My week in pictures: Ocean Therapy

Because it is often what I need in times of sadness, we headed to the ocean to the weekend, and stayed in an apartment in Huskisson. I like neatly-made-up rooms where I don't have to do the washing, cleaning or any other housekeeping.

First things first; get an ice-cream (we're on holiday!) and walk in the waves. Walking down the main street (Owen Street), we passed this cute little cinema, and a plaque from the Huskisson History Walk, which told us a little bit about the town.

"The settlement grew around shipbuilding and timber yards which were supported by small family businesses. Tourists were also part of the village economy and facilities included the Husky Pub, Avoca Guest House where visitors to the area were accommodated and Bessie Stuart's tea rooms where guests and other people in town could eat. Older residents also report that there was a billiard hall, a shooting gallery, a roller skating rink, a barber and a snake charmer. It was a desirable and attractive place to visit."

It was a bit overcast, but still a "desirable and attractive place to visit."

Walking to the brewery we passed this hedge of bright berries - they are very pretty but probably toxic, so, with mother's voice in my head, I looked but didn't touch.

We also walked through these woods, with the charming stands of trees, that appeal to the (extremely) latent orienteer in me.

And so we arrived at our first destination, Flaming Galah. It was cocktail hour, so we had a few of those, before progressing to beers, in a civilised sort of manner.

On the way back I noticed this sculpture, which I quite like.

We were booked into dinner at Wildginger, an 'Asian fusion' restaurant which was a little bit flash, and very nice. I learned that Nem Pla Prik (or Prik Nam Pla) is a Thai dipping condiment made with fish sauce, lime, garlic and chillies. I also learned that the braised beef cheeks are one of the best things I have tasted in a long time.

Salt and pepper squid

Steamed Ocean Perch with Penang curry, sugar snaps and nem pla prik

Braised Beef Cheeks with green beans, Thai basil, nem pla prik, green curry and cocounut cream

I'm not saying it's all about the food, but... here are some photos from the fabulous Salty Joe's cafe, where we went for breakfast.

Lentil and Potato Fritters with smoked salmon, house made chilli jam served with rocket, courgette and pine nut salad

Maple and Pecan Granola with cranberries, almonds and pepitas topped with vanilla breakfast pannacotta and mascerated berries

And then we went for a walk to take in multiple beaches: Greenfield; Chinaman's; Hyman's; Blenheim.

Scribbly Gum Track

Because we're on holiday

...with gravy

The next day we went on a dolphin-watching cruise on the harbour. We saw dolphins and they were fun and fabulous but I didn't take any photos: one, because I was afraid I might drop my phone overboard, and two, because camera-phone photos of fast-moving animals are usually bobbins. I did take some of the scene and the slower-moving animals, however.

We returned to shore for breakfast burgers.

And we went out to visit the lighthouse at Point Perpendicular. It was built during 1898, constructed of pre-cast concrete blocks using aggregate of local stone, and was the first lighthouse in New South Wales to be constructed using this method. The completed lightstation included the lighthouse, head keeper's residence, duplex cottage for assistant keepers, signal house, flagstaff, post office, stables and outbuildings, a jetty and a fuel store.

The keepers' houses are solid Victorian single-story dwellings with low-hipped roofs (originally terracotta tiles), cast iron verandah columns and underground rainwater tanks. The formal Victorian buildings and their spectracular setting atop the cliffs creates a dramatic contrast.

The light was converted to electricity in 1964 with the installation of twin diesel alternators on the former stables. With electrification the number of keepers was reduced to two.

In 1993 Australian Maritime Safety Authority erected a steel frame tower with an unmanned, automatic solar-powered light to replace the original lighthouse. The last keeper left. The lighthouse reserve was then transferred to the Department of Defence.

The original lighthouse is operated annually to celebrate International Lights and Lightships Weekend.