Meeting from all corners of Sydney and looking for another fun day out, were 19 Hill View Bushwalkers.
The Meeting Place sorted, all arrived on time and set off on the tram from The Central Station Grand Concourse at exactly 9.30am.
Well, all bar two. Don and Lyndy waited for the next tram in case stragglers arrived but it was of course not necessary because all had arrived in a timely manner.
Early arrivals in the Grand Concourse Co-Leader Elizabeth with the troops Signage Heaven
Disembarking at John St Square, the walkers gathered at the corner above the train station for their first stop. An Art installation greeted them and information about the giant cutting they had ascended was also at hand.
Walking down to the harbour, we passed houses with history still on their facades and admired the efforts of their owners to restore them and keep them true to their past.
At the waters edge we stumbled upon the Pittwater Walkers and after a brief interlude of smiles and hellos, we headed off to our morning tea spot; the other walkers having decided it was not yet time to stop.
Moving on, we came across another Art installation called The Tide or Tied? Elizabeth enlightened us as to its purpose, which viewed from the rear, becomes instantly clear.
Photographer's label: 'Hopeful' 'Tied'or 'Tide' Anzac Bridge
We passed the mega-boats and not being invited to come on board, continued by.
A stop at The Star Casino to see the original, vertical Fish Tank, still in existence but now a mere shadow of its former self. When it was installed over 20 years ago, it was much admired and filled with hundreds of brightly coloured fish. The few swimming around now, must miss the attention their forebears enjoyed. The coloured water display at the rear entry was working and after watching it, we headed to the Maritime Museum.
En route: Old buildings restored and repurposed
We passed the Google HO and continued to the Immigration History Wall, where some of our group have their ancestors names engraved thereon.
Lyndy at the Immigration History Wall The 'Éndeavor' replica
By this time, it was appropriate to stop for lunch, which we ate while looking over Darling Harbour.
The afternoon took us by the Ian Thorpe Pool and we were entertained by a poetry recital from Nick, who had remembered the lines perfectly.
On Pyrmont Road we passed the old Goldsborough Mort Building.
It's Ramshead commemorating the wool connection.
Another example of a restored and repurposed building.
Gathering momentum, we arrived at The Goods Line and passing the Frank Ghery building, we arrived back at Central. Our walk was a not too shabby 7km + round trip, so coffee at Eternity Cafe rounded out the day.
Who was that man who came to join us?
A successful outing was had by all.
Leaders: Lyndy & Elizabeth
Tail End: Nick B
First Aid: Lyndy & Elizabeth
Walkers: Annette Elp, Cherry, David R, Dennis, Diana, Don Wo, Drina, Fran, Gabriella, Helen A, Helen L, Judy, Robyn & Rex, Rosemary W, Susan K, Nick B
Photos: Don Wo 7,8,16,17; Helen A 1-3,5,13-15,18-20; Drina 4,6,9-12.