Last Days in Australia

The last days were spent mainly in getting ready for home.

Mum had her last play on the trampoline.

On the last Sunday afternoon there was still time for a final exploration. Sally and Ian had read about a good playground at Rouse Hill. Ian, Zoe, Mum and I went off to it. It was a very large area with three different playground for different age groups. Many people had arrived for an Australian Sunday afternoon. Large groups had taken over the barbecue areas for various party activities. There was a walk away from the area towards a creek. The creek had that, not unusual cloudiness. This one had a green algae covering.

We stopped off for coffee on the way back. Sally had been crowned and was doing some baking.

After dinner it was time to leave. Ian drove us to the airport. We said good bye to our cases; being assured that they would meet us at Heathrow about 26 hours later. It was a prompt take off and a good arrival in Hong Kong with four and a half hours in the airport. We had a breakfast snack and boarded the flight to London.

It left early and we had every possibility of catching the 4:30 coach home instead of the 7:00. At the luggage carousel we had a promising start. One of our cases came through early. However, the other never did. Luggage reclaim office told us that there was a later flight from Hong Kong. He took our details and we headed for the coach. It was two minutes to five. I queued at the desk in the hope of an earlier coach. We waited for the driver to let us on to the 5:00. Then it was off for home. The 21 bus was waiting for us and at 9:00 we arrived back. Joni was at the bus stop and he had wine, flowers and chocolate to celebrate our 41st wedding anniversary with us. I have just remembered that our wedding anniversary started at midnight over the Philippines. Earlier I had asked the stewardess for wine and a few minutes after midnight she was able to bring it. I presented mum with a card. We had a toast at 32000 feet and our longest wedding anniverary day begun. We even had our wedding breakfast in Hong Kong. How cool is that?

The Blue Mountains

From various parts of Sydney can be seen a long range of Blue coloured mountains. The Australians are good at appropriate naming.

Once on the Western Motorway it is an easy drive. The motorway become a highway at the mountains and links the commercial city with the political city of Canberra. The Australians have come up with a brilliant idea of isolating its politicians in a separate state in the middle of nowhere.

The highway does not so much cut through the mountains, but climbs over them. It is strangely populated all along the highway in a ribbon development. Generally the townships run alongside, but occasionally make incursions into the mountains. A main railway line runs alongside. The highway is pretty much the main road of the townships and traffic is slowed down accordingly. In other places there are motorway style cut thoughs and these are increasing. Judging by the style of homes I would say people have lived in the area for some time. This is true of Katoomba which became our destination.

The Three Sisters

We turned off the highway into Katoomba town expecting to see (judging from the guide book) instant tourism. We found an alley way cafe. Not like the modern city ones. It it had that old style cafe aroma and atmosphere. Here we had our morning coffee. After this we drove down to Echo Point. Here was the business. A huge viewing platform, a more modern restuarant and a visitors centre with strangely little parking. The main feature here was an expansive view of the mountains with towering cliffs and three tall pillars called the Three Sisters. We took one of the shorter roots to walk alongside the valley wall. The notable feature being a single pillar called Orphan Rock. I was very surprised that it was not called 'The Stand on its Own Rock'. Clever Australians.

Explorers

Orphan Rock

Using instructions from the information centre we made our way to view the falls. To get there meant a short drive. You look out for the caravan park. Opposite is a semi derelict kiosk. On the left is a path. Across the picnic area is an incongrous sign. We made it to the falls.

Katoomba Falls

On the way back we came across a bunch of Aussies also trying to find their way. After being helpful I told them that if they did not return that I would inform the News of the World who would give them $200,000. The reply was 'wait nine days.'

Looking at the map made us decide to stop at Leura Cascades on the way back. We followed the creek down hill as it cascaded over rocks and then it entered a cavern where it was at it best and then out into sunlight where the water simply fell over the cliff wall.

Leura Cascades

We had lunch in Leura, at a bakery, before setting off back home.

That was another blue sky day. The clouds are only just breaking up this morning. Seeing clouds is a strange phenomenon even in the mountains.

By the way, the whales turned up at Barren Joey Head; not on Monday, but on Tuesday. I repeat - not on Monday, but on Tuesday.

