Sunday Drive - A Mullet, A lost Brother and A Number 2

{A Sunday drive is an automobile trip typically taken for pleasure or leisure on a Sunday, usually in the afternoon. During the Sunday drive, there is typically no destination and no rush} - Wikipedia

Last weekend was our first Sunday drive in a while. We've had other things going on, including me working. Okay, so it was only a week's work, and I probably spent more money on my new working wardrobe (including new handbag and shoes) than money earned on the job. At least now I am  assured of looking great for my next job interview.

Our destination for the day was a place called North Brother, located on a mountain-top in Laurieton. It's well known for breathtaking views and as a launching pad for mad people who like to jump off things paragliders. After my Dad gave Hubby some directions on  how to get there, we headed off with the kids buckled in to the back seat.

Our first stop was to pick up some lunch to take with us.  On my way to the shop I had an unexpected run-in with a nasty female. She looked me up and down and said  "You have a baby coming". I said "I beg your pardon, no I don't, it's just my billowy top that makes me look that way". She then said "No it's not. You have a fat tummy". I had to stop myself from bitch-slapping her there and then, and remembering the fact that she was probably only 9 years old, seemed to do the job. I thought about finding her mother and giving her a serving about her daughter's rudeness, but the best I could come up with was to turn to the little monster and say with a smile "NICE MULLET" in reference to the hairstyle that she was so smugly sporting. (note to self: must pay more attention to getting rid of post baby blubber and when dealing with children, I am supposed to be the mature one).


After the faux pregnancy experience, the rest of the day was a bit of a blur. We had lunch in a park that wasn't called North Brother (hubby was not paying attention to directions handed out by my Dad). Little Girl did her first 'squat in the bushes wee' (so proud), because we couldn't find a toilet. Then it was panic stations all round when she proudly shared with us that there was also a poo coming. It's amazing how much harder we tried (and succeeded) to find a public toilet on hearing this news.

A nice park where we had lunch that WASN'T North Brother

It was smiles all round on finding a toilet

It was on our way home that we finally found the turn off to North Brother and despite the fact we had written the place off as non-existent, we took the 2.5 kilometre road up the mountain and were pleasantly surprised with a magnificent view of the region. We took some photos, breathed in some lovely, fresh, high-altitude  air, then jumped back in the car to avoid the plague of mozzies hovering around our ankles, and drove our way back home. Mission Accomplished!

Beautiful views of Laurieton (and beyond) from the North Brother Lookout

Edible? Bush Berries?

Sunday Drive - Going Coastal

I know, I know. It's a little late this week, but I have been busy trying to find a real job. No luck as yet but hopefully something will come along soon.

Anyway, for last weekend's Sunday Drive, Hubby and I decided to take the kids up the coast to Crescent Head, with the idea of a dip in the ocean and a yummy lunch when we got there. So, we threw the kids in the car and headed north. 

Being the adventurers that we are (??), we chose to go the back way instead of taking the highway. Our trip began with crossing the Hastings River on a car-ferry. During the 10 minute crossing, Baby boy happily chewed on the tail of his sister's mermaid doll, whilst Little Girl gave me a serving for looking out of her window instead of my own. 

With yet another bumpy dirt road ahead of us, I turned to the back seat to tell the kids all about our exciting day ahead, only to find both of them were fast asleep (mental note to self: kids fall asleep fast when driven on bumpy dirt roads).

Asleep already?

Although there wasn't a great deal of visual excitement along the way, we did pass a few tea tree and fruit tree farms (didn't manage photos of said farms though as too busy photographing self, photographing self). 

Roadside Delights

Our arrival in Crescent Head was met with some serious disappointment. The surf was all brown and dirty from the recent downpour of rain, rain and more rain. The only one's brave enough to go in were the mad-keen surfers, who were catching waves out past the brown-ness. After reading a piece in the paper a few weeks ago about sharks preferring to hunt for food in murky waters, coupled with a fear of sharks that has never returned to a rational level after watching Jaws the movie as a youngster, I decided we would not be swimming that day.

