, plant cuttings, honey, passionfruit pulp and squash.

A final game of soccer with Ceasar and we were off. As an aside, the back gate was open all night and despite his ball crossing the boundary fence, Caesar did not leave the yard to retrieve it. He was busy guarding the car and property - doing his laps of the yard - keeping unwanted visitors off the property. What a great dog!

Game on Ceasar

Made great time to Coffs Harbour and after a fuel top up, made our way to the Ridgey Didge Pie shop. I kept it simple, but @Mac indulged in a steak and jalpeno pie AND washed it down with a mini kransky roll. He was in pie heaven.

We thought we would push on through for the last few hours. Ran into a storm after the Clarence River, but again, the dual carriageway - with only the occasional roadworks meant it was smooth sailing. 

Did drive home in pouring rain for the last 3 hours of the journey but in terms of traffic we managed to avoid all congestion and pulled into Farrow Street in the early afternoon.

Grass and garden, green and overgrown but always welcoming. Have a few days ahead of endless washing and ironing but what a treat it has been to have an outfit for every occasion without having to worry about laundry while we were away. Did manage to uncover an unused set of training clothes (including underwear) for @Mac and we both had unused togs. 

Back to routine for the run down to December and the endless chaos of Christmas.

Would we do it again - as an option to get to the Melbourne Cup - absolutely. Everything was convenient and we were comfortable and well taken care of. Was the Carnival Splendour our favourite ship - have to admit "not really." Definitely no complaints - more that we were constantly surrounded by the hub bub of noise - didn't ever quite find "just the nook or cranny" that was right for us. 

Time now to look ahead to 2026 and the celebration of @Magnificent Mac ... that adventure's planning has progressed quickly.

PS: Empathy shot. "Rumour has it my grandies are home today."

Day 11: Sibling bonding in Kempsey

Garden tour dodging the bees

What a great start to the day. A leisurely pack up in the comfort of the Meridian followed by a stunner of a breakfast in the Sports Club.

These NSW clubs are quite specrltacular and seem to move plenty of people through sprawling spaces. This one was decked out ready for Christmas, so scored brownie points straight away.

Plenty of choice on the menu and we could have easily stayed all day with the inclusion of the bottomless coffee. But we did hit the road just before noon and make our way north to Kemspey.

@Margaret and @Phillip and new addition @Ceasar welcomed us once again to the little neck of the woods that has a focus on honey and orchids - and despite it being Sunday, there was still racing!

This was just a touch base quick stop and were able to catch up in all the local news. Made extra special because cousin @Patricia was able to join us for loads of stories and laughs. 

Think we might need a trailer to take all the extras home that we have accumulated from here - or at the very least, set up a honey stall somewhere on the highway. So much honey! @Phillip has a thriving business going and @Margaret is very quick to bundle up the never ending stream of $5 notes. Loved theor story of paying cash for their power bill - all in sticky fivers!

Can't thank @Margaret and @Phillip enough - we are always welcomed here with generous hospitality.

Day 10: All ashore and no flies on us at Bateau Bay

A small collection ... prolific 

That's it - we are back. Pulled slowly into the Harbour around the 6.30 am mark and that was the perfect backdrop for photos for the sun lighting the waters of the Harbour.

Had one final leisurely breakfast with the group in the Pink Pearl before doing the final check of the cabin. Effirtlessly rolled the luggage to the lifts and down the gangway to join the throngs on the pier. A much better solution for us than organising packing by 9 pm last night for it to be collected from the cabin. The UBER we had booked, cancelled on us, claiming a flat tyre but our second attempt was successful. Arrived home to the Northern Beaches to be greeted by the Clew's grand children (nice surprise) and after a short round of colouring in - we were loaded and in the car heading to @Kathy and @Dave in Bateau Bay.

Long time collagues and friends from Suncorp days, we were keen to catch up with the ex Qlders in their NSW digs and learn something about this neck of the woods. 

@Kathy was our local guide. Their current home was built by her Mum - orginally was their childhhod holiday place and later was built as the "perfect home for old people." Sprawling, all on one level with commanding high wooden ceilings, it seemed to be hitting the spot with them.

Had a preliminary catch up then made our way for our checkin to the newly built Encore at Mingara (very special) before returning to the "locals" and afternoon walks and drives.

Another spectacular stretch of northern NSW coastline. Water water everywhere. North, south, east and west ... or so it seemed. Bordered on one side by the Lake the other side was a combination of steep cliffs, crumbling rock faces and sweeping beaches. 

