The beach...

On Sunday morning we decided to go to the beach. So after packing up a few things we walked down to the Central train station. Reading the departures board we realized that we could make the next train with literally 2 minutes to spare!  So we ran down the stairs to Platform 2 and jumped on the train.  We gave each other a high five and settled in for the 50 minute ride to Cleveland, which is the end of the line.  After the train ride there is a bus to take you to the ferry which is about 5-8 minutes away.  We hopped on the ferry and sat at the top in front...The ferry took 15 minutes to get over to North Stradbroke Island which the locals call "Straddie". After the ferry we hopped another bus that took us to the beach about 10 minutes away.  We ended up on Frenchman's Beach. There were about 200+ steps to get down to an almost deserted beach, but a local going down at the same time said this was her favorite beach on the island.  We set up our towels and had a picnic lunch, walked the beach to start our shell collection, and waded into the chilly water. I was even able to knit a few rows on my scarf!  Mid afternoon we decided to pack up and catch another bus that would take us to a different part of the island. So it's up the 200+ stairs...this is a view from the top        
  So after walking all that way up, we headed down the road to where there were a couple of shops. We stopped at the Gelato place and literally counted out our last few dollars for two cones, one was coconut/lime and the other was blood orange. Mmmmmmm

While waiting for the next bus which turned out to be an old mini bus driven by a seasoned local, we looked out to sea and saw some whales migrating!  It was such an amazing sight even though we were far away.  We saw a small orange boat following behind them. 

We caught our small bus that would take us to the town of Amity. One shop and one campground. Even our driver said there was nothing to see, but in the 7 minutes he was there waiting to see if anyone needed a ride, Dave and I hopped out and took one last picture..  Hopped back onto the mini bus back to another bus stop and bus that would take us back to the ferry and the return trip back to the apartment. We had a great day and there's nothing better than the beach and sand between your toes...and up your legs....and stuck to your arms!   Lol. 

Toodles and cheers !  Lovey and Dave