Time to go Down Under mate! Moonah Links awaited us on the first leg of the three tournaments in Australia and New Zealand. After 36 hours of travel we arrived on the Moornington Peninsula in the Australia state of Victoria. Our weather this year was much nicer than last, allowing for some additonal sightseeing. We did however, have to contend with some smokey skies from the nearby fires. The resort is pretty far away from civilization, so you do end up spending most of your time on site. We were fortunate to have a whole bunch of our good friends with us, which made the time away much better. We shared many riveting games of Canasta with the Summerhays, and the Putnams. If you've never heard of this game, go find it, never-ending fun!
A view of the clubhouse from afar
All smiles during practice with friends
Jim on the 18th tee
Jim and I began our time in Australia visiting the tiny beach side town of Sorrento. A courtesy car took us the 20 minute drive to this tiny town. The one main street through town is lined with specialty shops, bistros, and cafes. The other end of the main street runs to the water. A car and passenger ferry transport vacationers and tourists between the historic town of Queenscliff and the beach town of Sorrento. We were lucky to have a nice sunny day and I even stuck my feet in the water. We did go on a Monday which is their day of the week to close up early, boo hoo. We enjoyed an early dinner and some lovely Italian gelatto!
My toes made it in the water, crisp and cool
The view from the ferry dock towards Queenscliff
The Continental Hotel in Sorrento
To start off the tournament, Moonah Links provided a wonderful cocktail party for the players and families. It was so great to mingle with our friends and enjoy some fun-time. The boys enjoyed the red wine and the girls enjoyed each others company.
Steve Wheatcroft, Michael Putnam and Jim - enjoying some Australian gold!
Kristina and I in style
One of the highlights of our time in Australia was our trip to the Aces High ranch. We all got a bag of bread and were given free reign to explore about five acres full of Wallabys, Kangaroos, Deer, Peacocks, Emus, and Geese. We also encountered a very sleepy Koala. The school children at the ranch were kind enough to give up their tennis balls for an adult game of cricket. That didn't last long as the tennis balls went far and were lost quickly!
Some interested deer
Jim and I with our new friend!
A friendly roo...
One sunny, warm day we decided to go on a very different adventure. We walked a few blocks from our hotel to the bus depot in the middle of town. We were told there was a beach and of course, couldn't resist! The depot was massive, a well-oiled machine. We rode the bus for 30 minutes, all the while enjoying the sights, sounds, and unfamiliar faces. The bus stopped and we climbed off...the beach awaited! It was a bit different than any beach we'd seen before. The sand was hard, flat, and very dark. The water, well, freezing! The shoreline buzzed with people of all ages enjoying the heat. Our time ended and we boarded the bus back to reality. What a fun day!
Our time in Christchurch ended with a lovely stroll through the town. We took in the last warm sights of our favorite cafes and the lovely Avon river. What a great way to end our stay!
