Sydney and Coffs Harbour

Last week I was able to go to the "Future Schools" conference in Sydney.  We flew from a town called Moree, a short 75 minute flight into Sydney.  Our three bedroom apartment that we rented overlooked the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.  The conference was interesting as I got to hear from principals who have changed the way they deliver education to their students.  It's the wave of education coming down the pipeline to deliver a 21st century learning environment. 

On Friday I went to Armidale for a new teachers retreat.  It was hosted at a place called, "Saumarez Heritage Home".  This place was built in the 1850's by a family who immigrated from England.  It's a massive property that is maintained by volunteers in the community to preserve the local heritage.  Lots of history in this area! 

Since I was halfway there, I kept on my venture to Coffs Harbour.  It is a seaside location that sits midway between Sydney and Brisbane.  I'll admit that any location that has a beach has been a highlight for me.  The place I rented was only 300 metres from the beach.

Saturday morning I went to the Porpoise Pool to check out the dolphins, sea lions and penguins.  I couldn't help myself and joined the many people who lined up to have their picture taken with the dolphins and sea lions!  I included a picture of a little girl who brushed the teeth of a dolphin! 
On Sunday morning I went into Coffs Harbour to the Jetty and took in the farmers market.  Just a stones throw away  I parked myself on the beach and discovered I forgot to bring a dog!  A lady who's pup came to sniff me, informed me that I was at the leash free dog beach...there must have been over 100 dogs that ran and barked past me!  I regrettably departed on a bright and sunny day to head home to reality.  Only three more weeks until our two week break.  I'll be heading back to the beach for sure! 

Sunday Morning Kayaking

What an amazing way to spend a Sunday morning!  A fundraiser was being held for a fellow teacher named Stef who is taking an epic bike ride from Sydney to Uluru (Ayers Rock).  With all the money going to a children's charity who could pass that up?  We gathered down at Lake Inverell and headed out across the lake for an 8 km paddle.  Stef's dad, Heinrich Haussler, owns a local tour company called, "Joey Adventure Tours" and arranges these kayak tours.  About half way through the paddle you could smell the bacon cooking down the river.  We stopped to have an amazing breakfast put on by Stef's husband on the side of the river.  Bacon, eggs, French toast, muesli and yogurt .... yum! Heinrich is a photographer by trade and took the picture above of all the participants that morning.  If anyone comes to visit me, we will be heading out on Lake Inverell with Heinrich for this fantastic paddle and breakfast!    My support goes out to my new friend Stef on her bike journey!