As can be expected, when you buy fish, you will catch one. And that's what happened this morning. Steve and Mitch went fishing early this morning and caught a nice flathead. After that effort, we went for a swim in the Narrabeen Baths. We love these saltwater pools that are all over Sydney, but I must say, it was quite fresh and took a little while to get used to.
For the first time we took our car for a drive today and ventured further north along the Northern Beaches. They are all beautiful and it is easy to see why people love Sydney.
At dusk we all went for a fish and it was my turn to get a piece of the action. I pulled in a nice whiting so we ended up with a complete meal for the day.
Day 39
This morning was wet and drizzly so we took the opportunity to check out a few shops and pick up a few things. By the afternoon it was fining up so the kids went for a play down by the lake. They were having a great time until Mitch climbed up the bank and sliced his foot open on a piece of timber...
The cut was deep enough to warrant a medical visit so Steve took him to the Mona Vale hospital which is right near the van park (the staff at the park first sent him to a medical centre that has been closed for a year!). Luckily, it didn't need stitches but being on his foot, it's an awkward place to keep clean and dry when you're at the beach.
Day 40
Originally when we planned the trip we were going to go to the Easter Show in Sydney. However, after looking closely at logistics (parking is non existent and it would have been 2 hours travel each way) and cost, we decided to have a family vote - Easter Show or Luna Park. The latter was chosen unanimously as we all felt it was something unique to Sydney that we couldn't do at home.
So off to Luna Park we went. Another round of bus, ferry and then ferry from Circular Quay to Milsons Point (home of Luna Park). Of course this meant we got to go under the bridge again, this time in the water, another bonus.
Right from the start Luna Park was a big hit. The beauty of it is you can go on the rides as many times as you like - it's unlimited. I decided to abstain for the day and do the photography etc, plus I no longer find the nausea and dizziness associated with the rides enjoyable. Must be an age thing. I was quite happy to take in the sights and watch everyone else have a great time. The attractions included the carousel...
ferris wheel - with a great view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge...
Skywheel...
...funny mirrors...
...Luna Bob and Luna Belle...
and fire engines...
It was a really fun day that we'll remember for a long time.
Day 41
There were more relatives to catch up with today. This time it was Steve's cousin Sandra and her husband Frank who we met at Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell for a picnic lunch. It was our first trek across Sydney's city - or rather under it via the tunnel - and the car satellite navigation system (Tom Tom) came into its own today guiding us safely to our 'destination'.
Our arrival was timely as we drove into the park at the same time as Sandra and Frank. After lunch and a catch up, we went for a walk around the visitors centre then the Captain Cook Monument. There were more history lessons for the kids as they learnt about Australia's settlement. Here we all are...
After saying goodbye to Sandra and Frank, we headed to Bondi Beach for a look, it was busy as always...
and then we drove around the eastern suburbs for a bit of a look at some of the little bays and gorgeous houses.
To finish the day off, we decided to actually drive over the Harbour Bridge. Given that is was peak hour on a Friday afternoon, we were soon wondering how wise that decision was. We were guided right through the middle of the city by Tom Tom and although it was mayhem, the kids had a ball looking up at all the tall buildings and seeing the heart of the city.
Once through the city, we were guided under the bridge, not over it, so had to make a few extra twists and turns to end up going in the right direction. Eventually we got onto the bridge and as it was right on dusk Luna Park was lit up for the night as were all the lights of the bridge and city. Magic.
Day 42
Today was our last full day in Sydney and we decided to have a closer look at Manly. We'd only been to the ferry terminal and wanted to see a bit more, including the beach.
We had a lovely swim on the main beach before getting some fish and chips for lunch (we miss our crumbed fish and chips - it's all batter here). It certainly is a lovely spot and extremely popular.
Late in the afternoon we headed down to Narrabeen beach for our last family fish. It was a very successful outing - 1 flathead (Steve) and 2 whiting (Mitch and I). Maggie had a bit of a fish before heading off to play with Stewie, who had been playing trains in the sand...
A note to everyone: The comments settings have been changed so everyone should have no trouble leaving a message (I know a few of you have tried unsuccessfully). Just make sure you click a profile - if you don't have a google account, I would suggest trying Anonymous. Love to all.
No comments:
Post a Comment