Kiama, NSW. Surf and Surge Synergy****4stars

Time to Tango

Huge Seas and a freezing, cold gale as we ventured down the winding, mountain road towards Nowra, Berry and  Kiama Blowhole. First, there was the small matter of getting lost in Moss Vale, again. Eventually found the sign miles out of town, but at least it was the right road. Daffodils and Snowbells are already flowering.  The Southern Highlands Tulip Time is September 18 to October 1 this year, if you’d like to visit. Let me know if you find any scone delights.

  

If your in a hurry, don’t take this mountain road, stay on the Illawarra Highway down through Jamberoo and Kiama. Alternatively, it’s a nice circuit for a day’s drive from Moss Vale.  Meandered through the Kangaroo Valley, stopping briefly at the 1898 Hampden Suspension Bridge, followed by another winding mountain road to Berry.

Along the way, I spied the road to  Cambewarra Lookout and Tea Rooms but the ominous clouds forced me ever onwards, but not upwards. Another time, perhaps.  Berry was always a family favourite.  A stop for pies at the Original Berry Bakery was Non-Negotiable. There’s an excellent, little park to stretch your legs and bring out the tea thermos. Today, I was coming down from the mountains and straight out to the beach at Shoalhaven Heads. The really bracing, sea air signalled it was time to head up to Kiama.

Kiama is another family favourite. If you like the exhilaration of strong winds, powerful ocean surges and freezing water, even in summer, this is the place to come. Found an App for Kiama by Pack 2 Go but no amazing deals so far.

The days of the Blowhole Caravan Park are gone. Nothing like experiencing an electrical storm through a tent! Nowdays, the tents and caravans here have been replaced by Kiama Harbour Cabins.  Likewise, the camping spots on top of the cliff at the Surfside Holiday Park have been replaced by cabins, but there’s still tent and caravan sites.  By the Blowhole the Lighthouse still operates night after night . . . . . . .

 

Armed with only a camera (or two) and a cappuccino, I succumbed to the lure of the pounding surf and the explosive Blowhole. At the lower lookout unwary visitors are lured in and suffer a drenching, in the name of photography, much to the amusement of those on the lookout above, who have been known to suffer a similar fate at times.

      

The Light seems to be fading but it’s an enticing twilight with the moon, the lighthouse’s intermittent flashing and the sounds of the wind and ocean by night.

  

                     

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Southern Highlands, NSW. A Grimm Scone Tale.

……………………..A Long and Winding Road……………………

Hooray, we didn’t get lost today! After warming up with a hasty cup of tea at the Illawarra Fly, it was back to Robertson and hopes of scones or lunch in Bowral. I’d spied the Gumnut Patisserie and was looking forward to a treat. Alas, and alack, it wasn’t meant to be. No seating, just takeaway like a real cakeshop.  After the difficulty in finding parking at Bowral, even on a week day, I gave up and drove the 10km to Berrima to try the Old Bakery Cafe, but there were no patrons and the coffee machine was broken. Ended up at the Courtyard Cafe where the scone was fine but rather solitary don’t you think?

  

Perhaps I should have taken that turn to Berkelouw’s Book Barn and Cafe as I came into town? Unfortunately, it’s closed for refurbishment till October. Should have taken the easy option and headed for the Berrima Gumnut Patisserie which I’d visited a few years ago. Here’s their menu which even has Devonshire Tea with their own berry jam and luscious chantilly cream! Humph!

  

Hopefully, The Surveyor’s Inn has meals for those wanting something more hearty. Only had  a quick look around the Berrima Court House as it seemed just too gloomy today, or was it scone withdrawal symptons?  Getting late, but drove to nearby Sutton Forest, which is probably worth checking out for meals, especially as it’s close to the Freeway.

  

First stop, arriving here a couple of days ago was the Werai Tea Rooms where my sad scone tale really began. Imagine the disappointment in finding the scones were gluggy in the middle!

  

Don’t despair, there is a happy ending. Enjoyed the excellent ‘Special Offers’ from My Southern Highlands to stay at Pepper’s Manor House at Moss Vale.  After a rather long day,  a tasty dinner here at Kater’s Restaurant followed by exquisite desserts was truly appreciated. Which would you choose?

“Affogato” vanilla panna cotta/coffee ice cream/Frangelico jelly
*****
Spiced poached pear/mulled wine granité/sabayon
*****
Chocolate delice/raspberry centre/berry ice cream
*****
Mini donuts/rum and raisin ice cream/raisin puree
*****

Have tried to find Homestead or cottage style tea rooms between Sydney and Canberra but it’s been disappointing so far. Never mind, Peppers has a High Tea Menu which judging by the desserts is worth the hour and a half drive from Sydney. Even better, come another time and visit Minnamurra Falls or Fitzroy Falls, have a lovely morning’s walk and reward your efforts with a scrumptious High Tea.

