Day 110 – Christmas Day

My hangover didn’t live long as we got up and headed to Freshwater Beach. Sandy’s a member of the surf club as we were joining them for their annual Christmas morning swim. The captain of the club dons a float and flippers and swims out with a flag then everyone dives in a swims out and around him. Its nothing serious but a great laugh and a time when generations of club members meet up and chat. The sense of community continues outside the club as people set up camp round the BBQ’s. After drying up we headed into the club where prizes are drawn against your swim number. Sandy had entered my number and I got called out for third prize, there was some joke taking as I, the visiting Pom collected the $10 prize. I felt a little guilty but not too bad as an American won the first prize.

Back at Sandy’s parents we all helped out him Mom in the kitchen as she prepared a number of culinary delights. Christmas lunch consisted of salmon, shrimp salad, various salads and a huge leg of glazed ham. It was much lighter than the traditional meal I’m used to but in the heat it was spot on. The best was saved for last; raspberry ice cream taken with desert wine whilst sat in the sun.

Sandy’s and his family made me feel right at home, even getting me a pair of Speedos as a Christmas present. I’m not planning on wearing the budgie smugglers, as they’re known here, on the beach though. The value of Christmas really is in being with people and although I missed my family I had a good day.

After the food had gone down we headed down to the beach for a swim. Still no surf but the sun did make an appearance.