Catherine Hill was originally named Cowper in 1873, and was later renamed for a schooner that ran aground in 1867. It was a coal mining community, and many of the miners' cottages have been preserved and are still occupied. The surrounding area has been preserved from development, and the local landmark Catho Pub still exists, although it has been updated a bit and the back patio area has been totally remodeled within the time of Claude's memory.
Catherine Hill Bay, looking north
Catherine Hill Bay, looking south. That pier is the old coal loading wharf.
Catho Pub, "downtown" Catherine Hill
Leaving the sleepy village behind, we turned north again to Swansea and crossed the short, narrow channel that joins Lake Macquarie to the ocean. Lake Macquarie is between two and four times the size of Sydney Harbour, depending on who you believe, and is the largest coastal salt water lake in Australia. It has fingers and inlets extending every direction, and reminds me of the fresh water reservoirs of eastern Oklahoma in many ways. The winding road snaked between small communities and panoramas and glimpses of the lake, eventually leading us to a short diversion with another luscious, sloppy burger at Cooranbong Takeaway. We arrived at home having travelled about 60 miles (100 kilometers) in just under three and a half hours. That's what happens when you stop to smell the roses.
No comments:
Post a Comment