In the early morning of the 31st, the last day of the year, my husband and I met in Fremantle with a friend who owns a boat, and two other male friends.
The occasion was to reunite with a former colleague of theirs, who was here on holidays from South Africa.
We had last seen him just over 20 years ago, when they had worked together in Germany.
It was lovely to catch up on what had been happening in everybody´s life since then.
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| Leaving Fremantle port |
The boat took us to Carnac Island, an island just 10km out of Perth. For the adventurous snorkeling and diving are allowed. But we all just stayed under cover, talking and having some snacks.
Just a few metres away on the beach of one of the bays, a few sea lions lay in the sun.
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| A pelican, and tiny birds perched on the boat were some of the attractions |
A while later two of them went for a swim and a few snorkelers jumped in the sea to follow them.
It was lovely to see them circling the boats, gliding in and out of the water, just so fast and gracious, while when they were lying on the sand they looked like lazy blobs of fat. Last time we were in the island, the sea lion colony was a lot bigger, so I presume they might have migrated to a nearby island.
Later the Marine Parks Protection boat came by to warn the snorkelers not to get too close to the sea lions as they are wild after all. One sea lion lying motionless on the sand was in fact dead - old age, we were told.
It just feels so good to see these creatures frolicking in the water. What a pity we didn't see dolphins this time either. Have you ever come close to these animals? Aren't they just amazing?
Around noon, and it was time to return home.
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In the evening it was time to get our picnic hamper and head to the Portuguese Social club for our New Year´s Eve dance.
Almost 240 people filled the hired school hall. We were 10 people at our table and each couple had brought their own drinks and nibbles. I baked a Tuna Cake which came out very well and I will be posting the recipe soon. I also took a plate with fresh fruit and a plate of nuts and dried fruit. Everyone is so fed up with eating, that something light and fresh seems to be the best bet.
A good night was had by all with entertainment provided by DJ Paulo and by a group of young singers.
We left shortly after 1,30am, having danced the night away and happy for having joined our friends in welcoming 2012.
May this year bring us all peace, health, prosperity and happiness.
Happy New Year to all my readers, friends and family!
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| View of the crowd dancing/ the hall full of people/hubby and I/ and almost midnight. |
Que maravilha de passeio! Velejar e tao bom!
ReplyDeleteGostei muito das fotografias! A primeira, entao, e linda!
Ai, o bolo tem optimo aspecto! Neste momento, estou de relacoes cortadas com a balanca! So me diz o que nao quero ver! ;-)) Fico a aguardar pela receita.
Beijinhos! E Bom Ano! :-)
Olá Sandra: velejar seria mais calmo penso eu, mas o barco onde fomos é a motor, e acho que é cansativo andar aos pulos na água, quando regressámos as ondas estavam já a metro e meio! Por isso uma pessoa fica toda "partida". De qualquer modo é agradável estar no meio do mar, uma sensaçao de paz.
ReplyDeletePerfect last day of the old year Sami. I must try and get out to Carnac Island, it looks like a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I'd love to visit this place. You have captured some beautiful pictures :)
ReplyDeleteGrace - The island is lovely. I didn´t even know it existed until last year.
ReplyDeletePiglet - there are some beautiful spots around here, but then every country has some wonderful places to visit.