A very hot weekend so we have escaped to the seaside. An early morning walk and one seagull to keep us company.
We are mindful that some areas on the other side of Melbourne are impacted by bushfires.
Tomorrow will be another hot one.
sea
Beach time
Back to the old beach 
South Pacific
We have been fortunate enough to spend four nights in the tropical South Pacific on board the marvelous vessel, the Celebrity Solstice. More specifically, we visited New Caledonia and Vanuatu – Noumea, Loyalty Island, Mystery Island and Isle of Pines.
New Caledonia was discovered by Captain Cook on his voyage to find the new lands of the southern ocean. He named the archipelago in honour of Scotland – also known as Caledonia. New Caledonia is a French colony where the franc is local currency along with the French language – we brushed up on merci, Bon jour and sil vous plait. We admired bejeweled lobsters and sipped on fresh coconut juice.
By far, our favourite islands were Mystery Island – the Melanesians believe it to be haunted – it was used by the US as a landing field; and the Isle of Pines – crystal clear waters and unspoiled nature. We swam and even saw Nemo!
No wonder sailors and and artists came and never left. We immersed ourselves in the beauty that is
the South Pacific.
Whale Watching
All men live enveloped in whale -lines. All are born with halters round their necks; but it is only when caught in the swift, sudden turn of death, that mortals realise the silent, subtle, ever-present perils of life. (Herman Melville, Moby Dick)
In keeping with our love of all things coastal – hence our garden title “CrabandFish” – not just a combination of our star signs – but a calling to all things natatorial, we embarked on a whale watching excursion.
We have foregone the wineries, chocolate factories and fine food outlets for a two hour sea-faring adventure in this part of the region of Margaret River. As our followers know, we are holidaying in one of the most ancient and magnificent regions in Australia, renowned for its ruggedness and beauty. The beauty we sought out today, was the elusive and dramatic beauty of the hump-back whale.
Whale watching is just that – a concentration of the senses, a patient disposition and a navigational vessel that knows its waters. Our “Naturaliste” vessel took a group for forty of us out to sea and promised a sighting of whales and it did not disappoint. After a slow start – we are such impatient creatures, we humans – our first sighting appeared, albeit for only a few seconds. This was followed by not one but two diving tails and a collective, outpouring of excitement.
We were then to begin our chase as our vessel picked up speed pursued these creatures with a frenzy – was this the excitement those whalers experienced? But how could anyone bear to end the life of these magnificent and majestic sea creatures? In the horizon we could see their spouts spewing water, their breaching, their wings and splashing tails. We gathered pace until we were surrounded by whales to the shrieks of delight from all on board.
According to the tourist brochures, Western Australia has one of the longest migratory seasons for whales – from May to December and many can be seen from the shore-line. So we were indeed privileged to witness them frolicking in these waters.
Once you have experienced seeing these grand creatures in their world, you have to marvel at the beauty of their existence. They do not threaten us but live parallel to our shore and breath and feel and nurture as we do. Let us watch them and admire them as nature’s grandest creatures.
Christmas (aka Catmas) is coming!
I love catching up with Bailey Boat cat, so I thought I’d share his Christmas antics with you!
I’ve spend today wrapping (well helping to wrap) lots of presents. Most of them have to be sent internationally so I made sure the humans got down to business today. It’s left me feeling very festive and remembering how lucky we were to have a pawesome Christmas last year!
I loved my role as Santa Paws last year!
I can’t wait to get a tree this year but there’s a debate among the humans whether to have a real one or one with the twinkles at the end of its pines… I would like a real one that twinkles too… Paws crossed!
How are your Christmas preparations going?
Bisous Bailey
Malta Magic
(Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you. Walt Whitman)
Despite our anticipation of Spring, it has still been freezing and we have continued to light our fire all week. In fact some news reports have shown snow on them there hills! After spending delightful days of sun and warmth in southern Italy, we had expected to return to Winter gone.
My only salvation is to dream of a warmer clime. Perhaps those photos Colin took recently in Malta will do the trick.
Marsaxlokk and Marsascala
The Grand Harbour
crabandfish garden 