This hiking was a different one, the path was the same but there was one part of the mountain, we need to rely on the chain to climb up the rocks. It’s real steep and rocky and I’ve never been this unconfidence before, at least I think I’m doing well in outdoor activities, my legs are short and I could not grip on the man-made hole to support my body. Oh my goodness! I lost my balance for twice and luckily Darrel was behind me and gave me a helping hand. After the rocky part, we reached the peak of the mountain and the scenery up there was spectacular. This mountain has another name called cloud catcher whereby the mountain is located in between a few mountains and the cloud is being caught there. It was foggy and cooling on top of that mountain. After a short resting and enjoying time, we headed back to the starting point. The way back was much easier and better but the rocky part was still very scary, we were like abseiling down the rocks which has 70 degree of the steepness (my estimation). I knew that my calf muscle would be sore like hell though it was still a nice hiking trip. I enjoyed it so much. In fact, outdoor activities as such would be better than sitting at home for movies, dramas or lappie. Healthier and cost saving…haha…But only can be done occasionally. High energy consumption!
Cloud catcher, Peak of Mt Warning
On the way to our accommodation at Byron, we passed through a place called Nimbin where heaps of hippies are staying there and we expected to see a lot of funky stuffs. It was not though. May be I was in my unconscious condition after the hiking and could not really see what’s happening at that time, it’s quite disappointed. Throughout the journey towards Byron Bay, I was drifting in and out of my consciousness but I still managed to get down the car to buy Macadamia nuts nearby the Macadamia plantation. Raw nuts sold in a small ‘kaya’ container cost AusD$2. It’s quite a good price compared to the commercial one which will be around 20 bucks per kg. The nuts with intact hull are only 3 bucks per kg, so cheap!! But we don’t have the nut cracker. Sian…!
By the time we reached the apartment, it was already late noon. They hopped into the pool for cooling and I read my traveling brochure by the pool side. I wish I could in the pool too but I was not well prepared for it. No choice then! We then had our dinner at Byron Bay town centre. The 3rd time of my fish and chips in Gold Coast. Hmmm…not quite enjoy though. I’m not a fan of deep fried food. It makes me feel so uncomfortable and forceful to consume those 'heaty' and oily food into my stomach. However, traveling with other people we could not have a lot of freedom on choosing food. Need lots of compromise. They actually browsed through all the restaurants there to compare the price before making any decision. The first choice was fully booked and neither the second one available. So sad we need to get fish and chips. I was expecting something better than that but tagging along with others we didn’t really have the saying right.
Not long after the dinner, Talesia, the Norman's toddle, was screaming for tiredness so we moved back to the apartment to rest. Felicia and me shared a room and we both went to the bed at 9pm. Haha…we could not stand the exhaustion that we had throughout the day from Mt Warning to the journey towards Byron Bay and walking around browsing through the makan places. It’s indeed enough for the day and yet we need to wake up early in the morning the next day for Byron Bay market.
Sunday morning, we woke up pretty early but the rest was still sleeping. We went to the market slightly late than the schedule but it’s quite on time cuz the people here quite laid back, some of them still setting up the stall when we reached at 830am. I was baking under the sun of this sunny and hot day. I guess it would probably 37 degree. The market is big but it’s only one fifth of Chatucak in Bangkok, that’s what Fel said. For me all the markets in here are about the same, just that Byron Bay one could be more stalls and more things to look-see. I did capture a few funny and funky one but usually the good one will be more expensive.
We checked out at 1030am and straight away made our way to Byron Bay light house. It was such a painful journey because we need to climb heaps of stairs to reach the light house in our worst condition of sore calf muscle and worst still frying under the hot sun. What a mad journey! But it was worthy, the view from the light house was fascinating and we could see dolphins swimming in the sea from far. I took quite a number of photos on the fantastic view and also captured the most easterly point of Australia mainland,Cape Byron. I reckon myself love to take photo since I started to travel by myself; to add every single photo into my own memory log, especially those precious moment in life.
We didn’t manage to stay longer cuz the kids were tired after such a long journey. On the way back, we stopped by Byron Bay town centre for lunch. It’s not a proper one, we had cake and expensive sushi but Fel and I didn’t really eat sushi. I ordered miso soup which I had been craving for long time. On the way back, we stopped at Fingal Head beach and coincidentally there were surfing competition holding at the same time but I could not see anything from far. The surfers actually need to wait for a good wave to show off their skill; seemingly it’s all about luck, luck to wait for a really good and beautiful wave.
All of us were really exhausted after the mount climbing and sun baking excursion but we didn’t go back home straight away, Wayne brought us along to the Norman’s for a swim. At that moment I wish I could have my own transport to fly back home. We were so stink, sticky and sweaty yet we stuck somewhere and could not have our shower for the day. It’s the down side of traveling with others where you have no choice but to follow their decision. Anyway, the trip was great. We didn’t make so much noises and no complaining on all the imperfectness. If we were not tagging along with them, it would be quite difficult for us to reach that place unless we pay more to follow a day tour!! So ‘mai hiam bei pai la’!!
Labels: Excursion