The beach mapped the end of their street and it was a postcard perfect picturesque, sandy cove tucked between two headlands. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters, which makes it an excellent spot for snorkelling (@Kathy mentioned wrecks had been submerged here) and fishing right from the sand or the surrounding rock platforms.

Just nearby was Shelly Beach, popular with surfers, offering  

a more expansive stretch of coastline for surfers.

This was also the souther entrance to Wyrrabalong National Park and Coastal Walks and we had a chance to sample just a small segment as we scaled Scallion Hill to get sweeping views across the bay and into the oceans.

The only negative - oh my - so many little black sticky flies ...up your nose, behind your glasses and all over your back.

Covered the miles effortlessly with our personal guide and then dodged the storm that blew up from nowhere under cover at home woth @Kathy and @Dave. Kept it all very simple with mouthwatering pizzas from just up the road and a couple of wines.

Only a short trip back to our accommodation and the welcome of a comfy bed and a good night's sleep. 

Day 9: Sea day laze to Sydney

Brunch views

Slow and steady - we did not emerge until a 10 am call to brunch. It was perfect timing - we had avoided the crowds and found ourselves perched at a table with views of our wake. And, big bonus, the eager beaver, energetic, noisy, early birds had dispersed and we enjoyed conversation that we could hear, shared in the relative hushed company of our equally laid back late risers.

Headed out to catch the "Jimmy Pumper Cassidy" presentation and I don't mind admitting I wasn't overly enthusiastic - well not as excited as the real owners and punters in the group. As it turned out - he was a fabulous enteelrtainer. Had great personal stories and insights to share. A bloke's bloke and an ordinary bloke with big goals and aspirations. He told hos story of his journey from a stable hand at age 11 to his Melbourne Cup victories. Lots of humour but a genuine message that hard work and sacrifice  can pay dividends. (Pun intended.) This part was great but he was exceptional in his retorts, supported by quick wit and some self deprecation in handling the question and answer session. Was a great addition to the onboard itinerary and a definite old school Aussie larrikin. 

Taking in Pumper's stories

Even more surprising than how good Jimmy was, was the line up to buy bingo cards. Wow. They snaked down the corridor of the ship. With a $5000 guaranteed jackpot for the session, these little stampers couldn't wet their ink fast enough!

Visited the casino - and it was full. @Mac took in the roulette wheel and i qued up behind a lady to watch her methodically build her bank from $500 to $1107. Couldn't convince myself to play but did enjoy her successes.

And yes, we had to pack. But didn't let that interrupted the usual flow of drinks, dinner and a show.

@Gusti and the wait staff put on theor usual song and dance to punctuate dinner - their very own little corner of #Spectacular. The behind the scenes team made an appearance tonight so even more hyped.

When that earned its final round of applause, @Vincent the drink waiters asked @Loraine amd @Mac how they had been enjoying their Irish Coffees over the last few nights. Of course they had hit the spot. @Vincent revealed it wasn't actually something that was on the menu. He had in fact been galloping up and down levels and across venues - had to source the expression from the coffee shop - then visit a bar to get the whiskey and finally had to go to the bakery to get the whipped cream.  How embarrassing.  Now that we knew we could heap a more appropriate level of praise on his efforts!  Amd sadly, I don't have photographic evidence of the creations.

Jad an early splitting finale with a night of rock on the theatre. @Loraine and @Mac were waving theor arms at Led Zeppelin classics and @Mac was belting out the Queen albums in my ear. Each to their own and yes, it was fun. The cast mixed with the passengers to end the night. 

No idea who the extra in the pic was - but 8 cast members - 5 nights of shows - kudos to them

All packed up and ready in the room - just need to clear the safe tomorrow. Our minor challenges is that tomorrow morning we will be donning the last clean pair of bonds ... may have to dosome washing tomorrow night.

Last little creative effort

PS:  Empathy shot .. Getting your sea legs with bands or bunnies.

Day 8: Melbourne with a MyKi

Dwarfed at the MCG

Time to hit Melbourne CBD today. The Port area is so close to the city and the organisation of welcoming visitors was impeccable. Left the ship at 9 to pick up the MyKi card - the $9 card gave unlimited travel for the day. Yes, not as generous as Brisbane’s 50 cent fares, but certainly convenient.

