Another clear sunny and hot day in Sydney and whilst 26C is a comfortable temperature, the sun is very fierce and everyone is frequently warned about the risk of sunburn.
This morning we went cycling in Centennial Park and did remember the suncream. The bus from Circular Key was very efficient and we got off just after the Sydney Cricket Ground and walked a few hundred yards to the park. Pathways inside the park were basic to start with but eventually we found the road where the bike hire shop is located. Centennial Park would appear to be the Richmond Park of Sydney and very popular with cyclists, young and old. Apparently, if you know the right route, its only a 20 minute cycle ride from the centre and many enthusiasts cycle right here. However, parking is very easy and free so many also arrive by car carrying their bikes or renting as we did.
Off we went and it was relatively easy cycling with not too many hills to annoy the LLW. It's a lovely park and a great asset for residents and visitors alike.
Ray would have loved to cycle some more in the park but ultimately the sun decided otherwise and we retreated to a shady coffee shop for the now regular flat whites and the LLW decided that a carrot cake was a necessity. The flat whites were so good that we had an encore!
The next part of todays expedition is to locate Coogee beach by bus. After a walk of about 1/2 mile we found the correct bus stop and within 5 minutes the bus to Coogee arrived. Our driver was of the kamikaze variety and insisted on trying to outdo Louis Hamilton with his cornering ability and straight-line speed. However, he did manage to deposit us safely, and very quickly, at Coogee beach which was heaving with people, as I guess we should have expected on Christmas Eve.
Ray decided that he really must have a swim here and braved the strong surf and even stronger undertow. To be absolutely honest, there was very little swimming involved, just a battle with each wave that crashed against the beach. After the first few yards the surf had subsided and it was just a question of riding each wave, being 20 ft in the air one moment and then feet on the ground in the trough of the wave was quite a sensation. It was exhilarating, the water was warm and very clear - lovely.
This morning we went cycling in Centennial Park and did remember the suncream. The bus from Circular Key was very efficient and we got off just after the Sydney Cricket Ground and walked a few hundred yards to the park. Pathways inside the park were basic to start with but eventually we found the road where the bike hire shop is located. Centennial Park would appear to be the Richmond Park of Sydney and very popular with cyclists, young and old. Apparently, if you know the right route, its only a 20 minute cycle ride from the centre and many enthusiasts cycle right here. However, parking is very easy and free so many also arrive by car carrying their bikes or renting as we did.
Off we went and it was relatively easy cycling with not too many hills to annoy the LLW. It's a lovely park and a great asset for residents and visitors alike.
Ray would have loved to cycle some more in the park but ultimately the sun decided otherwise and we retreated to a shady coffee shop for the now regular flat whites and the LLW decided that a carrot cake was a necessity. The flat whites were so good that we had an encore!
The next part of todays expedition is to locate Coogee beach by bus. After a walk of about 1/2 mile we found the correct bus stop and within 5 minutes the bus to Coogee arrived. Our driver was of the kamikaze variety and insisted on trying to outdo Louis Hamilton with his cornering ability and straight-line speed. However, he did manage to deposit us safely, and very quickly, at Coogee beach which was heaving with people, as I guess we should have expected on Christmas Eve.
Ray decided that he really must have a swim here and braved the strong surf and even stronger undertow. To be absolutely honest, there was very little swimming involved, just a battle with each wave that crashed against the beach. After the first few yards the surf had subsided and it was just a question of riding each wave, being 20 ft in the air one moment and then feet on the ground in the trough of the wave was quite a sensation. It was exhilarating, the water was warm and very clear - lovely.
There was no shade anywhere around the beach so we did not stay too long before we headed back to central Sydney. This time we had a sensible driver and when he finished his shift about half way back he very cheerily wished all of the passengers a Merry Christmas. His replacement was equally sensible!
Back to the hotel to escape the sun for a while.
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