Time with Mates - Iluka on the Clarence River

Time with Mates - Iluka on the Clarence River
21st - 25th April 2014

sunrise after we sail out of Port Stephens

i love the way the sunrise spreads colour across the sea

Perched high on a headland in the beautiful Hat Head National Park on the Mid North Coast of
New South Wales, Smoky Cape Lighthouse and its historic residences is the most elevated
lighthouse on the east coast. 

after a great night's sail it was mid morning when we were approaching
the town of Yamba at the mouth of the Clarence River

crossing the Bar to enter the Clarence River, a calm crossing

MrJ and I take the rest of the day off to let our tired bodies recover

sunset across the Clarence River from our anchorage in Iluka

early morning the fishing boats return to their harbour  and it is a glorious day
for MrJ and I to go exploring

The small town of Iluka is nestled on the northern mouth of the mighty Clarence River. The town has been established since 1885 and still offers a lifestyle and holiday destination that is a throwback to the past. With a permanent population of around 2500, Iluka has so far avoided the over commercialised coastal development that now characterises many seaside destinations. Holiday makers come to Iluka for the peace and quiet, to play in and around the calm waters, to go bush walking, fishing or just do nothing. There are a few shops, a Golf Club, a Bowling Club and a Pub.

even the animals love the water sports

AR at anchor in Iluka Bay

families come down to the jetty to fish

a Lapwing does a bit of beach walking

we enjoy a coffee at the local bakery
and Yes we did get something yummy

looking up the Clarence river from Iluka

you will compete with the pelicans for the fishing

inside the protected harbour of Iluka bay is a great calm water playground

walking along the fore shore we pass many small accommodation houses
with colourful tended gardens

the harbour bay is a haven for water birds

a family of Lapwing

water birds every which way I look

spectacular sunsets

and peaceful nights

second day MrJ and I went back to walk the shore line again

families having fun - and so was I with my editing

fixing boats in exotic places

MrJ and I took a walk around to the small fishing harbour

Commercial fishing has been the lifeblood of Iluka and the local fleet whilst reducing in number, still plies its trade from the Iluka harbour returning with its catch to the local fishing co-operative. Recreational fishing in Iluka is excellent and well renowned, with an abundance of good fishing spots along the river, ocean shore or accessible by boat.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm
looks like MrJ has found his mermaid

we enjoy a great feed from the fish co-op
fresh shucked oysters and grilled mullet

Mr Ibis was too busy preening to worry about us 

it was so lovely to walk sandy beaches of the bay at low tide

so much bird life!

and greenery ashore

ANZAC Day 25th April 2014

MrJ and I went ashore to attend the dawn service

All cities and towns through out Australia commemorate ANZAC Day and the little village of Iluka was no exception. It is in small communities like Iluka that the true ANZAC spirit is felt. The whole day's proceeding are organized by the locals, for the locals to remember the locals who fought and lost their lives for their country. MrJ and I felt that we were privileged to be able to take part in this day.

a reflection in the shop window of MrJ reflecting on this day

a special memory

a day to remember

a day to meet fellow x-servicemen and women

a day to make new friends

a full-on community occassion
reminded me so much of the ANZAC Day of past in a small village of Geurie

MrJ falls in

marching with new mates

always great to see how the local schools participate in the day

on guard at the Cenotaph 

the diggers stand in silence

they stand with pride

the young cadets fulfill a solemn roll

the laying of the wreaths by the widows left behind

father and son - a helping hand

my mate Bert and his lovely wife Karen

Cheers to all our mates...........!!!

the sun sets on our 2014 ANZAC Day

The next morning we are leaving the Clarence River for the seaway entrance to the Gold Coast and Queensland. Nearly back to where we started two years ago.