Part 3: Sydney to Albion Park to Jervis Bay

So from Melbourne I flew to Sydney. In my planning at home I imagined I could drive from Melbourne to Jervis Bay but when I saw the reality of the mileage it became apparent that it would be more efficient to approach it from the north. My kind friend Jacky made the arrangements through her travel agent and soon I was northward bound.

You are looking down at the bush. Inpentrable eucalyptus forests as far as the eye can see. Up close you wonder how explorers ever mapped such a terrain. Think of the spiders in there alone. I saw TWO Huntsman spiders, one in Melbourne and one in Sydney. Both times in the city. Both times on the window of the car I was in. They are BIG my friends. Fast too. Yeeeargh.

So Virgin Airlines to Sydney.

An easy hour and a half long flight.

Rented a car, schlepped in my FOUR pieces of luggage and off I drove.

(Note to my friends making this trip next year: pack brutally light. My second bag on my trip home cost $200 on Qantas and it was a drag to haul around. I didn't really need 4 pairs of shoes.)

So then I drove. On the left side of the road.

Past the Dr. Seuss forests.

Under the sheltering gum trees.

To Albion Park where my dear amiga Trish Seggebruch is staying with her husband John and son Daniel. 

We squealed. Pinched each other. Said things like, "look at us! We're in Australia!" It was one of those moments.

All during this trip I was inspired by women who are at home in the kitchen and this was no exception. Trish was making cookies when I arrived. She put out a gorgeous meal of lamb shanks (?) while we visited. She even has a son who cooks! 

Daniel made us this delicious chocolate dessert after supper. Thank you Daniel!!

And then we four played Bananagrams. Which I have located here at home and bought - what a fun game.

 I slept like a queen at Trish's and then early night morning I was up and on the road again. But not before making some "what if" plans for the future. And while I'm on this subject, if you aren't already signed up for EncaustiCamp in July you will surely want to make the effort to come and meet both of us there. It's going to be the best! 

On the road south once more.

 

Driving.

Driving.

And driving.

Until at last I reach the beaches of Jervis Bay.

And arrive at the beautiful home of she-who-makes-dreams-come-true.

She is special. If you've met her you already know.

If you haven't, let me assure you that her heart is warm, open and sincere.

Tracy Verdugo. She's an amazing talent and a gifted teacher. I felt so welcomed and happy in her company. I'll get to that in the next post.

Here is the doorway to her magical studio. 

During my stay at Jervis Bay we saw this young kukaburra.

 This red parrot.

The sheltering eucalyptus.

and this ...

the awesome roo. Lots of them in fact.

They are peaceful creatures.

More to come about the Cold Wax Class, adventures with Tracy and captures of Jervis Bay. 

I love Australia.