Tag Archives: Australia

Sun, Surf & Sydney!

It all started in 1985…… Thirty years ago, Bev and Mark travelled around Australia. It was BC (before children) – the trip took 5 months. When plotting the trip, it was decided that we would not “do” New South Wales as it was close to home,we could do that in our normal annual holidays. WELL, thirty years later it was time to do the “CLOSE TO HOME” stuff!!.

Continue reading Sun, Surf & Sydney!

Nelson Bay – Week 2 – Then Melbourne

Relaxing - Nelson Bay style
Relaxing – Nelson Bay style

The second week at Nelson Bay was great also.

Beach to ourselves
Beach to ourselves

Weather perfect. One very hot day (35) the remainder were all in the mid twenties.

Yacht towed to the slip
Yacht towed to the slip

Whilst out cycling one morning we observed a yacht being towed (bow and stern) into the inner harbour and then slipped – or rather – lifted up to do some maintenance.

Disabled yacht on Slipway
Disabled yacht on Slipway

We discovered that it had been rescued from out at sea overnight.

Broken rudder and engine stopped. You can see the headsail is in shreds. Glad we were not aboard.

Jim and Bette joined us for brunch one morning.

Brunch with Bette and Jim (inspiration for our trip around Australia in 1985)
Brunch with Bette and Jim (inspiration for our trip around Australia in 1985)

In 1985, Bev and Mark resigned their jobs, put tenants into their home and with a car and camper traveled around Australia for six months. Jim and Bette had done a lot of travel in a caravan and inspired us to do the same – not just the normal touristy places, but travel on a strict budget, research, look around and find different and interesting places.

Mount Tomaree is a local landmark. Highest point in the area and makes a great lookout.

Nelson Bay from Mount Tomaree Lookout
Nelson Bay from Mount Tomaree Lookout

On the walk there was a large goanna sunning itself on the track. It made a run for it when we approached.

Goanna on Mount Tomaree walk
Goanna on Mount Tomaree walk
Bartlett Cycleway ?!?! Not named after us, but Mark did cycle it.
Bartlett Cycleway ?!?!
Not named after us, but Mark did cycle it.
Cherie of AllSail (Church Point on the Pittwater)
Cherie of AllSail (Church Point on the Pittwater)

Our friends at AllSail ww.allsail.com.au in Pittwater (Sydney) were having a Christmas Party – as we were in the area, we dropped in and said hello.Had a great evening. Stayed in the camper at the Sydney Lakeside Caravan Park sydneylakeside.com.au– in Narrabeen (Northern Beaches area of Sydney).

Crochet Seat Cover ?!?!?!
Crochet Seat Cover ?!?!?!

Sydney Lakeside Caravan Park - Sydney Northern Beaches. Large grassed sites - but not many trees.Sydney Lakeside Caravan Park – Sydney Northern Beaches. Large grassed sites – but not many trees.

Then it was the long drive to Melbourne. The GPS said it was 900km door to door. We left at 7am and arrived at 6:30pm. Whilst driving, we saw a young family out cycling. This does not sound too unusual, however it was on the Motorway – about 300km from Sydney. Mum was on the first bike, panniers all over the front and back, with a  baby in the baby seat behind her. Then dad came along. Panniers all over his tandem bike too – no passenger on his bike, but enough luggage that it looks like a long term trip!!

Sabrina and Ryan had dinner cooking when we got there. How lucky were we!!

Trent, Luke, Jack and Tim - CONTIKI here we come!!
Trent, Luke, Jack and Tim – CONTIKI here we come!!

Trent and his three friends from the Army are off on a CONTIKI tour over Christmas – so we had a farewell at home for them.

Look-out Europe – The Australian Army is coming.

Grey Nomads – start to wander

Nelson Bay Dec 2013
Nelson Bay Dec 2013

When I was first asked if life was good as a Grey Nomad, I was shocked! I’m not one of THOSE!!!

Upon reflection, Mark is grey haired, a caravan is my home and we are nomadic for a few months at least. So YES, we are partly Grey Nomads!!

Our drive to Nelson Bay took 1 1/2 days. Whitney’s car went very well towing Jayco, bikes, kayaks, etc, etc. Over 1,100 km – but good conditions all the way.

Whitney's Car - what a load!!
Whitney’s Car – what a load!!

We have had a lovely first week. Plenty of swimming, cycling & paddling. The weather has been varied – a lot more sun and warmth than rain. Only put a windcheater on one evening.

Looking at the headlines in the newspaper early in the week it was decided we won’t buy any for a while.

Mark flew to Brisbane for two days – SafetyQuip business. Bev was “forced” to enjoy cycling and the beach.2013 NelsonBay_0094

On the beach
On the beach
Cycling
Cycling

We went shopping at Coles one afternoon, rather than drive the extra distance to ALDI. Only needed a few essentials, but when dishwashing liquid was nearly $3, left Coles, went the extra distance to ALDI and spent our $100 much more wisely.

Friday was our 32nd wedding anniversary. In true holiday style, 3 hours was spent seeking a venue for dinner. We had three criteria. View over the water, good food and reasonable price. We discovered several that met 2 out of three. Eventually found a lovely 3 out of 3 in Shoal Bay – CATCH Restaurant.  It was great.

CATCH Restaurant in Shoal Bay.  (I definitely got the CATCH!!!)
CATCH Restaurant in Shoal Bay.
(I definitely got the CATCH!!!)

Wednesdays and Saturdays the local Fruit/Veg truck sounds his CLAXON HORN in the caravan park. Good prices, good quality.

Fruit & Veg truck delivers fresh to our Caravan Park
Fruit & Veg truck delivers fresh to our Caravan Park
Camp Visitors
Camp Visitors
Business is never too far away.
Business is never too far away.
Mark relaxing with Kayak
Mark relaxing with Kayak
Bev Kayaking
Bev Kayaking

Mark tested this out at home. The real test was the 8km each way into Nelson Bay. Towing the Kayak worked well.2013 NelsonBay_0116 2013 NelsonBay_0115