A memorable day meeting new friends.

Tuesday 18th,

Hmmm, just trying to think what we did on Monday? Not a lot if I recall, a bit of retail thereby in Hornsby and another walk with Hank. Tuesday though, I remember very well. This was the day we met our other niece Jen, husband Matt and their two most delightful toddlers Bohdi and Immy.

Bohdi in the arms of grandad 'Pops', Ian and Jen

Immy

 This was also the day I discovered a leech on my foot!!! Urgh, I can't stand the things and this ranks as my all-time most detestable critter on the whole planet!!! It took a walk to the park with Bodhi, along a bush track covered in debris from fallen branches, tree bark and soggy leaves for it to find me irresistible!  I always make sure feet are covered with sensible shoes and socks and it wasn't until we had got home and I changed back into thongs (flip flops to us Brits) that I found the thing attached to my instep!

This photo was taken from Wikimedia

That night we had a storm, a massive electric storm with high winds bending already weakened trees to unnatural positions. And the rain... put it this way you wouldn't want to be standing out in that! More trees down but thankfully none that hindered our movement from my brother's house or in and out of the cul de sac.

This photo was taken at 11pm.

Wednesday and another memorable day. A comment had been left by a couple we had never met,  suggesting a get together for tea, coffee or something stronger on their boat moored by the Roseville River. John and Dawn had stumbled across this blog many years ago, along with several others, and read with interest the narrowboating tales we boaters get up to. The canals in France had already been experienced but as for the UK canals that treat was still awaiting them. To get our boating fix and, as it turned out, a doggie fix too (They have the most gorgeous Samoyed named Alexa..is this the correct spelling?) (Nearly had the name right as John pointed out. Her name is Lexy) for us this was an irresistible offer we couldn't pass by so having exchanged phone numbers, the date was arranged for today.
 We were met by Dawn who obviously recognised two British tourists looking very bewildered and lost. Instructions had been to wait for Dawn at the top of the escalator at St Leonards station. So what did we do??? Come up a set of stairs on the wrong side of the platform! Ian saw her first waving frantically at us and with a very welcoming hug took us by car to where the boat was moored. An equally wonderful greeting by John and we were escorted onto the boat 'Arcturus', The engine was started as soon as we were on board and away we cruised, past Cammeray marina, around Long Bay, an inner harbour of Sydney, and eventually to a visitor mooring close to shore. Dawn very deftly and with great skill, hooked the floating rope attached to the buoy and placed the loop over the cleat.

John and Dawns boat with blue canopy awaiting our arrival.

A public swing mooring. All Dawn needed to do was pick up the rope and tie to the cleat.

The day was just perfect. A delicious Ceaser Salad was prepared by Dawn which went down very well with the wine and beer.  The few hours we spent wiling away the afternoon, enjoying each others company went all to quickly and soon the time had come to depart. And I will just mention and I'm sure you will all be pleased to know, that the only toilet conversation had was on how to use their loo!
I must just thank them both once again 'cos I know this will be read by John. We so look forward to keeping in touch with the hope that one day you can join us in the UK.

Captain John.

Dawn, John and me

This made me laugh, As protest by the bin men for continuing to park this vehicle in the cul de sac making it difficult for the lorry to turn, they surrounded it by the empty bins!

And some wildlife for a change,