Saturday 28 January 2012

Holy Mackerel, Is that a Whale?? Cruising Pittwater...



Our wonderful boating friends invited Caitie and I for another day of fun and excitement on the Sydney waterways. This time, we put in at Baywater, up the coast from Mona Vale. Quaint place that even has a little dog beach, good to know!


Guess we should have checked the weather report because it was pretty scary being out in the middle of the Pittwater with lightning and thunder crashing around us...I would not recommend it...however, I do like how we zoomed speedily north away from the storm!

We found a cove called Great Mackeral Beach where we tied to a buoy and swam to the beach. Later we checked and there are no shark nets here...eek! Next time we'll use the wharf.
Look who washed up on Mackeral Beach!
We explored this beach community (only accessible by ferry, boat or a 3km bush trail), and it was pretty quiet and not much happening so we hopped back into the boat and headed south toward The Basin.

At The Basin
The teenage girls got out here and during their exploration, came across a family of kangaroo wandering through the campground...too cute.


The Basin is part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park which hosts this popular Campground, also only accessible by ferry, boat, mountain bike or hiking a 3km trail!

The rain persisted but we still got to zoom around and out to the heads, passed Lion Island where we were joined by either a pod of whales or a shiver of sharks. Given the number of shark attacks at this time, I would be given to believe it was the latter. Sadly, I didn't see them 'cause a huge swell rose up and I needed to stay seated! Next time...

Contemplating the Sharks, i think!

Thursday 26 January 2012

Family Summer Holiday - Smiths Lake




Thanks to Kevin's parents for hosting and sister, Fiona for organising, the past few years the family has come together for a week of holidaying, relaxing and fun! This year we stayed at Smiths Lake, on the Mid NSW North Coast, approximately 25km south of Forster. 


We were joined by Fiona and her son who drove the entire 1,644km (approx 20 hours) from Mackay, Queenland; Kevin's youngest sister, Jeni and family from Coolongolook, NSW (about 30 minutes); our family and Kevin's parents from Sydney, plus Norman's Cousin Bridget, from London. 14 in all - quite the tribe! 





View towards the Sandbar and The Tasman Sea
Good thing for us, Fiona had organised a fabulous big house with separate quarters for each family called The Shearer's Cottage Located steps away from the lake, it was ideal for our busy kids and dogs (of which now there were five and four respectively).


              
Spike
Tess
Doggy Tug of War
We were visited constantly by a curious Kookaburra looking for treats!
The days were spent at the beach, or fishing, or swimming or just hanging out reading. In the evening, each family took turns in preparing meals after which there were activities such as Scrabble, Scattegories, cards, the tennis or a movie. 
Chocolate Scrabble...the best way to play!
Caitie turns 11...
Caitie's birthday is later in the week so the cousins decide to celebrate with spaghetti for dinner and a little party fun!


Even Brandy enjoyed the festivities
Cousin Fun!
Tire Swing Fun...


After the morning at Elizabeth Beach body surfing and boogie-boarding in the massive swell, the kids had worked up an appetite. There is nothing better than salt in the air, a hard day swimming in the hot sun followed by fish 'n chips and a true Aussie hamburger...outstanding.



Once refueled, the kids rest up and get ready for the next round of fun...


Swimming as the sun sets.

They all play until the sun sets...what a satisfying and relaxed time had by all!













Saturday 7 January 2012

To Do In Sydney - Hiking - Two Creeks Track


Ah...thanks to my friend, Siggi, I was delighted to discover this fabulous walking track not too far from where we both live. 



We joined the track just behind the playground on Carlyle Road in East Lindfield, which is around half way along the 6km trail that begins on the corner of Slade avenue and Tryon Road. 


We followed the Middle Harbour waterways for 3km, under the Roseville Bridge to Echo Point where, just before the picnic area, is a lovely little beach.


Along the way, nature provided us with many fascinating specimens to sustain our interest. Blackbutt Forests, Grass Trees, sandstone caves, wildflowers and wetlands.


It is a popular trail with many happy a hiker! We had a lovely morning followed by a well deserved ice-cream...

One of the many sandstone caves...

Happy dog...

Beach before Echo Point


Happy Hiker!
Mangroves and Sedges
 The Mangroves and Segdes, which line the waterways, survive by excreting salt from the glands on their leaves. Crabs, cockles, oysters prawns and fish call these Mangroves their home.


Do you think they are magic??

Grass Tree
 The Grass Tree shoots out a large spike which, fixed with Eucalypt barbs makes a fabulous spear. Aboriginal men used these for fishing whilst their women were out in paperbark canoes fishing with lines made from the Stringy Bark Tree!






Tuesday 3 January 2012

Things To Do In Sydney - Boating and Biscuiting

There is never a shortage of things to do in Sydney but when it is a glorious sunny Sydney day, there is nothing more spectacular than cruising down the waterways of one of the numerous National Parks. This day we were are at Ku-ring-gai National Park. This National Heritage listed park, a short drive north of Sydney, is 154 km2  (roughly 58 miles2  or a little smaller than Washington DC), much of which is only accessible by walking tracks or boating.


The park is a popular place for many favourite activities. There are 15km of Horse Riding trails and thousands of kilometres of Cycling trails as well as medium difficulty Mountain Bike tracks. Numerous Picnic and Barbequeing areas are scattered through the park for happy families, frolicking friends and romantic rendezvous.  


The sunken waterways of this magnificent park are probably one of it's most desirable assets for which you may Paddle Boat, Kayak,  Sail, or Motor Boat. We are the very lucky friends of a boat owner but there are also many organised tours if you are are so inclined, 





We put in at Apple Tree Bay
Apple Tree Bay


OK...this could be fun!




Our Skipper...Captain Visser!


It doesn't look far, but I tell you, even the big kids were hesitant!






It was time for Michelle to show us how it's done. She made it look easy but I guarantee you, it's not!!!!




We boated until the sun set which was one of the most glorious times I have spent in some time...