Just had our last walk on the beach (for a while) back from a nice lunch at the local pub with David, Caro, Julianne and Mike. Great to catch up and hear all of the news. Last night we caught up with Julie and Dave, lunch was with Gary and Cheryl and dinner the previous night was with Andy and Michelle. A social whirl near the end of our trip

We have been living or regulaly visiting this part of the world for about 27 years now and with all of the changes in the past year it is highly likely that we will not be back for a while. The Central Coast of NSW was back in 1986 when we first visited it a series of quiet villages surrounding the scenic waterways of Brisbane Water just north of the Hawkesury river some 50km from central Sydney as the crow flies. The scenery has changed little but it would appear the liveability of the area particulaly in the last 5 years or so is not what it was. As visitors we notice how busy it is on the roads, how many people are now around, the lack of investment in infrastructure in key areas that appear a little run down and dowdy. Our friends all have stories of no go areas after dark and unpleasant incidents that occur with frequency in locations from Umina through Gosford to Terrigal. I think we were there in better times and will remember those fondly

Having said that Patonga remains a gem hidden away from the rat race at the end of the road past Umina on the Hawkesbury. The caravan park is at the end of the beach by the river inlet and is very quiet at this time of year and picturesque (as you will see on the pixs). A good choice of a place to stay if you are ever in the area

Tommorow we will head down to Bowna near Albury (about an 8 hour drive towing). One more night there then home. Its all finishing in a rush now. Time to start planning the next one !!!