Another Newcastle area parkrun adventure today for the first parkrunday of the summer of 25 with fellow Queensland statepersons Lance and Robyn Plahn to Lakeview parkrun which celebrated its 12th birthday and a catchup with local Lakeview legend Mike Lakeview Scott The out and back partly shaded hilly concrete path course is challenging with views of Lake Macquarie but the reward at completion was an icy frozen super dooper ABC TV attended to interview local 83 year old Nancy Dickman upon completing her 300th and featuring her on an upcoming ABC 7pm news feature during summer also ABC online and ABC radio to champion the connection exercise and community. Looking forward to the feature as it will certainly put a spotlight on parkrun Huge thanks to the vollie team for providing support so participants had an enjoyable experience and RD Peter Scotchmer who was also interviewed for the ABC feature Post parkrun, tourists can explore the Creative Lake Sculpture Trail which stretches over 5k and features artwork by national and international artists. The Cultural Guide can be downloaded for detail of locations but several works are along the Foreshore of Warners Bay and also art works at The Museum of Art and Culture located near Lake Mac parkrun Redhead Beach, another beach gem to visit for swimming and surfing is home to the only remaining purpose built shark tower on the east coast of Australia. Built in the 1930’s out of recycled timber from a disused coal mine the timber used for the posts is over 100 year old. The tower provided lifesavers an elevated view of the ocean to sight sharks and warn swimmers For those who prefer walking tracks, Blackbutt Reserve and Fernleigh Track which was formerly a coal haulage rail line and many walkers and cyclists utilise this 15k track Lance and Robyn enjoyed accommodation at Little National Hotel, Honeysuckle Street about 200 meters from the bus/train interchange and is the only Hotel I have experienced who provide a library outfitted with tables/chairs, lounges or booths for quietness, privacy, wifi and recharging facilities whilst quenching ones thirst with free tea/ coffee machine and choice of chilled sparkling water, chilled water or ambient water, how good to be “invited” in as a “guest” prior to catching the bus from the interchange to the airport Nearby, Belmont16 Foot Sailing Club was the venue for post parkrun coffee and brekky, supported by a large table of parkrunners exchanging many parkrun experiences
