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
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