Temperance in the Hunter Valley

Whilst we stayed in the heart of the Hunter Valley last night and drove by many wineries on our way to the coast, neither of us had a drop of alcohol to drink. However, we couldn't go past the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company where Barbara was quite restrained and Christine bought a basketful of treats (some will be gifts apparently).

We really didn't spend much time sight-seeing on our way to South West Rocks, although we did stop to get pictures of the Kurri Kurri murals ...

We found another of Australia's big things at Kurri Kurri ...

And look where we parked the motorhome (hint: look at the name of the shop) ...

As luck would have it, we were passing Moorland (28k north of Taree on the Pacific Highway) at lunch time. Christine had stopped at Moorland's small scone/light lunch cafe on a previous trip and recommended the quirkiness, the lunch and the scones.  If you are travelling north of Taree, give it a try. It is not the South Moorland exit - take the next one. There should be a sign board pointing the way to the best scones on the Pacific Highway at the right exit. The cafe is less than 400m from the Pacific Highway.

The overcast weather of the morning had morphed into glorious blue skies by the time we turned off for South West Rocks so we decided to detour to Smoky Cape lighthouse ...

Smoky Beach viewed from the Cape ...

When we arrived at the van park at South West Rocks, we could see the sunset reflected in the waters of Back Creek and hurried to catch the light on the glassy water.  Here are a selection of pictures ...

It is amazing the different light effects you get from different cameras.