Off lead at the RHW

Across the road from me, there is a relatively new park which was carved out when the old site of the Royal Hospital for Women was 'de-mobbed' and converted into very swish apartments. The RHW was moved out to be on the same site as the Prince of Wales (PoW) Hospital at Randwick.


This park is an off-lead park from something like 4pm - 8pm. All the owners are assiduous at cleaning up after their pets. The pets entertain each other and neighbour gets to meet neighbour. There are many low-rise apartments in the vicinity, and terraces that don't have much of a yard. I often go over to quietly enjoy.

Sea Fever

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by, And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking, And a grey mist on the sea's face and a grey dawn breaking. I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying, And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying. I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

John Masefield

Put him in a long boat

What would a gathering of old salts be without a cacophony of sea-shanties to pipe them aboard?

Festival of wooden boats

Heave ho, me hearties! Didn't it blow on Saturday. And the wind was straight off the Antarctic. But the passion she was warm and flowing. And the wind-blasted men and their lanky offspring were full of enthusiasm. An the red wine was aged and mellow, and the fries long and lanky also and dipped in red sauce. Ah, to sit quay-side and watch a gaggle of giddy youth construct flimsy wooden rowboats (for want of a better word). Struggling across the Pyrmont Bridge (which I experienced opening!! in both directions) to the National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour was well worth it.

Victoria Barracks- Upon close inspection

The barracks is the HQ for both Land Command and Training Command for the Australian Army. It does not house regular soldiers. However, there are some families who make the barracks home, evidenced by the scooters and footballs. It is an oasis within bustling Paddington.