January 18: Sydney

Today is a great day for a walk on the beach. Temperatures have risen to near 100 degrees with a steady wind off the water. Navigating the public bus system three head out to explore the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. The walk is a cliff top walk from the town of Bondi Beach to Coogee over a six kilometer paved pathway in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Starting at Bondi Park the pathway hugs the cliff's edge as it twists and turns creating natural coves of beaches. The summer season is in full swing, so the beaches are crowded with people enjoying a morning's sun. Several coves have saltwater pools that hug the water's edge allowing the incoming waves to splash over the sides onto the swimmers doing laps. At times the pathway gives way to staircases allowing the walker to climb up the side of the cliff or descend to water's edge. While occasionally steep, a momentary stop to let the heart return to a normal beat alleviates any need to rest. The vistas are spectacular. The rich blue of the water hitting the sheer rock faces are surpassed only by the colorful weathered sandstone carvings formed by the wind and water. Each cove has its own personality. Tamarma is known as "the place to be seen". Mackenzie’s Point is a favorite with surfers and Bronte Beach is very popular with families. The walk takes one past Waverley Cemetery, known as the most scenic burial ground in the world. Snorkeling can be seen at Clovelly Beach, or diving at Gordon’s Bay, which is the home of “the underwater nature trail”. All along the route are numerous cafes, The Three Blue Ducks being one of the best. Perfect lunch stop!