Year 2 –27 January 2024 -Exploring Sydney
We woke at a relaxing time and the sun was shinning and it was a lovely day. We did not expect this and thought we would have rain.
We had a relaxing breakfast in the cockpit which we have hardly done in Sydney or New Zealand when I think about it, which was nice. We decided to do a few jobs. Mark and I checked the rudder and moved the sleeve tighter which we hope we will stop the small leak. We looked at the forward starboard heads which needs a new syphon and we put hooks to stop the drainer slipping forward and we checked and pumped the bilges. Trevor and Malcolm did the daily checks which reminded Malcolm about the boat.
Once all done we decided to head ashore and go to Bondi by bus and walk from there to Watson’s Bay. This will mean we will have completed in effect the walk from Manly to Coogee via Bondi. We got the bus to Bondi and as a public holiday it was extremely busy with everyone out on the beach. The wind was from the North/Northeast so the swell was a bit bigger.
We set off round the beach going North and found that the coast path was not there in parts as buildings had been built on the cliffs and other works had been going on. We therefore had to walk down the side of roads here and there before the coast path consistently continued along the cliffs. It was hot and sunny and very pleasant. At one point we came to a bench and heard an aeroplane overhead and then realised it was painting a message in the sky. Someone must have hired it as the message it painted was “Marry Me”. I hope she/he said yes!!
We walked on along the cliffs and passed some lighthouses and observation points. We could see out at sea white horses and a few boats. The waves were crashing on to the cliffs and this looked quite dramatic.
We eventually came down to Watsons Bay having walked about 6-7 miles and it was very busy. However, we found a table outside at Doyles and enjoyed a rewarding beer looking out over the bay with all sorts of activities going on. There were cruise ships going out, ferries and little fishing/power boats enjoying the day.
We stayed for some time and then had an early supper which was nice. There was a darkening of the sky looking North but it did not seem to move much and the sun continued to shine. Once we had supper we caught the bus back to Rose Bay.
We walked to the dinghy and there were spots of rain and then as were started to cross over to Stormbird the heavens opened and we got a bit wet. The sea state increased and there were flashes of lightning. We clambered on board and all had to change and as I write this it is pouring with rain. However, it had been a good day and we have been lucky not to have got wet before.
The picture of the day is the four of us enjoying our beer after our walk.
Need/Opportunity Year Two
I am in need of more crew from April to September so if of interest do email me at hine.nick9@gmail.com
In year two I will be going from New Zealand to Sydney and hen up the Eastern Australian Coast, Indonesia and then through Bali, Singapore and on to Thailand to end year two about the end of November 2025.
The blog will continue as we continue the journey. If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog then do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com