26 walkers assembled at Stand A, QVB, for the bus to Vaucluse. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a very crowded and slow trip (unlike the recce), leaving us short on time to get to our Chapel appointment. Morning tea was on the hoof at Christison Park, and we had a brief look at the Macquarie Lighthouse and one of its delightful keepers' cottages. It was very windy and damp at times.
It was wet...... 
......windy, cold..... 
.....but very interesting!
We split the party on reaching The Gap, with 7 walkers going by the level bottom road to the main gate at HMAS Watson and the others going up the steep northern steps and over the hill to the gate.
On the way to The Gap 
Dunbar Anchor at The Gap 
Dunbar information board
Chaplain Skip met us at the gate and took us through security and up to the Chapel. He gave us an interesting short talk on its history and explained the origin of some of the items - the wooden carved Kea lectern from the NZ Navy; several stones in the Altar, which came from various countries with naval connections; and the lovely stained glass windows - each panel displaying an iconic Christian symbol. The organisation of the Chapel visit was well worth it. 
Arriving at HMAS Watson 
.....and the Chapel.
Inside...... 
.....the 
.........Chapel
Farewell to the Chapel
Following our visit, lunch was taken sitting in the bandstand in Robertson Park (thank you, Claude, for spotting it, as the outdoor tables in the park were all very wet). This was followed by coffee at the Watson’s Bay Hotel, where some took their coffee with them onto the ferry, while those who hadn't, sipped & chatted on in an upstairs room, warm & dry at last, before taking the ferry back to the city.
The walkers were:
Sue & Michael F (Leaders), Anne G, Anne R, Annette Elp, Bella & Peter R, Bert, Beverley, Cherry, Claude & Margaret P, Diana, Elaine, Elizabeth, Karen, Lyn, Linda, Lyndy, Mary, Nick B, Ron, Sue K, Suzanne L, Wendy P, & third time visitor Jill, who completed her membership application.
Our thanks, as always, to office bearers Lyndy (First Aider) & Karen (Tail Ender).
Words by Sue F
Photographs from Peter R (4,6,7,8,9,10,12); Margaret P (2,3,11); Claude P (1); Karen L (5)