The second half of the journey. To start the beginning of the end of my trip down under we went to Melbourne. We took the train into the city mid-morning to catch a Cats game. For those of you not familiar with the Cats it is an Australian football team and the one Ryan prefers to the rest. This was only the second live game I had been too, but I had caught on throughout the year allowing me to understand and really enjoy the game. Though the Cats added a loss into the record book it was still nice to go to a game. After the game we headed home for a late dinner at home. Meeting us there for dinner was Mel, Ryan’s sister, and her two little ones. After the company went home we called it an early night.
The next morning we went down to Frankston for an appointment. As Ryan attended his appointment I went for a walk around Frankston. I found myself right at home as I walked along the shoreline. No matter where I am in the world if I am on a beach I feel at home, as I have always grown up by the water. As I strolled down the beach I started to notices these specks of color in the sand. I stopped and bent down to check it out and it turned out to be sea glass. I have never seen it in person because Lake Michigan is fresh water lake. So throughout my walk I found myself bending over to collect piece after piece, each unique in its own way. After the beach we went home for a lazy afternoon accompanied by Riley.
Tuesday was probably the most exciting and packed day of the entire trip. To begin the day we took a walk into town to meet up with Ryan’s sisters, their kids and his mom for breakfast. It was a warm morning so we soaked up the rays as we ate. After we finished up Ryan and I headed out on our adventure. The first stop we made was the Moonlit Sanctuary. Within the sanctuary there were a variety of animals native to Australia. We started at the birdcage that allowed us o go inside to get up close and personal. After the birds we passed some reptiles that were lounging on the rocks sunning themselves. The kolas were not too far away curled up in the trees taking a nap, as they do for the majority of their days. What a life. As we wondered through the grounds we found ourselves on a path through the woods. As we walked we began to noticed scattered throughout the woods were kangaroos and wallabies. Prior to entering the grounds we each got a bag of food to feed these creatures. Ahead of us just off the path was a Joey (a baby kangaroo) who was ready to be fed. I poured a portion of the food into my hand, slowly bent over and extending it towards him. He happily accepted the food and gently ate it from my palm. I think I was just as exited to be feeding him, as he was to be fed. Ryan and I took turns feeding him then moved on to groups of wallabies. Each time I got to feed one I felt overwhelmed with joy! It was an amazing experience that I didn’t want to end, but the food soon ran out. We finished moving through the grounds observing more birds and then dingoes, which to me looked like a nice dog to snuggle up to. We called it a day at the park and made our way towards Phillip Island. Before crossing over the bridge we stopped for a quick refueling snack. Our first stop on the island was the chocolate factory. After walking around contemplating possibly the most difficult decision of the day we left with three different flavors hazelnut, peppermint, and macadamia nut. We were set on sweets for the rest of the day.
It was still mid afternoon so prior to the penguin parade we stopped at a kola reserve. This stop was a bit more of a challenge as we had to spot the kolas in their natural habitat. They were fast asleep curled up in the trees so it was a bit like playing Where’s Waldo. After our searching game had finished, we made our way to the ocean side. The island is known for its evening arrivals of penguins making their way back home after a long day of hunting. We got to the end of the boardwalk at about quarter to six; right after the sun had set. Darkness fell over the ocean, but the light illuminating the seating area spread out far enough to spot a dark blob shifting through the water towards the beach. Once the dark blob reached the reef it became rippled and suddenly a group of penguins seemingly morphed from the ocean. Group after group came in, in this fashion. The penguins were cute, stretching only about a foot and a half tall. Once out of the water they started their long trek up the beach home. The paths to their houses ran right along the boardwalk so we were able to be at their level. The experience was amazing, as whole the day was full of firsts for us both.
On Wednesday morning we took it easy. We went for a stroll into town meeting up with Ryans parents for coffee. After coffee we walked around the booths that were sent up on the sidewalk down town, ending at a fish and chips shop. Once ordering lunch we moseyed down to the beach to have a picnic and enjoy the sunshine. Later that night we get our selves together to meet some friends at The Deck. That Wednesday night was the first rugby game of the three game series known as The State of Origin. The two teams who played represented the best players of Queensland and New South Wales. Queensland came out on top in the first game, though it was quite an uneventful over all.
Thursday was a more lax day, which we needed after a long week we had had already. That afternoon we went over to a local school Ryans aunt works at, where he gave an inspiring speech to the young kids, motivating them to follow their dreams. After about fifty questions, some shooting around and many autographs later we made our way back to the house for dinner. Being able to relax and enjoy the company of Ryans aunt, uncle and their two girls was great. After much great conversation and some laughs later we had to call it a night.
Friday was my last day down under. We began the morning by packing up and getting ready for an evening in the city. Around four o’clock we were on our way into Melbourne. After a quick stop at the hotel to drop the bags we found ourselves sitting outside under an awning as the rain drizzled just beside us. The services was wonderful and give us that European feeling. Once dinner had finished we decided to head to the casino for a night of fun. Personally I have never been interested in casinos, but this one was so colorful and lively. Our night consisted of a bit of gambling, excitement than disappointments and many laughs. It was more than I could ask for to wrap up our time together.
All together this trip to Australia gave me more of a true feeling for what it had to offer. It felt exciting and comfortable. It was beautiful and relaxing, yet full of adventure if you are up for it.
By: Katie Albright
Life Before & After 