And slowly we are beginning to notice the season is changing.
It’s taken such a while for Summer to make itself known that it comes as a bit of a shock to realise Autumn officially begins this Friday coming – a couple of days time!
Day light isn’t appearing until nearly 6.30am and it’s dark by 8.30pm. We aren’t going to be happy when the temperatures really start to dip and warmer clothes get worn more often.
The little Melaleucas that line the pool car park bloomed – hardly at all. Very few ‘flower heads’ on the bushes. I saw these a couple of weeks ago but last week they had all gone. Just the seed heads left
Bookings have been confirmed for the yearly winter retreat to Far North Queensland.
Yes it’s several months away but our preferred motel accommodation on the road needs to be secured early. A deposit has been paid on the cabin..
Apart from the inevitable rate rises we’ve noticed a definite trend towards tightening up terms and conditions with regards to future bookings and establishment losses. More motels are asking for ‘cash up front then a possible refund’ rather than the ‘24hr notice before charges are made on credit card.’
The van park in Bowen has now declared (for their long term seasonal cabin bookings) 30 days notice of any change in arrival dates as well as 30 days notice if you want to leave earlier than agreed. Plus a whole weeks accommodation deposit rather than the 1 day as used to be.
Going the way of cruise lines whose refund policies start at 90days!
Still Waters 
The thirty days notice if leaving early seems a bit steep!
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I’m wondering if they will be more lenient if there are ‘extenuating circumstances’. Most of the regulars are there for the season (May-Sept) so it’s often because of ill health or other drastic reasons they cut short their booking dates not because they’ve changed their minds about how long they are going to stay
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I’m noticing the subtle shift to spring, too. Daylight savings time begins in a couple of weeks, and the days are fairly nice (probably global warming!).
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There’s about 5 more weeks before our change happens. Then you’ll hear me complaining 😊
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Spring is coming to England. I spotted a magpie yesterday collecting twigs for a nest. Crocuses and daffodils are flowering now. Looking forward to warmer days. Still too early to pack up the Winter woollies.
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More and more o/seas bloggers are mentioning the little things they are noticing and you can almost see their smiles as they describe the signs of Spring. Once our time change happens I’ll become a bit glum for a while then accept what I know I can’t change
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When you mentioned the sun rising later, I’ve really noticed that this year. The sun is also leaving our balcony earlier, from midsummer at 12.30 back to about 11.00 now.
As you mentioned the temperature dropping, I wondered if you would flee Melbourne for warmer climes in the winter, and you are.
Given you have stayed at the park many times, I am surprised you are subjected to harsh new rules and it isn’t a friendly welcome back Cathy.
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Yep, we’re going up the road again – once again there’s the thought it could be the last time so we’ll go all out to enjoy it.
Things at the park have been changing each year since the new owners took control in 2020. The previous one was a local, very casual and caring – these are Sydney people who also own a small park in NSW that’s nothing like this one. Overnighters not long term stayers.
This is definitely their money maker, even though they talk about returning campers I don’t think loyalty is a factor in their business plan. ‘Fill that site (with someone) each night’ is how they appear to think not who is filling it.
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the only thing that doesn’t change is change itself. it is great you can flea the summer heat. I do not like mid summer here, and ours is on the way also. I prefer our weather from Nov-April and disliked intensley July-Sept, our hottest months and also the hurricane seasons at peak.
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We have our first crocus peeking up from the yard. Our season continue to mimic yours in reverse. We too just had to put down a sizeable deposit for our September booking. Last year we made the mistake of booking through an agency instead of directly. It cost us a great deal. Now we only do direct with the lodging.
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The aAlmond trees are blooming here but it still feels like winter to me. Good to hear your cold months are covered once again
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Today I was thinking of you and your seasonal change. I am now watching for Spring here and you Autumn. Prices continue to go up here too. I’m glad you can plan your winter stay.
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I often think about your annual trip to Bowan. Whether it’s be the way we’d spend a few years. Going north to the one place. And whether I’d go further north than Agnes Water – no being able to swim without stingers.
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