February 22

Newcastle to Nelson Bay

Not a good night. Yesterday's shock to my body clock was compounded by the fact the road outside the hotel seems to be the meeting point for the local boy racers. It was LOUD all night. Had I been sleeping properly, it wouldn't have mattered.

I rose early, made breakfast, checked emails and packed. At 08.30 I checked out, leaving my bags at reception. I walked along the road outside the hotel, quiet at this time of day, crossed over a small river and then followed the main road to the railway interchange. There I enquired about buses on the Blue Mountain Line. I was told that the train staff would throw me off the train and onto a bus and that I couldn't get lost. Let's hope it is that way.
Newcastle Interchange	I crossed a small river
Major development through the fence	The old industrial port
Interesting boats	Lots of new buildings

The harbour is just up the road but the huge amounts of work on the waterfront meant that it was quite a while before I could see the water. When I could, it was very pretty. Lots of industrial buildings on the opposite bank and lots of new development on the city side. When it is finished, the whole area will be very smart.

	The Information Centre and the ...
Iced coffee to wake me up	... Museum were in an old industrial building
Memoirs of the 1989 earthquake	Modern electronic exhibits

I located the Museum, which didn't open for 30 minutes, so had an iced coffee at the theatre café and wrote my diary.

Both Museum and Information Centre are in an old industrial building. The latter gave me some maps. The former contained some very good stuff on the 1989 earthquake and lots of industrial exhibits, as befits a town which developed around coal and steel. There was a large interactive science area for children, including a huge globe.

The walk back to the hotel took me through an area of redevelopment. I understand that much of this is work which dates from the earthquake. A very long gestation period!     Right: Major redevelopment

I collected my bags and a taxi collected all of us and took us to the Budget office a few kilometres out of town. I will have fun finding it again on the return journey!

The suburbs went on for a long way, then I hit the main road through the coal port. There were huge cranes etc by the side of the road but no opportunity to stop and photograph them.

The industrial area ended, we crossed the Hunter River on a huge bridge and entered the tree-lined countryside. I tried to stop at a vineyard but it was heaving with both cars and coaches. A seaside resort on a Saturday afternoon, I suppose.

Salamander Village - not exciting	Excellent views ...
... from The Landmark	Nelson Bay

I followed the signs to Soldiers Point, found a café in a small development in Salamander Village and had a coffee and a wrap. Not exciting but an adequate lunch.

Another short drive took me to Nelson Bay, a large resort which instantly brought Benidorm to mind.

The huge Landmark Resort bore a striking similarity to The Solana, standing on the hillside & towering over the area. I dumped my bags in my room, looked at the view and located the laundry.

By the time I had finished a beer, the drizzle had just about stopped so I walked up the hill, bought some milk and some paracetamol for a looming sore throat and walked back to the hotel.

I fought the vending machine, sought help from reception, and eventually acquired some soap powder. I was more successful with the washing machine and tumble drier and, 90 minutes later, I had a full set of clean and dry clothes. I should almost be clean by the time I return to New Zealand.

Mission accomplished, I had a rest, then a shower and, with the sky starting to darken, I walked back down to the waterfront. It was breezy and there were spots of rain in the air so I had packed my waterproof. It wasn't needed, however, and I was able to reach the Wharf restaurant in the dry. My table awaited, I ordered and set about tackling a Verdelho, one of the specialities of the Hunter Valley, where I plan on spending the early part of next week.

The oysters were served beautifully but I have had better, mainly in New Zealand but also in Victoria, last year. The Usher Tinkler Verdelho matched them well. The Tinkler Chardonnay, which followed, was OK but lacked a little finesse. It will probably go well with the BBQ seafood when it arrives.

Oysters ...	... and lots of fish

This turned out to be good if not exciting. Lots of fish and a good Greek salad to accompany it. I completed it and walked home, having discussed a possible walk for the morning with the lady on the till.