Redcliffe/Straddie Trip - Part 2

After the whale watching, we decided to walk around Redcliffe and spend the night there. Found a little lok-kok motel and they had a room available. But the room abit uh.....lok-kok. But just to spend the night, still ok lah.

The next day, we made our way to Straddie for the next part of our holiday. Straddie is the 2nd largest sand island in the world. Haha...that's ALOT of sand. And it's renowned for whale-watching at its' famous Point Lookout. Tourists and locals alike flock there during June to November to watch the whales on their migratory route. Hee.....it's now obvious why I chose this place for Part 2 right?

To get to Straddie, must first take the "water-taxi" from Cleveland

There's a shuttle bus on Straddie that brings you to the major resorts and of course, Point Lookout

Before I show you all the nice scenary at Straddie, must show you the "heaven and earth" comparison of the Redcliffe and Straddie accomodation. Haha...the lok-kok motel vs the designer-built resort. The resort we stayed in is a project of one of the famous architect firms in Queensland.

One evacuation map is hand-written. The other is professionally done

For AUD$70 a night, the motel room did not have much to offer huh?

And for AUD$99 a night, you get a whole 2-storey unit, like your own house, complete with furniture, balcony, utensils, washing machine, dish-washer....everything u need to stay there for a life-time. So, which is heaven?

We spent the next 2 days just walking around the many beaches on Straddie, taking photos and spotting whales..and dolphins! Hee...I thoroughly enjoyed those 2 days. We have a nice beach just 5 mins walk across our resort. And from the beach, take a leisure 30-minute stroll and you will reach Point Lookout. Perfect!

This is the beach opposite our resort. Abit funny..had to wear jacket to the beach. But its freezing even tough it's mid-day. Winter lah.

One of the rest points at Point Lookout

I remember that whenever I was "out-at-sea" during my trips to the beaches in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, I would always harbour the wishful thought of spotting a "blow" from a whale, although I know they are not found in those waters. During these 4 days, I finally get to see them..many many times. It's never enough, if you ask me. But it's enough to last me until the next trip...next year! Hee....

And here's another clip - on the dolphins we spotted at Point Lookout. Look out for the "black-spots" in the sea...and you will see their fins - like sharks! A few decided to do some flips just for us - what a treat!

Redcliffe/Straddie Trip - Part 1

We went for a 5 day trip to Redcliffe and Straddie (North Stradbroke Island) 2 weeks ago. The highlight? Definitely the close encounter with the magnificent humpback whales! No lah, we didn't touch them or see them perform acrobatic acts like in the Sea World, but knowing that these giant gentle creatures are in their natural environment just metres away from you, it's an amazing feeling.

We arrived at Redcliffe Jetty to board the "Eye-Spy" - whale watching vessal at 8.30am. We had to wake up at 4am to catch the first train in order to save the $80 transport from Brisbane to Redcliffe. Haha...abit cheapo huh?

At Redcliffe's Settlement Cove

The Jetty

Here's a short clip on the whales. I took the first part of the video and Dear took the other half because I was trying not to pollute the whales' home by puking! I got sea-sick in the middle of the cruise and missed the buffet lunch! Argh...

But well, it's not easy to capture the whales!

1. You have to brave the bitter winter winds and wait VERY patiently...
2. Your hands and your eyes have to be very well co-ordinated..the moment your eyes spot them, the hands must shoot. This clip just shows some of the highlights. There were many pods (family) of whales following us that day. But we did not capture all the sightings. Must use the naked eye to see them too lah! And you will notice that the clip was very shaky...because my hands were shaking from the cold lah!
3. Don't go whale watching on Friday the 13th! Haha...the captain told us the whales were a little shy that day because there were probably predators around..so the whales were more cautious. Didn't wave to us like the captain promised. Bah!

Both of us felt that the $200 bucks was worth it though. I got an extra treat because I saw one of the whales did a big tail slap right infront of me. The clapping and cheering that you hear at the end of the clip - well, that was me, and a few tourists, because we were so amused by the act.

New Semester, New Purpose

I'm back after a 3-week hiatus!

New semester started last week. Finally, at my third semester, I'm feeling that I'm taking a proper communication/HR related course. There's HRM, Marketing and Professional Communication this semester. Sounds more "normal" than the qualitative research, presenting science stuff that I took earlier. Think I should enjoy my courses this semester, although it means I have to be ultra disciplined! There are more readings than the previous 2 semesters!

New purpose?

Have been asking God what's my purpose here...for such a time as this. Was reading the book of Esther - she had a purpose for being in the royal position - to save her people. Haha...of course, I don't expect to save a nation during these few years that I'm here. But I know God has something in place for me. God has placed something in my heart. I'll continue to pray about it.

All Glory to You

My results were out last night. Despite a tough and really frustrating semester, I actually did better than last semester. All distinctions.

Thank you Dad! It wouldn't have been possible with you. All glory be unto you.

Happy Birthday Dear

Simple dinner. Haha...he didn't want an elaborate celebration for his XX birthday. But we had real candlelight, completed with wine.

Happy Birthday, Dear

Surprise Party...Again?

Hehe...this time, I was the culprit. The "victims"....see below.

I was surprised that the 2 boys actually share the exact same birthday on 2 July. Haha..of course different year lah.

Although the party was given away (twice!) by the same person....we still enjoyed it alot. And had lotsa fun teasing him about it.

Give-Away 1:

L (birthday boy 1): I saw someone in front of the cake shop today...and I recognised that it was ST's butt! Haha...of course I know my house-mate's butt!

Give-Away 2:

ST (the give-away guy): Think we can cut the cake first. (I immediately shot him the murderous look)

D (birthday boy 2): Hehe....I know what you all up to.....

Package No.2

I got this last week, but can only blog today because my internet was cut off for an agonising 2 weeks.


Thanks for the boxful of love. The Tigger cup is now infront of me, filled with hot tea. The froggy lamp is by my bed, providing light when I fight the monsters on my DS games at night. The "Sunny" look-alike is perched high on my shelf..."protecting" me from above.

Love you...