Sydney Hilton

Our last day in Ballina we spent in Byron Bay. Belinda (we are second cousins we think) and Gary drove us there on their way home. Breakfast at a beach cafe, not for the first time (I could get to like this kind of life), then B and G dived into the waves for a quick swim before continuing their journey. We hiked it along the beach and up to the lighthouse. On the way we stod at Australias most easterly point. We also saw two shoals? flocks? of dolphins lazily making their way along the shore. At the top we had ice creams and then the only thing to do is go down again. We had a swim too. The waves were't high at all. In Ballina K had been knocked over by a wave and lost his glasses. By a million to one chance Belinda had stood on them at the same time as saying "You will never find them". Bought some flowers for the lovely ladies who had looked after us then I saw the YHA hostel. Popped in to see if they had had any cancellations as we still had nowhere to stay in Sydney. No but have you tried Sydney Harbour? So, after choosing a lift from all the offers we had from friendly neihbours we boarded the greyhound bus at the big prawn restaurant on the Pacific Highway just outside of town at 9.45 pm (21.45) arriving in Sydney at 10.15 the next morning. It does actually say YHA outside but we have a large room with a shower and toilet. Stunning views over the opera house and the harbour bridge right beside us. (I jogged across it this morning) Everything is modern, we might even get some pictures in if K recovers from the journey before we leave. I think they dropped a 0 from the price but I'm keeping quiet about it. So we live well. Arrival day was Melbourne Cup, everyone was dressed up, the girls in beautiful dresses and high heels, all the men in suits. No one seemed to work and as it was 31 degrees maybe that was just as well. Today is a lot cooler so we have done some serious walking round China town and along the harbour. We took in the tower too.