DAY 7 : SATURDAY : KINGSTON
AND HOME

                

Anzac Day! And another beautiful day. We have our final breakfast (with a new addition: banana fritters), pack up our belongings and leave them at Reception, and then drive down to Kingston to finally enjoy the surf rolling in.

There is a local tattoo on display too!

Such a beautiful, peaceful place, and of course filled with history.

The supply boat was supposed to arrive today, but fails to show this morning. All supplies come by sea.

Just back from the beach at Kingston are some beautiful wetlands.

A pretty, serene foreground to the stark reminders of the past.

I take a photo (in fact, several photos!) of the Norfolk Island flag: three vertical strips of green, white and green, with a green Norfolk Island pine in the central strip – very distinctive.

Then to Burnt Pine – unfortunately mostly closed because of Anzac Day – where I have the car topped up ($2.14 per litre) and returned, and we have a coffee. Then a walk back to the Lodge with time to spare before the airport shuttle arrives. The shuttle brings us to the little airport about 12:15, where Marg has a fit of the giggles – it’s not quite like Sydney! There is an interesting mosaic ...

We have an easy check in, and I am quite proud of my 6 kg luggage weight. There is also a $30 pp departure tax, and the lady pulls the file off my nail clippers. What damage could I have done with that?! Our plane is delayed an hour due to some unknown technical fault which involves the plane taxiing up and down the runway before we board!

Then a good flight to Sydney: I find I have sufficient legroom even in a standard seat, and they provide a tasty late dinner. So to Sydney where we have to walk for miles, catch the shuttle between terminals with our luggage, check in, have another drink, and finally we are on our way to Adelaide. A light Virgin touch was the introduction of the cabin staff as Randy, Andy, Candy and Sandy! So home again after a delightful holiday.

Reflections My feelings about this holiday and our activities are all positive. A week is just about right, although I'm not sure how we would have filled in wet days. We have enjoyed the luxury of Governor's Lodge with its full breakfast, serviced villas, and beautiful surrounds. A car is essential, but given this, in terms of distance, any place on the island would be suitable to stay. (I assume the airport shuttle goes anywhere.) Our trips with Pine Tree Tours have been good value and very enjoyable. The weather has been mild all week: between 18° and 23° with a little humidity; shirt sleeves have been the norm. All shopping is at Burnt Pine, although we thought the shops nothing special. I think this is a good holiday destination for anyone enjoying relaxing, scenery, history, bush walking (or various other activities like horse riding).