To kayak or not to kayak!

Jonesy and I had been invited to try our hand at Kayaking by Alan, and so we met him and his friend Ann by the shores of Lake Macquarie at Valentine. Lake Macquarie lies a few kilometres south of Newcastle and is the largest permanent salt water lake in the southern hemisphere, covering an area of 110 sq.km (42.5 sq.mi) with a total shoreline of 167km (103.8mi). To put it into perspective it is twice as large as Sydney Harbour and reaches the Tasman Sea at the aptly named Lakes Entrance.

It was discovered by Captain William Reid in 1800 when he entered the lake in mistake for the Hunter River when looking for coal from Newcastle. The lake went by the name 'Reid's Mistake' until 1826 before being renamed in honour of the Governor, Lachlan Macquarie.

It was a gloriously sunny and warm early evening but the wind was very strong and the lakes surface was rippled with waves that at the time we didn't worry about. Kitted out with our life-vests, Alan and Ann showed us how the paddle should be used and how to get into the kayak. It was added that in the event of an emergency capsize we should not worry about the paddle but ensure we surfaced away from the kayak and not remain under it.

We were both confident of success and Jonesy was first into his Kayak and quickly paddling into the sunset, followed by Ann as his chaperone. Alan had drawn the short straw and was to be my guardian. At first despite feeling a bit rocky, the kayak, with me in it, nosed its way out onto the lake. The wind had seemed to increase in strength and the waves were quite noticeable as I tried to get into a smooth  rhythm.

A wooden jetty was looming ever closer and despite my best efforts I could not steer my kayak around the end of it. In trying to push myself away from it the inevitable happened, I rolled to the right and capsized. I was out of the kayak and surfaced in seconds but now had an upturned kayak. I was able to climb a set of steps onto the jetty whilst Alan secured the kayak, before making our way back to the shore for another attempt.

At least the water was warm and as soon as we had emptied the water from the kayak, sopping wet, I tried again. This time I struck out confidently to all but the experienced kayaker, until encountering a floating rope boom and....swimming time again! This time I swam back to the shore and after yet another emptying exercise, set off to try again.

By now Jonesy and Ann were out of sight and hopefully on their way to Warners Bay, our intended destination, some 2 miles away. Here we were to listen to a free music concert, have a fish and chip supper and enjoy a glass or two of champagne.

2 miles now seemed even further away than ever and, frankly I would be grateful to just make a few hundred metres over the lake rather than under it! I seemed to be really ok this time and Alan came alongside encouraging my progress. He suggested that I try to put a little more effort into my right hand stroke to alter the course slightly and counter the wave action that was buffeting me from the left hand side.

This I tried and....you've guessed it, more submariner action! This time I lost my sunnies in the silt of the lake and, after another couple of aborted attempts at launching from the shore it was time to concede defeat this time.

Soaking wet but laughing hysterically, I waited with my submerged craft until Alan drove closer so that we could load the kayak onto his trailer and drive around to Warners Bay and hopefully find Jonesy and Ann. It was well and truly dark by now but we found them and they had arrived without mishap and were enjoying the music and some chips by the shoreline. Sportingly they had saved us some champers so a bit dryer now but feeling rather chilly in the still strong breeze I sat and joined them.

Apparently, this free music event occurs every Friday throughout the summer and continues through to the clocks being put back an hour for Autumn. This was therefore the last concert of the season as the time changes this weekend, the 25th March.

Despite my abject failure to paddle far, it had not deterred me, and Alan has offered to take me out again before I return home. Bring it on, perhaps not too late for London 2012!

The weekend of 16/17/18 March 2012 was a huge one for Newcastle. Lots of events had been organised that it was hoped would attract some 60,000 visitors to the city and with nationwide television coverage would encourage people to visit Newcastle in the future.

In a previous blog I had already touched on the annual Surfest competition that had been in progress for the past two weeks, and that would see the finals over this weekend. Thousands of visitors from Australia and all over the world had made their way to the beaches of Merewether and Newcastle to enjoy this spectacular event on the world surf calendar.

