Blonde headed, real gone surfie types, clad only in board shorts and thongs in the middle of July have spread the misconception that winter never darkens or frosts our doors in the bay. This is not quite the truth. It is cool, even cold in Byron Bay for at least six weeks a year. Sometimes, like this year, winter hangs around even longer.
Normally, this would not have worried me. After all, I know that we are not experiencing the beginning of an ice age! But Kenn and I have been working in the garden since Autumn, hoping to have it just perfect for our daughter Melissa’s Springwedding. Kenn built new retaining walls here and there and replaced decrepit garden arches.
I planted out pots of pansies to greet the guests in a jovial, springlike manner.
Such happy faces !
We weeded, mulched and talked to the plants for we were hosting a recovery breakfast to follow the wedding reception. I had visions of guests sprinkled around the garden, sipping coffee and orange juice admiring the flowers in the balmy sunshine.
The back garden just waiting for chairs and tables!
That was before the weather intervened. Instead of warm, sunny, springweather, it rained, sprinkled and rained some more. Through the mist, my guests could see that there was a garden and probably somewhere out there, trees, shrubs, ferns and flowers but up close and personal with nature they did not get. Convivial conversation and laughter warmed us instead.
It’s been two weeks since the wedding. Two weeks since that rainy weekend and the garden has decided to really come delightfully alive.
The frangipani trees are sprouting, patterning the skies with green.
The daisy standard is clearly saying, “Look at me, look at me!” as the bees buzz happily about.
To my surprise, the bromeliads appear to be climbing. It’s not a tower yet but …
The may bush is in full flower and I noticed just today that the white Jacaranda has its first flowers while the northern border is alive with colour.
The white Jacaranda, the northern border and my may bush.
Every garden has its delights, something that catches your eye in every season. My garden is very much a work in progress. I confess, I have suffered from garden envy on occasion: walking through my sister Jenny’s rose garden in spring, admiring my sister Maryanne’s original federation garden with its mature weeping elm, box hedges and wisteria or tiptoeing through the tulips in Canberra. But at the moment, I am content. (After all, do I really want to spread those three bales of mulch that are still stacked around the side from before the wedding?) The birds visit and the flowers and ferns waft about as I drink my coffee in the morning sun. What delights await you in your spring garden?
Like so many, my life has been touched by Cancer. I lost my mother far too soon to the effects of Lung Cancer. I miss her. She never had the opportunity to see her grandchildren grow up, graduate from university, attend their weddings or hold a great-grandchild as her mother did. So, my sisters and I have always supported fundraising efforts for Cancer research. To that end, like many others I have sold raffle tickets, attended concerts, volunteered my services as a washer upper at various functions and cut up oodles of onions for a sausage sizzle. But never before have I participated in a Chair workshop in an effort to raise money for Cancer research!
Why now, you might ask? Well because this year, the Cancer Council decided to hold a fundraiser in Byron Bay entitled:
starsofbyronshire2015.everydayhero.com
My good friend Helen Jarvis landed the pole dancing gig. Together with her tutor Candace, she has been mastering a pole dancing routine to present on Saturday night. As well, Helen and the other contestants have been raising money with various endeavours. Candace offered to run an all girls chair workshop, donating the proceeds and the rest, as they say is history.
I was told to wear gym gear and bring high heels. I donned my yoga pants, an over sized tshirt and collected my only pair of high heels, if shoes with a 4cm heel can be described as high. My friend Neroli had also agreed to support Helen and together, we headed off to Circus Arts at the Industrial Estate at Byron. We didn’t know what to expect but vaguely thought that we would be prancing around a chair, striking a few poses, while we giggled at our foolishness. But it was so, so much more! We were learning a proper dance routine!
Helen and the class hard at work
Initially, we had to stand beside our chairs with one foot on the seat. Yay, my leg could stretch that far. We had to bend and stretch in a provocative manner, slapping and rolling our bottoms. Well, my bottom was in need of cellulite removal, so no problem, I slapped away enthusiastically. We had to balance on our knees on the chair before raising one leg towards the ceiling in an elegant manner and swishing our heads around. I tried to swish, got vertigo, wobbled and nearly fell off. But worse was to follow. The beautiful Candace demonstrated the chair straddle. And we too tried to straddle …
My legs only just made it over the chair. There was absolutely no chance of me being able to do the splits in this position. I was simply hanging onto the chair for dear life.