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Robertson, NSW. Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk ***3stars

How do you like Heights?

Back to Robertson again and heading to the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk. At least, I know the way now and shouldn’t get lost again today, just stay on the Illawarra Highway for the 35km from Moss Vale. Quiet day today but there’s quite a breeze blowing and the view to the coast is a bit hazy and overcast.

     

The Illawarra Fly Treetop walk is 500 metres long with an average height of 25m while the viewing tower, Knights Tower is 45 metres high. There are two cantilevers that extend from the walkways. How would you go climbing the tower or stepping out onto the cantilever as it sways and vibrates?

I made it, even though the strong wind was a bit scary on the cantilever

and I was so glad of the railing on the tower!

My Southern Highlands has a great range of special offers available for an excellent range of activities, food and even accommodation while your visiting the southern highlands, which was really appreciated. Mittagong Tourist Information has the vouchers or there’s an app to download for iphone or android. The voucher for the Fly gave you 25% off which was great.  If your travelling on the Jamberoo Mountain Rd check out the Jamberoo Lookout where you might catch a similar view for free but it’s easy to miss! Now, how about some scones?

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Carrington Falls, NSW. A Tranquil Haven. ****4stars

Whiling Away an early Wattle Day

 

A late lunch of tomato and bacon soup with sourdough at the Robertson Cheese Factory Cafe fortified us for more waterfalls. The cafe was right by the railway line and there were a surprising number of goods trains coming through. Sorry, it’d be nice, but that’s not my car waiting at the rail crossing, one of many crossings found around here. If your really keen on trains, Heritage Express runs ‘The Southern Highlander’ steam train from Sydney to Bowral and Robertson every few months. For now, it’s  time to head off to nearby Belmore Falls and Carrington Falls. Belmore Falls is part of the Morton National Park an easy 1.5 km each way or 45 minute walk. Here’s a map. Decided against the 4km of dirt road at Belmore Falls today and headed onto Carrington Falls  in the Budderoo National Park before it got too late. Minnamurra Falls is also well worth a visit on the Jamberoo Road from Kiama to Robertson.

September 1 is National Wattle Day in Australia, when we celebrate these wonderful green and gold flowers and the arrival of Spring (and hayfever!). Already, there is plenty of wattle here in the Southern Highlands and in Sydney. Carrington Falls is a delightful spot and perfect for a little picnic, especially if you have your trusty thermos and a snack or two to enjoy, after wandering around. The loop track is only 500 metres and has 4 different lookouts. Here’s a map.

 

It’s not far to the Falls. At the top of the Falls, I enjoyed the luxury of  simply sitting in the warm sun and watching it play on the water, as it sped towards the precipice. As I had wheels (a car) this time and wasn’t intending to trek any great distance, I had dusted off my digital SLR and brought it along. My little Canon Power Shot is great for its size and mobility and rarely leaves my side but I was hoping for some great landscape shots. So finally, here’s Carrington Falls.

  

Pity I’d forgotten half of the settings, so I just sat by the swirling waters experimenting, with varying degrees of success, as you can see. Always try to catch that sparkle of light on the water but it’s a bit hard when the wind wants to blow the flowers all over the place. Birds rarely want to co-operate and pose either. Signs on the other hand are stoically focussed on the task at hand and totally compliant.

   

When the chill reaches the bones you know it’s time to move on back to Moss Vale and a cosy room with dinner and a scrumptious dessert. Sorry, no scones today.

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Fitzroy Falls, NSW. The Waterfall Waltz ****4stars

Waltzing with the Wind 

Wandered down to Fitzroy Falls on a beautifully, crisp and clear, but freezing morning. The main lookout is quite close to the falls and today the up draught chilled any intrepid visitors to the bone. After thawing the ice off the windscreen at Moss Vale, it was only about 20km to Fitzroy Falls Visitors Centre in the Morton National Park. Here’s a map and details. The West Rim Track is 1.8 km and takes about 45 minutes each way while the East Rim Track is 2km and takes about 2 hrs each way. Both are graded as easy walks. When it’s this cold (0.3 degrees this morning!) you tend to make excellent time. There’s also a cafe for a welcome hot drink or food.

      

The Falls are quite close to the visitor’s centre and accessible by wheelchair. The lookout even has a grid floor so you can see through to the falls below.  If your lucky you might even get covered with a fine mist from the waterfall to further inspire you to quicken your pace. According to World of Waterfalls it plunges 81 metres to the bottom. The wind was blowing every which way making the falls dance, as you can see.

Now it’s time to head to Robertson for a hot lunch and the enchanting Carrington Falls. 