Another long established annual event is The Newcastle Show and I have attached some details from their official website. This show is not so different from those that take place around Britain, including The Suffolk Show in Ipswich. Held over two days in the first week of June, the Suffolk Show is a mixture of agricultural exhibitions and livestock competitions, equestrian and canine displays all augmented by showcasing local companies and their products. Every year a member of the Royal Family is invited to visit the shows first day and overall visitor attendance reaches around 90,000. The 2012 Suffolk Show will be sure to commemorate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee and ensure bumper attendances.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Newcastle Regional Show - early 1900's (courtesy of the Newcastle Herald) In 1899 a committee was formed to look at the possibility of conducting an 'annual show' in Newcastle.  Those involved in the enterprise were all prominent businessmen, including the then Mayor of Newcastle, Mr. W. Cann.  Dr. Joseph Beeston was appointed president of the newly formed Newcastle and District Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Association with Mr. M.A. Frazer  as secretary, at a salary of 52 pounds a year. The first event, a Sports Day, was held early in 1901. With 'spectacular events such as an eight man ladder and hose race, municipal tug-of-war, wrestling on horseback, tent pegging and highland dancing and piping,' it proved an excellent first venture for the fledgling committee. The  first Newcastle Regional Show was held on 17th May, 1902.  The Show was opened by Mr. Joseph Wood, Patron of the Association and the newspapers of the day hailed it as a 'splendid success'. Judging was held in Poultry, Horses, Garden Produce, Flowers, Cookery, Needlework, Wagons & Buggies, Painting, Drawing & Writing, Dairy Produce, Agriculture. There were nineteen sections in all. Store Butter Cart travelling to Newcastle Regional Show - 1939 (left Mr J Write, right Norm Barrett) Courtesy of the Newcastle Herald The Annual Newcastle Regional Show continued largely without interruption. However, the 1916 Show was not held because the grounds were needed as a Military Camp for World War I. There was another gap in 1919 due to the influenza epidemic which was raging round the world at the time.  Annual Shows continued to be held through the Great Depression years, but as Newcastle Showground was used as an Army Staging Camp during the Second World War no shows were held during the years 1941 to 1945 inclusive. Newcastle Regional Showground - 1930 Courtesy of the Newcastle Herald In the late 1980's innovations such as street theatre, themed buildings and sitescaping elements were introduced, school excursions were initiated and stages provided to showcase the talents of our youth. With the support of the community, the Newcastle Regional Show continues to grow and change year to year. We maintain a strong commitment to provide the people of our region with the opportunity to showcase their product, their talent, their skills and their creativity in a safe and comfortable family-friendly environment. Looking ahead into this 21st century the Committee will strive to bring to the people of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley all the excitement of a traditional Show as well as relevant and innovative concepts to meet the changing attitudes and lifestyles of  our modern society. The backbone of the Newcastle Regional Show, from 1899 to the present day, remains its volunteer Committee members and volunteer workers. Without the assistance of this dedicated group of men and women from all walks of life, giving so freely of their valuable time to help organise the Show, it would not be financially viable to run such a huge event. We are proud of our heritage and offer our patrons the opportunity to visit a traditional show featuring animal displays and competitions, agricultural exhibits, exceptional pavilion displays, exciting ring entertainment, innovative product stalls, interactive stage performers and the thrill of sideshow alley.

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Another major event to take place over the weekend was the Newcastle Triathlon that attracted 3,000 competitors from juniors to seniors and raises funds for charity. This event, held at Nobbys Beach and the Newcastle Foreshore, involves competitors running, swimming and cycling. Triathlons are also known as Iron Man/Woman events and require enormous endurance over each of the three disciplines. It is all I can do to cycle the 5km to Nobbys Beach, have a wallow in the ocean, walk 2km along the beach and then cycle back again! Hats off to those hardy souls.

Finally there was a double header of sport with teams from Brisbane on Friday and Saturday evening. First the NFL (rugby league) Newcastle Knights lost to the Brisbane Broncos and the following night the AFL (football) Newcastle Jets lost to Brisbane Roar. These two events were watched by over 34,000 spectators, including yours truly, and produced yet more welcome income into the city's business and retail industry.

