Day 2 Lakes Entrance 18/09

While the ground was still wet, it had stopped raining by the time we arose the next morning. Within an hour or so the cloud had mostly cleared away and it was obvious that a fine day awaited us. Our friend served up a fine breakfast, as she did dinner the night before and we three returned to the lookout points we had visited yesterday and you will agree it is a much better prospect.

Wedge tailed eagles nest nearby but we did not see any unfortunately.

Back down to the town, we headed for the recommended cruise boat to buy tickets. The cruise was to depart at 11.45 and return at 4.00. We had some time to fill in so we took a walk along the footpath bordering the lake opposite the shops. Our friend showed us this nesting swan, right next to the footpath and the same bird nests there every year.

Our friend left us to our own devices and we decided to visit Lake Tyers Beach. This is the local hotel. Some minutes later I looked and man was on the verandah roof, talking on a mobile phone. Sure enough, I checked my phone and it said emergency calls only, meaning no signal.

The beach wasn't really much there.

After leaving and driving back, we followed a sign to a lookout point and saw the open sea. If you click the pic, you should be able to see the salt spray.

Back at Lakes Entrance jetties we boarded our boat and away she went. The boat had a capacity of 190 passengers but was carrying only thirty to forty. Given it was a weekday, there are other cruises run by this company and others and it was before school holidays had started, I thought it was quite a decent loading.

I think this is a refuelling boat, possibly for the oil drilling rigs out to sea.

The entrance, but we certainly weren't going out into the open ocean.

A flock of pelicans was circling in a particular spot, accompanied by another breed of birds. There wasn't any apparent reason that I could see.

There was a commentary on board by the captain, which was interesting without being too long or monotonous. We arrived at our destination, Metung.

We are to lunch at the Meetung Hotel, the lunch included in the cruise price and it was a nice two course meal.

Metung property looks expensive and after looking in real estate agent windows, it is expensive.

You could get to within less than a metre to the pelican before it showed any sign of awareness of your presence.

This would be very cozy on a cool evening.

We were pondering what a difficult and hard life we have.

By the reactions of local people, it is unusual to see a swan crossing the road. I see them crossing Lakeside Drive in Albert Park quite often.

We walked along a back street which followed the other side of the narrow peninsula, thinking we would be able to loop back, but no, we had to retrace our steps. It was quite hot in the sun.

The seat was donated by someone in memory of a dear departed. Presumably the bereaved leaves the fresh flowers.

Nice water views from this 'modest' abode.

Our ferry is returning to take us back to Lakes Entrance. Note it is a catamaran and when out of speed restricted areas, the front lifted up and the back sank down and it took off.

As we arrived at the lakes' entrance a pod of dolphins was frollicking in the entrance current.

We left the boat to take a short walk on what is little more than a sand dune and again saw the open sea.
 

Seals were resting on the sun warmed rocks.

Back at our friend's house, we treated to a visit by occasionally fed lorikeets.We then took our friend to dinner on a floating pontoons seafood restaurant called Ferrymans in repayment for her generous hospitality. It was a delicious meal.