Trams and buses connecting to CBD

The bus and tram stops are right at the end of the pier. No delays in boarding, no delays in the transit lane. And with a swap from the bus to the tram line, we easily made our way to the MCG.

Stroll through Yarra Park - surrounds the sporting precinct 

What an impressive sporting precinct right in the centre of the city all connected by endless choices of transport. Had a 10.30 tour booking and joined up with Clare for a relaxed and interesting tour and commentary of the MCG. Well worth the visit and fun to take in the history of cricket and “our football.” Had a young Indian couple and a few cricket needs in our group - their enthusiasm and excitement was contagious. 

So many levels and areas to explore

Wanted to add the Museum tour but we really didn’t have time to do that justice so have saved that for our next visit to Melbourne. Opted instead for lunch and a tour of Australian Art at the NGV before taking the obligatory stroll through (or around because there is so much construction going on) Federation Square and along the Yarra.

Quick visits to be back on board in time

We were mindful all day of the reboarding process because it was “sail away” this arvo. Happy to be back on board by 4 pm and to pull up a seat in the Red Frog for cocktails before making evening preparations.

Cheers for our usual evening routines 

Dinner, a comedy club visit and a date at the 9 pm show rounded out another day. There was a raging 80s Fluro party on deck 9 - and there were so many great costumes. We get the music beat as background, piped directly into our room. 😂Didn’t really know that the ship had left port until we tried to walk a straight line down the hallway to the cabin. Might need to get the bands on.

A bit of monkey business in the room art tonight

PS Empathy shot: A new little Aussie Artist doing her own version of a gallery walk

PPS woke to extremely strong smell of cigarette smoke in the cabin this morning. From 6 am - at regular 20 to 30 minute intervals - it invaded the room! Did mention to our cabin steward who reported it. And received a phone call from Guest Services, indicating a letter has been delivered to adjoining cabins reminding occupants that it was a “no smoking zone.” Will see what tomorrow brings.

Day 7: Skin of our teeth to Sorrento

Blown away at the pointy end of the Peninsular 

Never been to the Mornington Peninsula so jumped on board with a hire car with @Loraine and @Richard for a quick drive south to join their friend @John to take in the sights.

Driver and navigator  - heading to peninsular in KIA Carnival

Travelled in absolute comfort in a 6 seater KIA Carnival and with the navigation on sailed through the Melbourne suburbs and hugged the coastline. Shoulder to shoulder Federation homes, squeezed on small blocks - all sporting the ubiquitous rose bush in full bloom - soon gave way to the sprawling modern glass and brick two storey beach homes. White sand (well maybe yellow) and an increasingly turquoise blue of Phillip Bay water and even the bright colours of the beach boxes, didn’t provide much temptation for a dip as we travelled through windy conditions, the occasional shower and the constant companion of scudding low cloud cover.

Taking a town tour in Sorrento with a local

Opted to not stop on the way out, thinking it made more sense to adjust the itinerary on the homeward journey.

@John was the perfect host and took us for a stroll in Sorrento to get the feel of the “town” and to stop at the Vanilla Slice House to buy the best slice in Australia! Might need to phone a friend or two  to lock down that verdict.

they were big ... saving for later

 Next stop was the “back beach” to get an idea of the wildness of Bass Strait. The rain came down, the wind whipped at our hair and the lone remnant of a “stack” was the perfect backdrop for our quick visit. Not really a spot today for a “charmed” walk along the beach or a picnic on the seashore. Definitely just a photo shoot to prove we were there.

Wet, windy, cold ... but worth it! 

Enjoyed lunch, with sweeping views across the bay, with the faint view of Melbourne CBD skyline in the historic Sorrento Hotel.

Lunch, under a glass roof, at the Sorrento

 Followed this with an attempt to get as far as we could on the pointy bit of the Peninsular, but we’re too time poor to complete the 1.8 km walk and settled for visit to the Port Nepean Quarantine Station. The abandoned facilities are set up so that tourists are able to experience the visit as a self guided exercise. Interesting reading to learn of the “welcome” to Australia that visitors received. We spent the short amount of time that we had in the Foul Room - the fumigation centre - where newcomers left all their belongings to be boiled (and often ruined) before they proceeded to the Wash House to be showered in formaldehyde. 

Dodged the plovers and enjoyed outside under blue skies

We were locked in for a little while because a torrential downpour, lasting all of 3 minutes, battered the roof. It was bizarre. Over before you had time to realise it had started! But that was our queue to run the gauntlet of the nesting and swooping plovers and return to the car.

