A beautiful walk Bondi to Bronte

.. With many, many beautiful views that reminded me very much of the rugged coast of Cornwall. 

It took about two hours with lots of stops for looking at things, playing in playgrounds, tantrums and 'little chats' (the children's favourite pastime). 

we were passed by a lot of joggers in all shapes and sizes

Rowan now loves wrestling and luckily, Guy is always on hand to step in. Esme is my little shadow (in the sweetest possible way).

We very very lucky to be doing this amazing trip and there isn't a day that goes by without us being reminded of it.

"did you see me? Did you hear me? Did you notice me disappear Dad? I am trying to hide you know"

Xxx

Sydney Watsons bay

Making the most of our pass and our time. (We often remind ourselves that in our former life a two day weekend away would be special, so as to make sure we dont take for granted the freedom of this trip) we headed to the easternmost ferry stop which turned out to be a very expensive well off area.

after an hour in the kids playground i tried to drag the family to a viewpoint . the ladies were not up for it so they retired for refreshments.

when we got to the top ACDC was blaring from a boombox as the steps are being replaced. It was BonScott era but i couldnt place it more than that. I couldnt see anyone working. We elbowed our way past some others to the highest point. Being able to look back at sydney skyline was lovely. Rowan wanted to count the sailboats on the quiter ocean side. as we left a workman appeared. Turned off the music.lit a fag and sat down with his paper.

then we caught up with the ladies

shop owner took a fancy to kids and we were given a toy rubber bat. Then a stroll to nowhere in particular

budding naturalist then final walk back to the boat

Meeting up with amazing people

Arrived in Sydney and getting into the groove of things.. I have always loved it here.. I lived here in 1999 with Danny and Lex.. And we have remained firm friends.. I feel very blessed to have them in my life. 

Had the most brilliant night out with my friends.. Found an amazing pub behind an unassuming metal door but inside it was like going out drinking in the Wild West! Moose heads and cow heads hung from the ceiling, country and western music softly playing in the background.. Will take more pictures of the amazing interior later this week. 

And finally.. A nice picture of me, without windswept hair or squinty eyes..

What a fantastic night!

Sydney- giggle in the park

Lex came with us today as it sunday. Amazing cycling proficiency circuit

later on sarah was the troll and the kids the billygoats

the park is undulating and planned and had tubes with rotating vents to allow methane out of the former municipal dump on which it sits.

the bridge had bells when the silver circles were stamped

the chimneys are from old brick works. The area under the chimneys has some discrete "cottaging" spots or as its known in Oz the area is "a beat".

later when about to take a picture 

lex said "stomach in t1ts out" to sarah

which rather hit the sweet spot as you can see

xxx

Sydney Cockatoo Island 3 of 3

Then at last up the hill away from shipbuilding and engineering  to the cells for convicts and later on the houses for the managers.

only one is lived in now and itsprobably not this one

managers houses

then i had a "gosh this is so beautiful what a lovely day we have had " moments as from our vantage point I looked back at the bay.

Crystal clear blue sky, lots of red brick coloured rooves mingling with dark green trees and white house fronts. the dark blue bay water alive with the wind across its surface. Wind blowing fast enough around my ears to make that deep "Hough" sound. Seaguls flying effortlessly and smaller birds sitting on hedges where the purple flowers rocked back and forth. To my side i can hear the kids chasing sarah around and the surprisingly wiry grass not too comfortable. The best days are not planned they just sneak up on you.

then had to find our way down

grain not convicts were stored here. Then through some breeding seagul area to ground level again

one of our better days

xxx