We both woke up at 4am and looked through the portholes to see lights on land. Then we dressed and went to the Promenade Deck, where we could see the light from Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Box Head had been showing on the edge of the Navigation TV Channel but it was too dark to see Killcare. We watched the lights of Collaroy, Dee Why and Manly before entering the heads and seeing South Head Lighthouse at 5:30am. Our Canadian friend Gail came on deck as the Pilots climbed on board and we pointed out places to her before she gave us a goodbye hug.
We passed the fast Manly Ferry and then the big one as we moved slowly towards the harbour bridge.
As the ship came into the Overseas Passenger Terminal we received a phone call from Evelyn who told us she was waiting at Circular Quay to meet us, which was a lovely surprise. She found her way into the terminal and waved to us as we waited to get the all clear. At 7:30 we carried our luggage down the gangway and through Border Control and Customs, where we declared wooden souvenirs with no problem.
Our luggage was getting heavier with souvenirs bought in ports since Vancouver, so it was great to have assistance from Evelyn to catch the train to Central and then Woy Woy with no waiting time and be delivered home by 10am.
We saw the remains of the tree that was blown over in the front yard and had been tidied up by Dave and friends. The house was in good order and we quickly unpacked and set about sorting mail and eating the food Evelyn left for us. We called in at Telstra Woy Woy, where we bought a dongle for temporary internet and ordered ADSL ready for the NBN in February. We went to the Dory newly renovated house for a beaut BBQ dinner and a happy time with the family.
Good to be home and sleeping in the right bed.
Next day we walked to Bullimah Spur Lookout, stopping at Marie Byles Lookout on the way to reassure ourselves we lived in the best of all possible spots.
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