Self guided tour out of the rain

Did the calculations for the trip home and felt we had plenty of time to get the vehicle back for the 5 pm deadline for the close of the car rental place. Somehow manage to find the exact coffee shop @John had described in Rye (on the corner, next to white fish and chip shop) and settled down to try the “best vanilla slice.” It was up there, the custard filling was excellent - but we did mark it down because it did not have any of the buttery pink icing. 

Hmm, no icing, but d

Still thought we were tracking well - until the GPS started to jump out because there was an accident on the freeway. Our 45 minute buffer on the return journey was disappearing before our eyes. It was stressful and with heightened anxiety we did have a few backstreet drivers helping with the navigation - especially when the driver was confused by selecting a middle lane - when in doubt, just use the island … that seemed to work. With @LoRi on petroleum duty, we dashed to the depot to update the staffer that we were here, and the KIA turned into the gates at exactly 4.59. Talk about cutting in fine.

Took an UBER back to the port and were so relieved that we were ushered through. No line up today - in fact, no port security check at all bizarre, after yesterday’s efforts. Do need someone to explain that.

I went solo to the show while the others set themselves up in Tiger Masala for some Indian curries. So hot - don't think there was enough yoghurt and lime on board to cure the fire in my mouth - but @Mac was in curry heaven. We do like this spot because it is a little quieter and not so crowded. Could enjoy conversation, recaps and laughs. Even got a sunset tonight.

Perfect timing

A little late night wander around the ship -and a visit to the "explicit" comedy show .... hmm, language and degrading quips seemed to be the theme. Not clever, witty style we like .. but there were laughs so appealed to some.

 Very few seats in the popular venues - understandable, given the Port Authority rep had informed us this was the hip, young crowd's party boat.  These hip, young, party animals were more than hapy to round out the evening admiring the origami towel animal in our cabin. Mind you the others did hit the pool deck for a bit of a rage. Well done them ... 

Platypus? Not sure ...

PS : Empathy shot

A little explorer hanging out for the day

Day 6: Giddyup to the cup

Tick that bucket list item off - and it was definitely worth the journey.

The weather had been the focus of discussion for some time now - but the only certainty that we had was that it would changeable and cold. Although we woke up to a mist covered and then overcast Port Phillip, at various times during the morning, there were hints of sunshine pouring into the stateroom. Promising.

A promise of sunshine

Cabin outfit check and easy passage to bus

Hit the Lido buffet for breakfast and dusted off the best clothes, including a tie for @Mac and a hat at a jaunty angle for me and happily attired, we waited for the 9.30 call to disembark. Considering the dramas of acquiring ticket 24 yesterday, this was absolutely effortless. Plenty of staff to usher you off the ship and onto the bus and then a perfect perched seat in the bus to view our local fashion parade of fellow travellers. Absolutely free flowing traffic took us across the Westgate Bridge and delivered us to the Elms Gate at Flemington. Still overcast but no rain and no need for layers of warmth. Felt like we were winners already.

10.15 following the growing crowd

Picked up the race book, had our heads on swivel necks taking it all in, took plenty of “freshly arrived” photos and found our seats in the Hill Stand right on the finishing line. The seat and bay numbering was a little confusing and we did have people who had taken up residence in our allocation, but a quick discussion had them relocating and we were set for the day.

Early races with plenty of spare seats ... that changed

Closer to race time with sunshine

The grounds and stands filled around us under sunshine. The lawn area was dotted with TAB umbrellas and waterproof mats, and revellers with BYO camp chairs quickly claimed those spots and eskies popped open with picnic staples. Grandstands were full, some punters had tickets to the inner track stands and everyone had access to the stables and could get up close and personal with the pre race parade in the mounting yard. All of the gardens were overflowing with roses - stunning clusters of blooms in every colour. 

So many in bloom

But the "yellow" is the flower of the Cup

As the day progressed, the increasing roar of the alcohol fuelled crowd drowned out the hooves of the horses and the voice of the commentator and race caller. A live band performed between races at the stage area, food and alcohol flowed - it was constant live theatre. And after the day by day countdown to finally get here, I can’t believe how quickly the day just disappeared.

