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Good Morning ...
An early morning stroll along Shipwreck Walk which is a 2km walk along the Stockton breakwater (north side of Newcastle Harbour).
Lined along the base of the Stockton Breakwater are some 16 wrecks and Scuttled vessels. This breakwater was named Shipwreck Walk in 1992 and the location of these wrecks were identified.
The French barque 'Adolphe' is still visible and is thought to be one of the most accessible wrecks in Australia. A viewing platform has been erected to give sightseers a closer look at the 'Adolphe'.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ADOLPHE?
The Adolphe sailed in from Antwerp on September 30th 1904. It was picked up by the tugs Hero and Victoria about 9 a.m. and made an attempt to enter port.
When it came round the southern breakwater, the barque was struck by huge seas which caused the Victoria's hawser* to snap. The Hero could not hold the barque up and another succession of big waves lifted the Adolphe on to the remains of the wreck Colonist where she remained.
The seas swept her from stern to bow, tons of water poured into the lower decks and the crew had to take refuge on the poop*.
The doomed vessel presented a splendid though terrible spectacle standing perfectly upright with her bow heading to the harbour.
When the signal guns were fired, the lifeboat commanded by Coxswain A. McKinnon was quickly launched and made her way to the wreck with thousands of spectators watching.
Several attempts were made to take the boat around the stern of the Adolphe, which was abandoned after four oars were broken. McKinnon then skilfully maneuvered the boat round the wreck of the Regent Murray and was able to get a line onto the Adolphe. The lifeboat was anchored and the seamen slipped down the line one by one. It took half-an-hour for the thirty-two men to be placed in the lifeboat.
The Adolphe struck at 10:25 a.m. By 12 o'clock the last of the ship's company (including Captain Layec) slid down the line to safety. The lifeboat made the return trip with forty-seven men on board and was taken in tow by the Customs tug.
Good Morning Stockton by AstroVisual, on Flickr
I was surprised to see an Owl fly over me as I started the walk up the rock wall. Never seen an owl so close to the sea before.
Good Morning Owl by AstroVisual, on Flickr
Looking across the mouth of the Hunter River at Nobby's Head and Lighthouse. This lighthouse sits about 2 kms or so from the centre of Newcastle.
Good Morning Nobbys by AstroVisual, on Flickr
Good Morning Nobbys by AstroVisual, on Flickr
Four women jogged past me on their early morning run ...
Good Morning Ladies by AstroVisual, on Flickr
The Adolphe as described above
Good Morning Adolphe by AstroVisual, on Flickr
Finally, aside from owls we see lots of pelicans as well. As well as gulls, terns, cormorants, swallows, and various others.
Good Morning Mr Percival by AstroVisual, on Flickr
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