We let Little Girl run wild in the park for a while (to burn off some energy after sleeping all the way to Crescent Head, and then some). Then we headed for the hills, well, that is, we drove up some steep streets to get a descent view overlooking Crescent Head. We found a lookout with a water tower that looked like it was painted by local school kids. Little Girl was very impressed and we ended up driving around it a few times so she could look at all the sea creatures.  

Next stop was the local fish and chip shop to grab some lunch. Whilst waiting for our grub, Hubby and I had a chat whilst Little Girl caught up on the latest celebrity goss and fashion trends. Baby Boy kicked back in his pram, not a worry in the world. 

Junior fashionista and Baby, king of chillin' 

Seagull Fodder enjoyed in the park

In an attempt to walk off our chips and milkshakes, we walked around for a while, me taking some photos along the way. 

Pretty Hibiscus plants surrounding the Crescent Head Surf Club

Nice one-cheek  bum wedgie Little Girl (hehe)

On our way back to Port Macquarie, we came across a cute beach on a back road and I'm guessing the locals like to keep it a secret, so I won't be telling you where it was. There was a small group of houses around the area, most likely inhabited by surfies, beachgoers and fishermen alike.

Another Quirky Letterbox 

We drove back on to the ferry as our road trip was coming to an end. 

Despite not having a swim at Crescent Head, the day turned out alright, with beautiful sunshine and blue skies. Hopefully, we'll head back there another day when it hasn't been raining. 

Till next time,

Jode x

Happy Australia Day

Today is the day we fire up our backyard barbies and throw on a few snags for friends and family. Today is the day we head to the beach and return home the not-so-proud owners of a sunburn of sorts, or at the very least a few new freckles on our noses. Today is the day we spend outdoors, dressed in ridiculous looking attire, adorned with the Aussie flag. 

However we choose to spend it, Australia Day is a day of celebration and tradition. It's about being with the people you love and care for, doing the things that make us Aussies. 

The backyard barbie would have to be my favourite Australia Day tradition and it is one that hasn't changed much over the years. The blokes stand around the barbie, beer in hand, trying to work out who has caught the biggest fish or which footy team will be awarded the wooden spoon. Or, they may swap thoughts about who's V8 did the fastest quarter mile at Bathurst. 

The customary dropping of the solitary snag, subsequent dust-off and return to the hot plate is still common  practice at the barbie to this day. This ritual is unfailingly well received by other blokes, who express their approval with grunts of single-syllable words of appreciation, like, 'nice one mate'. 

Meanwhile, the women gather together indoors, doing the real work, like preparing salads, drinking the bubbly and gossiping about the young and handsome new teacher down at the catholic school, and most importantly, whether or not he is sporting a wedding ring.

Now at the end of the day, we may be sunburnt, full of food and hung over, but it's all good because everyone knows that tomorrow is for chucking a sickie right? It's the Aussie way.

How did you spend your Australia Day?

To Sydney With Love

Dear Sydney,

For thirty seven years and three months I have called you home. In two weeks time I will be saying goodbye to you. I am leaving home. I am feeling nervous, but excited and a little sad. 

I feel that you have changed. I feel that I have changed also. Maybe I have outgrown you. I'm not entirely sure. Hubby Jas and I also have two young kids to think about now and I believe that our future as a family lies elsewhere. So, we are heading north, in search of a new place to call home.

Lately I feel you have become overpriced and overcrowded. The best you can offer us is an apartment. I would be happy with this, if I didn’t have kids. But, Jas and I both grew up in big houses on quarter-acre blocks with plenty of backyard to climb trees, play cricket and run under the sprinkler in Summer. I want our kids to have a big yard also, not to mention the opportunity to grow up in a regional, country area.

I have always felt very fortunate to have grown up with you. I am continuously in awe of your beauty and although I haven't travelled much, I think I understand why people are always happy to come home, to Sydney, after travelling overseas. You have always felt familiar, safe and welcoming. Even now, whenever I make a trip into the city, especially at night, when everything is lit up, I am always struck with a sense of pride, passion and excitement. I don’t believe these feelings will ever change, no matter how long between visits.

Well, it looks like I’ve got some serious packing to do so I’ll say goodbye now.


I’ll miss you.

With Love,

Jode  xx