Winter in retrospect...Part 3...winter by the sea...

My Dad was diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer a few years back (he's taking Chinese herbs and it's not getting any worse) but as he turns 85 this year, we are conscious of spending as much time as possible with him. So, when T had to pick up her new glasses all the way down at Queenscliffe (3 hours drive) we decided to make it an adventure with Papa!

When we arrived the first thing we did was head for the beach - it was SO cold but that didn't stop the girls wanting to explore.

We had cosy "Hideaway" Cottage waiting for us. I really enjoyed being here, it was so simple and peaceful and set me reflecting about all the clutter we gather in our lives.

Charlotte and Irena seemed to feel right at home too.

The next morning the sun greeted us as we enjoyed breakfast watching the passenger Ferry's come in through the heads of the bay.

We took a little time to find out some history. At the time of European discovery of the area, it was inhabited by the Bengalat Bulag clan of the Wautharong tribe, a member of the Kulin nation. In her first term of class 5 this year E had learnt that William Buckley, convict escapee, was the first European settler in the area in 1803 (hopefully I can post some of her work on that at another time). Permanent settlement began in 1836. Because of it’s position at the head of Port Phillip Bay, Queenscliffe was originally a fishing village and soon became an important cargo port, hence it’s famous lighthouse. It became a popular tourist destination as early as the 1800’s, and now carries tourists across Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula.

The main street of this historic town is delightful to wander around. I was very taken with this art deco shop front amongst the nineteenth century buildings.

There's some fun Op Shopping to be had here, and T bought herself this lovely necklace which we fancied was very 1960's.

I found a pretty piece of lace, and an old fashioned lolly shop where we indulged in sherbert foutains (just like Papa used to by me when I was little!).

In the pale afternoon sun, the girls paddled by the old jetty;

Until paddling turned waist deep - in the middle of winter!!! The joy of being 9 and 11!!!

We warmed up with hot fish and chips in the park overlooking the ocean - the end to a perfect day.