Around Newcastle

Before today’s outings, we put on another load of washing. There was enough sun for us to think it would dry.

Our first stop was at the Up Rising Bakery thanks to a recommendation from one of our friends who live in Newcastle. As well as a loaf of sourdough bread, we bought a berry brioche, croissants, and the last canelé.

I needed another device to hold my phone while driving the Toyota, so we went to Jaycar and Supercheap Auto, choosing a small device that holds the phone close to the dashboard. Why don’t cars come with built-in dash cameras and holders for mobile phones? They come with wireless charging stations for phones, read text messages, and provide hands-free phone call capacity, but don’t provide a cradle for the phone.

We enjoy driving through Newcastle neighbourhoods where there are streets with well-kept Federation and Victorian-era homes. There are hardly any historic houses at the Gold Coast!

Efforts are continuing to minimise the risk of homes being washed away at Stockton Beach. Large wire baskets are being used to hold rocks. These appear to be held together with heavy-duty cables. Other strategies include underground 8.5 metre concrete piles.

Today it was cool enough for us to wear long sleeves, which makes a pleasant change from the heat and humidity we experienced this summer. With the drop in temperature, I need to inflate the car tyres. They were all at 40 psi when we left home, but late this afternoon, they were only 36 to 37 psi.

Bluey and Tilly have noticed the cooler temperatures, snuggling up to us for warmth. With his recent short haircut, Bluey needs to wear a coat at night.