Epic being because it took "epic effort" to get there!
Our adventure started on a sunny slightly warm Australian Day, after a few days of rain and yuck weather it was finally a sunny day. After arriving at 7 am, and having breakfast, playing in the sand pit, watering the plants, reading a book, playing in the water all by 8:30am I decided that we would both go a bit stir crazy if we stayed "home" So thus we set off on our Epic Adventure!
Gathering all the "gear" needed for this journey took a few minutes. Clothes on, shoes on, snacks packed, extra nappies, dummy, all three "teddies" water bottle, wallet, small garbage truck... we were ready to go!
A walk to the bus where we had "deep discussions" about the pretty flowers, the birds, the airplanes and sang "Bob the Builder" all the way to the bus. With a few lines of "The Wheels on the Bus" for good measure.
A short wait for the bus and then off to Epping Station to catch the train. On the bus we had to sit in our "own seat" and "I can do it" was the familiar saying for the day. Along with needing to sit on a "blue seat" not sure why, guess it is a better seat.
The ticket agent at the train station gave him his own ticket so that prompted a quick dash to the gate and "zip" the ticket was in and back out before I could reach the gate! We had to go through the "wide gate" because of all our necessary "stuff"! A ride down the lift to the platform, yes even this was an adventure because you get to push the button and watch the lift slowly descend. I love that even ordinary things are an adventure when you are 2!
"The train is coming, the train is coming!" And we are onboard! Such excitement. And yes again we have to sit on the "blue seats" (I am working on figuring out why this is important but apparently it is very important) 2 minutes into the train ride we are a bit bored, but the hand pole in front of us provides an imaginary "fireman's pole" so we play "going down the hole" most of the train ride.
"look we are going over the Harbour Bridge" yes Cindy I see, and not all that interested as I am very intent on "going down the hole, because I am a fireman!"
Every stop was "oh doors open, lets get off, quick" "no this is not our stop" "okay, yes, next one"
Finally arrive at Wynyard Station and the city is humming with activity, so much to look at so much to see, he is sitting in the pram in total awe. Down we walk toward Circular Quay. And what would an Epic Adventure be without a stop at McDonalds for a Happy Meal and a milkshake? A short walk to the Museum of Modern Art, where there is a grassy area to sit and eat our happy meal, which the fascination with "chippies" was short lived and much more fun to throw them at the birds, needless to say we were soon surrounded by birds. Time to move on!
A walk around Circular Quay as we wait to meet "Auntie Ash" the boats, the ship (Diamond Princess was in port) the Aboriginal music players, the "pillow" floating in the water (someone lost a pillow and it was floating near the docks) and on to the Opera House.... every 2 year old gets to spend the day playing at the foot of the Opera House don't they? Swinging on the railing and enjoying more the day then the wonder of where you are. Simple joys.
A walk back along the path to meet Ash, running and falling and crying as I pick him up and comfort him, crying until "oh look ice cream store!" Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream fixes every bump. Good to know!
Meeting Ash and having our lunch again on the grass by the Museum. Having more fun playing with the water bottle and the dirt then eating anything.
A walk back towards the ferries because we are "going on a boat ride"
Me to Ash: "If I go to Luna Park on the ferry is it a long walk to Milson's point train stop?"
Ash to me: "Oh no it is a short walk to the stop you can see it from Luna Park"
More on this later!!!!!
On to the ferry, the excitement is contagious, look water, bridge, wind, helicopter, nothing has ever been SO exciting as this!!!
Off the ferry at "Luna Park" a small boardwalk carnival ride park, we walk through the park and are amazed at the people, the lights, the ferris wheel..... but time to head home, it has been a long day.
We start that "short walk advised by Ash to Milson's Point train stop"
What she FORGOT to mention is that it is STRAIGHT UP HILL.... pushing a pram!
Yes you can "see" the stop from Luna Park, MILES UP IN THE AIR!!!
But we do make it, me red as a beet and sweating like a ..... well you know!
The only train back to Epping goes the long way around.... as in the LONG way around.
It is 2:30 pm, we are both buggered but we have had an adventure!
So on the train we get. The blue seats are available and it is quite the ride.
I give in and he gets not only all three "teddies" but snacks and finally the dummy. Which pleases him to no end :)
Finally off the train, a lift ride down to the street, waiting for the bus. On the bus, off the bus.
A walk home, and he doesn't fall asleep but by this time is way over just "tired" but giddy tired as in everything is exceptionally funny.
A quick change and "bed" never looked so good!
Nap time is blissful (for both of us)
Too much sun, too much walking, too much excitement.
But the BEST EPIC ADVENTURE ever!
And learning that even the very simply things in life are amazing.
travel on!!
Waiting for the bus!
The Train is coming!
Watching for the train
Here it is! Here it is!
Amazing train ride (in the blue seat)
McDonald's in the park
I think the birds might be hungry.....
Yes I am at the Opera House but look at this cool fence!
You can climb on it and everything (what bridge)
My buddy
Having fun with Tinny!
Let's see how close we can get.
We are on a ferry!!!
Yes that is the Opera House, but "look" WATER!
Life is amazing.
Luna Park!
Ummm... not so sure of this.
Luna Park
And the view is amazing.
I think I am getting tired.
On the train home, teddies and dummy
Yep, I am done for the day!
