Visited the killer whale museum and heard the story of ‘Old Tom’ the orca. Apparently between 1890-1930 the killer whales would herd the Baleen whales into Two Fold Bay. The pod was known as the ‘Killers of Eden’. Once the pod had them trapped a few orcas would swim to the whaling station and alert the fishermen. The fishermen would launch their boats and follow the orcas to where they had trapped the baleen whales. They would kill the whales and give the lips and tongues to the orcas, which is the only part they eat. The blubber was made into whale oil. This relationship lasted 30-40 years up until Old Tom died and the rest of the pod dispersed. The remains of Old Tom are on display at the museum. Hard to believe they worked with the fishermen but there is a whole museum dedicated to the story.

Had a game of golf at Eden golf course I would not be exaggerating to say there were hundreds of kangaroos on the course. A bit unnerving when your ball lands in the middle of them. Some of these male kangaroos are pretty big and a bit scary.

Stayed the night behind the pub, free if you have a drink at the bar. I had to twist Simon’s arm. This town was devastated New Years Eve 2020 by bush fires where 4 people died. The town has now recovered they have a very strong community here. Lovely spot.

Stopped in Narooma known for their oysters and stocked up. Stopped in Bega to see where the cheese is made.  

Went on the Bellbrook Farm Loop Walk.  Everything is so green here. Very agricultural area a bit like Wales. Lots of very nice gift shops, cheese factory, leather goods.  I think this stretch of coast from Moruya to Tilba is my favourite coastline so far. It is really stunning.

I think this is my favourite looking beach so far. 

Lovely campground right on the estuary and beach. Another great beach with nobody on it.  The beaches here are always empty, maybe because there are so many beautiful beaches. As we were walking out on the break water we saw a rat he had obviously been for a swim. I think it’s a bush rat but don’t quote me.

Absolutely poured down for a few days. Luckily for me I have bought a new tent so that when we are in Tasmania and its cold and I have to get out of the van for Simon to work I can get into my new tent. Set it up, and that was my little office for the rainy days where I can do my coursework and blog. Worked really well. The sun came out one day, so I did the fossil walk. There was a snake on the bush track frightened the life out of me. Haven’t got a clue what type but it was big and dark grey. 

Simon working from Atturra Sydney office this week, right in the heart of the cbd. We are staying in Miranda, which is near Cronulla.

Lots of the beaches in Sydney have these great ocean pools, so we are trying them out Cronulla, Bronte, Bondi Icebergs.

Met up with our niece Sabine she now lives in Bondi 10 min walk from the beach. Lovely lifestyle here but incredibly busy. Did the lovely Bondi to Bronte walk and Simon did a run with Sabine and friend.

Met up with Patrick Burgess a long time friend. Had a great night out in Newtown with him and some of his friends. We went to this pub and you could choose your meal from a number of restaurants nearby and they delivered it to the pub complete with crockery etc. Great idea. 

Left the caravan for three days and went across to Scotland Island where our friends Mel and Mike live. Stayed one night at their house before setting off on our camping adventure.  We had a very full boat as we set off up the Hawkesbury River. We camped in the Mara Mara National Park at Gentleman’s Halt. A bush camp, no water you had to bring it all in but it did have a drop toilet. Set up our tents and went off for a walk to the salt marsh where there was lots of samphire growing and an old stone jetty. Climbed to the highest point which was approximately one kilometre up a really good workout with some beautiful caves. I wasn’t so keen coming down as I don’t like heights and there was a lot of loose stones. Simon was in his element with a camp fire. Lots of monitor lizards here so you had to make sure all the food was locked away as they would investigate.

If you want a good read Mel has just written a book called ‘The Lucky Ones’ a story of Australian refugee journeys.  Very moving accounts of their journeys to Australia, if this book doesn’t make you feel empathy towards refugees then nothing will. Available at many bookshops or https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-lucky-ones-melinda-ham/book/9781922848024.html