It's not even 9 am, it's 16 degrees Celsius, the sun is shining, the sky is blue - what a great start to September!
The Hawkesbury Explorer has replaced the Sun ferry for the time being, as for several days the Sun has been blowing a lot of smoke, plus perfect smoke rings, and the engine has not sounded good. By the time the coachwork, cladding and engine are all fixed we should have a "virtual" new ferry. It is already sporting a brand new red ensign.
Brooklyn has acquired a new landmark during the last few months - a Big Red kangaroo, nicknamed Karoolaroo, as it's proudly sitting on a rock in a beautiful private garden in Karoola Street. This larger than life wrought iron sculpture is a magnificent depiction of a male red kangaroo and actually moves in the wind.
The brush turkeys here are viewed with mixed emotions, but they have not invaded the village and seem to have a very confined territory. At the top of the hill leading from Dangar Road to Karoola Street (the street does not seem to have a name, unless it is "One Way" - perhaps someone can enlighten me on this), there is a mound. Unfortunately it has plastic bags hanging out of it, which is a sad reflection on our littering habits. These birds, of the Megapodes group mate for life, and are probably the most efficient compost makers known to man, and a combination of the sun's heat and the heat generated by the composting litter incubates their eggs.
The Lovely Ladies at River Dreams seem to have survived winter well, with their excellent choices of gifts, homewares and clothing, and are looking forward to a busy spring and summer, as are John & Moauli and all the crew at King Tide cafe and restaurant.
Showing posts with label River Dreams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label River Dreams. Show all posts
Friday, 2 September 2011
Monday, 8 August 2011
August 2011
On July 24, the Sun (Brooklyn speak for ferry), and the sun that provides light and warmth, both returned to Brooklyn, after, for the former, a short time on the slips, and for the latter, a spell of true winter weather.
John, at the popular King Tide Cafe, says this winter has been much better for them than the last, as there have been so many brilliant days interspersed with the dull ones.
The Sun appears to be watertight below the rub rail now, but above, on the port side, two thirds is clad only in plywood, presumably temporarily, while some work is being carried out on the frame.
The girls at River Dreams at Hawkesbury River Marina have the name up above the shop entrance, which looks splendid. Their end of July sale was successful and has enabled them to display their new stock to great advantage.
Trish's wonderful "Broken Spines" bookshop is such an asset to Brooklyn and she stocks secondhand books, including children's, fiction and non-fiction, on a wide range of subjects.
Last week we had a visitor from Point Lonsdale in Victoria. Rick Stockley, of Marine Cabs, was waiting for his son to return by train from school, and we asked him to take us on a little river cruise. We started by dropping his son on Dangar Island, where Rick and his family live, then to Little Wobby, round Dangar Island, then under the rail bridge where he showed us the Aboriginal birthing rock. Then back under the railway bridge, where Rick pointed out the holes drilled in the pylons of the original railway bridge, into which explosives were to be packed if the Japanese had taken Sydney. Rick is very knowledgable about the river and has a larger cab for groups.
At Little Wobby there's a racing yacht hull which is attracting attention and comment. It is being prepared for the summer racing season and is an entrant in this year's Sydney Hobart.
Q Rex, the bow-return clinging dinosaur is back, having spent a week or two in the hull of the tinny it is usually enhancing.
John, at the popular King Tide Cafe, says this winter has been much better for them than the last, as there have been so many brilliant days interspersed with the dull ones.
The Sun appears to be watertight below the rub rail now, but above, on the port side, two thirds is clad only in plywood, presumably temporarily, while some work is being carried out on the frame.
The girls at River Dreams at Hawkesbury River Marina have the name up above the shop entrance, which looks splendid. Their end of July sale was successful and has enabled them to display their new stock to great advantage.
Trish's wonderful "Broken Spines" bookshop is such an asset to Brooklyn and she stocks secondhand books, including children's, fiction and non-fiction, on a wide range of subjects.
Last week we had a visitor from Point Lonsdale in Victoria. Rick Stockley, of Marine Cabs, was waiting for his son to return by train from school, and we asked him to take us on a little river cruise. We started by dropping his son on Dangar Island, where Rick and his family live, then to Little Wobby, round Dangar Island, then under the rail bridge where he showed us the Aboriginal birthing rock. Then back under the railway bridge, where Rick pointed out the holes drilled in the pylons of the original railway bridge, into which explosives were to be packed if the Japanese had taken Sydney. Rick is very knowledgable about the river and has a larger cab for groups.
At Little Wobby there's a racing yacht hull which is attracting attention and comment. It is being prepared for the summer racing season and is an entrant in this year's Sydney Hobart.
Q Rex, the bow-return clinging dinosaur is back, having spent a week or two in the hull of the tinny it is usually enhancing.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
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.
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.
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