Friday 13th!!

A very early start to the day as we went to welcome part of the Australian Naval fleet, returning from exercise, into Sydney Harbour.

We got up very early and by 4.30am we, and a coach load of other adventurous souls were heading into Darling Harbour where we boarded our boat for the trip out to The Heads.



Darling Harbour just after 6.00am and the quietest I have ever seen the area.



A lovely morning, very still and starting to get light. Our boat arrived right on time, 6.30am and we headed out into the harbour. The boat was very comfy as it was quite large and there were only about 50 on board so we all had plenty of room to move about and have good vantage points. The boat was spick and span, well appointed with very comfy seating and continuous supply of tea, coffee, croissants, Danish pastries etc. Very pleasant crew but I'm sad that I didn't get a photo of the boat.



The sun is just starting to appear in the East.









What better sunrise could you get over the loveliest harbour in the world.


The city beginning to come alive and the sun starting to wash over the tall buildings.






This submarine was part of the exercise fleet that returned earlier.


Looking back towards the city and that lovely early morning glow.



The first ship of the line approaching The Heads. There were a number of canoes near South Head and even they had their cameras poised. See the canoe in the foreground.

A line of ships back over the horizon. We saw about 18 vessels come into the harbour, all part of an exercise fleet, but the greatest number together in Sydney Harbour since the Bi-Centennial Year 1988.


My own personal favourites. I just love tugs!!






All shapes and sizes.



Everyone is getting ready for the big inspection of the fleet.


On the boat with us were people who had family members serving on board some of the ships, so we got quite a few waves.


Some very excited ones.



We even had a wave from Rear Admiral Nigel Coates, on his way to collect the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, from the steps of the Opera house to begin the inspection of the Fleet.








The Maritime Museums steam driven tug Waratah out on the harbour.


At first I thought this Mallard was a long way from home until I realised that it was a wooden one tied to the stern of the yacht.


Heading back into Darling Harbour.


The old over shadowed by the encroaching new.

The end of a really wonderful morning. Good weather, lots of fresh air, good company, good food, what more could you ask for.

Slept well that night!!