Bus trip to Woy Woy

Do we really know enough about where we live?

I travel by bus from West Gosford to Woy Woy every Thursday morning to a writing class.

Having stayed and visited many countries in the world I still marvel at the view unfolded from the bus window.

Even on a misty day the Brisbane Waters, mirror reflections of delight.

Gosford was chosen as a strategic site because of its deep anchorage; so guess the depth of water may have something to do with this.

As the bus weaves its way through West Gosford I see the sign pointing the way to Henry Kendall Cottage, an interesting place to visit and see for yourself the life and times of our great poet.

The village of Point Clare (original name) comes into view.

Set against a high backdrop, with the water and railway to the left it is a tribute to Peter Fagen who helped to found it.

Fagen came from County Clare, Ireland, so it is surmised this may account for the name.

Oyster beds come into sight, reminding us of the times when the shells were gathered for lime.

All of this can be read in the History of Gosford.

Each stop never fails to interest me.

Koolewong, how I love to repeat this name it has a musical sound and means "Koala's There."

Sir Thomas Mitchell, the surveyor general at that time directed that when possible, the use of Aboriginal names would be desirable.

My thanks must go to this man.

Each turn the bus makes opens up new vistas.

The Lady Kendall usually sails along with us as we draw closer to Woy Woy.

Passengers wave enthusiastically; as they enjoy their morning cruise.

How I love Woy Woy, the name is a corruption of an Aboriginal name, "Wy Wy", meaning "much water" or "big lagoon."

The council has done much to preserve the character of this place.

I love to walk along the streets and waited excitedly for the new library to open.

Covered up by hoarding it was a moment of triumph when the building was revealed.

I gasped. It was perfect. Just what I wanted.

The facilities are second to none and as a budding writer, a dream come true.

Congratulations to the person who thought up the mosaics on the pavement on either side of the library.

I stood in wonder looking at this work of art. The colours are superb, the pelican and Woy Woy harbour are depicted true to life.

Each week I anxiously scan the pavement just to make sure my symbols are still there.

I enter the quaint CWA Hall built opposite the waterfront for my class at 11am full of enthusiasm ready to start my creative writing class.

Helen Ross, Kariong