Oh, what a beautiful morning!
With a cloudless sky and mild, early-summer temperatures, an enthusiastic group of 31 walkers left their wet weather gear at home (at long last!) and assembled at Balmain East Wharf for this interesting urban walk.
Yes, a great day to be heading out for a walk!
Heading to East Balmain Wharf
Along the Tom Uren track and along the waterfront
The first part of the walk followed the Tom Uren Trail, through the eastern & south eastern streets of Balmain East, passing many beautifully restored sandstone cottages, as well as modern “interpretations” of them. Of particular note were the fine terrace & cottages in Little Edward St & the quaintness of the lower part of Datchett St (fictional home of one of the principal characters in Matthew Spencer’s recent book “Black River”)
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Interesting vine growth and quaint houses
Quaint creatures just for Halloween?
After reaching Cameron’s Cove and passing the architecturally-interesting Ewenton, the Tom Uren Trail was left behind, with the walk passing through Birrung Park, overlooking White Bay, the striking lines of Anzac Bridge & the restored Pyrmont waterfront (views which were surprisingly not spoiled by the presence of a cruise ship at the overseas terminal there).
After morning tea at the southern end of Birrung Park, the walk entered the post-industrial part of White Bay, passing through the re-developed Unilever site, the diverse business premises of Robert St and the massive edifice of the derelict White Bay power station, currently being redeveloped for housing by the NSW Government (what else could it be?!). Along the way, we came across a human skeleton hanging over the balcony of a ground-floor unit, giving rise to the comment that a guest, very possibly an in-law, must have stayed over beyond the standard of 3 days, beyond which fish & guests are said to go off.
Did he overstay his welcome? The ANZAC Bridge comes into view
Crossing the ANZAQC Bridge A blaze of colour in the park before lunch
The walk up to, and over, Anzac Bridge is lengthy, noisy & dusty, but provided impressive views of the massive infrastructure work going on for the Metro 2 station on the city side of the old silos. Perseverance with the conditions while crossing the Bridge is rewarded by walking along the waterfront of the old CSR site at Pyrmont, now nicely redeveloped with apartments & plenty of green space.
Housing and walker congestion at the ANZAC bridge Colourful lunchtime resting spot for Lyndy
Lunch was taken at the expansive Pirrama Park, after which the walk passed through the old Pyrmont Wharf area, Jones Bay & on to the Maritime Museum precinct, where a well-known French-born member was able to point out his name on the “Wall of Migration”, having migrated to Australia almost 50 years ago “by accident” (according to him!). His wife also found her father’s name on the wall. 
A mobile sculpture of ladders on the waterfront. Pointing to Claude's name
At last, the coffee spot at the Maritime Museum was attained, after which walkers proceeded in informal groups across Pyrmont Bridge. Some took the direct route to the transport options at Town Hall & the QVB, while the majority continued along the waterfront to the Barangaroo Wharves and eventually to Wynyard.
The fit young one Marc Person meeting up with his parents and other fit oldies at Barrangaroo.
Walkers: Michael & Sue (Leaders), Don B, Barbara C, Tim, Elaine, John & Ros, Mary, Christine G, Phyllis, Colleen, Lyndy, Diana, Kas, Christine M, Bill M, Dawn, Robyn Ma, John M, Bert, Claude & Margaret, Wendy P, Christine S, Dennis, Lyn, Drina, Pauline and two visitors. Thanks as always to Don B (Tail End Charlie) & to Lyndy (First-Aider).
Photos: Barbara C (14,15), Ros (2,12,13,16) Lyndy (4,5,6,7) Bert (10), Margaret P (1,3,17,18), Pauline (8,11), Christine S (9).
Words: Michael