My bucketlist trip No 2

Status
Not open for further replies.
Up at 6.30am again and made a cuppa and watched one final sunrise.
We had breakfast and then checked out at 10am. Bus to the airport wasn't until 11.50am. With only Silver Virgin Australia status, there would be no priority check in as our premium upgrade bid had been unsuccessful.
Finally when it came time to board the bus, I got Liv to hop on and grab a seat at the front while I hung around and made sure our bags were the last ones loaded. Method to this madness believe me.
When we arrived at the airport, we were first off and our bags were also first off so we were able to scoot into check in and be in line. Soon enough the line snaked all the way out the door. With a Jetstar flight and a VA flight leaving around the same time, the small airport was chockers.
It started raining quite heavily which was a pity as I would have loved to have seen the Rock in the rain. Oh well.
The airport was a zoo, albeit a small zoo.
367 (480x640).jpg
368 (480x640).jpg
I was seated in 8C and Liv was in 8D which meant we were not seated together but on the aisle across from each other. Flight time was two and a half hours.
It was a 1.50pm departure and all we were served was a muffin and a few specks of overly sweet dried apricot. I bought a beer. But the food offering was pretty ordinary for that length of flight.
369 (640x480).jpg
Watched Ted 2 and the flight went reasonably quickly. Some stunning views of Sydney on approach.
We arrived at Gate 40 and as luck would have it, our flight to MEL was leaving from gate 40. It was 5.25pm by the time we disembarked and with a 6pm departure to MEL, it was barely worth going to the Lounge. Instead we waited at the bar across from the gate and boarding was called at 5.40pm. I had time for a sneaky Coopers Red.
370 (480x640).jpg
I didn't take any pics of the flight home, but the 6pm 'dinner' service consisted of a bag of pretzels...and...that's it. Complimentary beer and wine were being served and I ordered a red wine, but only had a couple of sips as I had to drive back home once we landed in MEL. Flight time was an hour exactly.
After our huge dinner of a tiny bag of pretzels, we went through the drive-through at Maccas and got home at 9.30pm, exhausted but with memories that would last the rest of our lives.
I highly recommend going to the red centre. If you are thinking about it, just do it when you can afford it and when it's convenient. Don't put it off. it's magical, alluring, mysterious and you leave with a deep respect for the Anangu people who have been living in this harsh environment for tens of the thousands of years.
I felt priviledged and honoured that they let me share this amazing place with their blessing.
Thanks for reading.
next bucketlist trip - Christmas in San Francisco and New Year in Vegas and then Alaska in February.
 
I think there is a pattern developing here.
Drron does sunsets so I suspect your specialty should be sunrises !............and goofy selfies ☺
Thanks for sharing your trips, your opening post in bucket list 1 was very touching and I am sure your daughter will treasure this trip with her dad.
sort of closes the circle ( looking for an icon that symbolises a warm inner glow)
 
When Dad and I went to Kakadu, Darwin and Katherine, he really wanted to go to Uluru. We kept saying 'One day, one day'.
Well, one day sometimes never arrives if you leave it too late.
 
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

Can't wait for the goofy selfies from Vegas!

Another great TR. Good reminder of the great places we have right here.
 
Thanks Justin another great TR, I have really enjoyed both your recent reviews, can't wait till next years adventures.
 
Ted2!!! You make me laugh :) we've all watched it lol
Love it all.. You have a great writing style and photos are amazing.
Thank you Justinf :)
 
Sponsored Post

Struggling to use your Frequent Flyer Points?

Frequent Flyer Concierge takes the hard work out of finding award availability and redeeming your frequent flyer or credit card points for flights.

Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, the Frequent Flyer Concierge team at Frequent Flyer Concierge will help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

Great report. Uluru is one of those "one day" places for me ... previously because it had been too expensive, now because there's so much of the world to see! But maybe I should move it up the list. Hmm.
 
uluru 2016 sunset.jpg
This one's for you Justin! We just got back from our own Bucketlist trip to Uluru and stayed at the Desert Gardens Hotel as well. Fabulous room, although ours seemed to be half upgraded and half circa 80's. Agree about the rude and disrespectful tourists who really spoil the ambience, but we were lucky enough to have mostly similar souls around us for the sunset. Chose not to climb for the same reasons and couldn't help but stare at your photos with an eerie sense of familiarity.

This photo was taken from the sunset viewing area on a grey afternoon. We had no choice but to cross fingers for a miracle. Just as we were losing heart, the sun popped through the clouds and gave us a glimpse of how Mother Nature does Vivid!
The photo is low res for uploading here, but in full resolution it just knocks your socks off! We came away with truly wonderful memories from a magical place.

So glad you and your daughter had a great time, keep those reports coming!
 
Thank you so much for another fantastic trip report Justin. You really put a spin on a normal travel report, I love the enthusiasm you show in your photos and your writing.... oh and those fab selfies :D Good selfies are underestimated :D
My best to Liv as well, great to see her enjoy the holiday. :mrgreen:
 
View attachment 72495
This one's for you Justin! We just got back from our own Bucketlist trip to Uluru and stayed at the Desert Gardens Hotel as well. Fabulous room, although ours seemed to be half upgraded and half circa 80's. Agree about the rude and disrespectful tourists who really spoil the ambience, but we were lucky enough to have mostly similar souls around us for the sunset. Chose not to climb for the same reasons and couldn't help but stare at your photos with an eerie sense of familiarity.

This photo was taken from the sunset viewing area on a grey afternoon. We had no choice but to cross fingers for a miracle. Just as we were losing heart, the sun popped through the clouds and gave us a glimpse of how Mother Nature does Vivid!
The photo is low res for uploading here, but in full resolution it just knocks your socks off! We came away with truly wonderful memories from a magical place.

So glad you and your daughter had a great time, keep those reports coming!
Absolutely superb!
 
We too have done the sound of silence dinner, despite the high price tag, it was a very memorable and amazing experience. Met some great people on our table who we still keep in touch with years later.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Become an AFF member!

Join Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) for free and enjoy a better viewing experience, as well as full participation on our community forums.

AFF members can also access our Frequent Flyer Training courses, and upgrade to enjoy lots of other benefits and discounts!

AFF forum abbreviations

Wondering about Y, J or any of the other abbreviations used on our forum?

Check out our guide to common AFF acronyms & abbreviations.
Back
Top