SEPTEMBER 2021 : CANBERRA : KINGSTON, ACT : An afternoon walk in the Jerrabomberra Wetlands

Australia has been under the Covid spell for over 18 months. While Europe and the US have lifted restrictions, our eastern states are in continual lockdown with the Delta variant reeking havoc. We are confined to our local areas, which means no trips to our coast house and limited activities. Just on our doorstep, ten minutes from our apartment, we made an interesting discovery.  We have walked and cycled through the Jerrabomberra Wetlands but had no idea of recent additions.

When Lake Burley Griffin was formed after damming the Molonglo River in 1964, the wetlands was a natural result.

It has become home to much animal and bird life, in fact to an incredible 170 species of birds.

Walks in our vicinity have become a mainstay for our Covid survival. It’s amazing what you find and what you.take for granted.

Essential for Canberra’s water quality and the survival of many wildlife species.

An oasis in the middle of the city, with opportunities to view native species in the protection of hides.

More professional shots of this unique environment

M&M

JULY 2021 : BROULEE, NSW and CANBERRA : what we did on our holidays.

We still have dreams of international and interstate travel (particularly walks) but the Covid 19 Virus continues to play havoc with our lives and plans in Australia.

Nick, our son, and his three children were planning to spend the school holidays in Perth but suddenly Sydney has become a hotspot and WA closed its borders but fortunately they were able to escape the lockdown and spend the vacation at our Broulee coast house with us.

It’s winter temperatures but still lots to do with the beach and parks.

Lots of coffee at the Muffin Shop.

A bus trip to the nearby town of Moruya

Re-creation of the bus trip

Lots of bike riding and beach time

A very successful visit to the Mogo Zoo

Meanwhile in Canberra, cold temperatures and our nine month- old granddaughter, Indi, succumbs to a virus and is hospitalised with dehydration. We returned to Canberra for a few days to support our daughter and her three older children. Recovery has been slow and steady but such a worrying time.

With the freezing temperatures and kids with colds we had a few days of playing indoor games. We created a shopping game, designing catalogues and spending Monopoly money.

One afternoon we devised a four mountain challenge, driving up 4 high points - Red Hill, Dairy Farmers’ Hill, Black Mountain and Mount Ainslie and appreciating the stunning views around our capital city.

A perfect time to celebrate Mitchell’s 3rd birthday!

How lucky we are to live close to family and to be able to support them!

M&M

PS An unexpected find on the beach. A woebegone shark!

JUNE 2021 : CENTRAL COAST, NSW

The Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend and a chance to catch up with friends and family.

We left Canberra on a frosty Canberra morning and stopped for a warming lunch at the Eling Winery in the Southern Highlands.

Sydney was complaining about its coldest day in 25 years.

After spending a night in Newport (Sydney) with our family we set off north up the Wollemi Valley Road, taking us 4 hours on a winding country road to our friends, Julie and Bob’s new farm in Paterson north of Maitland.

The farm is 65 acres with some fruit trees, a dam and a large section of bush up a steep hill at the rear of the property. 

There are two comfortable houses on the block and they have set themselves up very efficiently and economically with secondhand furniture. A warming wood fire welcomed us and we enjoyed some sunny spots on the back verandah for lunch and breakfast.

5 kms away from the farm is the small village of Paterson. It is situated on the Paterson River and originally was timber, citrus and dairy country. The population is about 900. We had a little walk around the town and found some architectural gems.

A special birthday lunch for Barb in Lorn at Muse.

Meanwhile the Smiths were at a Giants netball game. Mitchell and Harriet carried on the ball. They met us later at Raffertys  Resort on Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle.

Rafferty’s Resort. We booked two units for the weekend. It has excellent facilities - pools, tennis courts, access to boats and lots of paths to scoot on.

Five minutes away is Caves Beach. Perfect for a surf for Nick and a sunset play on the beach.

Dinner at the Caves Hotel



On Monday after a happy breakfast together, the Smiths headed back to Sydney and we travelled north for an hour to Newcastle. Julie and Bob have a unit on the Esplanade, which we were lucky to use for the night.

The apartment has spectacular views of the ocean and is near to lots of cafes and eateries.

From our arrival there were whales travelling north and dolphins in clear view. 

We had a fascinating walk along the coastal path, past the beautiful old baths, around the historic surf club and dressing sheds at Nobby’s Beach and along the newly renovated walkway towards the lighthouse and the breakwater. 

Meanwhile in Broulee (near Moruya), Ashley was hosting a house party, including 11 kids.

A happy weekend for all!

M&M

MAY 2021 : SNOWY MOUNTAINS, NSW : Thredbo walks : 16 kms

We had another window of opportunity for another walk in the Snowy Mountains before the ski season begins in a few weeks time. We stayed again with our friend, Julie, on Lake Eucumbene and decided to do a walk out of Thredbo Village.

Again, we were lucky with our choice of day, fine weather forecast.

We left Julie’s lodge about 9am. A clear day with no wind.

Not wanting to tempt fate with the weather and arthritic knees, we decided to do the Thredbo to Bullock’s Flat river walk - 16 kms.

When we arrived in Thredbo we discovered the walk was under maintenance. We walked about a 1 km along the path to the Thredbo River crossing, hoping we could avoid the sections under renovation, but came to a grinding halt at the end of the bridge. It will be a relaxed walk to do on a later date.

We walked back to the village, deciding to investigate another trail.

We decided on the Dead Horse Gap trail which is one of the most popular walks in the area.

Only one chairlift, Snowgums, was in operation. We took it to the beginning of the Mt Koscuiszko Summit Track. $25 a ticket for seniors.

We walked 400 m up the track until we found a sign for the Dead Horse Gap Hike (altitude : 2019m) at about 12.30pm.

We appreciated all the warm gear we carried - just in case - as it was 2o with a biting wind at the top.

Stunning, stunning views on the Ramshead Range

We were surprised at the amount of snow and increasingly, the perilous icy track.

Lunch out of the wind on a sunny branch

Resilient plants shooting through the snow

After slowly making our way down, avoiding the slippery ice where possible, we came to a flat grassy section, hoping that this was the end of the ice and mud. Our walking poles were invaluable.

Unfortunately the shaded winding path of the last section was the worst of all, proving quite a challenge and with some minor falls.

We reached the trail’s end and the Thredbo River Track at 4pm.

Glimmering icicles by the riverbank

Even along the flat Thredbo River Walk ice had set in long sections, making the path impassable. Mark suggested we climb to the road, as it was getting late, and walk on a safer surface to Thredbo. We walked into the township about 6pm, with a full moon, guiding our way.

M&M

A few glimpses of animals and birds, mainly around Lake Eucumbene - parrots, a lyrebird and young deer. Many deer crossing the road in the dark as we drove along the highway.