Second Blog for May 2011

The first thing I have to do in this blog is apologise for my mistake in thinking that The Island is in Gosford. Dangar Island is in Hornsby shire, the same as Brooklyn. The second thing is to let you know that while the public wharf steps were repaired recently, the white tie-bar was straightened.

Last time I said we were going to breakfast with friends at King Tide on the Marina, and we've had two breakfasts there this month, and on each occasion eggs benedict has been the favourite item. It must be one of the finest breakfasts in one of the finest locations, in the world. Two poached eggs on a bed of baby spinach, on an English muffin, served with freshly made hollandaise sauce and chunks of smoked salmon - smoked by the proprietor - absolutely delicious! One of our guests had the omelette, with bacon, tomatoes and toast, and although she thought she'd be unable to finish it, she managed.

The girls at the marina shop are excitedly planning their winter collection, which includes clothing, jewellery, homewares, furniture, artifacts and art. They support many locals and seem to have found a market niche which appeals to visitors and locals alike. Kate and Linda have always wanted to open a shop and now they have their River Dreams.

On Friday (May 20), there is another concert at The Edge Art Space in Brooklyn. The last one, last month, was fabulous, and it was full house, and Gerd expects this will be the same.

On Saturday, an historian from the island launched her latest book aboard the Hawkesbury Explorer - a book launch on a launch. That evening, the lovely old MV Reliance pulled in to Brooklyn. It is a classic wooden ferry, built in 1919 by Goddards of Palm Beach, to perform the
Brooklyn to Wisemans Ferry, via Spencer, mail run. It is now owned by Bobbin Head Cruises and is cruising the wonderful Hawkesbury again.

On Sunday we were privileged to be invited for a cruise aboard the Earl of Brooklyn's yacht. This was a wonderful experience, and we enjoyed perfect weather and an excellent seafood lunch
on board. It is amazing to enjoy the tranquillity of Refuge Bay and Jerusalem Bay and yet realise that Sydney suburbia is, literally, just over the hill.

The Hawkesbury River, especially around Brooklyn, presents such a splendid image, with its towering sandstone escarpments, varied trees and shrubs, and rocks that wilderness photographers
dream of. It is such a delight to live surrounded by this magnificence.

Early May 2011

'We've pulled the plug on the island', he said as he sat with us facing The Island, 'but it won't just sink suddenly - it will take a couple of years'.  About two weeks ago, a month or two after this announcement, I remarked that we'd not noticed any difference in the level.  A wry smile appeared on his face and he said 'You will'.

Just what has caused the antagonism towards the island dwellers we're not sure, but perhaps it's because they have no allocated parking (hardly their fault), or that they are in Gosford council area while we are in Hornsby shire - who knows?  There are lots of very talented people living there, and one of them, an artist, has an exhibition, which from all reports, is a stunner and depicts local scenery, showing right now at The Edge Art Space in Brooklyn.

This morning we are going to meet friends for breakfast at the Marina cafe so in the next blog I will be able to give an up to date report on these breakfasts in such a wonderful location.