Some were very fashionable ... men, women and young and old... didn't matter

You could have turned up in your tracksuit - not that I recall seeing anyone dressed like that. There was plenty to look at - hats, dresses, shoes, jackets, handbags, gloves, long short, skimpy, tight or loose, dull or bright, low heel or stilettos ….. you could find it all. Basically though - a hat for ladies and a suit for men … sort of standard. Mind you, the Members areas were a little more restrictive in their requirements. And funnily, enough, not everyone had “warm” options. Lots of bare shoulders for the ladies ... amd as the day progressed, saw lots of goose bump covered flesh.

The bursts of sunshine lasted right up until about 2.30 when the formalities for the cup started. The clouds rushed in, the light rain started and the temperature plummeted. The crowds on the lawn clumped together under the umbrellas and the punters in the stands added more layers.

Great seats, free hats

Yes we lined up for food and for the ladies toilets, but that moved pretty quickly. Other than literally being run over by a very elderly lady on her motorised scooter in the stable viewing area - the battle through the crowds and the shoulder to shoulder shuffling was part of the fun. We didn’t have to line up for a bet because @Mac had it all under control in the APP.

Smiles all day - all over the course

And on the punting side - @Mac was just “playing” hadn’t even glanced at the form. In the cup, I scored a win because Mum had drawn Half Yours in the sweep. When I had called her from Sydney Harbour her advice was to NOT back it. From that moment on, that was my pick. I doubled it up with Goodie Two Shoes because we had received a Monday video of @Katarina taking her first steps with the aid of the push trolley. Winner winner for me.

Rain arrived as it was about to start

We had a group boxed trifecta running around but my selection was the only one that hit. But it was all fun. 

@Mac checking out his runner

Rated as the Super Model of the field
 

Announcments and pre race ceremonies were cut a little short becaise the wind and rain had arrived with determination. It was short lived and disappeared as the jockeys mounted and the horses took their places in the barriers.

The red light was flashing ..... and they were racing in the 2025 Cup.

The race was exciting and we got to see the horses charge past twice on the long journey. Not a hope in hell of hearing the commemrary. But that was the fun of it - the roar of the 80000+ plus crowd was deafening.  People screaming and jumping. Loads of applause and a little curiosity as Buckaroo walked over rhe line.

And for many, the was just the start of the party fun. 

Got very close to stepping onto the course proper ... couldnt sweet talk security into letting us on

In terns of betting, the most lucrative investment was an omen bet for @Mac in Race 9. That little gem got us off the track as happy winners. Each night on the ship, we can hear the “doof doof” beat of the live music - it's only when you put your head on the pillow - it seems to echo in. Anyway, for Race 9 we had decided to experience the race past the finish line and on the rails. Nice and clise. This position was the last “bookies” stand before the stage and the very loud live music. Jokingly, as the music pumped doof doof in the background, @Mac invited @Loraine and I to go and have a dance. @Richard was busy talking with some locals, Nick and Bossy …. and that determined his omen bet on “Nick the Boss” but as @Loraine read out the starters " Dance to the Boom" immediately ignited their spidey race senses and @Mac’s instant guffaw was “$h!t, I have to back that.” He whipped out the phone, placed the bet at 20/1 and then helped the jockey whip home the winner. @Loraine was equally quick on the draw with her account and as grinning winners we made out way to the exit.

That seemed like the perfect full stop to the end of a perfect stop.

Um, not so fast. We did have one little wrinkle in our adventure. Boarded the bus and made the return journey to the ship only to be greeted by a 70 minute endurance test reboarding. With all the passengers converging on the terminal and the Port Authority at the same time, it was a test of everyone’s patience. For some reason, it looked like there was one security check point open to handle the complete screening of every passenger. About 45 minutes into the snaking crawl of the queue, we heard enormous cheers ahead as a second screening queue was opened. But it was all a little on the nose and was a perfect way to unlock the frustrations and grumpiness of many passengers.

Anyway, meant we were back on board a little later than expected. Had a new upper level seating area for our party of six and we once again ate and drank our way through multiple courses. To celebrate the win @Mac doubled down on the dessert AND joined @Loraine in scoring an Irish coffee.

All on board and back to normal

How funny, so tired, and my 10.30 joining of my head to the pillow was not accompanied by the doof doof sounds! Seems like the universe had spoken, we had listened and now we need to be spidey tuned for the next message.

PS: Empathy shot. Having a ball with  hats - with a jaunty tilt - and tassels for the Melbourne Cup.

PPS A perfect day and thanks to @Richard for the organisation of our seats …, wow, sensational position.