Adelaide and kangaroo island

Friday 12th July after finishing work straight home shower and taxi picked us up at 4.15 as thought be easier to get taxi than train. But unfortunately was abit of traffic on the way there so ended up taking  us 45 minutes and cost us $25 each. But luckily only have to be there 1 hour and trust me to get stopped by security to do an explosive check. Time then for food just had McDonalds and plane supposed to leave at 6.10 but was late leaving ended up departing at 6.45. None of us were sat next to each I was sat 9A nice plane was plenty of room and even had TVs which was live watched NCIS and CSI but fell asleep. When woke up heard on the antenna them asking for nurse, Dr luckily someone else went but not sure what the problem was. Landed at 8.40 which was 45 minutes late but flight only 1hour and 55 minutes then get taxi to our accommodation. Staying at 'Breakfree Directors Studios' which is only 10 minutes from airport and in the heart of the CBD. Considering we arrived late the staff were very welcoming and was expecting to have a camp bed but luckily we had 3 separate beds. Once checking in went for a wander and was close to the market precinct and Chinatown was lots of places to eat. But most were Chinese but we won't really that hungry crepe looked tempting but very busy so just got ice-cream. On way back was raining so as soon as got back jumped in the shower and blew the electricity when using the hairdryer. Luckily it was easily fixed the receptionist bought up a new hairdryer and fixed the electricity. The bed was very comfy fell asleep just after 11ish but woke up during night and then I eventually got up at 5ish. Had time for cup of tea it seemed very cold so decided to wear my new north face jacket which got for birthday and my barbour jacket. We were first to get picked up just before 6am and on our 2nd pick up the 2 people were late for collection  by 10 minutes. By the time we had picked everyone up was 6.30 then took 2 hours to the ferry and the ride was very bumpy so couldn't get to sleep. Arrive at Cape Jervis Jetty which is the jumping point for passengers to Kangaroo island only had to wait a few minutes board 9ish. The journey only took 45 minutes then arrive at penneshaw the township on the northeast coast of dudley peninsula on kangaroo island. It was then to find our coach to start our kangaroo island day tour where found out kangaroo island only has 3 policeman. Has 35km of beaches and 29 vineyards but unfortunately no time to visit the wineries and beaches today but not warm enough to go on beach. Also there is no traffic lights on kangaroo island with only 2 stop signs, I roundabout and people actually wave to each other when pass each other in cars. 

First was to Seal Bay Conservation Park which is the home of the endangered Australian Sea-Lion and the second largest breeding colony in Australia. It is home to 1 thousand seals with 50/50 of male and female seals, where we got to join one of the regular guided tours with our guide Paul. We got to experience these animals in their natural environment with wander along the 800 metre boardwalk through the limestone cliffs and dunes to the viewing platform. Here we got the opportunity to observe the sea-lions surfing the waves or sunning themselves on the beach while we enjoyed the stunning coastal scenery. It was amazing to see the sea-lions in their natural habitat and swimming in the surf then to look round shop where got a postcard. Then to Vivonne Bay Bistro for our freshly prepared 2 course Australian style lunch set amongst stunning natural bushlands. Here we got a delicious lunch of soup followed by chicken, vegetables and potatoes was the 2nd best meal had on tours best was the Ayers Rock BBQ. Next to Hanson Bay Koala Walk for an opportunity to look for koala's nestled up in the eucalypts where we got to see a few hiding in the trees. The koala is not related to the bear like people assume their closest relative is the wombat and average life expectancy is 15 years. Their like to sleep 19-20 hours sleep as eucalypts leave do not provide them with enough energy. To tell the difference between male and female the male has a large nose weighs 10-12kg and the female has fluffy ears weighs 8kg. We also got the opportunity to see a few kangaroo's hiding behind the trees but unfortunately couldn't get closer enough for pictures. Off to Flinders Chase National Park one of Australia's largest and earliest conservation parks and stopped at bunker hill lookout for view of the park. Then to remarkable rocks which is a cluster of granite boulders sculptured by the weather and perched on a granite dome rising steeply from the ocean. We had chance to take a walk around these huge rocks that have been carved into many different weird and wonderful shapes. From a distance it looks like a camel laid down and at first felt strange climbing the rock as last one Ayers Rock couldn't climb. It was very interesting as every angle you looked at the rocks showed something different and got some good pictures wasn't Lynne's thing. Next to Cape du Couedic Lighthouse which was built in 1906 then a steep but short walk from the lighthouse to a spectacular arch. Which is known as Admirals Arch formed by erosion from the pounding sea which is quite spectacular. It is also the breeding ground of a colony of New Zealand fur seals and got to see them frolicking in the water and the rocks under the arch. Nice to see the New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat as last time I saw one one was at Taronga Zoo. Had a quick look round Flinders Chase visitors cente which is a good place to learn about local souvenirs and browse the souvenirs but bought nothing. Time to then head back to the ferry which took about 2 hours and gave me chance to have a sleep on the coach. Onroute to the ferry we stopped for food where I got a hot dog and chips then onto ferry which was more rough but not too bad. Slept on way back from Cape Jervis Jetty to city as had bigger coach and luckily was first drop off at 10ish. Once in electricity gone off again then watched TV for abit Lethal Weapon and did my usual fall asleep with the TV on.

Last day in Adelaide and woke up during in night then got up 8 and time to go explore Adelaide before heading back, luckily coukd leave luggage at hotel. But first for breakfast and since the pancakes looked good on Friday night decided would have some but was a disappointment. Thought would go look in the shops so headed to Rundall Mall which is the premier shopping destination and meeting place in Adelaide. But unfortunately the shops didn't  open til 11 so had a walk along the riverbank promenade along Elder Park. The park is named after the Elder family who were early settlers and developed the company Elder Smith. It also were the Popeye cruise departs from the Elder Park cafe up to the Torrens Weir and going up to the Adelaide Zoo. Their was also a few paddleboats on the River Torrens was tempted to go on but resisted as afraid of falling in. Walk past the Adelaide festival centre which was Austrlia first multi purpose arts centre built 3 months before Sydney Opera House. It had a few decorate items and one thing looked like stars but once up close was actually a number of triangles. Back to Rundall Mall to the iconic Rundall Mall pigs but have been taken away for some careful restoration. As the pigs are a tourist attration in Adelaide their are life sized bronzed pigs known as Horatio, Truffles, Augusta and Oliver. We then had a look round Haigh's chocolate store and Adelaide was the first place to open Haigh's on 1st May 1915. Lynne got us a Bilby chocolate from Haigh's but I couldn't eat since my nickname by so e of the people at work. Then time to have sone lunch before catching our flight so went to Hogbreath Cafe which I have heard good reports but never eaten.  Hogbreath cafe is an Aussie success story with lots of grunt and is a chain of steak house restaurants. Me and Debbie decided to share a selection of dishes which was very nice would definitely eat their again. One thing I did find better about Adelaide than Sydney was a lot better signposts and the traffic lights were better actually gives you count down to cross road. We then caught Taxi at 1.30 to airport which only took a few minutes and we actually got seats together this time. Flight at 15.15 and was sat at 27D but unfortuantely no TVs this time and we got food which wasn't expecting but didn't eat. Landed at 17.40 and caught train just after 6ish got back to Rhodes at 6.45 and straight to Coles to get ingredients for pancakes. As since me and Debbie so disappointed with ours today Lynne offered to make some which were very nice and she made lots. Watched Elementary but fell asleep so missed the ending which was a shame and got to bed 11ish.