FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: Waiting For The Rain

This wannabe photographer had all sorts of grand plans prior to the trip. Mastery of bracketing, focus stacking, sunrise photography, ocean photography and beach photography was to be achieved. All photographic equipment in possession were packed and lugged down south. The rain started late last night and so the alarm clock for sunrise was turned off on account of the rain. It didn't take much to dissuade me...However, when we awoke, it was NOT raining...Hmmmph! There was a part of me that was secretly happy.

We made the most of the blue skies to tackle Ben's walk and try our hand at geocaching. Apparently we were bad at it. After much argument and deliberation, we were no closer to finding the "treasure". The exertion that was expended had to be compensated for by big milkshakes. Luckily there was a store in Nowra that was known for milkshakes. After the endorphin releasing exercise, the children opted for a dip in the ocean before the predicted rain. We returned back to the villa and walked the short distance to Seven Mile Beach. Elliot, the sand hater, tolerated a brief walk before going back to the villa. The younger two revelled in the water, burying themselves in the sand and hoping that the passing dogs did not use them as peeing posts.

Hygiene bush style!

The sign did say "NO abseiling" and he coudn't go much higher so I suppose we were still obeying the rules

Geocaching fail

Suspension bridge crossing the Nowra Creek

Emptying into the Shoalhaven River

Nowra Creek

Milkshake break

Off to the beach

Going past the resort pool

Direct access to the beach

Seven Mile Beach. Despite the heavily overcast skies, the rain stayed away

Ocean surf is great for exfoliation

We arranged for lunch to be delivered to the villa from the onsite restaurant. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. We thoroughly enjoyed the wagyu beef rolls, buttermilk fried chicken and seafood curry. Best of all, they were part of the shop small promotion so it was an extra $5 off! Woohoo!

Dinner was a highlight. We dined at the highly rated South on Albany. How could we not dine at the restaurant named after ourselves?! The inner restaurant critics came out in the children. "The quail breast tasted like felafel" announced one child. Yes dear, that was because chick pea was one of the feature ingredient. "The fish was like a good hotel restaurant fish but not a standout" the second child commented. The third chipped in with "the poached pears in the dessert was well cooked but the creme caramel was too firm". Sheesh!!! Tough crowd tonight! Nonetheless, it was lovely family time and overall the consensus was that the meal was enjoyable.