Monday, January 09, 2012

My return to Australia for a second back-to-back summer

In mid-October, I arrived back in Sydney and some great mates joined me for a few celebratory drinks. Here we are at the Scary Canary. We based ourselves here and then had a super-touristy long weekend in Sydney that included a monorail ride, a trip to Manly on the ferry, shoe shopping and delicious cocktails.

From scanary

Back in Cowra, I found that Puss was doing very well!

From Aus2011

Jo Apthorpe celebrated her 30th in style; We took a wine tour in the Hunter Valley.

From Aus2011

The last winery that we visited on our tour was the Hope Estate. I'm pictured here with Ange in the Great Cask Hall. I knew that it felt familiar for some reason... This winery used to be the Rothbury Estate Hunter Valley!

From Aus2011

I was east again, a journey which I has become quite a habit, this time to run in a Sri Chinmoy race with Finch, Aly and Mixy. Even with a race on the next day, I felt that a few vinos, the night before at a fancy dress party, couldn't do too much harm. Paula (the artiste, of course) paints my portrait while I wait. It was really impressive!

From Aus2011

I bounced back pretty well. (My pre-race breakfast is chocolate and orange juice.) I ran 10 mi in the Sri Chinmoy race in 1h 25min and 6 sec.

From Aus2011

In November, the Pinkerton men headed to Tathra for a week on the coast. Les peacefully paddles his kayak on Wallagoot Lake (shown below) while I prepare to dive in try to overturn his vessel.


From Tathra Nov 2011

Marko dons the smugglers and had a blast at Hobart Beach with Les.

From Tathra Nov 2011

Our last day had gorgeous weather. So, Les and I did some snorkelling in Kianinny Bay, just south and down the hill from the Tathra Pub.

From Tathra Nov 2011

Jen presented Les with a puppy, Howard. (Les named his after John Howard, our former prime minister.) The puppy is very friendly and has doubled in size since this photo was taken. He's still a real sook, though, and terrified of Puss.

From Xmas2011

On New Year's Eve, I joined Phill, Amanda and Goofy at a toga party in Coogee. It was a huge night and fun! I caught both rounds of fireworks - and remember them!

From Aus2011

I caught up with Finch and Aly just after New Years and just prior to another blast on the moto' over the mountains and back to Cowra.

From Aus2011