The Entrance to Coogee Beach via Castlecrag and the Harbour Bridge

It blew up quite a gale last night, so it was a little noisier than it could have been. Otherwise, not a bad night. A reasonably early start saw us in The Entrance township ready for coffee long before most of the shops had opened. We walked up then down the main street in the hope that La Tartlette would be open soon. We were the shop's first customers, and I don't think she was particularly wrapped to see us;  however, the coffee was good and the cake was delicious. We should have taken a photo of that; it was 3 custard filled profiteroles, some fresh cream and some toffee shards. Mmmmm-mmmm.


We travelled via Gosford, and arrived at our first "official" waypoint. Castlecrag, on the Sydeny north shore has been on the list of places to visit for some years. It is a developmental village designed by Walter Burley Griffin, of Canberra fame. It contains a variety of contemporary residential styles. Many of the houses back onto small, semi-private reserves (typically with little fencing separating the gardens from the reserve).

This Kookaburra was seen near the marina.

Any idea what these are?

A few of the original residences remain, being typically of this sandstone construction. Next week there's a formal guided walk around the area; sadly we won't be here. Instead then, we drove around several of the streets, then parked at the Quadrangle Shopping Centre, had lunch then did our own random walk around the streets and reserves.

This of course was followed by a coffee at the shopping centre before getting back on the road and heading for Coogee.

A relatively uneventful journey (except for a last-second lane change when heading for the Harbour Bridge) brought us to the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach.

We checked in  and inspected the facilites. They seem mostly up to scratch, although Karen would have expected a shower screen rather than a curtain.

We took a short stroll from the hotel to the point, where it was blowing hard, and quite cool.

This was followed by an inspection of the eateries in the local area; however we decided to utilise the restaurant in the hotel. Dinner was very nice.

It seems that they have changed the flight plan for arrivals into Sydney. This afternoon they were approacing miles to the west; now they are at about 1,000 ft and flying divectly over the hotel.

The above is a 6s exposure over the pool at the approacing aircraft.

Another 6s exposure; held still against the balcony handrail.

Karen asked me if they have a curfew at Mascot; I don't know, but I sure hope so. It's surprising how many flights must be arriving.