ULOG#2 "Market Day in Coffs Harbour."

"Market Day in Coffs Harbour."

My visit to Coffs Harbour Beach Market turned out to be more about the picturesque location than the products sold there. Not that the products weren't lovely, its just that the relaxed, holiday atmosphere and interesting stalls took second place to the salty sea breezes and the wonderful views surrounding this unique market.

These markets were obviously very popular as there was a buzz of activity everywhere as buyers and sellers were dong their thing and those who'd done their shopping were keeping an eye on their kids and enjoying a coffee or a cold drink.

Beautiful Norfolk Pine trees framed the market stalls on the opposite side of the beach. A warm, sunny day did a lot to enhance my Sunday visit. I'd been to Coffs Harbour many years ago and although I covered a lot of ground as a tourist then, this time I included one of my favourites pastimes which is market shopping. But would you believe, I left empty handed? I was more interested in the scenery.

But I did need to take a cursory look at what was on offer. Large colourful cushions caught my eye.

So did the signs advertising snacks and meals. The aromas coming from the food stalls told my stomach it was lunch time. My watch told another story altogether, so I ignored the conversation my stomach was trying to convey to my taste buds and kept walking.

Looking for a shady spot to sip that drink or coffee was essential as the temperatures were warming up to 'uncomfortable' on my built in barometer. The city of Coffs Harbour is situated on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. It is best known for its beautiful beaches and the Big Banana monument and amusement park.

Sunhats are an essential part of one's attire when living or visiting Australia as we have a very high rate of skin cancer in this country. I'm pleased to see that the children of today are much better educated about the "Slip, Slop, Slap" campaign that has occurred in the media in recent years.

Finding a seat under the protection of a gazebo proved to be a bit of a challenge.

But if there are no seats available, crawl under one. No chance of getting sunburnt there!

If you're from the succulent family you can survive in the most arid of conditions and this is why these plants thrive in Australia.

I came across some amazing art painted on metal. The lovely silhouetted shape of the Tree of Life looked dramatic with the orange and yellow sunset behind it. The gentleman who made this had a great range of unique and appealing paintings for sale.

The Ponchos seemed to be a reasonable price and well made.

But you can tell I'm not in the buying mood can't you because I want to head to the beach which is adjacent to the concrete pathway where the markets are situated. Before I knew it, I was following these people on the wooden boardwalk. And what a magnificent view it was! (But that is for another post)

The waters off Coffs Harbour are home to abundant wildlife, seasonal whales and coral reefs. To the east lies Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve where a large population of wedge-tailed shearwater birds and a learning centre are found. I looked back from the jetty which I'd discovered behind the trees and noticed a group of people playing Beach Volley Ball.

Somehow I got the impression that people don't come to the markets at Coffs Harbour and then go home. No! I think many come for the day and take advantage of all the other exciting things to do; things that are very much beach related.

I return to make my way towards the car because its time for me to head back to our holiday unit.

I'm tempted to buy a bunch of beautiful flowers but as my plans for the rest of the week include being out and about, I won't much opportunity to really appreciate them, so I walk on.

Then another temptation hits me when I reach the car park. Pancakes! Mini, medium or large, they're all delicious.

But I look to my right and see the beach that faces north and I am transfixed by the vista of blue in front of me. The clear blue sky and the sparkling sea join forces and invite me without words to partake of their beauty. I adjust my sunhat, kick off my shoes and make foot prints in the sand...…...

To read my first Ulog Blog Click Here:

(This is also my entry for Market Friday hosted by @dswigle)

THANK YOU FOR VIEWING. HAVE A GREAT DAY.