Queenscliff

8 Feb 2014

We knew it was going to be a hot day so we planned to get out of our sauna like house. Aaron had a few emergency work things come up so we headed out at lunch time.

With packed lunch in car we started driving towards Mornington Peninsula. We decided to go to Soronto and catch the Ferry across Port Philip Bay. It turned out to be the best spontaneous day!

The kids were wide eyed as we drove our car onto the ferry, it was a new, exciting and a bit nerving for them at first. Then they were giddy with excitement and couldn't believe it was possible.

Queenscliff was an amazing experience. Aaron surprised us with a quant boat ride out into the bay with South Bay Eco Adventures. A nice younger couple own the company (they have two young children) and they made the trip so wonderful and kid friendly. 

As soon as the boat sped into the bay the kids squealed with excitement. 

I too was found closing my eyes and letting the warm sea air breeze through my hair. I had missed being out on a boat. 

Josh asked numerous times if we could get a boat of our own, I think he was feeling the same way I was.

Our first stop was to see the Australasian Gannets nesting ground.

These birds are plunge divers and spectacular fishers, plunging into the ocean at high speed. Just weeks before we were watching a documentary about this amazing seabirds on the discovery channel. Their wing span is nearly 6 feet long and their diving capabilities are amazing.

They are incredibly smelly but very fascinating.

Watch this video to see them in action. Absolutely incredible!

From there we travelled to the Chinaman's Hat where we watched the Australian Fur Seals.

We watched in awe at the massive cargo ships that would go by. Its unreal how they can push water. There was a crazy jet skier riding the waves of this cargo ship. I wonder if that's legal?

Dolphins were not guaranteed on this trip but as we were ready to head back they appeared. Beautiful and majestic was a small pod with a baby. We followed them around a bit and one got a little playful and came up along the side of the boat right in front of Rachael. My favorite part of the day for sure, I LOVE DOLPHINS!

Back on land and we were hungry. Calamari rings and chips "fries" for lunch. Then indulged ourselves in some yummy ice cream and smoothies. 

It was getting later but we wanted to stop off at one more place before heading home, Torquay beach. We were hoping for some big waves but the kids were happy with the small ones we had. As they discovered how their boogie boards worked I sat at the side with Seppe. He was not a fan of the crashing waves.  Rachael was the first to grasp riding the waves, she was brilliant. Soon Josh followed and they enjoyed their time. 

Before our journey back home we stopped to grab a few snacks and enjoyed the beautiful sunset along the country road home.

It was a really hot day, still 106 degrees after 6pm. Rachael's hair became very curly after being at the beach, I told her she had true beach babe curls. She just giggled.
When we returned home our house was a proper sauna. As usual we pulled the kids mattresses into our room, put on our split system unit and they were  fast asleep within minutes.

 These are the BEST kind of days!