West Head and Barren Joey

Yesterday Sally drove mum and I up to the north east of Sydney. We started by driving up the eastern side of the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. From the entrance there is one long road up to West Head. It was being reapaired really well and caused some delay. However the 'Excel Road Management' consisted of two men with a lolipop stick each. All along the route there are places to park and signs to various walking tracks to beaches and coves. From West Head there was a view of the Barren Joey light house. West Head and Barren Joey are notable whale watching points overlooking what is said to be the busiest marine mammal channel in the world. (Not today)


A little way back is a serious peice of car park for the aborigine art site. This was a very large slab of sandstone on which are carved aborigine pictures which are like grafitti lines.


Before leaving we turned off for lunch at Aruna Bay. This is a marina with specialist shops and a restuarant.

Next we circled south below the estuary and back north up the peninsula leading to the Barren Joey lighthouse. We parked on Palm Beach. Here the wind was a little rough with just enough to push a wind surfer.


We gave up the idea of a walk up to Barren Joey light house - too steep. I wouldn't be able to get up and mum would not be able to get down. Instead we turned at right angles to the estuary and walked across the peninsula. The sound of the sea disappeared, but shortly we began to hear a roaring. The Pacific Ocean was crashing on the opposite shore. It is incredible the difference there is between one side and another of a very thin piece of land (See first picture). I tried hard to capture the power of the ocean.


We stopped off at Palm Beach for milk shakes and made our way past Newport and the Pondarosa to home, in time for Sally to pick up the girls.

Today is 'in' day. Emily has been swimming and soon the girls are off for hair cuts at Dural.

Taronga Zoo

Yesterday Ian, Zoe, Mum and I set off for the zoo. It is set on a steep slope overlooking the harbour. The normal admission is $41 end but the cashier allowed us through a 'seniors' at $28. The Clarks already have a season ticket.

We made our way downwards; stopping at the reptiles and say 'hi' to the elephants (They are proud of their new baby elephant and it was blessed by Buddist monks at a ceremony which took place on the day of our visit.) The elephant house was built in the shape of the Temple at Amritza. It was built in 1915. Such a thing could not be built today. We passed the giraffes and apes. We had lunch. Zoe had some time at the childrens zoo and climbing frame.

The highlight of the visit was the seals and sealion display. It was really hot and really crowded. At one point we were told to watch a sealion jump up to touch a ball. I held the camera ready. The crowds appluaded. Were was the sealion? Jumping to different ball - actually the one in the centre of the three hanging balls. How silly. Not very bright - these sealions.

From the zoo there are many views of the harbour, including the bridge and the opera house.


To return to the top there is a cable car which mum refused to take. However, she was waiting at the top when we got off the car.

The adult day - being Saturday ended with the eating of chocolate and the consumption of Bundaberg ginger beer.

Cherrybrook Walk

Ian left the Camry for us to use, but as the girls were still ill we opted to go out for a short time. We went over to Cherrybrook shops to pick up supplies - tissues for me, Bundaberg Ginger Beer and chocolate bars for the last two Saturday nights.

I parked in the sports centre car park opposite the track and off we set. We walked for thirty minutes and then back. At one point the council have built solid stepping stones, but judging by the weather I wonder how often they are needed.

Despite being near houses it is very much bush. We saw the usual white parrots, crimsom parrots and kookabura. Towards the end of our walk we came across an cave created from an enormous rocky overhang. It is easy to believe that aborigine tribes once lived in this area.

The trees and rocks have, for me an Australian feel.

In the afternoon we did a few jobs and Sally went to fetch fish. We ate Dori. It was delicious. Next Nimo?

Ku-Ring-Gai Chase and Bobbin Rock

Yesterday we made our way into Kur-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. It is a huge bush area north of Sydney. Sally would have gone with us but Emily was ill.

Our first stop was Kalkari Visitors Centre. Here we paid our $11 to park anywhere in the park for the day. The guides at the centre were very helpful and friendly. We wandered around and saw kangaroos, parrots etc. There was a view point over looking the park. From it you can see Cowan Creek and a suspension bridge. The bridge was to be our way of getting over the mangrove swamp and into the bush proper.


