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| Crossing the Shoalhaven river north/east of Berry |
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| The ocean! first glimpse out from Gerroa |
The traffic increased as we went further north.
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| View of Gerringong and beyond |
The road traversed through many quaint country towns and villages, small and large, Kiama, Port Kembla, Towradgi and Thirroul to name a few, with some fairly steep climbs and descents, looking back out the bus window the view was ever changing. When I could get a photo opportunity through the houses and buildings hanging to the cliff face of some towns, I managed this one looking back toward Gerringong early in the trip.
We continued our way up hill and down dale until we found a place to pull over for a rest at Coledale, a small cliff-side/beach-side town about 45km from our destination of Miainbar.
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| Sharkeys beach at Coledale |
The puppies had some fun on the beach, getting covered in sand and salt from the waves I managed to get Yip in to while playing with Dot. Washed them off in a small creek flowing onto the beach which was fresh water and they relaxed by the bus to dry themselves.
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| Surfs up at Sharkeys beach - Coledale |
One end of the beach looked a 'beaut fishing spot for the keen rock fisherman, but I denied myself the pleasure, Too lazy, I guess to find the fishing gear needed.
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| Sunrise at Sharkey's beach Coledale |
What a way to spend a morning, frolicking along the beach at sunrise. Had small breakfast and we were on our way again, but not before I took this sunrise picture through the sea mist.
Just north of Coledale is a piece of road construction which needed to be seen to be believed. Only opened a few short years ago apparently, (about 2005).
The Seacliff Bridge.
We have been travelling along the Grand Pacific Drive, (about 71km of scenic roadway from Wollongong to Stanwell Tops) when we passed over the bridge. It is 665m long and 40mtrs above the sea, connecting a safe passage between Clifton and Coalcliff. (apparently it was pretty dangerous with falling rocks and the like before this was built)
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| looking back at the Seacliff Bridge |
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| Seacliff Bridge Clifton to Coalcliff |
A few pictures to show what it's like, it is quite a breath taking view!
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| Seacliff Bridge looking back from Coalcliff |
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| Audley Weir |
We went to Audley weir for a couple of hours. Beautiful place to picnic, too busy for my liking. You can't do anything without a heavy wallet. Even wanted $11.00 for a day pass which allowed you to park your vehicle and use the grounds.
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| Art display on bus stop at Miainbar |
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th we spent with our friends, catching up on 20 years. A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend the weekend. Thanks to our great friends Kate and Steve. Thanks guys!!
This mural in the bus stop was on the other side of the road where we were parked. It is like a virtual life story of Miainbar in 2002. Well done!
Monday 27th
Only travelled for half an hour or so this morning, to Janalli to catch up with more old friends of Sydney. Spent the day with them, lovely to catch up. Can do without the city life style though, been there - done that and so happy to be doing what we are.
Tuesday 28th
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| Hawkesbury river and Brooklyn bridge |
70km from our departure in Janalli we came to Brooklyn and the Hawkesbury river. Only took us 3 hours to get here. Oh well, that's life, but I don't care if we never have to drive in city traffic again.
We decided to stop here for the night, it is a delightful rest area on Deerubbin reserve.
Jim and the puppies enjoyed a relax on the lawn in front of Dilligaf. A tiring sort of day but glad to be on the northern side of Sydney.
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| relaxing at Deerubbin reserve at Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury river |
Another chapter in our trip has come to an end as we look forward to heading north again, away from the busy city and on to the next faze of our journey. North and catch up with more of our friends of 20 years ago. It's going to be fun. Catch you then.
