The Central Coast has been hit hard. We are the lucky ones in Long jetty having not yet lost power. The wind and rain has been relentless, certainly unlike anything I have experienced. It was scary. The first night I did not sleep a wink. Last night I had to through sheer tiredness. When I awoke it was silent. The wind and rain had passed.

What a mess. The yard is flooded but I am dry. My neighbour had a trampoline blown onto their roof! My place wasn’t too bad apart from the gazebo torn to shreds and yard flooded.

It is still showering on and off, however I popped out in my gumboots to see how my jetty had faired. The pictures say it all!

Hmmm…maybe that boat shed isn’t such a good idea for a coffee shop after all!

This week The “Long Jetty” celebrated it’s 100th Birthday! Here is an article from the local paper.

Long Jetty’s 100th Birthday

I have been here only 12 months and have a deep sentimental attachment to this place. I can’t imagine how some of the people who have been here all their lives must love this place. It’s not just Long Jetty and the lake side. It is the surrounding areas too. Toowoon Bay must be one of the prettiest beaches on the coast, along with Shelley Beach, Bateau Bay and The Entrance. My last post mentioned the Saltwater Creek Bridge and how I have managed to save bits of it. I had more of the timbers delivered from the bridge today to make the path. I can’t wait to have a piece of Long Jetty’s history in my garden! In honour of this lovely place I will upload more photos from the Jetty.

Along the bike track after the rain

A boat by the jetty

I wanted to write a quick post today about something that happened last week.

A few posts back I remember mentioning a gorgeous little bridge that I discovered on my bike track. The rickety old wooden bridge was the most enchanting structure, full of rustic charm and became one of my favourite places to show people. I affectionately called it “The Bridge to Teribithia”. It is actually called “Saltwater Creek Pedestrian Bridge” and connects Long Jetty with it’s neighbouring suburb Killarney Vale.

It rained a lot last week and when the rain had passed I ventured out on my bike with my dear friend who was visiting me from New Zealand. I was excited to show him my cute little bridge only to discover the bridge was surrounded by construction fencing. I was devastated. My bridge to Teribithia was being demolished…

I understand the dangers surrounding old structures and the need for upgrading to keep the public safe etc, but nothing new will ever replace the old world charm and character of this bridge.

I have previously contacted the council about getting some of the old timber from the jetties when they have been replaced with new ones to use in my garden but so far haven’t had much luck. I took down the phone number of the person in charge of the bridge project and gave him a call. He was very kind and keen to help and put me in touch with a guy called Tony. Tony was interested and happy to assist. I met him at the site at 7.30am today. There wasn’t much left of the old bridge however there were a few interesting pieces that he was only too happy to load in the truck and deliver to me later that day. I now have some unusual bits of timber with nuts and bolts in my driveway! I’m not too sure how I will use them but I am excited to create something interesting. I am so grateful and happy to have retrieved some of the timber from the bridge to use in my own garden. It will add personality, soul and charm to my house. The treads from the bridge will be used in my front path and I will somehow make it known where the pieces come from.

So, I have now created another project for myself, one that I know I can make work…somehow

Happy Birthday to me x