Day 96
Monday
3 April 2017
Bonbeach – St Kilda – Melbourne
We were awake at 7, already in the swing of the change of
time. We read for a bit and then got up. I was happy to keep loading the photos
onto the computer while the internet was strong, managing to get them all on.
We had breakfast, did our washing knowing the weather was
going to be fine for the day, a rarity for Melbourne. Unfortunately every other
man and his dog had the same idea and we struggled to get it all out on the
line.
Once our tasks were complete we were in the car with all our
gear and heading to St Kilda. We were able to follow the road stretching along
the foreshore all the way to a parking area next to Luna Park, arriving just
after 11am. With the glorious weather, we were happy to get out and amongst it,
walking along the beachfront and then onto the St Kilda Pier. The weather was glorious and provided a great
view across the bay to the city skyline of Melbourne.
After our walk, we jumped on a tram heading into Melbourne
city. We passed familiar landmarks and streets arriving at Flinders Station
stop just after 12. We walked past Federation Square an up Russell Street
heading to China Town and a Dim Sum Lunch at Crystal Jade Chinese Restaurant.
While on the pricey side, it was delicious and we enjoyed every morsel
With our bellies full, we waddled down the bustling streets,
passing others looking for a lunchtime feast. Swanston Street was just alive
with humanity. It didn’t help that it is now school holidays.
We ducked into Young & Jackson and found some solace on
their rooftop bar. The sunlight was streaming in and was the perfect place to
have a quiet and relaxing drink away from the hustle and bustle, that was until
the smokers turned up and we high tailed it out of there. They ruined a perfect
spot with their stench.
Once back down at street level, we stopped in at the
Flinders Train Station and picked up travel card, $25 for a two day pass. Eeek.
Our next battle was getting on the tram. We sat at the station for ages waiting
for one to turn up and of course the first one that does we need and so does
everyone else. We were crammed on the two carriage, with Paul being the last
aboard before the doors slammed shut attempting to eat his bum, but he snuck it
in just in time. All I could hope for was that I didn’t topple over taking all
in front of me with them.
Unfortunately our ordeal didn’t stop there, just as the tram
was beginning to thin of passengers, we were told that the tram wasn’t going
the usual route and we had to get off. What!
We stood at the tram stop waiting for another tram,
thankfully it arrived shortly after and we hopped on. However our ordeal wasn’t
over as this tram was also diverting. At least there was a map on board and we
could make an informed decision.
Once off the tram, we used trusty Google maps to point us in
the right direction and after a km of walking we were standing in front of the
familiar Luna Park face. Phew! Ordeal over for now.
We returned to the car and began our commute home. The traffic
was a little heavier this time being 3pm but it was still a fairly easy run and
we were back in Chelsea by 3.45pm. We stopped at the Woolies for groceries and
then returned to our park, where we unloaded our things and brought in the washing
that was now dry.
I sat on the computer putting on the photos before we
decided to make the most of the weather and take a drive down the beach front
for a nice walk in the sun. Unfortunately there is no street frontage in this
part and you are forced to walk on the sand. It isn’t a big deal, it just makes
you work a little harder. We walked for about 30min before we cut back into the
suburb and walked down the main street running alongside the train line.
We returned to the car at 6pm ready to head back and get
dinner started. We ate and then relaxed
for the evening. I had a text conversation with Sharon, while Paul rang Jo. We
put up the beer reviews and blog and watched the time tick away.
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