On Sunday, I was invited to celebrate my friend Diane's birthday at the Charlestown Bowling Club where, after lunch, we were let loose on some of the bowling rinks (how technical does that sound?) to participate in some barefoot bowling. This is an initiative by the club to attract new members by giving you a chance to sample the sport and their excellent facilities.

Bowling on an artificial surface there is little chance of damage being caused and these rinks are well away from the competition rinks of the serious club bowlers. It was a fun afternoon and a lovely way to be outside and enjoy each others company. A big thank you to Glenda for organising the event and for 'fixing' the warm, dry weather.

My own weekly highlight was last Thursday. Whilst having a swim in the ocean off Nobbys Beach, I was aware of quite an audible clicking and squeaking noise. Momentarily I thought I must have forgotten to take off my MP3 player but there, about 50m further out, was a pod of dolphins. I was so excited I almost drowned as I tried to look over the waves at them. I counted 7 of them and they were just effortlessly swimming along in the direction of Newcastle Beach. They were probably wondering what the large fish with the blue shorts was doing in their ocean! The closest I have ever been to wild dolphins in the water. What an unbelievable experience....wow!  

Another Great Weekend Down Under.

I've had a fantastic few days on my visit to Newcastle, NSW. The autumn weather has settled somewhat and the winds have blown away the humidity and left us with some beautiful warm and sunny weather, just in time for the weekend.

Friday evening and I was again invited to the Hunter Stadium to watch the Newcastle Jets play against the Gold Coast United team. With the Jets looking to cement their top 6 end of season play off place, they were expected to beat the bottom placed Gold Coast team whose owner had openly criticised the Australian Football Association and had his licence stripped. The team being allowed to compete in the 'A' League for the remaining fixtures by the AFA, but without their owner.

This didn't stop the controversial millionaire owner from hiring a helicopter to pull a large banner over Newcastle with the slogan of 'Freedom of Speech', something he obviously feels he has been stopped from expressing by the AFA.

On the night, his team came within a whisker of pulling off a shock 1-0 win with only the Jets desperate pressure resulting in a 94th minute headed equaliser to earn them a valuable point. Can they overcome another of the league's high flyers, Brisbane Roar, this coming Saturday at Hunter Stadium?

I spent a number of hours cycling, swimming and walking at Nobbys Beach on Saturday and was ready for the 'Team Clueless' Christmas Party to take place at a popular BYO (Bring Your Own-booze) restaurant called Nok, in Beaumont Street, Hamilton.

A popular choice of main meal was 'Kleftiko', a slow cooked dish of roast lamb. It was absolutely delicious, and in my humble opinion stood alongside the Kleftiko my dear friends at The White Lady Taverna in Crete served to me back in 2003.

A surprise addition to the meal came in the form of a delightful lady performing a Belly- Dancing routine whilst we dined. My enthusiasm got the better of me, no, I didn't join in, but held up a hastily scrawled note on a napkin asking if she would marry me! She was already spoken for but did seek out our table and myself for some special attention. My goodness, what strength she had in her hips!! She was a good sport and this created some excellent photo opportunities. (My Facebook friends can see more photographs there).

The evening continued at a local pub and was an excellent way to conclude a special night to remember. I feel so humbled that these lovely folk have welcomed me into their midst so willingly. It has definitely been a major factor in making me feel so at home and for making my first month pass so quickly.

Sunday morning and I joined Trish, Les and Alan for a bargain $5 breakfast consisting of two fried eggs, toast, bacon, sausage (snag) and tomato at another local cafe. It was the first fried breakfast I've had since I started my weight loss plan...if you read this Wendy, don't worry, I'm being good by and large!
To work off my indulgences, I took myself off to the beach for more swimming and walking in the warm sunshine.