We also tried to drape ourselves side wise over the chair and complete fan kicks. I invented a new move: the hobble as the fan was beyond me. To make matters worse, my shimmy was more of a shammy. In truth, I only excelled at standing still beside the chair rocking from one leg to the other.
This was how the shimmy was supposed to be executed.
Finally, it was time to put our moves together in a routine…to music! The only thing I can say is, I know I’m not suffering from Dementia. I could remember all the moves; it was their execution that was problematical.
My preconceptions about this being an easy activity were shattered, It was the most challenging thing that I’ve attempted for a long time. Muscles I had been unaware of, made their presence known. However, it was a lot of fun. Neroli and I laughed and giggled heaps and would do it again maybe … for Cancer Research.
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in her shoe,” are tokens of good luck that a bride traditionally carries on her wedding day. Something old represents continuity; something new offers optimism for the future; something borrowed symbolises borrowed happiness; something blue stands for love and fidelity; and a sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity.
This traditional rhyme captures the hopes, good wishes and above all else, the love that brings friends and family together for a wedding. What it doesn’t capture is the fun involved; both in the preparations and the event itself. To begin the countdown to the wedding and wishing for Lissa to feel a connection with our family’s country traditions, I decided to host a kitchen tea for her. I felt sure, that fueled with champagne, my friends, the bridesmaids and Lissa’s girlfriends would offer her hilarious and sage advice concerning her future wifely duties. I envisioned this event in the back garden and thankfully, the weather gods complied.
Table decorated with hot pink table runner, ferns, pansies and the Herb Challenge ready to go
Unfortunately, I couldn’t serve just champagne for Afternoon Tea. My wonderful girlfriend, Julie offered to help me with the cooking but I couldn’t leave everything to her, much as I wanted to.
The wonderful, thoughtful and hardworking Julie
So, I practised my high tea skills. Alas, I’m no Adriano Zumbo. I had to cross chocolate macaroons off the menu as mine resembled the dark side of the Moon. I experimented with gluten free vanilla cup cakes, wrestling with piping bags and butter cream frosting. (It looked so easy on Youtube!) Still, they passed the taste test and didn’t look too bad when I smothered them in decorations. Wanting to serve mini lemon and caramel tarts, I blind baked pastry for the first time. Imagine my relief when they came out perfectly. Not a burnt crust among them! I only had to practice the time-honoured country art of scone making. I had assured Melissa that Scone making was in our genes! My mother could turn out a wonderful batch of scones in no time flat without having to measure a thing: surely so could I? Friends gave me the lemonade and cream recipe, however the scones didn’t rise enough for my liking. Next came a melted butter recipe. Disappointment ruled my kitchen! Finally, I adapted a traditional recipe and remembering Mum’s secret touches, a great batch.emerged from the oven needing only strawberry jam and cream.
Feeling reasonably confident that my guests wouldn’t starve, I organised the games that we would play. In keeping with the culinary theme, I decided on an identify a herb game.
Geranium is not a herb is it?
There were ten herbs to identify including Lovage and the Mother of all Herbs There was much merriment and discussion as the pots were passed around, closely examinedand answer sheets filled in.
The girls are having funAnd so is the bride to be
There was also a Masterchef Challenge. The wonderful people at the Pass Cafeprovided a tray of their unique gluten free brownies and a list of the ingredients. Everyone had to taste and decide what the ingredients were. These were so delicious that it was difficult to concentrate on separating the tastes in your mouth! This did provide a great segue into Afternoon Tea proper.
Chocolate brownie blissSo much deliciousness
It was very difficult to choose what to have first! One good thing about fine china cups, saucers and plates is that the plates are small so that you don’t feel guilty about having seconds or indeed thirds. I couldn’t resist Leone’s White chocolate berry cheesecake or Julie’s chicken and cucumber sandwiches. And I really do think that tea tastes so much better in bone china tea cups, don’t you?
