Exploring

Todays stunning weather didn’t catch us unawares today as the forecast had been clear this would be our best day here in Sydney. We got up and out earlier than usual, after enjoying tea and the last of the fruit loaf toast on the balcony soaking up the warmth.
DK had sent us some ideas for an itinerary based on what we’d said we wanted to do and we ended up following it. Walked up to Paddington (past all the balcony townhouses, cue more chat about what we’d do with one, why so many seem derelict or poorly maintained, yet some are on sale at exorbitant prices) and around the market there. Can’t believe it was 20+ years since I was last here…
We chatted to a lady selling old French table linen that she travels to France to buy (no wonder it was the price she charged!). Whilst K would like some I think she’ll just pop over to France to buy it herself…led to chats about other potential trips.
We browsed the stalls then picked up another borek that we watched two women make in production line fashion for an early lunch with freshly squeezed passion fruit lemonade before walking to Surry Hills down Oxford St. Interested to see the old Sydney reservoir (that the information boards described as a feat of engineering but also explained it was only used for 20 yrs after it was completed as it wasn’t built high up enough) and some posters of the street scenes 100 years ago which we compared to the same scene now (extra). Walked along Crown St with all its bars and cafes and some interesting places to browse, then needed a sit down so we had a drink in a lovely outdoor garden bar (in the shade…it was boiling in the sheltered spot in the sun by now!).
Dithered about what to do next but whilst a beach was tempting we felt it was likely to be heaving at Manly or Rose Bay etc on a sunny Saturday, so instead caught the bus down to town and did a walk along the Harbour Bridge. Whilst circular quay was heaving with people the bridge wasn’t too busy or too windy and we really enjoyed it. Of course I kept away from the edge, but did manage a couple of photos of the fabulous views with the opera house shining in the sun and the harbour full of ferries and all manner of other boats. Gorgeous.
We took a walk to see an artist’s house and the ‘secret’ garden his wife Wendy created after he (Brett Whiteley) died. We couldn’t get a full look around as there was a wedding going on but it was certainly lovely…such great views and so peaceful and lush. We saw bush turkeys in the undergrowth swishing leaves around and generally appearing to tidy up their surroundings!
Walked up (so many hills here) to McMahon’s point thinking we could have a little afternoon snack but the cafes were closing as usual so we went back down again, looking at the stunning houses, and caught a ferry back to circular quay. Lovely mini cruise! Walked up to the Town Hall to get some things for dinner and we’re really flagging by then so gave up looking for a bar for happy hour and instead came straight home, called the families and had supper.
We walked 22,000 steps today…nearly 10 miles, all in beautiful weather. Great day!