I had no sooner returned to Jonesy's than he informed me that we had been invited to meet Sonja, her daughter Elizabeth, and their friends Gabriel and Karen, their son David, and another friend Shauna. These were yet more lovely people that I had met first time back in 2002. I had caught up with Sonja and her husband Michael at their home in Queensland on my visit in April 2011, but had not seen Gabriel, Karen and Shauna since that first visit 10 years previously.We had a pleasant evening at the Merewether Surf House overlooking Merewether Beach, where the world famous 'Surfest' was taking place, catching up on the years.

 Surfest has surely put Newcastle on the map since its inaugural event in 1985 when it was decided that the city wanted to try to counter its image of being a, grime-ridden industrial city, and instead promote its beautiful beaches. At the time of its inception Surfest, then sponsored by the giant BHP Steel Company, was the world's richest surfing competition and has attracted the top men and women surfers on the planet as well as a worldwide audience.

As for me, I can barely balance on a board on the beach let alone be out chasing that elusive huge wave to ride majestically back to the shore. I'll leave that to the surf dudes and chicks, oh and to the pod of dolphins who made a surprise but warmly welcomed appearance at the first day's competition, frolicking happily alongside their human friends. Check the attached link for some fantastic photographs of Surfest 2012

Thursday, 08th March, 2012.

Not much to report from Fosky Down Under at this time. The weather has been changeable and this morning it was only16c so a jumper was called for. (I'm a softie, I know!).

Some parts of southern N.S.W. have had as much rain in the last week as in the whole of a normal year, so it's not surprising that they have had some devastating floods to contend with. The area around Narrandera where I visited last week, has really suffered and compulsory evacuations have been ordered by the SES (State Emergency Services). It was really quite eye opening to see at first hand how the tropical style downpours so quickly cause rivers to burst their banks and flood, what is mainly, a very flat landscape.

Southern N.S.W. tends to be a very rural area so you can imagine the cost to landholders in crops and their poor livestock. It was necessary in some cases to destroy livestock rather than leave them to drown.

In politics here, the ruling Labour Party have been undergoing a leadership referendum. The former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who was deposed by his then deputy Julia Gillard in 2010, had an eye on regaining top spot. In a rather acrimonious campaign, Rudd was heavily defeated and has pledged not to contest the leadership again, at least whilst Gillard is still in office.

It would appear that whilst not all of the Labour supporters see Gillard as an ideal leader, enough see her as a better prospect of defeating the Liberal/Conservative opposition leader Tony Abbott in the 2013 elections. As with many countries, the Labour party here were elected without a clear majority, being propped up by independent parties siding with them.

All world governments face tough economic times and decisions and everyone has an opinion on how their country should be run. Who would be a politician? Well the money appears to be good and you seem to be able to misuse your expenses and...mustn't be cynical now, must I!

I am a month into my sojourn here in Australia already. It has gone so quickly it doesn't seem possible. I have been so fortunate to have been welcomed so warmly by people here and this inclusion in their daily lives has undoubtedly contributed to the speed in which my time has passed. Thank you. 

Goodbye summer, hello autumn.

The weather had really warmed up as we approached the official end of summer. The temperatures had topped 32c and it was also very humid, with hazy sunshine. I had once again cycled down to Nobbys Beach and had a fantastically cooling swim but elsewhere the storm clouds were gathering and rain was afoot.

My friend Denise was travelling with her son Ryan and his fiancée, Sabrina to their home in Narrandera, NSW and asked me if I wished to join them to see some more of the state. As well as a break for me from Newcastle, I would also be a back-up driver for Ryan who was a relatively novice driver and had not previously driven this far. The journey was 700km (434 miles) and we calculated that it would take us about 8 hours including comfort stops.

Denise lives in Cardiff and I caught the train from Newcastle, a short 15 minute journey. I dread to think how long the journey from Newcastle to Cardiff in the United Kingdom would take!

Flooding at Ganmain,NSW.

Murrumbidgee river in flood.

Gudagai, NSW.

Dine and feet wash at Gundagai, NSW.

