May 2014 Report
Participants - Peter, Yvonne, Natalie and Colin
The start
Peter, Colin and Natalie met at Circular Quay and picked up Yvonne on the way.
What a spectacular day for this walk! Sunshine all the way with brilliant blue sky and no clouds until the afternoon, when we were back on the ferry. The final distance was just over 11km in 3.5 hours. As it was flat all the way except for the initial ramp up to the bridge at Rhodes, it was a very easy walk.
Highlights
*The ferry trip from Circular Quay to Meadowbank Wharf was great –looking at the fabulous houses and general development that goes on around the foreshore is always interesting.
*A short stroll up the ramp and over the old Meadowbank rail bridge to morning coffee.
*Strolled along the shared bicycle/walkway past the relatively new Rhodes apartment complex beside Homebush Bay.
*It was a high tide so the water looked in good condition although we took notice that it is obviously not healthy, as fishing is not allowed in that vicinity.
*Entered Bicentennial Park where the Rhodes shopping Centre ends.
*Had lunch on a hill near the Education centre, so we have good views while we munched on our sandwiches.
*Checked the time at the sundial sculpture.
*Discussed whether the silver looking sculptures were “Peace Bells”. They are part of the larger sculpture called the “Peace Monument”. “Throughout history, bells have been rung to celebrate peace. There are three bells in the monument: one each for The Earth, The Moon and Space. During the construction of the monument, none of the numerous ongoing military conflicts were resolved, and three major new wars were declared. The bells are currently filled with stops and cannot be rung. The artist
has suggested that the bells will ring out one day – when there is peace throughout the world.
Needless to say, they have not chimed yet......”-info from a fact sheet about the Park.
Next time we should try to see the whole sculpture-must have been between the sundial and the bells on the top of a hill.
*Followed the trail that goes through Badu Mangroves and enjoyed finding some wildlife.
*Looked through the bird hide across the the waterbird refuge. We saw pelicans, black swans and even a spoonbill.
*Viewed and read information about the shipwreck remains.
*Walked down to Sydney Olympic Wharf while Colin climbed the hill. He said later going down was worse as the stairs were fairly precarious.
*We had an expert leader who timed the arrival back to the ferry so there was no waiting time!
The company was great as always and we especially send our love to Doug and Richard.
Participants - Peter, Yvonne, Natalie and Colin
The start
Peter, Colin and Natalie met at Circular Quay and picked up Yvonne on the way.
What a spectacular day for this walk! Sunshine all the way with brilliant blue sky and no clouds until the afternoon, when we were back on the ferry. The final distance was just over 11km in 3.5 hours. As it was flat all the way except for the initial ramp up to the bridge at Rhodes, it was a very easy walk.
Highlights
*The ferry trip from Circular Quay to Meadowbank Wharf was great –looking at the fabulous houses and general development that goes on around the foreshore is always interesting.
*A short stroll up the ramp and over the old Meadowbank rail bridge to morning coffee.
*Strolled along the shared bicycle/walkway past the relatively new Rhodes apartment complex beside Homebush Bay.
*It was a high tide so the water looked in good condition although we took notice that it is obviously not healthy, as fishing is not allowed in that vicinity.
*Entered Bicentennial Park where the Rhodes shopping Centre ends.
*Had lunch on a hill near the Education centre, so we have good views while we munched on our sandwiches.
*Checked the time at the sundial sculpture.
*Discussed whether the silver looking sculptures were “Peace Bells”. They are part of the larger sculpture called the “Peace Monument”. “Throughout history, bells have been rung to celebrate peace. There are three bells in the monument: one each for The Earth, The Moon and Space. During the construction of the monument, none of the numerous ongoing military conflicts were resolved, and three major new wars were declared. The bells are currently filled with stops and cannot be rung. The artist
has suggested that the bells will ring out one day – when there is peace throughout the world.
Needless to say, they have not chimed yet......”-info from a fact sheet about the Park.
Next time we should try to see the whole sculpture-must have been between the sundial and the bells on the top of a hill.
*Followed the trail that goes through Badu Mangroves and enjoyed finding some wildlife.
*Looked through the bird hide across the the waterbird refuge. We saw pelicans, black swans and even a spoonbill.
*Viewed and read information about the shipwreck remains.
*Walked down to Sydney Olympic Wharf while Colin climbed the hill. He said later going down was worse as the stairs were fairly precarious.
*We had an expert leader who timed the arrival back to the ferry so there was no waiting time!
The company was great as always and we especially send our love to Doug and Richard.