We drove on down to Bobbin Head. It is a large, clear area with a marina of sea going craft. After coffee on the marina, which was the first place that water was put on the table and we were served in china cups, we had a brief walk along the trail. Before leaving that area I felt that it was necessary to be photographed with my foot on Bobbin Rock. I never would have thought that I would ever be at Bobbin Rock. In fact before today I did not even know that there was a Bobbin Rock.


We crossed from this area to do the boardwalk. First there was a big park area with slides etc. People were picnicing, surrounded by parrots. Others were using the public barbeque facilities. We got to th boardwalk by going over the suspension bridge. Then there was a climb between two enormous rocks to get on to the bush walk proper. We did a little walk before returning.

After lunch I drove Sally out to pick up the Zafira. We deposited the Camry at Ian's office and came back, first picking up Zoe from the child care.

Today both girls are ill. All plans for today are cancelled and we hope that they will recover soon. The doctor said that they only have colds.

John and the Galston Gorge

The two events are totally unconnected. I have been communicating with John Walker for some time before travelling to Australia and by internet during our time here. I wanted to know something about the church here and John graciously responded to my request to meet up.


I had a suspicion that Australia was quite Christian and I had already had this confirmed when I read the weekend paper before meeting John. I learned that this state of of NSW was the most religious with 76% believers, but even more telling was the news; I quote, trying not to give offence that Tasmania has the largest percentage of 'People living in sin before they are married' of any other state. Wow - have they not come across the term cohabitation or 'partner'?

John was very Australian, more than punctual, very polite and generous and somewhat older than me. We enjoyed coffee in 'Gloria Jeans' which is a chain of cafes that John tells me are connected with the 'Hill Song' church. After a good, long conversation we parted company and I will try to keep in touch.

When I got home I could not find my key. It did not dawn on me to ring the bell of the locked front door so I made my way around the back with the intention of tipping out the contents of all the pockets on my bag and person. It was then that I saw mum sitting in the dining room having lunch. This did not help find my key, so back to 'Gloria Jeans' I drove in the Camry. I had rightly surmised that the key had fallen from my bum-bag when I took out my wallet and lo and behold the assistant passed over the shiny red key.

Berowra Creek at Galston Gorge

There was time for lunch and, because the Camry was available, a short trip out to the bush was in order. We headed for the Galston Gorge, not knowing whether we would be able to stop near it. Google street view had covered it, but I saw no sign of parking. Before the gorge bridge is a steep down hill very winding road. The bridge is a single lane plank bridge and there was a small car park and once again we found ourselves by the Berowra Creek and on the Great North Walking Track. We had time for a short steep and rugged ramble and back home to let Sally pick up the girls from their first day at their new child care. I am told that the facility was appreciated by all.

Sydney Aquarium

Thursday was a domestic day. The girls went for their lessons at the swimming pool.

In the afternoon we set off to pick up Ian's car from the service station. On route we went round 'Round Corner' (A typical Australian descriptive name) to the Dural shopping area. There is really little there, but Sally had heard that the 'Woolworth' food prices were better because they were next to an 'Aldi'. We picked up Ian's car from the service and headed home.

On Friday we took Emily to day care for her last time at that particular one. We then headed on up to Hornsby, which is the county town and a rail centre. Unfortunately, although the station was supposed to have car parking, it didn't. We off back down the line to the station at Beecroft. We found some parking. I found some Claratyne. ($33 for 30 tablets; a little exhorbitant.) After Zoe had a play in the park we boarded the train to the city. The carriages have three passenger levels, are clean and run on time. They are not operated by Virgin or British Rail.


In the city we transferred to the monorail and went around to Darling Harbour. After a drink and a wait we joined the crowds entering the aquarium. It is a large aquarium with two underwater tunnels and many other tanks. The dugongs were fascinating. The really don' look like mermaids. I found aquarium photography to be very challenging. Zoe enoys these visits and after a time we left. The aquarium is skilfully designed to take unsuspecting mums through the shop and then the cafe.

