When I see you smile, my heart flutters

What's a girl to do when the storm clouds part, and the sunshine angel comes out to play?

For me, it's no better time than to take the Silver Palomino out for a spin and throw away the cobwebs. We went up to Manly and up to Sydney Harbour National Park's North Head lookout, or as a colleague laughingly called it, "make out point".

Steeped in history, North Heads has free entry (parking costs $3 per day). Being the entrance to the spectacular Sydney Harbour, you could be forgiven if you thought you were further than 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Sydney city - and that's by ferry! It was here that on 29 January 1788 that captain Hunter and Lieutenant Bradley landed to survey Sydney Harbour after the arrival of the first fleet three days earlier, and became some of the earliest British and Aborigine interaction. Prior to British settlement, this area was associated with the Gayimai clan, and also used by the Koradgee (or spiritual leader) of the Cameraigal clan for their sacred ceremonies of healing and burial.

From the 1830's to as late as 1984, ships arriving in Sydney with suspected contagious disease stopped inside North Head to allow passengers and crew to disembark for an average 40 day stay, in order to quarantine and protect local residents from becoming sick. The site was chosen as a quarantine area because of the desirable location as the first safe anchorage point inside the Harbour; natural springs to ensure water supply and at the time, a safe distance from the centre of Sydney.

Today, the Quarantine station is an educational centre; home to the Boilerhouse restaurant and has exclusive B&B accommodation. 

For more history and details for current events, check out the quarantine station's website.

What I love the most about the Silver Palomino  is how she ignites dreams amongst everybody we meet. Whether it be a Honda sports bike rider complaining about their uncomfortable saddle after whizzing up next to us with his girlfriend (who I might add was one of the most accomplished pillion passengers I've seen - she carried coffees up from Manly with incredible poise). Or the middle aged gentleman who wished he could still ride, but had given up his motorcycle when family commitments made it necessary. Yes, the Silver Palomino knows how to use her charm and inspire freedom and joy amongst people, and that's what I love most about her. Also, the adventures we have together teach me something every time.