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Sydney, NSW. Just a Little Winter Morning Magic.

A Crystalized Dandelion

A decidedly chilly 3°C and foggy this morning, but so crisp and clear.

About sunrise, I spied a dandelion with it’s head covered in ice crystals.

So delicate and perfect.

Of course, I just had to take a photo.

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Sydney Harbour, NSW. A Fabulous Bridge Walk with Great Scones****4stars

The Many Faces of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

I’m ashamed to admit that I have never walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge before. Starting at Central Station I caught the train to North Sydney which is only five minutes away. Such a glorious sunny day and perfect weather even if you wanted to climb the bridge, which I didn’t. Surprisingly, it didn’t take anywhere near as long as I thought to walk across. Of course, I did get distracted taking pictures and did have to climb up inside the pylon lookout for a bird’s eye view of the harbour and the Sydney Opera House. Although, it cost $11 it was certainly well worth the view, wasn’t it?

           

Back to priorities. Having exercised, it was now time for scones at the Irish Design Shop at the Rocks, just below the bridge. Nowadays, the tea rooms are called Tea Cosy Tea Rooms and are open Thursday to Sunday and also have ‘Not Quite High Teas’ which look worth a try. Today the choice was plain, currant, strawberries and cream, or earl grey scones with whichever of their fabulous jams, I had fig and ginger. For $12.00 I got two scones, a plain and a strawberry and cream scone, with double cream and some superb fig and ginger jam. I just had to ask about the scones, and yes  the taste was from real strawberries and real cream not lollies or flavouring. Yum!   If you like the weekend Rocks Markets they are right outside the door in George St. Here’s a Rocks Map.

  

Fortified once more, I retraced my steps back up to the bridge and took the Cahill Walk that goes from the bridge across Circular Quay to the Botanic Gardens. The expressway next to it is rather ugly but the views across the Quay to the harbour and Opera House are fantastic. Tons of ferries and boats provide plenty of colour and movement in this bustling scene. The Museum of Contemporary Art has recently reopened in time for  the 18th Biennale of Sydney. Just reached the edge of the Botanical gardens before heading down the well worn Moore Steps down to Circular Quay Station. En route, take the time to look at the plaques beneath your feet with quotes from different writers on the writers walk. Of course, I bypassed the station and got an ice cream at Copenhagen before heading up George St to Town Hall Station then onto Central and my train home.

      

  

Today, my trusty iPad has come along for the ride so I’m writing on the train to make sure I don’t fall asleep after all that fresh air and sunshine. Along the way, there are a few tantalising glimpses of the sunset to reward me for my efforts.

    

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Pizza & Focaccia Antics with Laucke Flour****4stars

My Best Pizza Ever!

Just when you thought it was safe in the kitchen you find out your wrong. A few weeks back I used this mix and made pizza and focaccia and received accolades for my efforts. Now I want to try again and take some pictures.

Sorry, but my oven has died. I’ve done my best to share these cooking adventures with you but obviously destiny dictates that my place is not in the kitchen.

Therefore, I surrender and head back on the scone trail. It’s been quite a drought so it’s time to hit the road again.

Now which way first?

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Bread Antics with Laucke Flours. Scrumptious****4stars

How about Bread?

 After my near disaster with the scone mix I still endeavoured to   make bread for our winter soup, and looked forward to enjoying a nice warm kitchen full of the aroma of baking bread. This time I tried Laucke’s golden wholemeal bread mix and used the dough hooks in my own ancient hand mixer. Even though,  a few years have passed since I last made bread I was surprised at how well it turned out, even though it looked a little dubious in the pan.  Perhaps I can even have a go from scratch now.                                                                                                      My audience was well pleased and so was I.

                Voilà !

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Scone Antics with Laucke CWA Scone Mix ****4stars

Just about Foolproof Scones.

Hoped to visit Vivid Sydney so stopped on the way to see a fellow sconquestor, armed with a packet of Laucke’s CWA Scone Mix from the supermarket, just in case it was required. Perhaps I could use the motto “Have scones, will travel”. The rain provided us with an excellent excuse to make scones so they were very welcome. I made them a few weeks ago and they were excellent. It’s a little strange mixing scones with a dough hook rather than rubbing the butter into the flour but they were light and fluffy and very yummy. There’s plenty of recipes to try out using this mix on laucke’s website too.

All set to mix when I discovered my friend no longer had the dough hooks for their ancient hand mixer. No choice but to forge ahead with the beaters. As the rain increased to torrents so did my sense of foreboding about the welfare of my scones. Some people even thought it was funny!

  

The cat however, was extremely happy close to the woodburner and our scones. An absolute downpour stopped us venturing out to Vivid but miraculously, the scones were not as light as before but still quite edible.

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