Pre-Norf dayz – a plan is hatched!
Once upon a time there were three fabulous ladies – Rhondda (IT1); Laurie (IT2) and Ann (IT3). (IT stands for International Traveller). Just in case you want to know – left to right – IT3, IT1 and IT2.
These talented, attractive and extremely modest ladies formed a social group playing daytime squash and although there were other members of the club who were playing for sheep stations, let me say quite categorically – these ladies were not among them.
Two of them were even dropped from the semi-finals because of their rather perceived warped and twisted sense of humour. But I will not dwell on those harsh times – let us proceed to the fun and frivolity of which life should consist.
It happened to pass that these three – IT1; IT2 and IT3 decided to travel to Norfolk Island. This was a decision that was arrived at during many social nights at JP’s Café where these good friends partook of good food and more importantly good wine!
IT1 always had a passion to visit Norfolk so us other two suggested that we should do it and the planning and budgeting began. The airline was not a problem because only one airline flew there – Norfolk Jet. Finding accommodation was the next hurdle. IT1 came up with the suggestion made by her daughter that we look at a place called ‘By the Bay’.
Well, needless to say we thought it perfect for such first class ladies. It is a three bedroom house that is privately owned by people in Australia and they let it to people of high quality and esteem – just like us.
We ended up getting a package deal on flights, house and a hire car so it was all systems go. Now all we had to do was to save the money. In no time at all the week of our departure had arrived and what better way to celebrate but to have a Farewell Dinner at JP’s.
Our dinner night was Wednesday 17th October and our hosts, Joseph and Salim, continued their excellent table side manner. This being the case we were all rosy cheeked and laughing and looking forward to our flight out in 4 days time.
SUNDAY 21st OCTOBER
It’s a great life
After a rather early start to the day – our flight was departing at 6.30am so we had to be there by 5.30am – we boarded our flight ST 347 and were safely buckled into our seats and off we went.
As stated in my previous journal – I love flying. I don’t care where – just get me up in the sky and I’m as happy as a pig in mud! IT1 is beside herself and the smile that started when we decided we were actually going to do this is still present on her face as we fly higher and higher. It is about a 3 hour flight with the usual in flight refreshment served.
Norf is about an hour and a half ahead of us (half an hour in daylight saving).
After practically developing a neck injury looking out the window all this time, IT1 says she thinks we are coming into Norf. Then the customary announcement of ‘Ladies and Gentlemen we are preparing to descend’ accompanied by the flashing seat belt light signal – and down we go.
Closer, closer and then a little bump and we are here. IT1 is saying ‘ Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow’. I think maybe a slight case of excitement has struck.
The day is lovely and warm and the skies are blue – so we decide we may as well stay. We disembark, collect our luggage and go through customs and quarantine. A very small airline terminal – but very, very nice. Our ‘Fastbook’ lady greets us with our hire car and we are off into town to sign papers etc. Then it’s time to go to ‘our house’. IT3 has been elected as the designated driver and off we go.
The ‘oh wows’ have not stopped and as we get nearer to By the Bay the excitement builds to near hysteria.
We spy our little hideaway and it’s all we can do to not jump for joy – well as much jumping for joy you can do in a small car! This joy, however is short lived as we spy the driveway down to the house.
Now, if I said it was unsurfaced and pretty rugged it would be a gross understatement.
After going over the cow grate supposedly installed to keep the cows out – the driveway is a dirt drive with large potholes – a steep embankment on the right and on the left bushes and trees. 
These bushes will play an important part in this story if you decide to read on. There is only enough room for the car which is a small 4 cylinder so you can get the message of just how narrow this driveway is. See photo on the right.
Anyway, the house is just a dream. No words can do it justice, just look at the photo!
As it says in the brochure ‘nestled on 5 acres of your own private peninsula with breathtaking views of Ball Bay’ – it does not disappoint.
Three large bedrooms, kitchen, dining, lounge and a glass conservatory, it is brilliant. After unpacking and making ourselves familiar with our surroundings and taking in the absolutely breathtaking views from our verandah we decide we better get into town to do a bit of shopping so that we can eat. It is about a 10 minute trip into Burnt Pine, the one and only shopping town on the island.
We are also feeling a bit hollow in the tummy department and think maybe we better find a place to have some lunch so we decide on the Norfolk Island Workers Club. Now let me say when you hear the words Workers Club you immediately conjure up palaces of grandeur. Well, what about a small, two room club full of locals? Yep, but the food was great.
After eating we head off to the one and only supermarket and get the usual staples to fill the cupboards. It is during this time on our tour through the main street of Burnt Pine we discover ‘Honest Dave’ and his farm produce. There is a box of local tomatoes, lettuce etc out the front of a store with a plastic container for the money. No one guards it – it is all on an honesty system. The produce looks wonderful so we choose what we want and leave our money. Needless to say Honest Dave is to become a permanent part of our dietary needs while we are here.
Little bit of trivia here – all produce – fruit and veggies – are locally grown. No Imports! Australia take note!!!
When we get back home we decide to toast our arrival by partaking of the champagne that our host has left in the fridge.
We sit in the conservatory just looking out the large windows and no-one seems to want to talk – we are just enthralled with the view and the peacefulness of the place.
The sun starts to go down and the sunsets are well – see for yourself.
Highlight of the day : the amount of times IT1 said ‘Oh wow!’