Great Weather and a Drive to Port Stephens

Saturday 20^th May 2017

How could you possibly get a weather forecast so wrong ! It didn’t rain, there was about 5 knots of breeze and bright sunlight. The forecast was for 15 to 20 knot northerlies,  heavy rain and possible thunderstorms, and big seas. None of this eventuated.

Sharon and Peter picked us up at about 9.45am ad we drove through Stockton to Port Stephens, taking in the sights and progress that has occurred since the many years ago that we previously drove this route.

Our first stop was the Gan Gan Lookout , somewhere we had not been before. There were great views looking out to Broughton Island and back along Stockton Beach to Newcastle.

 Looking out to sea towards Broughton Island (in the distance)

Looking towards Corlette and Soldiers Point

Gymea Lilies everywhere

From there we drove into Port Stephens, had coffee at the D’Albora marina, before continuing on through Shoal Bay to the start of the Tomaree Head lookout walk. Carole, Sharon and I walked to the top, whilst Peter decided to give his new knees a rest.

24 hr Bait Vending Machines at D'Albora Maria. What a great idea.

The views from the top are really stunning !

Shoal Bay

Carole and Sharon on the walk up to Tomaree Lookout

Broughton Island on the horizon, our anchorage for tomorrow evening

By now it was lunch time, and we had already decided that we would go to the Shoal Bay Game Fishing Club for lunch. Sharon warned us the meals were big, so we ordered accordingly. The food was excellent !

 Peter sizing up how we should attack this

Sharon looks unfazed

With full stomachs we waddled back to the car and headed back in the direction of Newcastle, via Corlette.

As we approached Stockton, a walk out along the Northern seawall was suggested and quickly agreed to. Luckily the harbour was busy, and not only did we have an enjoyable walk in bright sunshine (despite the forecast), but we also watched one loaded coal ship leaving and another entering the harbour to be loaded.

Coal ship leaving the harbour

Not long after a new ship arrived.

It was a great day out, and Sharon and Peter came back to the boat for a farewell  drink before we depart tomorrow for Broughton Island. A few days ago, based on the forecasts, we thought we may have been here for days.

Thanks Sharon and Peter for a great couple of days in Newcastle and surrounds.

Dinner is on board and we will set out, not too early in the morning, as we only need to travel around 30nm.