At breakfast we were joined by this little chap who had been avoiding us all our stay. This white eye is one of a group of about six who live next door in Ron's garden and dart across our garden, twittering away as they go. They are only about the size of a wren and very busy so we were pleased to have got a photo.
Once we had everything packed, we loaded our cases into Ginny's car. She told us that the supply boat was expected to arrive at the jetty, and as that was on our planned route, we headed there on the bikes.
As we approached, the Island Trader was in the bay and heading for the jetty and lots of locals were lined up to see her in - a major event for the island, would it go aground again like it did two weeks before?
The island was ready for the arrival with many trucks lined up, supply trips come in on a regular two weekly schedule serving the outlying islands, including Lord Howe and Norfolk islands. The vast majority of the islanders' needs arrive this way. The cubes here contain petrol.
After we had watched the unloading for a while, we cycled on towards Kim's lookout, passing the site of a military seaplane crash in 1947, there are still remnants of the wings visible, and on up the hill. We passed this root system which made a wigwam
We didn't have time to get all the way there so, turned round and headed for the road.
We stopped for tea at Humpty Mick's cafe, famous for its sourdough bread but it was all gone and looked in at the Island museum which covers all aspects of the history of the island. There is the skeleton of a now extinct horned turtle, as well as histories of the early settlers, whose descendants still live on the island.
It was time to say goodbye to our cottage and to Gabrielle and then head for the airport with Ginny.
Our baggage was checked in and we were weighed with our carry-on. Several passengers were leaving with the main produce of the island - palm trees. The island has a protected status as a producer of a particular sort of palm tree, the Kentia Palm. They export over a million plants per annum via Holland. The islanders have to climb the trees to harvest the seeds. Originally they just sold the seeds but now they raise seedlings.
The flight was trouble free and this was our final view of Lord Howe island showing North Beach (were there are turtles) and Mt Eliza. You can see why North Beach is difficult to get to.
We arrived in Sydney and took a taxi to our hotel where we have an enormous studio apartment with great views over the city.
You can just see the Harbour Bridge behind the trees of the Botanical Gardens.
After dinner in a local restaurant we set off to catch our first view of Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. That achieved we were content to go to bed.
Pat and John on tour