Feeling very relaxed and replete, it was time for Lissa to open her presents. Helen got proceedings off to a hilarious start. She had Lissa don kitchen attire that would keep her future husband, Ben very interested in the kitchen, though one could wonder what was on the menu!
All that’s missing is the g-string
Each lovely gift came with a family recipe and the story behind it. I had sent the recipe cards out with the invitations. Lissa was thrilled. I’m sure, she’ll enjoy making each of them and adding to them as she embraces married life.
My gift was a sentimental one.As Lissa loves candles, I asked Kate Hogan, Lissa’s cousin, creator of beautiful hand-crafted soy candles produced under her brand (www.numberninetyseven.com.au) to make three special candles for Melissa. They will celebrate Ben and Melissa’s first Christmas as a married couple, their first anniversary and the birth of their first child. I wrote a small verse for each candle and Kate and her sister, Mel, did the rest. They were simply stunning.
it smells so good
It was time for more fun. The bridesmaids, Toni and Brooke, volunteered to be models as the rest of us created two alternative wedding dresses for Melissa out of toilet paper and masking tape. Don’t they look adorable?
Here come the brides
More champagne and all too soon, it was home time. It had been such a fun afternoon! Lissa and I had put together a small collection of kitchen goodies which we wrapped in a flour sack tea towel to thank our guests for coming.
In winter, as you walk around the lighthouse in Byron Bay, you can see Humpback whales on their annual migration to the Great Barrier Reef. From numerous vantage points, as you peruse the ocean, you may catch sight of these magnificent creatures spouting and occasionally breaching. Although it is always a thrill, indeed I feel cheated if I walk and don’t see any whales, I am always aware that I’m on the land and they’re in the sea, a long way away.
A WHALE OF A TIME BEGINS
Whale approaching
I longed to get up close and personal, so last week, Kenn and I embarked on a whale watching trip to Hervey Bay, approximately 450 kms north of Byron Bay. We traveled mid week, hoping to avoid the crowds and chose to stay at the Mantra hotel located on the Boat harbour at Urangan. Our room came complete with a very comfortable king size bed, a spa bath and a balcony with a view over the harbour. Perfect spot for admiring sunrise and sunset.
Definitely a room with a view.
Having settled in, we explored our surroundings. We confirmed our booking for our Whale Watch on Quick Cat II. We selected the Day Away for Early Birds tour which included a half day whale watching adventure and an afternoon at Kingfisher Bay on Fraser Island. That sorted, Kenn and I chilled out for a couple of hours before salivating over a sensational seafood dinner at La Baelana Cafe on the boardwalk, just a few steps from our hotel. The Hervey Bay prawns and scallops were better than a Masterchef finale. I would recommend booking, as this cafe is verypopular.
WHALE MUGGING!
Friday morning dawned calm and clear: perfect conditions for whale watching. The Quick Cat IIwas underway promptly at 7am and breakfast, consisting of fresh fruit, cereals, pancakes and muffins, was served as we made our way past Fraser Island into the bay. Soon, we were in Whale territory. Several pods were steaming towards us. The captain cut the engines and the magic began as they swam up to our boat.
Rainbow Spray
I couldn’t believe it, they were right there and I was so close I could see rainbows in the spray as they swam past. Then they dived under the ship to the other side, coming up to look at us. “They re mugging us,” the captain exclaimed. “They can see and hear us, so wave your arms and yell!” Obediently, we waved frantically, yelled and whistled.
Stand still, I’m taking a mug shot!
The whales must have liked our response for they kept us company for the next hour or so. The sunlight filtered through the water and cast shifting patterns on their bodies as they cruised beside us, just below the surface.
I’m so cool, just drifting along
Then, when you least expected it, they would breach. The most spectacular breach was right in front of the boat, but I was so awestruck, that I forgot that I had a camera in my hand. Alas I only caught the after splash.
Alas, going down
They frolicked the morning away, rolling over to show us their tummies,
I’m so pretty!
swimming away only to return and begin their performance again.
I’ve got my after burners on
But all wonderful experiences come to an end. The sun was directly overhead and it was time to return to the harbour. Our friends of the deep, waved us farewell.
See you next time.
