Rescue Remedy for worry

Going away for the weekend is one version of a rescue remedy, so in the absence of Dr Bach's real thing, we had a couple of days in Port Macquarie. But I might try the real thing anyway, you never know...

First stage of the rescue was an early morning swim at Black Head beach. Before even these guys got there.

 Next it was Black Head Markets.  What a glorious morning it was, we bought some presents, and coffee with home-made yummies for breakfast, and some of my favourite lemon scented tea tree oil http://www.bonnybeachplantation.com.au/about.htm

The plant stalls are fantastic.  This one had beautiful orchids.

Later in the day we headed off to Port Macquarie, stopping at picturesque Kendall ("The Poet's Village") for lunch.  This is our picnic spot by the Camden Haven River, between the road bridge and the railway bridge.  There has been a wharf here since the 1890's.

A minute after I took this shot, the XPT trundled over the bridge - only one a day, what are the odds?

This used to be logging area.  I wonder how different it all looked in those days before Europeans arrived. Mixed feelings about the reverential preservation of this kind of artifact.

Gorgeous little cafe "Beetroot'd"  All things beetroot on the menu. But we just had a coffee. Without beetroot.

Purpose of the weekend was to stay with friends Helen and Mal, and we all went to The Glasshouse to see David Hobson and Teddy Tahu Rhodes in concert. http://www.glasshouse.org.au/event/operatic-powerhouse-duo This was a delightful concert, the first half glorious operatic solos and duets that had me reaching for the tissues.  As you do. The second half was more "popular" songs (except not more popular with me) but was also great.  They are both so talented and engaging, and the concert format gives a lively up-close experience. The venue accoustics are very good and they were apparently unamplified in the first half. Then we went out to dinner, and the next morning, a swim in Helen and Mal's lovely pool. Note to self: Find money somehow, to build pool. Thanks for having us, you two!

Came home via Taree for lunch at Tropical Coffee, our new favourite lunch/coffee spot.  The Illawarra Flame trees in the main street are in full splendour.

Another one on the Must-Plant list is the jacaranda. Couldn't grow this in Canberra!

 Coming home from Taree we often take the short cut via Tallwoods Drive. It is compulsory to sing John Denver's "Country Road" while driving on this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN86d0CdgHQ