Last few days in and around Sydney

Fun at Smiths Lake for Daddies and Daughters....... theres nothing like messing about with boats and lots of trips out on the biscuit , walking and beaching and generally having much needed down time...

the area was fabulous for just chilling out and having time to catch up with Phil and Julie, long standing school friends we have known since childhood.... much reminiscing about school days and with Phil at school with Tim and Julie at school with me there was lots to chat about - we wondered how many people can have that comfort of long standing friendships made a lifetime ago and still standing now.....

jobs and kids take us all in differing directions over the years but those friendships made in early years stay forever...

Could not believe our eyes on the way back - thought we'd just woken up from an amazing dream ! the route home from Smiths Lake was littered with English Names of places...

 Back in Sydney there was time for some 'brother 'time and a trip out sailing in Middle Harbour while Tim and I had a couple of hours FREEEEEEEE

 We all caught up later... after Tim had climbed one of the towers on the harbour bridge ... toooo many steps for me ,so i got an hour on my own to potter about and have bit of FREEEEEEEEEEEDOM .

Next day we all headed into the fabulously diverse Ku-Ring-Gai NP and did and 10km walk... or was that 100 km !!  yes to those of you out there who know we well.... i can walk... ( just) and it was so  well worth it....
the trees are AWESOME ...I could swear they talked to us all the way round and despite all the hilly bits and rock climbing bits I just felt completely at peace in the world we were invading ,just for a bit....
I take my hat off to Lowenna who never complained once....despite the heat and length of the walk - but she enjoyed  seeing all sorts of lizards and birds and a green snake and loads of spiders !

 Sunday -the Blue Mountains
What can I say except they were AMAZING - and yes they huevfrom the eucalyptus really does turn them blue...
Gorges ,peaks, atmospheric and truly fantastic-- needed a whole week really but a flavour of a gem on the doorstep of one of the most vibrant and modern cities... what a contrast.....

So... Monday now and packing for our next phase-- NEW ZEALAND ... we are all really excited and getting ready for off....Have had an amazing 10 days here... fallen in love with Australia.... have found a real feel of space, vibrancy, pride of place.... whether in cities or NP everywhere exudes pride of place....

as for our hosts... P,J,Lonita and Chris have been fantastically welcoming... have ferried us aobut, directed up to places they know we'll love, lent us their cars and all that on top of looking after Will these last few months...

 that is more than friendship, thankyou seems somewhat inadequate.... and I just hope at some point ,somewhere we can return the favour.....

Here's to the MANN FAMILY !!!!!! thankyou