Everyone was quiet as we cruised to Kingfisher Bay, where some of us were finishing the cruise. I think we were all savouring the moment. I overheard a little six year old poppet exclaim to her grandparents, “This has been the bestest day ever!” Yes, some dreams do come true.
Do you have a favourite cafe or eatery? A place to catch up with friends while you sip a latte or cappuccino or perhaps a peppermint green tea while basking in the sun? A place which delivers a delicious bite to eat if you wish to indulge? A place, perhaps with a deck or veranda overlooking a beautiful view? There are many such establishments in Byron, but one of my favourites is the Pass Cafe. (www.thepasscafe.com.au)
The path leading to the Pass Cafe from the Lighthouse walking circuit. The elevated deck is to the left.
The cafe is situated in the Arakwal National Park, overlooking the iconic Pass Beach. You can get there by car: drive along Lighthouse Road, turn left into Brooke Drive and park in the adjacent car park. It is a paid parking area. But my preferred option is to walk to the cafe following the circuit which eventually leads to the lighthouse. A little bit of exercise, lovely views, nice people to encounter, what more could I ask for?
View from the deck, looking into the rain forest of the Arakwal National Park
There on the deck you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast while you watch the birds or admire the view of the ocean through the trees. I love their brekkie burger but have suffered acute menu envy when others have ordered the Spanish omelette. As a reward for walking even part of the lighthouse circuit, morning coffee and cake is a must. I can recommend the gluten free brownies and the Middle Eastern orange muffins in particular but really it is always so hard to choose which delicious calorie laden morsel to have! In the name of research, I should work my way through the lot! (it would be a service for my fellow man) It goes without saying that the coffee is very, very good.
My skinny cappuccino! Love it.
The staff are amazingly helpful and always make you feel welcome. The cafe is also open for lunch but not for dinner. Lunch servings are generous, seasonal, varied and very reasonably priced. They also have a takeaway menu for those who fancy a picnic on the beach, only a few steps away, or a snack to tide them over as they tackle the steps to the Lighthouse.
Matilda making her first snowman in her Grandmother’s garden in Woodstock.
As the weather man predicted, much of Eastern Australia is in the grip of an Antarctic vortex. It has snowed in places where it hasn’t snowed for fifty years! My family and friends down south have posted instagram pics of gardens and paddocks adrift with snow. I peruse fine details. Are those Jenny’s sunglasses on that snowman, I wonder? Mmm, it has been too long since I played in the snow. I would love to be there with Jenny and Monique, sloshing around the garden in gumboots and thick socks helping little Matilda to build her first snowman and … landing a snowball or two on unsuspecting victims! It would be a perfect winter walk.
But envy isn’t good for the soul. And Winter brings its own marvels to Byron Bay. It is usually delightfully warm and sunny during the day, around 22 degrees Celsius, with low humidity. Perfect walking weather. When the winter tides move the sand back around The Pass, it is possible to walk from Main Beach to Little Wategoes along the sand. The sky is winter blue as Kenn and I stroll along Main Beach.
Main beach at low tide, heading for The Pass
Soon, we’re at The Pass. I can’t believe that there is so much sand. Not a rock in sight on the path.
Walking through The Pass, no rocks to stop me!
Rounding the headland, we negotiate the inlets. Who doesn’t love to run around a rocky outcrop, beating the waves? Occasionally, our feet get wet.
Can I make it? Yes I can!
Then we’re at Wategoes Beach and the going is easy. Strolling past the Pandanus palms, I follow the curve of the beach around to Little Wategoes. There are more rock canyons to negotiate. We feel like explorers. There is no one else here except the starfish in the rock pools and the whales in the bay.
More rocks to negotiate.
We make it and there is a treat in store!
Spray-tacular
At the end of the beach, we watch as the ocean puts on a spectacular show. We are so lucky to be here, at this time, for free! We sink onto the sand and rest awhile. Before the tide changes, we make our way back to Main Beach where a perfect scene awaits.
Surfing anyone?
This warm winter walk has been memorable. But I have a confession to make: right at this moment, I’d rather be a’snowing with little Matilda and Jenny in Woodstock.
