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Relaxing - Nelson Bay style — Relaxing – Nelson Bay style

The second week at Nelson Bay was great also.

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

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.

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)

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.

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

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)

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).

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.

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.

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 32^nd 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.