Yesterday was a glorious day, not a cloud in the sky. I ventured out mid-morning for a break and a reward for finishing my First Aid theory work. I returned mid-afternoon after getting through my economics reading, this time went for a swim. The water was wonderful.
Today is my last day at Portobello, check-out time is 10am. I am up early to get a little more study done. Looks like another perfect day ahead.
Crossing a few to do items off my list this week. Yesterday I finished all the Week 4 economics work, including my first live Zoom workshop with other students and our tutor Nizam. Usually I’m at work when they hold these. Completed UTAS’ mandatory Academic Integrity module, made a start on the First Aid course work, and had my hair cut at a local salon.
It was wonderful to see the sun, a little bit of rain in the morning, but mostly sunny and blue skies. Went for a walk up to Moffat Beach and watched people on the beach, the water looked great. I may go for a swim myself this afternoon. Took a few photos of Moffat and Dicky Beaches with the blue skies overhead, although very patchy – you can see rain up the coast.
Yesterday was eventful. After a morning of heavy rain, and lots of study, I decided to head out for a beach ramble around 2.30pm. I headed north again, up to Currimundi, and discovered sections of the delightful coastal walk through the Coondibah Creek reserve land, which sits in the wooded area behind the dunes. There is a bridge where the creek forms a lagoon and the overflow streams into the sea. It eventually comes out at Ballinger Beach, a couple of streets away from the Dicky Beach Surf Rescue Club.
On arrival back at the apartments around 4pm there was no power. Luckily my phone and tablet were fully charged so I was able to carry on with my economics text (not the most interesting holiday reading). The power was out all through Dicky Beach from downed lines, so I couldn’t buy my dinner from the Japanese takeaway around the corner as I’d planned. Instead a salad of leafy greens, diced fetta and watermelon then an early night. Lights came back on around 8pm (to resounding cheers in the apartment complex).
There has been a lot of precipitation and at times while I’ve been here I’m not sure if I’m hearing the roar of the ocean or the steady torrential beat of rain. Perfect study weather by the way.
The rain let up a couple of times yesterday to let me venture out. I went and sat on Dicky Beach for a break at midday, and on the way back to my rooms picked up a roast pork Banh Mi from the local bakery. By the way, no sign of the SS Dicky wreck on the beach any more. I feel lucky that I was able to see it on my earliest visit here.
Then in the evening I walked from Moffatt Beach, through Dicky Beach and onto Currimundi. It was a glorious walk, I wanted to keep going but it started getting dark and rainy, and I needed to watch my step so I didn’t inadvertently tread on the occasional little blue bottle jellyfish washed up on the shore.
I am flying through my studies, almost done with Week 4 material. With luck should finish it off today.
Not a break from study, a break TO study.. I’m up at Dicky Beach at Portobello Apartments – found a good deal on AirBnB. It is rainy up here but it hasn’t stopped me going for an early morning walk up to Moffat Beach, where I picked up a coffee and foccacia for breakfast.
On track with the book learnin’ so far, I finished the Week 3 workshop and quiz last night. This week I aim to catch up Week 4 and 5, and make a start on the first assignment. I also want to do the online component of my First Aid course (for work), it will give me a break from economics! I would also like to finish the Canva design course I started, for another bit of diversion.
Week 3 work was a bit tricky. Can’t quite wrap my head around the demand and supply curves which both shift in opposite directions according to different variables. Might have gelled by the time I go back to revise, the brain continues working sub-consciously to make sense of things I often find.
My apartment here at Portobello is lovely. It even has a full kitchen and laundry. I did have to move some furniture around to set up my study area – not enough power points. Next time I will remember to bring a power extension lead. Here are a couple of pics.
Jo and I spent a week up at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, staying at a resort hotel across the road from Dicky Beach. It was a great time of year to be there – not too hot or crowded. We had a great time visiting all the local beaches and window shopping along the main drag.
Dicky Beach was named for the S.S. Dicky, a steamer ship driven onto the beach by a wild storm in the 1880’s. Above is what is left of the wreck after 130 years.
Lifesaver “nippers” practicing on their boards in the early morning surf. Dicky Beach is a dog friendly beach, as the paw prints testify!
On the horizon you can see the busy shipping lane.
A cooling drink in the Dicky Beach Surf Life Savers Club.
Our self-contained accommodation at Portobello was very good with almost every convenience we could want and proximity to shops and beach. Also a friendly hairdresser (Carly) who gave me a much needed trim and general pampering! Easy access for Jo and lovely surroundings contributed to an easy and relaxing time away.