Hawkesbury River fishing & summer in Lane Cove [*warning: spider pics*]

Pete managed to borrow a boat this week, enabling us to embark on a fishing trip to the Hawkesbury River. Wayne, Pete, Patrick and I headed up the freeway to Mooney Mooney with high expectations of a big day's fishing. As we were backing the trailer on to the boat ramp we'd realised that we had forgotten to pick up bait; no matter, as with our 70 horse-power boat we could speed around to Brooklyn Marina in no time. Whilst we didn't catch any take-home fish in our six hours on the water, it was nevertheless a lot of fun. Hooning up and down the river, drinking beer and enjoying the peace and quiet made for a great day. We saw eagles (which the camera cannot do justice to - they are huge) and caught some small fish, but once again fish and chips and a beer (or a lemonade for the youngest member of the party) at the Brooklyn Hotel was a ideal way to finish the day.

Before going anywhere, we had to evict two stowaways

"the map says all the fish are here"

 Wayne catches a little flatty

Bridge over the River Hawkesbury

 6 hours on the water takes its toll on even the hardiest fishermen

Today we went for a picnic with Jenna and Drew in Longueville Reserve, down the road from where we live.

 Cooking up some snags and rissoles over a beer

View of the Lane Cove River and Woolwich

* * * * *

Spider!

I opened my letterbox this morning to check the mail, only to discover that a squatter has taken up residence:

Huntsman spiders have no venom so they're harmless. They're generally shy but can bite if provoked.

I thought I'd give him a few hours to consider his options, before checking on him again. Unfortunately he doesn't seem to have any plans to move on....

And here's a close up....