Cruising the Clyde

25 May 2019 / Story - Brian Clayton Photo - Anda Clayton

The morning started at the Heritage Bakery in Milton where we met Bob and Linda, Illawarra members Jan, Gary and Trevor and Trevor’s mate Maurie. Coffee all round and cakes and sausage rolls for some. After some time spent chatting it was time to start the run down the highway to Batemans Bay. The convoy had a pleasant and uneventful trip along the coast road, reaching Batemans Bay in plenty of time for some more chat before boarding the ferry. Chris and Dace from Narooma joined us at the dock.

The boat headed off down river towards the ocean, the captain giving us some tourist information along the way, although the chat amongst the group seemed to take precedence. The boat turned around, stopping briefly at the dock where lunch was loaded aboard.

A bottle of bubbly was first priority, to celebrate Bob and Linda’s 45th wedding anniversary. Congratulations Bob and Linda. There was a rumour (spread by Bob) that a romantic evening in Batemans Bay was planned for the happy couple.

Lunch was some of the best fish and chips I have had, fresh and moist and hot. Lovely!

After lunch it was a matter of sit back and enjoy the unspoilt scenery of the Clyde River, with a fine sunny afternoon and a pleasant light breeze making it hard not to nod off on a “Nanna Nap”.

A half hour stopover in Nelligen allowed time for a terrific ice cream. The captain warned us not to order a double and this proved to be wise advice when you saw the size of a single. Then it was time for a stroll around historic Nelligen with a visit to the convict tree and the Steam Packet Hotel.

Back to the boat for the return trip down the river and a stroll back to our cars. After some fond farewells we then had a pleasant drive home in the afternoon sun. What a great way to spend a Saturday with friends.