Many years ago, I worked for a mining company that had a smelter and research centre in Newcastle; I used to fly up reasonably regularly for overnight business trips. So I was interested to see what Newcastle is like 25 years on. A you’d expect, it’s larger and more modern, with less of an industrial feel, although we could see the huge bulk carriers, loaders and conveyors, shifting piles of coal onto ships bound no doubt for China, as we followed the river in from the north.
Our destination was Fort Scratchley, almost at the eastern end of the city, and overlooking the river entrance. Along with similar forts in other strategic locations, it was build by Peter Scratchley in the late 1800s, after it was feared that the Russians might invade after the Crimean War. Newcastle’s coal and timber, and the industries they supported, needed to be protected. Several gun emplacements overlooked the ocean, and we learned that mines were also laid in the river – they were serious. The guns here were even fired in anger, although not against an invading enemy, but to deter tax evaders who thought they could leave by ship. Ian wondered if today’s Tax Office should be empowered in such a fashion …
We took a Tunnel Tour with a very knowledgeable and informative volunteer guide. Originally the emplacements were open to the elements, but in the early 1900s, they were roofed in, effectively creating a small underground facility. We learned the ins and outs of artillery (including the origins of the infamous Brass Monkey, and why its balls would freeze off. If you want to know, you might need to visit the fort for yourself). The infrastructure is quite intact.
Back above ground, we joined the members of the local vintage car society, who had parked their lovingly maintained vehicles conveniently where we could admire them (my favourite being the little red Corvette). At 1pm, the time gun was loaded, primed, and fired with a resounding bang; this prompted the dropping of the time ball on the nearby clock tower. The volunteers were all characters, wisecracking and having WAY too much fun! We could imagine the conversation at home – “Where are you off to today, dear?” “Oh, just up to the Fort to fire the guns. I’ll be back for a late lunch and a bit of a lie-down”. “That’s nice dear, have fun with your friends”.
After lunch (spent watching small lizards playing chasey with each other on a sunny wall), we headed to the Memorial Walk. Opened in 2015 as part of the WW1 Centenary, this impressive project comprises an elevated 500m walkway high above the ocean. There are steel cutouts of military personnel, and panels telling stories of local involvement in the war. We followed it to the top of the hill, then continued down for a short distance to another fort, this one in disrepair and with no information about it.
We retraced our steps back to Bar Beach, where the endless breaking of waves on rocks was mesmerising, viewed from the cliff top.
We finished our day in Newcastle with a fun park Sprint race, with a surprisingly large turnout of almost 100 people. It was a small area with nothing particularly complex, but the course planner made very good use of what they had, and we zig-zagged between park and street, with plenty of directional changes, and even a nice long leg on my course. We’d been feeling a bit lethargic after the heat and some strenuous walks and climbs, but the late afternoon cloud cover and nice fresh breeze made for ideal running conditions. We were both happy with our runs, as neither of us were hampered by tight calf muscles. Ian had a clean run, and I had one minor overshoot. We finished 8th of 20 (me) and 10th of 70 (Ian), and agreed we both felt better for it. We really enjoy going to other people’s events! I’ve been invited to take part in the Womens 55AS “chocolate leg” competition at Easter – a particular leg on the course is nominated, and the winner gets chocolate. My type of orienteering.
dipidydoo 