The Northern End

I had never been to the far northern end of the Esplanade, well now I have.

I happened to need to be down there yesterday and it is a bit different to further south.

Firstly you don't have to pay for parking, secondly there is a bit more sand and last of all there is a nice park with plenty of shade and even when it is filled with families it feels peaceful.

At the moment there is some smoke happening across the estuary, up in the mountains to the south. It happened last year and is no surprise to see it again. I had been meaning to get some photos, it has been going on for about a week from what I have seen.

The fire might have been lit by someone it shouldn't have or they might be deliberately doing a controlled burn or back burning. Either way I don't mind seeing it and I know that come the heat of pre wet season it means there shouldn't be any out of control fires to worry about over there.

Also the smoke is being blown away from town to we can't smell it, just see it.

This end of the Esplanade has a nice strip of sand and I did spot a little girl and her dad having a lovely time in it. There isn't much in the way of sand at the other end, really only what has been put by the lagoon or the fake beach.

I enjoyed sitting and watching. I was surprised by how many families were enjoying the shady play ground and park. It was peaceful and holiday like. Nice.

It made me wish I had a little one as an excuse to head down and enjoy the area while the weather is nice. I might have to head down again for a nice sunrise view.

 This park is known as Pirate Park as the playground has a ship shape in it. I think it has a different name on the maps of the Esplanade just to confuse. 

Some more of the Esplanade can be found here and here.