Tag: Boating

The thought of driving in the car for 12 hours was not what you would call ‘thrilling’ but we knew that if we did, we would have time to spend with friends on the Gold Coast. So press forward we did, with some sightseeing along the way (this really helped us stretch our legs before heading off again). And there was amazing scenery all along the way.
We love our family, and we love doing things together but every once in a while when we are stuck in the car together for too long, we need a break or a breather. Maybe not everyone is like that… but we bet most are. We all need a little time apart for a minute and doing a little sightseeing on the way is a perfect way to help that.
IMG_5036
Friends told us that the Byron Bay lighthouse was not to be missed. It was so busy that day we had to park in the 2nd parking lot below but along our walk we encounters a group of dolphins (probably about 20) just off shore. It was so incredible watching them catch their dinner in their natural habitat. Apparently that is their home and they can be seen there almost everyday. For those of us that don’t live by the ocean, it is exciting to see them even once.

 

IMG_5028
Byron Beach.

 

IMG_5040
We finally made it to the Gold Coast in time for a boat ride with our friends Helen and Peter down the Gold Coast. Marissa and Dale enjoying some father/daughter time up front.
IMG_5046
Helen and Marissa enjoying a few ‘Nibblies’.

 

IMG_1125
Saying ‘Good-Bye’ to the Gold Coast and good friends.
IMG_1163

 

As we continued up the coast we took a few walks to some beautiful waterfalls in the Tamborine Mountains. The one above looked pretty lively with people jumping off the rocks over head or sliding down the rocks on the left. When they jumped from the rocks above… I almost screamed with them!

 

IMG_1153

 

IMG_1171

 

IMG_1177
We think this slide was just calling his name.
The Martin’s were off early in the morning for Keaton to do a little scuba diving off of Shelly Beach. While they enjoyed the morning in the sun, we decided we wanted to attend church but Michelle didn’t feel too great as she had just finished with a cold a few days before which now was aggravating her asthma and sinuses. After church we did a little Clinic shopping but could not find anything open so we opted for a few things from the pharmacy and a long nap.
 
Sunday evening’s weather was so perfect for our ‘Once in a lifetime boating in Sydney Harbor’ experience. The Martin’s treated us to this as Keaton is a sailor and it was on his bucket list to command a boat here… we had a great captain that let him do just that (while keeping good taps on everything). Keaton did a such phenomenal job that Marissa (and I) who both get deathly seasick unless we have our trusted friends (Dramamine or Bonine) LOVED every minute of it. Marissa was a bit timid about the idea at first but afterwards we are pretty sure she would go for a few more hours, if she could!
IMG_0893
Look at that… Keaton at the wheel with the Sydney Opera House and Bridge in the background! Beautiful!

 

 

IMG_4669
Debbie relaxing while taking in the view.

 

IMG_4660
Marissa having her Titanic moment.

 

IMG_4654
Dale was happy to learn a few tricks about sailing while Keaton was still at the helm.
IMG_4650
IMG_4646

 

FullSizeRender+(10)
The City was starting to come alive just behind us, everything a glow.
 
FullSizeRender+(8)
 

 

FullSizeRender+(11)
Keaton finally took just a few minutes to sit and enjoy some dinner served by some culinary wizards, Michelle and Costco (mostly the latter)!

 

FullSizeRender+(12)
Apparently Marissa didn’t think Dale was carrying enough. 
 
A beautiful night with incredible memories!