Marley and Manly

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On the Saturday of Sarah and John's visit we hiked along the beautiful and dramatic coast of the Royal National Park. We had planned to go to the blue mountains, but rail track-work diverted us to the coast which turned out to be a wonderful alternative. We took a train less than an hour South of Sydney to Cronulla where we got a ferry across to Bundeena, in the North-East corner of the park. We walked along the coast with amazing views of waves beating against cliffs. We also saw many pretty and varied patterns formed in the sandstone. Unfortunately I forgot our camera, but you can see some photos from our previous trip here: http://jeanandaaron.blogspot.com/2011/11/coast-track.html

We hiked down to Marley, a lovely secluded beach. It was very windy which made the waves rather intimidating. It's also the first time I've seen 'blueys' scattered across the beach. The bluebottle jellyfish occasionally invade the Australian coast. Elsewhere in the world they're known as the "Portuguese Man o War". They have painful stinging tentacles. There are some good photos here...photos of blueys.

On the ferry back we met some rather interesting bike-riding, beer-drinking, loud-singing Aussies!

On Sunday Aaron made migas (Mexican breakfast) before we headed out for a more relaxed day at Manly beach. Manly beach is a huge stretch of sand along Sydney's north shore which is very popular and great for surfing. It was the first really hot weekend of the summer, so the beach was packed.

Manly beach

Aaron on Manly beach


We enjoyed watching the surfers and trying some body surfing before a huge dark cloud suddenly filled the sky like an ominous blanket. The weather in Sydney can change very dramatically! Before we knew what was happening the rain lashed down and the rumble of thunder could be heard. The beach which had been littered with people only moments ago, was suddenly deserted. We were quickly drenched! Luckily John had brought his brollie!
The ominous looking cloud!

Temporarily seeking shelter!

Whilst we were in the queue for the ferry home the storm subsided as quickly as it had started. That evening there was a clear, warm sky, so we were able to play frisbee in the park and stroll along the harbour enjoying the city night-scape. The storm was so localised that when I saw my colleges at work the next day they didn't know about it! I'm very glad that we had such optimistic visitors with us, they enjoyed the beach and when it rained they only commented 'well at least we didn't get burnt'! It was so special to have our first friends come to stay at our apartment. We had such a great weekend; Sarah and John - you're welcome to come back any-time!

Comments

M and D said…
Potugese Man o'war and sharks! perhaps cool damp UK beaches have some advantages after all!
2 December 2011 at 14:30
sly said…
I notice that Aaron made migas. Have you been able to find/import corn tortillas?
4 December 2011 at 07:56
Jean said…
We couldn't get corn tortillas, so we just had to use flour. But they tasted great anyway :)
10 December 2011 at 22:56
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