There seems to be a pattern, in this part of NSW, that every five days or so the weather builds up to a really strong blow from the northwest. It is hot (36 degrees or more) with low humidity and as there has been little rain for several months the bush is very dry. Perfect for bushfires! Of course there has been many outbreaks around Lake Macquarie that have burned many hectares and people have lost houses as well. The atmosphere has been thick with smoke and even ash at times. Toronto has been lucky as no fires have been too close and there has only been smoke to put up with. We have watched the glow of the fires on the other side of the lake in the evening. Last Monday we decided to motor down to Crangan Bay to our sheltered little anchorage in the southern corner and see what damage had been done by recent fires. We had coffee at Murrays Beach and then motored around for a look. We would not have been in our little bolthole in the fires as the whole area had been burnt out. We even saw a scorched aluminium run-about that had been left beside the lake as someone had escaped. The trailer tyres had been burnt off.
One day we took the train to Newcastle as we wanted to go across the harbour by ferry to Stockton. We had seen Stockton Beach from Rene as we sailed down from Port Stephens and it looked interesting. That day was quite warm and the train was held up for half an hour by grass fires along the track. An impatient Peter did not have a newspaper to entertain him so I had to listen to some huffing and puffing as the train waited for clearance to move on. It was a lovely day and we decided that Newcastle has some very nice beaches.
Newcastle overpass
Wednesday 23rd October.
Jessica Abigail Scott arrived at 4.09pm. Peter was out racing on one of the local yachts and I had to wait about four hours before I could tell him the fantastic news. He left his phone behind. Good one Pete! We have now had some photos of our little granddaughter - soooooo cute! Sydney here we come!
For the last two days we have been cleaning Rene so that there is no excuse for mould and mildew to invade while we are away and readying her for our six months away. Lily was given a thorough clean and packed away, the new canvas cover was fitted and a myriad of other jobs completed. This morning we motored back to the mooring, after being on the jetty overnight, and said goodbye to Rene. She has been our home for over six months and sailed us over some notoriously rough patches of sea. (The Great Australian Bight & Bass Strait) What a great little boat! Now she is tucked safely away and Roger and several other Toronto YC members are going to keep and eye on her for us. Greg and Leisha are also going to take advantage of Rene being in The Lake and will come up for weekends to explore this area.
We have met some very friendly, helpful people in Toronto. Carol and Roger have been fantastic. We have stayed at their house on numerous occasions, used their washing machine (there is no laundrette anywhere near Toronto) and been given heaps of help and advice about Lake Macquarie. Thank you very much Roger and Carol. Also thank you for keeping an eye on our girl while we are away. Mary and Rob and Rosalie have offered us the use of a car if we needed it. Thank you. Your offer was very much appreciated. We also had a beautiful meal with Greg and Pauline. You both made us feel very welcome. Thank you. Peter and I both look forward to coming back to Toronto next April to catch up with our friends here and continue our journey north to Townsville.
Carol, Roger, Peter and Liz
Our favourite coffee shop by the lake
Ducky Driftwood
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