By Michele Michel

“OMG – I accidentally Ieft all the paddles at home”

As you know we have had some pretty iffy weather with this La Niña weather pattern, so it was with bated breath we were waiting for the all clear- yes! Sunday’s weather was looking good.

‘Oh no!’ was the next thought- we must get up at 4 am to get to Woolloomooloo to actually do the Sunrise Kayaking!! But that we did- everyone arriving on time in the dark and the rain (at first the weather wasn’t so good after all) …James, our guide from Eagle Rock Adventures, arriving soon after with apologies – the reason for being a bit late “OMG – I accidently Ieft all the paddles at home” something he realised when he had originally arrived at 4.15 am. No harm done- ‘accept the unexpected’, we rallied, and did what Diamonds do, got ourselves organised- put on the PFD’s, lifted the kayaks over the embankment- paired up with a paddling buddy and were soon on the water.

The sky started to clear, there was no wind, and then there was that beautiful sunrise, fighting its way through the clouds with Garden Island in the foreground. We soon found our paddling arms and spent the next 90 minutes exploring the harbour- looking at rainbows, going around Fort Denison, rafting up for some photo opportunities with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge as our backdrop- enjoying perfect conditions.

Sensational Sydney Harbour from a different perspective.

Alas, our time on the kayaks was up- but the day was just getting started. Out of our wet clothes and into our hiking attire, we walked to the nearby Siena Marina Café. That coffee and hot breakfast went down a treat! All finished just in time to make our way back to the wharf again to hop on our privately hired water taxi. What a luxury to be indulgently whisked over the waterways again- past Bradleys Head, Watsons Bay, North Head and in through Middle Head. We alighted at The Spit Bridge perfectly timed to see it in action- opening up to let the taller boats under safely.

Now it was time to make our way along the 10 km of stunning coastline towards Manly…past Clontarf Beach, through the forest on Castle Rock Track, enjoying the many views on Dobroyd Head. We headed down to Reef Beach and took the time here for a well-deserved breather (a swim for Renee) and a coffee with a savoury slice and cookies!

The last leg of the walk was soon complete, and we were back in civilisation at Manly Wharf. We jumped on the next ferry enjoying being on the water again on another mode of transportation, a quick walk behind the Botanic Gardens to take us back to where it all began at Woolloomooloo. We decided to celebrate with some special ‘hydrolyte’ at a nearby watering hole- then all departed, very tired but with smiles on our faces!