The cafe was quite an episode. Mummy bought Zoe a lemonade in a very tall glass with a spiral drinking tube. Guess what happened. Mummy went off to track down a change of clothes for Zoe. I recharged the glass (free refills). Mum held on to the glass. Mummy came back. Mum took her eye of the ball (hand off the glass for one second). Now Zoe really did need a change of clothes. We made the train journey back with Zoe draped in a large scarf.

We picked up the car. A nice man was doing the crossing patrol. I asked him if he helped old men as well as children across. I got a jovial 'most certainly'.

On the way back in the car the wind began to pick up, the sky darkened, twiggy bits fell on the ground. From indoors we could sea the sky went a golden yellow. There was even a whispery rainbow. But no rain.

Blue skies again today as a sit confined to quarantine, with a streaming nose.

The Great North

Yesterday mum and I took a few steps on to the Great North Walking Track. It starts at the end of a street near here. It starts with a wide concrete path to a steel bridge over the Berowra Creek and then turns off to a leafy covered rocky path that goes alongside the creek. A glimpse of the creek is seen as the walk goes on and there is a wooden bridge to cross it a little way along the path. It was hard to believe that we were so close to houses. The bush is dense enough to block any view and there is no way that I would leave the path to cross the creek to find a short cut back.

The Intrepid Explorer Complete with Napier Hat and All Blacks Fleece.

On the way out mum was sure that she had spotted a Kookaburra. We are not best friends with them as a flock of them as a flock woke us up at 5:30 in the morning.

Is that a Kookaburra?

Australian bird song is generally loud and distinct. Once you have heard it you know which bird it is.

In the picture can be seen things dangling from the trees. This is bark which has fallen off, hanging from branches which are left bare.

James Henty Park and Dural Reserve

This morning Sally, Mum and girls went of to the swimming lesson at Castle Hill. They arrived back at about 10:30 and after morning tea we all went off to the James Henty Park. The girls took the normal way and I went in another direction which turned out to be the other half of a loop.

My journey was slightly longer, but the slopes were less steep. When I gor to the park the girls were already playing on the equipment. I took mum off to see the Creek in the Dural Reserve. (A creek is a water course which is wider than a brook, but not as wide as a river. I also looked up billabong and found it to be a small lake something like an ox-bow.)

Dural Reserve


The Creek

After our short exploration we went back to the girls who were still playing in the playground. we then took them on to the field to have a run around before taking my route home.

Thomas at Luddenham

Today Ian, Zoe and I set off to find Thomas near a winery in Luddenham.


It took 45 minutes to get there and we were very close to the Blue Mountains.

The site was a well laid out miniature railway track, carefully deigned to allow at least four engines to run at the same time. Zoe and I started the day by riding on Thomas' carriage and then she and her dad rode trains pulled by other engines including James, Mavis and Toby. Just before we left they got out a model 'Gordon' who was in the process of being constucted. I had the privelege of riding this with Zoe.

I did regret not wearing my sun hat and glasses. The late winter days and getting warma and the sun is getting stronger. We have not had any rain for many days.

The House

The house we are now in is two storeys. It is in a place called Dural. It has a steep drive to a double garage with a remote roller door. There is a lockable door from it to the house. There is a main entrance door to a hall with steps up to the kitchen and stairs on the left. On the right is a carpetted lounge with steps up to another carpetted area. There is door from here into the kitchen. The kitchen area can be closed off with sliding doors; otherwise the rooms are open. The kitcken has a bar sticking out from the rear wall with a large dining space. Through an archway is an even larger area. All the floors in these areas and in the hall are quarry tiled. Off the large empty area (now a playroom) is the downstairs toilet/shower and a laundry which open to the left side garden of the house. A gass area goes along the rear of the house.

Up stairs is large hall. To the left is the family bathroom with bath and shower. Next to it is the guest room which takes a double bed and a wide work bench. Next to this is a sizeable rear bedroom for Emily. Zoe has aslightly larger room looking over the front of the house. Between this bedroom and the main bedroom is an alcove which takes a large computer desk. The main bedroom has an ensuite. All the rooms have horizontal wooden blinds, plastic frames and sliding insect screen outside. All the rooms have fitted wardrobes. The house is air conditioned and heated by ducted air to vents in all the rooms.

