 |
| Breakwater with Nobbys behind |
It was breakfast on the run on the road this week. A good
friends 50th birthday in the Hunter Valley generated the opportunity to revisit
the sites and flavours of the Newcastle region. The husband and I camped enroute’
at ‘Jimmys’ on the Beach’ campground, an hour north of Newcastle. Hawks
nest is a magical seaside holiday hamlet that has successfully retained the
sleepy feel without succumbing to development pressures.
It would be failing journalistic integrity to suggest I leapt out of bed with vigour after a disturbed ‘first night away’ sleep. Nonetheless, not one to disappoint, we drove another hour to the Newcastle foreshore. Donned running gear and headed west up the Hunter River towards Carrington. The husband set the pace and path in brisk southern winds. Within the first minutes we enjoyed a fortuitous encounter with a local running identity, 62yo Alan. Macca was warming down one of his ‘chargés’, having just completed a neat half marathon training session. To my delight, he promptly ascertained the serious level of my commitment and enquired into my current running goals. Suitably impressed with my response he regaled us with his Boston marathon tales from last year. My delight turned to glee with his assessment of my "very nice" running style! The husband proudly bedecked with his gold coast marathon t-shirt was chastised about his inefficient weak low hanging arm style. There was suggestion, later in our run, by the husband that perhaps Alan’s recruitment strategy involved targeting all the female runners in the foreshore. I suspect he was still carrying a grudge about the reference to his arm propulsion technique. Alan's other sage advice included "lest is best ' and not to over race. I enjoyed the chirpy company and brush with obvious running celebrity. There were numerous warm greetings from other runners, who all seemed to know our companion.
We farewelled Alan and continued along the river foreshore past the old docks. We passed the fishing trawlers with fisherman cleaning off after their catch and we meandered via the new townhouse developments, with enviable proximity to the water front. We turned around at Carrington and retraced our steps heading east towards Nobbys' lighthouse and the breakwater then return.
It would be failing journalistic integrity to suggest I leapt out of bed with vigour after a disturbed ‘first night away’ sleep. Nonetheless, not one to disappoint, we drove another hour to the Newcastle foreshore. Donned running gear and headed west up the Hunter River towards Carrington. The husband set the pace and path in brisk southern winds. Within the first minutes we enjoyed a fortuitous encounter with a local running identity, 62yo Alan. Macca was warming down one of his ‘chargés’, having just completed a neat half marathon training session. To my delight, he promptly ascertained the serious level of my commitment and enquired into my current running goals. Suitably impressed with my response he regaled us with his Boston marathon tales from last year. My delight turned to glee with his assessment of my "very nice" running style! The husband proudly bedecked with his gold coast marathon t-shirt was chastised about his inefficient weak low hanging arm style. There was suggestion, later in our run, by the husband that perhaps Alan’s recruitment strategy involved targeting all the female runners in the foreshore. I suspect he was still carrying a grudge about the reference to his arm propulsion technique. Alan's other sage advice included "lest is best ' and not to over race. I enjoyed the chirpy company and brush with obvious running celebrity. There were numerous warm greetings from other runners, who all seemed to know our companion.
We farewelled Alan and continued along the river foreshore past the old docks. We passed the fishing trawlers with fisherman cleaning off after their catch and we meandered via the new townhouse developments, with enviable proximity to the water front. We turned around at Carrington and retraced our steps heading east towards Nobbys' lighthouse and the breakwater then return.
 |
| view from Estobar |
Estobar cafe is located across from Newcastle beach and
seems to have already been discovered. The tables are a little close for
comfort and make for intimate dining with strangers. Secure a bar stool off the
street for uninterrupted ocean views. The highlight was the generous sized and
cute tea pot, dressed with knitted cosy and tasty leaf brew. The bircher muesli
with berries and a side of yoghurt was attractively presented but an oversupply
of grated apple and a confusing assortment of other fillers missed its mark.
The husbands berry yogurt with honey pistachios was a perfect balance of sweet
and tangy. A magnificent cappuccino established Estobar as a worthy dining
option. Friendly staff made it a memorable breakfast. Slightly elevated prices
compensated by the location.
No comments:
Post a Comment