Heading north up the coast

Wednesday, May 17

Farewell to Sydney.  A great city to visit.  Drove out of Sydney and headed 150 km down the road to Newcastle.  Booked a place for two nights, and first impressions of the city are not great.  Visitor information was partially closed for a function, and the guy there told us lots, but could not get us a map.  Parking was non existant, and then when we got to our apartment, it was far from what was advertised, including no internet.  Oh well, part of the experience of travelling, not holidaying, is that some days are not great.  Tomorrow we will check out the sites and then continue North.

Thursday, May 18

Walked over to McDonalds for free wifi so that we could call Georgina at her surprise 60^th birthday / retirement dinner.  The boys were happy for the Facetime with family, and probably more happy for some Egg and Sausage McMuffins.  We then headed off to the beach.  Newcastle has a great ANZAC walk in memory of the Gallipoli battle in 1915.  The Australians do a truly wonderful job of recognizing the sacrifices of their veterans.