Port Hacking River Cruise
Story and photos from Linda Reetz
Friday 20th March members from Minto Probus set sail on the “Tom Thumb” from Cronulla wharf for a 3 hour cruise on the Port Hacking River. The weather was great and the cool breeze on the water hid the fact that the temperature elsewhere was in the high 30's. Historical facts about the area was relayed to all on board by the young female host. Always amazing to realize how little one knows about areas in our own back yard. Cruising along the Royal National Park with beaches that one can only access by boat; passing beautiful sandstone homes sitting high up on the hills with steep pathways to the waterfront. Makes you wonder just how fit one would have to be to get down to the boat shed to launch your own watercraft. Also the man made rock swimming areas reminds you of the convicts who were made to build these not so long ago.
The harbour was full of all kinds of sailing craft. You couldn't count the millions that had to be paid for many of them. Jet skis roared past us creating waves that rocked the Tom Thumb like a cork in a bottle. Fishermen stood in the middle of the bay as if standing on water until as you got closer you could see the sandbar they stood on. The possibility that sharks could swim by was a little worrying.
All too soon the trip came to an end and heading back from the wharf half the group decided to head back home while the other half decided to stay at Cronulla and have lunch. They found a neat cafe come second hand book shop where home fare cooking was well received. Menus were hidden inside old fashioned “Golden Books” which all found quite amusing. Truly a fun day which all will remember for a long time.
