Stockton 22 August 2013

Drove down to Raymond Terrace to have a look at the town. It has certainty grown in the past few years, with a new shopping complex right in the middle of the CBD, thus keeping all the shops together. The weather has taken a turn for the worst with strong winds and clouds keeping the temperature down – we wanted to turn around and head north again. Drove through beautiful farm lands until we got to Stockton. We have never been here before and were surprised at the magnificence views looking towards Port Stevens, however we camped on the western side facing the Newcastle industrial area. While not scenic, it was interesting looking across the Hunter River towards the coal terminals (largest in the world) amidst the massive cranes and silos. We watched the sun go down and the illuminations of the factories making a wonderland of lights. Ironically there was a report on the news about the dangers of the micro-particles of coal dust in the Hunter and the health problems it inflicted on local residents.