The next house sit was amazing and arriving and settling in we couldn't believe we had the chance to stay there for 2.5 weeks. The house had all the latest gadgets and gizmos, a 3D smart tv, a blueray dvd player, laptops, a massage chair and a large American fridge freezer with ice crusher! It was like living in Curry's! The house was modern with 3 large bedrooms, bathroom, laundry room, garage and patio on the ground floor. On the first floor held the kitchen, lounge, master bedroom with en-suite, another bathroom and a big balcony with a lovely patio set. An amazing house which you could easily see yourself living in. Shoalwater was also beautiful; a natural marine park that has crystal clear blue waters, golden sands and is a home to penguins, sea lions and dolphins. Another really nice place to live and out of all the places we have visited so far, it is somewhere that you could imagine living out your days. Bombarded by the three small dogs we was wondering if they would ever stop yapping at us. Jiggy the Pomeranian, Ruby the Spoodle (Spaniel/poodle), and Toby the Maltipoo (Maltinese/Poodle) were all adorable and they had great characters. They soon settled down and we spent the majority of our time taking them for walks on the beaches. Walking them home along the path one day I suddenly felt something smash into the side of my head. The first flashy thought was that Jonathan had whacked me, however common sense kicked in when I realised he wouldn't do that and he couldn't reach me even if he wanted to. The Second flashy thought was that I'd been robbed, however that thought was also cancelled out quickly as no one else was around; looking around I saw a magpie summersault in mid air flying away from me. I then thought maybe it was hurt and had accidentally flown into me. I was very wrong as carrying on walking it had made a u-turn and smashed into my head again in the same place. Feeling a little stunned I turned around to see it flying away again. I couldn't believe the force it had flown into me and as I ran down the path with Jiggy my head and ear was throbbing. Getting home Jonathan looked under my hair and my scalp was all scratched and bruised. Apparently this is quite common in Australia and the magpies are known as 'Australian swooping magpies' attacking people who seem to threaten their territory when the babies are around. Taking a different route to walk for the next few days to a different dog beach we eventually decided to head back to the first dog beach as it was the best one for them to run about on and was alot quieter. Walking down the path I saw the magpie pecking the ground looking for worms. I knew this was the same bird as it was the same place it attacked me the first time. Seeing me it flew to the lamppost above my head. Knowing it was there I was weary of it and 5 seconds later Jonathan yelled duck as it skimmed past my head just missing me. Running away I managed to avoid another attack, however on the way back from the walk I felt it's wing flutter against my ear as it missed me again. Apparently they are also known for recognising people! We saw it swoop on other people on our walks and discovered it didn't recognise me wearing a hat or with my hair down, luckily there was no other attacks. We are still unsure why it never attacked Jonathan and only ever went for me!
The first week of weather was mixed with a couple of rainy days and some lovely sunny days. In between walking the dogs we also enjoyed some fishing on the beach. Jonathan was in his element pulling up more whiting and herrings and then cooking them for afternoon snacks. Treating ourselves we decided to go for some lunch out in Rockingham at one of the lovely seafront cafes. For a $20 meal deal we feasted on a lovely prawn salad and a steak sandwich. Another day out I ventured to Penguin island, the local tourist attraction. Arriving at the island I toured the penguin discovery centre, watching the penguins get fed and then I did the 2km stroll around the islands beautiful beaches and watched the hundreds of pelicans nesting with there new born chicks. I was also lucky enough to get a free boat ride to see Dolphins and Seals playing in the sea and a trip to Seal island to see the Sea lions. A great day out and was made more special due to the lucky viewing of the Dolphins. The 2.5 weeks was coming to the end and spending the last day cleaning the house we are now making plans for our next destination. It's been great in Shoalwater and it has definitely been our most favourite house sit. Onwards again Hayls and Jonathan x