8th June 2015

We both had a much warmer night this time, so much so that we even had to open one of the windows to keep cool. Only one sleeping bag was needed, and at 8 am, we were greeted by a bright yellow sun, a clear blue sky, and a very large bird performing a tap dance on the roof.

While Jamie had a shower, I folded away the beds and prepared breakfast. Afterwards, we got the code for the camp Wi-Fi and spent some time surfing the web.

By 9.30 am, we had driven just two minutes to the beach and were busy photographing the iconic “Neighbours” scenery. I returned to the van to secure our belongings, while an eager Jamie strolled along the beach toward the town.

I met Jamie on the concrete path leading to the lighthouse after I had splashed my way through the surf, cooling my toes in the Pacific Ocean. Together, we made our way slowly up to the lighthouse perched on the end of the promontory. The vistas along the way were simply stunning; everywhere we’ve been has been truly picturesque.

At the very top of the cliffs, we watched several large schools of dolphins chasing fish or playing just off the rocks below. We kept our eyes on the waves, hoping to spot some whales, as it was the start of the mating season, but sadly, none appeared.

We stopped for ice cream at a little café by the gleaming white lighthouse before heading back into the town.

  At several outlets, we stopped a while so Jamie could try on a few hats, but he couldn’t find one that suited his style. I suggested a trilby, but he had no idea what that was. Afterwards, we found a bar and treated ourselves to a much-needed, very cold beer, followed by yet another burger and chips. I’m going to have to overdose on salads to balance out all this tasty but junk food when I return home!

We made our way back to ‘Shiela’ via the beach again and spent the rest of the afternoon splashing around in the surf. Some of the waves were very powerful, and it was great fun being knocked over by the huge swells. We had to keep an eye out for surfers and their boards to avoid getting run over, but luckily, they steered clear of the Brits.

After drying off, we gave ‘Shiela’ her ‘tea’ and then drove to Woolworths to stock up on provisions for the next few days. Everywhere we go here, there seems to be a musician or band playing. Outside Woollies, there was a ZZ Top lookalike rocking out with some mean tunes.

Returning to the campsite, Jamie sat outside in a chair, inviting the local mosquitoes to join him, while I fed the local birds that flocked around as soon as I opened my little stash of saved chips from earlier. I didn’t recognise any of the wildlife, but they were all large, very colourful, and made strange noises, at least to my ears.

For dinner, I treated myself to a proper British Chicken Rogan Josh ready meal, which I popped in the microwave, while Jamie opted for some authentic Australian rissoles to fry up. I think I enjoyed my meal more. We were both feeling very tired after yesterday’s long drive, so we sipped ginger beer in the van, chatted, and surfed the net on our phones.

As the long weekend (celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s birthday) came to an end, most of our fellow campers had packed up and left earlier in the day. However, late in the evening, a couple of tents moved in next to our site, which added a bit of interest as we watched them set up.

It had been a long day, and we were both feeling worn out, so our plans to visit the cinema and Byron Bay Brewery were put on hold.