Well hello, we're back, this time from Sydney airport as we wait patiently for the champagne bar to open in the Qantas Club lounge. The title of this post provides a hint as to where we are heading. That's right dear reader, Lord Howe Island, that little rocky outcrop in the Pacific Ocean about an hour's flight off Port Macquarie, New South Wales.
Lord Howe features regularly in travel writers' lists of places you 'must visit'. It is, the land that time forgot. Or at least that's how I remember it. The last time we were there we only had two children and my hair was a very different colour to the grey it is today.
Searching the memory banks we believe the year was 1992. At that time cars were a novelty and a rarity, the main mode of transport was walking or bicycle. You would know that I don't mind a bike ride, but I fear the bikes over there won't hold a candle to the sharp little carbon-framed number I ride in circles around Centennial Park in Sydney. TVs were new back in 92 as well. There was no internet or mobile phone coverage and the radio station was staffed by locals when they were interested enough and patched into Port Macquarie when they weren't. Apparently, this time, our accommodation has wi fi access! A significant innovation that should allow the blog to updated regulalry each evening - with pictures, although the 7 day weather forecast does not look encouraging.
Alcohol was extremely expensive. From memory, no doubt an exaggerated one, beer was $30 a carton. Fortunately I don't drink a lot beer and this time our carry on luggage consists of bottles of wine and a selection of cheeses and crackers. Don't be disparaging dear reader, one needs to be prepared. It is Saturday and the island is dominated by folk of the 7th Day Adventist persuasion so most shops will be closed when we arrive, but the tradition of happy hour will continue regardless.
The island is beautiful in its tranquility and serenity and conversely its ruggedness. It is surrounded by fringing coral reef. The snorkelling is amazing and is the best we remember - and we have dived the Great Barrier Reef on four or five separate ocassions in different locations. Ned's beach is akin to swimming in an aquarium. Walk, ride, surf, climb, snorkel, swim, relax. Lord Howe has it all and over the next week I hope to revive all the fond mempories I have of my previous visit and take you vicariously with me through this blog.
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