My version of Georgie Hallam’s ‘Gidday Baby’ pattern
Not so long ago, my friend Julie who is so gifted at all things crafty, sent me a link to a new knitting website called Loveknitting. ( www.loveknitting.com )
There, while I was drooling over an amazing variety of yarns and projects, I found a free pattern for this adorable little cardigan. It was by Australian designer, Georgie Hallam. Her version was knitted in a beautiful 8 ply White Gum wool, a boutique Australian merino yarn and is pictured below.
Gidday Baby by Georgie Hallam
I downloaded the pattern, printed it out and was impressed by how clear and detailed her instructions were. Nevertheless, as I perused the pattern, I was a little concerned. The cardi is knitted in one piece from the neck down on circular needles. I had never attempted anything like this before! However, I had suitable wool in my stash, a lovely angora, bamboo and merino wool mix. So nothing ventured, nothing gained, I would give it a go.
Wool and circular needle in hand I looked at the first instruction: Cast on 50 stitches using the long tail cast on method. What did she mean by long tail? Who could I turn to in my time of need? Youtube! I watched a couple of clips and chose one to follow closely. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn4rcAnnS7U) This cast on method created a very firm and defined edge. Mmm looks quite professional, I thought to myself.
neck edge is very defined and firm
I knitted the yoke, and found the increasing very easy to follow. Soon I was down to splitting for the sleeves and body and Georgie’s instructions were excellent. Crossing this hurdle, it was a simple matter to knit down to the hem incorporating the garter stitch bands as I went. And there were no seams to sew up later! At this stage, I was wondering why hadn’t I done this before!
Garter stitch bands are simple yet effective
Then I came down to earth. I had to pick up stitches for the sleeves. Georgie stipulates in her pattern that you use 8inch/20cm circular needles or your own preferred method for knitting in the round. I have avoided knitting in the round as much as possible in my knitting career so I certainly didn’t have a preferred method! I tried to buy the right circular needles. At first, I was unsuccessful. I found some. (www.luciatapestrieswoolcrafts.com.au) They were made by Addi. While they were coming, I knitted one sleeve on four needles – a painfully slow process, but the end result was nice.
sleeve detail
Then the Addi needles arrived. And the knitting was easy.
Addi tiny circular needle
That left only the buttons to be sewed on, a couple of strands of wool to be woven in and I was finished.
buttons for a stylish baby
I’m with Georgie, when she says that this “cardigan is perfect for welcoming babies into this world and into your heart.” This pattern and others by Georgie are available on both LoveKnitting and Ravalry. I must confess, I can’t wait to see this cardigan on little Genevieve!
A wonderful way to spend a couple of hours while stocking up on some of the best produce you will find anywhere in Australia is to go to the Byron Bay Farmers’ Market. Held every Thursday morning from 8 am to 11 am on the Butler Street Reserve, the markets deliver so much more than wonderful fruit and vegetables.
What can you buy?
My basket runneth over.
The answer? Almost anything, providing it’s in season or freshly made and comes from the Northern Rivers. Of course, regular market goers look for their favourite things: amazing marinated olives, Tenterfield lamb, decadent offerings from the Byron Muffin Man and the French Patisserie, fresh Ballina prawns, piping hot samosas, Bangalow sweet pork, dry land rice from Nimbin, cheese from Burringbar, beef from Casino, a freshly brewed latte, fruit and vegetables and so much more! This week I restrained myself: I bought carrots that smelled like carrots and broccoli that had been picked that morning. Just putting them in my basket made me feel ten times healthier. I noticed that the apple man from Stanthorpe was there. I read their family story.
Then I tasted and filled my basket with apples and pears. Will my selection last long enough to make an apple tart? Mmm … maybe not. I bought some more just to make sure.
Some fresh silver beet and shallots and I was nearly done. I bought freshly cut pumpkin and the stall holder gave a great tip. Cover your cut pumpkin with a paper towel and it will keep for ages. I also purchased tomatoes and capsicums from Hayter’s Hill Tomatoes.
Veggie Lasagne will definitely be on the menu this week! A loaf of sourdough from Heartbreads and my basket was full.
And then there was more!
Purchases completed, I could turn my attention to the entertainment on offer. There was a young indi trio whose original songs were very engaging.
Love an acoustic sound!
