Today sweetpea and I set out to explore Sydney.
We had decided to do the walk from Taronga Zoo, around Bradley's Head and Middle Head to Balmoral (click here to view map).
We planned ahead - we printed off the map a few days ago and we went to bed at a reasonable time the night before so we could be out the door by 9am.
The first change of plan was walking out the door at 10am. With the vagaries of Sydney transport plus the Sydney Marathon chaos it was 11:15 before we were actually heading out of the Taronga Zoo ferry terminal with our backpacks on and walking feet rearing to go.
It was very warm - dare I say, even hot. The secluded beaches in Athol Bay below us looked very inviting, but we were on a mission - to do the walk in good time so sweetpea could get home in time to watch the end of the V8 Supercar race!
The National Park and Wildlife folk were out as well. Asking walkers to do a survey of the walk and wear a watch to time their particular walk. We happily joined in.
The walk was peaceful and well kept. We saw dragonflies, rainbow lorrikeets, blue tongue lizards, magpies and kookaburras. The views back across the harbour were stunning.
But as were neared Bradley's Head a great big southerly buster blew in. Bringing with it dust and a cooler change.
After exploring the old military sites we continued around to Chowder Bay, holding onto our hats. At 12.30pm we reached a critical turning point. A sign - onwards to Clifton Gardens & Chowder Bay or a little detour to the left to Athol Hall were there was food and toilets.
Refreshments won!
Athol Hall is delightful. But as we walked around the corner we realised we could see the Taronga Zoo ferry terminal off to the right and all we had done was walk a big circle around the perimeter of Bradley's Head. Oh well, perhaps refreshments would give us the energy to power onto Balmoral.
Sadly, the menu arrived with a drinks menu and somehow we convinced ourselves it would be a good idea to have a glass of wine with lunch!
The setting was divine and deserved to be treated accordingly!
We shared a plate of Turkish bread with 3 dips (feta and pumpkin, olive tapenade and hommus) followed by a mixed plate of fishcakes, salt and pepper squid and spring rolls. The feta and pumpkin dip and fishcakes were particularly tasty.
And the rest is history. Of course the wine made us sleepy. So we walked back down the hill to the Taronga Zoo ferry - completing a 2km round trip with refreshment stop in just over 2 hours!
The map I printed out is tucked away safely in my backpack for next time.
This morning I went back to school to help one of the chickadees with their classroom art project.
It ended up being a 3 hour adventure with a morning tea stop at The Revolver Cafe in Annandale.
The coffee is always great, but usually in a take away cup. Today I had the time to sit inside and savour a proper mug of coffee. Revolver is always busy and can be quite noisy. The discreet nooks and crannies around the walls provide a little privacy and there are throw rugs available for the brave people who chose to sit outside.
The banana bread was not available today, so I ordered the pear and cinnamon loaf instead - toasted & buttered of course!
The smell was divine although the bread was a little soft and difficult to eat gracefully. It was presented on a lovely old floral china plate just like Grandma used to have and was thoroughly delicious.
Yesterday sweet pea suggested we have lunch at True Religion Espresso Cafe in Balmain.
He had recently read a review about how wonderful their egg and bacon rolls were and he had been salivating ever since.
We were lucky and got a table outside against the wall. We promptly ordered 2 flat whites and 2 bacon and egg rolls (his with tomato sauce; mine without).
Just as we polished off our flat whites, the bacon and egg rolls arrived at the table. OMG! Who would have thought that a humble bacon and egg roll could be a divine visitation!
The roll was light, soft and warm. It nestled neatly into our hands. Inside the egg and bacon layers jostled for our attention. The bacon was not too fatty - kept soft with just the smallest hint of firmness around the edges. Oh! And the egg! Cooked to absolute perfection with the yolk just beginning to harden, so that only a discreet amount of soft yolk dribbled along the cut edges.
Silenced reigned at our table for the next 5 minutes, only interrupted by the occassional heartfelt "mmmmmmmmmmmmm".
I am now a convert - a true believer - and I'll be knocking on your door soon to spread the good word!
It was very warm - dare I say, even hot. The secluded beaches in Athol Bay below us looked very inviting, but we were on a mission - to do the walk in good time so sweetpea could get home in time to watch the end of the V8 Supercar race!
