Sunday 13 October 2013

2 Oct to 13 Oct 2013 Lane Cove River Tourist Park

And so began the dreaded (for me anyway) trip from Norah Head to Lane Cove, Sydney.  Whilst I've been looking forward to the International Fleet Review 2013 (IFR) and the 1963 HMAS Leeuwin Junior Recruits Reunion, I had been avoiding all thought of the actual stay in Sydney.  Neither Rick nor myself like cities at all, especially large, busy ones – and Sydney definitely covers that description.  As it turned out, we were worrying over nothing at all.  certainly, the drive into and out of Sydney was somewhat traffic laden, but it was at least fairly straight forward, on major roads.  Lane Cove River Tourist Park, when we arrived, was a complete eye-opener.
Here we are, almost within stone-throwing distance of the harbour and city centre, surrounded by National Park.  It is a lovely park to stay in, walking distance to rail and bus transport, and we only paid just over $32 per night after a seniors discount.  Outstanding I’d say.  The only downside came when the weather was coming from the south-east and every plane that took off from Sydney Airport came right over the park!  Ear plugs were the order of the night!  But that wasn’t every day, so it wasn’t all that bad.  Lots of greenery, flowers, birds and assorted critters, and other campers more than made up for the planes.
Additionally, we got friendly with a few naval types and their spouses who were in Sydney for the IFR, together with others who were also in Rick’s year of intake into the Navy.  Just like “Old Friends Week”.  It was great catching up with old friends and making new ones.  Between the IFR and Reunion, we made several trips into town by train and had a great time.
Rick took some great photos, so I’ll let them tell the rest of the story.

Tall Ships Boat Cruise

Sydney from train crossing Harbour BridgeHMAS Vampire & Oberon Class submarine in front of the National Maritime MuseumIFR Week - Sydney Showboats Harbour lunch cruiseLet's go!  I'm ready!!IFR Week - Sydney Showboats Harbour lunch cruiseIFR - Tall Ships entering Sydney HarbourIFR - Tall Ships entering Sydney HarbourIFR - Tall Ships entering Sydney HarbourIFR - Tall Ships entering Sydney HarbourIFR - Tall Ships entering Sydney Harbour - Bridge and Luna Park in backgroundIFR - Tall Ships entering Sydney HarbourIFR - Tall Ships entering Sydney Harbour - Spirit of New ZealandIFR - Tall Ships entering Sydney Harbour - the heel on the sailing ship shows the strength of the windIFR - Tall Ships entering Sydney Harbour - Sydney skylineIFR - Tall Ships entering Sydney Harbour - Opera House and BridgeIFR - Tall Ships entering Sydney Harbour - Picton CastleIFR - Tall Ships entering Sydney Harbour - bloody weather!!!!

IFR Memorial @ Cenotaph, Martin Place, Sydney

IFR 2013 Memorial at CenotaphIFR 2013 Memorial at CenotaphIFR 2013 Memorial at Cenotaph

IFR March – all Navies present, George Street, Sydney

IFR 2013 MarchIFR 2013 MarchIFR 2013 MarchIFR 2013 MarchIFR 2013 MarchIFR 2013 MarchIFR 2013 MarchIFR 2013 MarchIFR 2013 MarchIFR 2013 March

Reunion Dinner Cruise – MV Fusion, Sydney Harbour

Barry & KaymarieGay, Kaymarie, Barry, Lea, RickHappy dinersJames loves his Hawaian shirtsConclusion of a lovely mealConclusion of a lovely mealLuna Park, SydneyRugbyRon, Mike (with cakes), Manic MickManic Mick!The formal part of the eveningPresentation to RugbyRonPresentation to RugbyRon

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Sep 24 to Oct 01, 2013 Norah Head Caravan Park

We don’t normally go to caravan parks (especially on the coast) during school holidays, but this was a special case.  We had just finished the sit at Dooralong and, with plans to catch up with some acquaintances, had made the booking at Norah Head CP.  We could have stayed at Dooralong, but with things to do and people to meet in the Norah Head area, we thought we might as well make a start on the trip south to Sydney from there.  It’s a nice, pleasant and well looked after park – WHEN IT IS QUIET.  Holidays are a whole different ball game.  We expected some crowding and noise, but it really exceeded expectations.  Those of you who have had to stay in caravan parks over school holidays will know what I mean.  Although the park hosted daily events to keep the kids occupied, it was still chaos.  The weather was good though and we made friends with some of the teenagers camped behind us (they were actually quite entertaining) so apart from the noise, we had a good time.  AND THAT’S ALL I’M GOING TO SAY ABOUT THAT!
School holidays - who's idea was this?

School holidays - who's idea was this?