Tomaree Headland, Port Stephens: the sister mountain to Yaccaba, emblem of yonder blue bays, badge of summertime. And up there, above the curvature of the world, on the edge of the Pacific and us, well, there’s a place to stand and breathe.
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And I can report to those that are away that the weekend drives by Maitlanders ‘up the bay’ have begun, and so it goes …
I can confirm dear reader that clusters of heat afflicted folk have commenced their weekend pilgrimages to The Bay: and it’s across through Phoenix Park or Thornton, the back way from here - over to the Hinton Bridge and wait there a tick, to give way, and raise your index finger from the wheel as they let you go through, and that’s how you do it around here - and that’s right.
And up the gentle rise from the pub through that tranquil river village, and then down and arcing and curving and feel the breeze now as you surge across the fields.
And we’re going to the bay again, like we always did…
And down along the Clarence Town road to the Terrace, and the river forking big and wide and lovely there below. Along the old highway now, and there was a time when you did stop the night here, back then…
Then up you come and there on the port side, Grahamstown Dam and your first glimpse of shimmering sun-decked water - and guess how many birds are on the water level sign, and everyone can play and you count them up.
Then though the Campvale bush and the koalas are in there somewhere sleeping high up in the Australian gumtree sky…
And you get to Paul’s Corner and Salt Ash, and it’s sometimes a bag of ice, or a Gaytime, or a pie. You know you’re getting there now, and there’s the sand dunes off to the right, and beyond lies the tremendous unfinishing sea.
And no more the perils of the Bob’s Farm, road, instead a dual carriageway, and watch out for the Law, since they’re checking your speed - and fair enough, since we all want make it safe to The Bay, and that’s right.
And there’s the vegetable stall and we might get some of them Anna Bay tomatoes on the way home - and they grow the sweetest tomatoes in that sandy grey soil.
And take your pick from here dear friends: maybe Birubi and the ocean side places, or left and along to Salamander and sleepy Soldiers to sit and feel the nor-easter ripping in across the beautiful blueness…
Or keep going, like you know how, and past Gan Gan and down into town and there’s the Sea Breeze and the Co-Op for prawns or fish and chips.
Then along by where the Council Picnic used to be, and you’re here again – you’re from Maitland, and you’re out for the day, up at The Bay. And the water welcomes you, familiar and magnificent .
And so it goes. Goodnight.