Further down the market, was an older entertainer whose guitar work was amazing.
In the spotlight
I love it when someone does something new with a song that you know well. It’s like meeting an old, rejuvenated friend. I reflect that talent doesn’t reside only with the young but also with the young at heart.
No market day is ever exactly the same. The performers change and the offerings change with the seasons. New stall holders appear often with unusual produce to sample. Besides wanting to feel more connected to the food we eat, I think that is part of the reason,we enjoy farmers’ markets so much. What do you think?
My view across the bay from the Beach side Yoga Studio
June 21st was extra special this year. Not only was it my birthday and the winter or summer solstice depending on whether you live in the northern or southern hemisphere but it was also International Yoga Day.
Not so long ago, I looked in the mirror and saw one too many lumps and bumps. Gazing at my reflection, I found it difficult to visualise myself doing cartwheels in the sand, something that had seemed so easy when I was younger. So, I decided to give yoga a go, as I’d been reliably informed that if you want to improve your flexibility while strengthening and nurturing your body and mind, then yoga is the go.
But, I encountered a problem. What kind of yoga should I attempt? Here in Byron Bay, you can practise downward facing dog in various styles including Vinyasa, Kundalini, Ashtanga, Hatha Flow, Yin Yoga, Power flow, Purna and Bikram just to name a few. Now I know my limitations: didn’t want to break anything nor did the thought of sweating myself into the perfect body shape appeal. My friend, Annie came to my rescue. “Join me at Beachside Yoga,” she urged.
The Daily Bulletin
I check it out. Two words stand out: slowand gentle. Then there is the location. The Beachside Yoga studio. is upstairs in the Byron Bay Surf Club and all equipment is supplied. I decide to give it a go. Classes are 90 mins long and the cost is $18 per class. There are regular specials so check out their website. http://www.beachsideyogaandmassage.com.au/
Our mats await.
The teachers are great especially Grace Benn. Under her guidance, Annie and I have traveled some way along our yoga journey. The view of the ocean seems to illuminate our practice.
Salute to the sun!
I have had found that the body awareness relaxation or shavasana really does make you feel relaxed and stress free. (I fallen asleep during shavasana – lavender eye pillows and a soothing voice can have that effect. I only hope that I haven’t snored!) Afterwards, I seem to float my way to coffee at a nearby cafe.
Fishheads Cafe, just a stones throw away from the surf club
My yoga class has become a weekly ritual. I hate to miss a class! Have you given Yoga a go? If so, what has been your experience? I would love to hear from you.
Our latest addition to the family, little Calico, is exceptional in every way. She is a pure bred rag doll kitten who already knows that she is stunningly beautiful. Although only fourteen weeks old, she seems very happy to lounge on a cushion and be admired by all and sundry. She has an engaging, gentle purr and loves to snuggle.
She likes to practise her hunting skills on her scratching pole and she is very determined to demolish a microwave box that Kenn has thoughtfully added to my living room decor.
It’s here somewhere, I know it is!I will get it, I will.Take that, you pesky … exactly what kind of mouse are you?
But she is clearly related to Superwoman. She is able to leap prone humans at a single bound and run faster than a speeding bullet when I want to put her to bed. I have never spent so much time under my dining table in cobra pose, something that will please my yoga teacher I’m sure. I am sneezingly aware of my housekeeping shortcomings.
You’ll never catch me under here
But sometimes Callie clearly wants the place to herself. You can see her plotting as she stretches out her paws. Her eyes glaze over like that baby in the Mammia disposable nappy ads and … she lets loose. The most incredible aroma wafts towards us. It is the most excruciating smell I have ever encountered in my life. Definitely a Eureka moment! They say nerve gas is bad! Give me the trenches any day! We run outside closing the door to prevent an escape. We fill our lungs with life giving air and gaze back at Callie. She is smirking at us while she surveys her kingdom with satisfaction.
We could put the tent in the corner … maybe?
Kenn and I begin to panic. Will we have to live in a tent in the backyard? Then the pet shop and Google come to our aid. Confinement in the laundry and the provision of new soft, fluffy paper kitty litter entice Callie to adopt the feline cleanliness code. Co-habitation is now possible.
Byron Dreamer 