We had intended to leave at about 12am but, due to some last minute maintenance being undertaken on Ryan’s car, we didn’t get away until just after 3pm. Heading onto Highway 1, we drove past Wyong and Gosford before reaching the Sydney suburbs. Skirting the city centre we picked up the M2 motorway and then Highway 31, better known as the Hume Highway, which we would follow towards Canberra.

The weather had deteriorated and the rain was now quite heavy. This added to failing light and rush-hour traffic heading out of Sydney slowed our progress somewhat. As darkness fell completely, the rain intensified and reports of flooding began to filter through for the areas that we were heading towards.

I am used to rain but this tropical style downpour was a newer experience. When we stopped for a break the warm air combined with the heavy rain was actually quite refreshing. I was wearing just shorts, t-shirt and sandals but it wasn’t a problem. Going inside an air-conditioned restaurant however was. I was bloody freezing, especially with being wet, and this was more reminiscent of home. I took my snack outside onto the covered terrace to eat.

We turned off the Hume Highway and picked up Highway 41 towards Junee. By now I was driving Ryan’s car and the roads were more twisty and narrow with lots of surface water. There were not many other vehicles on the road and this at least made driving easier as you didn’t have to cope with the reflection of headlights combined with the rain.

By the time we arrived at our destination in Narrandera it was 1am and the summer had officially ended. No kidding I thought as I paddled to my motel room, autumn had begun in the Southern Hemisphere.

I slept well and surprise, surprise it was still chucking it down when I looked out of the window at 8.15am. Denise and I met Ryan and Sabrina at a local bakery for tea and toast before saying our farewells and starting the long haul back to Newcastle.

We took the same route home and in daylight you could see the extent of the rainfall as the fields were pretty waterlogged. We hadn’t gone far before we reached a small town called Ganmain where the road to Junee was blocked by the emergency services. They told us that the road ahead was flooded, but after establishing where we were headed, allowed us to continue with care but that instead of turning towards Junee we would have to take the road to Wagga Wagga (pronounced Wogga Wogga) and pick up the Hume Highway there. The road we had travelled on in darkness late the previous night was completely underwater and closed. Some communities were cut-off with their homes flooded. This was the case in much of Southern NSW and Victoria that day.

The centre of Ganmain was flooded by the river having burst its banks and we stopped to take some photographs of the raging torrent. Sandbagged buildings with water lapping around them were much in evidence and the local news station reporters had arrived with cameras to capture the drama for national news casts.

We negotiated the roads without too much difficulty in Denise’s Toyota Land Cruiser and were soon at Wagga Wagga and then onto the Hume Highway.

We stopped for lunch at a famous watering hole called ‘Dog on the Tuckerbox’ at Gundagai. The origins of this well known stopping point on the Hume Highway would appear to go back to the pioneers who were exploring south and west from the colonial headquarters in Sydney between 1830-1850. These early pioneers were searching for the source of the Murrumbidgee River, and used carts pulled by bullocks to carry their supplies over the rough and hazardous terrain and were known as ‘bullockies’.

They would stop at Gundagai whilst waiting for water levels at nearby Muttama Creek to subside and the bullocky’s dog would sit guarding his master’s tuckerbox (food store) and possessions while he was away from camp. Through songs and a poem accredited to a bullocky known as Bowyang Yorke, the legend was born. Quickly, this story spread through the colony and in 1932 the then Prime Minister, Joe Lyons, unveiled a monument to those early pioneers featuring the ‘Dog on the tuckerbox’.

We ate at the quaint ‘Train Stop Café’ where old carriages serve as dining tables and a myriad of old collectables (not me and Denise!) can be seen and purchased. The rest of our return journey was completed uneventfully and with periodic downpours, arriving home at about 9pm.

I was just in time to watch the last 20 minutes of the opening Rugby League clash between the Newcastle Knights and St.George Illawarrah Dragons of Sydney on television. Played at the Hunter stadium before a sell out crowd of a little over 29,000, St.George stole the points with an overtime drop-kick golden point after they finished level at 14 points each during normal time.

An enjoyable if wet and tiring couple of days, experiencing at first hand the flooding drama affecting southern New South Wales and Victoria at this time.