Saturday
We headed off for a short walk into town.
You feel like you have stept back in time with the buildings erected with lots of A frames. Norfolk’s economy has of course been impacted by COVID 19, with several empty shops. Everyone here is very happy to see the tourist return to the island, with most accommodation places booked out months in advance. Mark showed me the old Westpac building where he used to work. It was boarded up and we could still see his office and the teller’s counter. The premises are still leased by Westpac we were told. There are several coffee shops here now, but were none when Mark was here 35 years ago. They are only serving small cups of coffee at the moment as the island is running out of long life milk. The island is awaiting the cargo ship to unload supplies, weather permitting.
They have some really nice boutique shops, jewellery, knitwear, art, hardware, variety, service stations (fuel $2.06 a litre), toy store, car hire, electrical store and travel agents. Prices are bit expensive, but considering how much the freight cost are, they are reasonable.
We brought some food and had a BBQ lunch in the house back at Channers. We waited for the Queenslanders to arrive. After getting re-aquatinted, the boys headed to the Golf Club for drinks and we headed to the bowling club to all eat dinner together.
Sunday
We had a quick tour of the island. First stop Mount Pitt with 360 degree views of the island 320 metres high, with a great view of Phillip and Nepean Islands. Next stop Puppy’s Point, located on the west coast of Norfolk Island near Anson Bay, Puppy’s Point is known for its spectacular sunsets, with people gathering here for picnics at dusk. As the sun drops beneath the ocean horizon, the sky cycles through a palette of fiery oranges, gold, purple and magenta, slowly easing into twilight. In the foreground are Norfolk pines and grazing cows. Then to beautiful Anson Bay, which is Norfolk’s most secluded bay with only a walking track that winds down to the beach but not recommended for swimming. Then to Captain Cook Lookout. Captain Cook Monument marks the landing of Captain Cook on October 10, 1774. This has beautiful views of formations like Bird Rock and Elephant Rock. With lots of coastal walking tracks.
That afternoon we headed to the Sunset bar at Puppy’s point. A local resident with a small home and a pool, built a bar with lots of outdoor tables and chairs, shaded by umbrellas complete with live entertainment. What a wonderful place to view the sunset and enjoy the cocktails, beer, wine and beautiful local food. The boys were always re-acquainting with people that were here when they were. Marbles even got up and sang a song with Kim Davies (the local musician).
After stumps we headed to the Leagues Club for dinner. The girls played pool and had a wonderful time. The boys thought the best entertainment was watching us play.
Suzy
2021-03-29
Lovely photos as always. What a beautiful island.
Kate
2021-03-31
Gorgeous Kylie x
Di Richards
2021-04-01
Looks so peaceful & beautiful!!
Sue M
2021-04-03
Great stories and photos. Much appreciated . Keep enjoying your holiday.
Anka
2021-04-03
I didn't realise that Mark worked there, and I was interested to see the old Westpac building, even though it may have been boarded up. So Mark, you would know your way about in Norfolk, and it would take you back, and reminisce. Have fun you two.