In the bathrooms all the floor have drainage holes and the showers have high tiled surrounds.
The modem has had to be put in the kitchen for now, but the wireless signal is good to both Ian and my computer.

One evening we had the pleasure of parrots on the roof.


We have spent the time going to shops, looking after children and I have exercised by walking along the streets. There is next to no access to park type walks, but I did start on a walking track near the Cherrybrook shops while the girls were in swimming.

Two SATNAVs and Still Lost

On Monday mum and I went for walk down to the Parramatta information centre and along the river. You could get some idea of the reasons for the poor relationships between the Aborigines and the Europeans. It seems to be as the history books tell us. Whole tribes were wiped out; children were kidnapped and westernised. I spoke to an old Ozy yesterday and the fear of the Aborigines is still real.


I also saw that much of the pressure for Australia becoming a republic is from the newer immigrants (Chinese and Indian). Again this was confirmed by my friend at the park. He was pretty much not bothered either way. I wonder what the younger generation Ozy thinks.

We walked down to the rivercat stop. The river is blocked by a weir at this point.

We had a leisurely icecream at a Sudenese shop. Very tasty; we were given tastes of the different ones.

We arrived back to find out that Sally was called to take the Camry in for minor repairs 30 minutes earlier. First we had to go out to Cherrybrook to collect it. We attempted to set up both SATNAVs to get us to the Camry garage. At first Sally led with my SATNAV continuously recalculating. She gave up. I led until Sally came to the conclusion that we were heading the wrong way. I did a turn left; hoping to go around but finished on the motorway. At this point Sally overtook. The map had won. Before going back to collect the Camry I did an intersection check on Google when this was put into the SATNAV we took 15 minutes instead one and half hours. Should I tell Garmin?

Yesterday we went Featherdale Wildlife Park. It would take to long to list the variety of Australian wildlife on show. Zoe enjoyed looking and Emily enjoyed walking around. She has still not learned the lesson on taking on a kangaroo. She got away with it this time.


In the afternoon mum and I took Zoe to the park. She played, I spoke to an Australian grandad. He has story to tell. He was abought up in the back of a lorry, they then moved to live on the water before finally getting a house. His wife's family lived in two caves and had to move out when the world got to be less secure.

Sydney Tower and Darling Harbour

Sunday was one of those clear blue sky, warm Australian winter days. We all headed off in the Zafira in the direction of the Sydney Aquarium.

We travelled through a very long motorway tunnel and came out across the harbour bridge. The car park was somewhat run down, but it led out on to the modern monorail system. Seeing that the train would take us passed the Sydney Tower it was decided that today would be a good day to go up. The views, as from all city towers, is awesome.

It was a short walk to the Aquaruim from here. However, the queue for the aquarium was one hour long. Instead we explored Darling Harbour. It was thronged with people enjoying the sun. It was real sun trap set out for leisure. The main bridge is a swing bridge and you can just make ou the central pillar in the picture.

Zoe enjoyed the roundabout and they both appreciated a run in the play area.

We ended the time in the food area and set back home, starting our journey on the monorail.

Flying Foxes

On Saturday there was an opportunity to photograph flying foxes with the telephoto lens. Mum and I took Emily to the park while Ian and Sally took Zoe to the zoo.

This is the best that I could do.



In the afternoon I set off in search of ginger beer. (We already had Cadbury chocolate with Macademia nuts ready for the Saturday night feast). The east coast of Australia has the famous Bundaberg brewery. For quite a while I wondered if I would find any. There is a little convenience store in Parramatta and there it was; Bunderberg Ginger Beer.

Devonshire Tea on Elizabeth Farm

We visited one of the earliest farm houses in Australia. The John Macarthur family arrived in Sydney in 1790. He introduced English crops and livestock, was a principle promoter of the Australian wool trade and was credited with taking part in the overthrow Governor Bligh in 1808.

Elizabeth Macarthur lived at Elizabeth Farm until she died in 1850.

The farm is very child friendly. Zoe was able to climb on to the four poster beds. We finished the visit with Devonshire cream tea. There were tea strainers and actual tea leaves. We had to wait for the cow to be milked and the corn to be ground to flour. No rush-not MacDonald speed- but quality.