Rose Bay

Today we walked all the way to the beach at Rose Bay, where Rusty learnt to swim! We had lunch at the Lynn Park Cafe and then sat on the grass for a few hours to restore our energy before the long walk home.

Here is a location map:


View Larger Map

Rose Bay looking towards Sydney CBD

Sea plane! I haven't yet persuaded Bruce to go on this...

Rusty, so serious!

Bruce, also serious!

How am I going to get that stick?

Oooh it's cold!

Thanks for helping Daddy.

Get me out of this water!!

Not impressed!

Manly

Today we took Rusty for a walk along the Manly foreshore to Shelly Beach and back. The weather this winter has been extremely warm. As you can see, it's warm enough to sit on the beach and go swimming!

Here is a location map:


View Larger Map

Bruce with Manly Beach in the background

Cabbage Tree Bay looking towards Shelly Beach

Rusty!

Water dragon!

North Head with South Head and the Sydney CBD in the background

North Head looking out at the Pacific Ocean

Nielsen Park

Today we took Chris' Mum's friend Pamela to lunch at the Nielsen Park Cafe. We then did the foreshore walk to Strickland House, which was the home of Sydney's first Mayor, John Hosking.

Here is a location map:


View Larger Map

Nielsen Park Cafe

Bruce and Pamela enjoying the winter sun

Chris and Pamela inside the cafe

Bruce and Pamela at Milk Beach having just completed the foreshore walk

Strickland House

The view from Strickland House

Woolwich Dock

Today we drove to Woolwich and had lunch at the Woolwich Pier Hotel. Afterwards, we walked around Woolwich Dock and Clarkes Point Reserve. Rusty loved the outing!

Here is a location map:


View Larger Map

Bruce and Rusty at the end of Woolwich Dock.

Looking into Woolwich Dock, once the largest in Australia.

Looking out from inside the dock.

Sailing boats being refurbished.

Another sailing boat being refurbished.

Bruce and Rusty enjoying a bit of winter sunshine at Clarkes Point Reserve.

Clarkes Point Reserve looking towards Drummoyne.

Whale Watching

Today we went whale watching. The boat took us about three miles out of Sydney Harbour. The sea was surprisingly calm so neither of us were sea sick and we were lucky enough to see around ten whales in total! Here are some pictures:

The whale watching boat approaching Circular Quay wharf to pick us up

Bruce on the boat, about to leave Circular Quay

Chris with the New South Wales coast and Sydney city in the background

As well as the whales we were also treated to a fly past from an Albatros. 

After about an hour of cruising around, we saw a pair of humpback whales coming up for air.

In this shot you can just see the mouth of the whale as he comes up to blow some air.

This shot shows just how close the whales were to the boat; about 30 metres.

Double breach! This photo taken by one of the Whale Watching Sydney crew. I wasn't quick enough with my camera!

Another group of whales we saw gave quite a display, slapping their tails as they dived.

Manly

I decided to do a bit more exploring now that the sunshine has returned and before I start full-time work next week. Today I visited Manly, located on the north shore coastal peninsular, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and Sydney Harbour on the other. Manly beach is very popular with surfers.

Here is a location map:

View Larger Map

Manly Corso

Manly Beach

Cabbage Tree Bay looking towards Shelly Beach

Cabbage Tree Bay Rock Pool

Shelly Beach looking towards Manly Beach. A popular scuba diving spot.

On the Manly ferry heading back to the city, watching a large ship being guided out of the harbour.

Stunning!

Goodbye to the Sydney Monorail

After 25 years of service, the Sydney Monorail made it's final loop of the city tonight. It will be dismantled later on in the year to make way for the Sydney Light Rail which will see a welcome return of trams to the city's streets.

We managed to go for a ride on the Monorail before it's closure, here is a picture:

The monorail train approaching Harbourside Station

Rain Rain Rain!

You'll all be pleased to know that it's been raining almost non-stop for the last week! Today we visited the Australian Museum to view the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

Bruce in Hyde Park with St Mary's Cathedral in the background

The Australian Museum

Australian King Parrot

We were joined at my Auntie Lynn's by a couple of Australian King Parrots.

More info on the Australian King Parrot here.

Male King Parrot

Male King Parrot

 Female King Parrot on the left

Auntie Lynn's Birthday

Today we visited my Auntie Lynn and family up in the Blue Mountains to celebrate her 61st Birthday.

Here is a location map:


View Larger Map

Happy Birthday!!!

Rusty

Today we adopted this little guy from a dog shelter in North Sydney.

He is a Miniature Australian Fox Terrier (Mini Foxy) and had been at the shelter for 4 years. We couldn't understand why as he is adorable and the shelter staff seemed to genuinely love him; a few even cried for joy when they heard we were adopting him!

We’ve named him Rusty and so far he’s settling in really well. His favourite past-times include lazing in the sunshine and chasing his Kong toy around the apartment.

Rusty and his Kong (stuffed with treats!)

Still trying to get the treats out.

Bored now!

Snuggling up with Daddy

Fast asleep!