Day 20 – Pambula and (more) Merimbula

 Anticipation was running high as Kev had promised us a slap-up breakfast and boy, did he deliver. A ‘big breakfast’ worthy of any 5-star café! Sensational start to the day – thanks Kev!

 

Gaz and I decided to explore the nearby town of Pambula and set off mid-morning. We started by heading to Pambula Beach but predictably for a Saturday morning it was somewhat busy there so, being unable to find a parking spot, we drove the kilometre or so to the mouth of the Pambula River. What a lovely spot! There was a bush track that led back to Pambula Beach with a scenic viewing spot along the way. I checked this out while Gaz watched some guys getting their kayaks ready for launching into the river. The water looked wonderful – lovely shades of blue – but it was a bit cloudy and cool for a dip. We were happy enough to just walk around and enjoy the serenity!

 

We then headed to the shops at Pambula where Gaz found a coffee and I walked around the shops. Saw some nice art but refrained from purchases – the car is way too full already. We then stopped at the boardwalk at Merimbula, just to the west of the causeway. We walked along the  boardwalk for a while – the birdsong was amazing. Gaz then ‘took a bench’ while I walked a bit further along, beyond the boardwalk was some more bushy trails which were very pretty as well. After our walk we stopped into Woollies where we bought the staples for dinner as it was our turn to cook tonight.

 

It was then back home for some lunch and a rest before deciding to revisit some spots from yesterday. I was really keen to actually get down onto the beach, so we first went to Bar Beach where it was very windy. I just loved the amazing red rocks there and some of the weird formations on display.

 

Looking for a more sheltered spot, we popped back over to Mitchies Jetty and Main Beach and went for a longer walk there. There were quite a few people on the beach and the water looked sensational but still did not tempt us all the way in. We have carried around beach chairs and a beach umbrella for the whole trip and are still yet to use them … Gaz is not happy.

 

Back at the house and I prepped some of the dinner – marinated the pork and cooked some apple sauce. Maz and I then played Scrabble – another thing that has been carried around the whole way and in danger of not being used at all – hence the game this arvo. It was a very  game and in the end I won by a mere 5 points after Maz inadvertently alerted me to the fact that ‘ze’ is an acceptable scrabble word – thanks for the tip, Maz!

 

Kev & Maz had been oyster shopping (it’s a big local industry at Merimbula) and Kev got busy shucking. The other three then oohed and aahed over their fresh oysters that they claimed were extraordinarily amazingly good – I’ll take their word for it.

 

Dinner was well received and then, of course, it was time for Euchre. Kev/Pen v Gaz/Maz 1-1 (again). Off to our last destination tomorrow.

Day 19 – Merimbula and surrounds

What better way to start the day than to have a cuppa sitting out on the deck overlooking Merimbula Lake? It was a little overcast today but very pleasant with a top of about 24 degrees. After a couple of loads of washing were hung out, Gaz and I took off to explore.

We started by finding Mitchies Jetty where Gaz had a coffee. It was very windy and a little cool so we decided to walk to the causeway and back. Good to get the steps up and such beautiful scenery.

 

We then took another drive to the other side of the lake where we first explored Bar Beach then Short Point and Middle Beach. Everything looked spectacular.

 

Back home for some Turkish toasties for lunch and we rested a bit after our morning exertions. I decided I needed to check out the shops, so we drove the short distance there and after some wandering, I finally scratched my retail therapy itch and bought a couple of new tops. Gaz also grabbed a new t-shirt which was a major bargain. We then travelled back to Bar Beach where we walked on a boardwalk back towards town giving us fabulous views from a height and through some trees – spectacular!

 

Our final scenic viewing for the day was at Fishing Wharf on Long Point where we watched the fishermen for a while and checked out the stunning rock formations before heading back home for wine o’clock and to get ready to head out for dinner.

 

After much deliberation we ended up having dinner at the Sapphire Club where we had some very nice meals. Back home and it was Euchre – Maz/Kev v Gaz/Pen and 1-1 was the result. Only half of the movie was consumed last night so we were back on the Orient Express … and then … bed.