With my laparoscopic biopsy scheduled for the 21st April I found out to my consternation that no swimming was allowed until the four incisions healed and that could take a month!
We had combined forces with my son to give Juliet a Wellness Sauna for her birthday. This involved jumping into Sydney Harbour between sessions of being slowly roasted so, as I was going too, we had to time it before the hospital visit.
Friday the 17th April was forecast to be 29 Celsius which is very warm for the second month of Autumn. A rain storm was expected in the late afternoon and as our booking was for 2 o’clock I was a little apprehensive. Any fears about jumping in with sharks were allayed as there is a netted enclosure off the pontoon.
Then I worried that saunas may be off limits after chemo. I did a Google AI search which came up with mixed messages, but on the whole it seemed to say it was OK.
John waved me off on the train which was very crowded. People were coughing so I worried I might catch something which would prevent my biopsy on Tuesday.
Changing trains at Redfern I found I was on the same carriage as Juliet so we travelled on to Circular Quay in a happy mood.
Lunch at a café overlooking Sydney Cove lightened our spirits even more although we spent a few anxious minutes looking for a “small white boat with potplants on the roof” while we waited at Campbell’s Cove. We were pleased to find we were the only people on board and enjoyed a scenic boat ride where the driver stopped and took a photo of us with the bridge in the background.
In front of the Coathanger
Our sauna was situated on a floating pontoon somewhere off Berry’s Bay. There was a deck covered with artificial grass and everything was made from recycled products except the wood which was sustainable timber. Inside the sauna was a large picture window looking out over the harbour. A wood burning stove surrounded by hot rocks provided the heat and a bucket of water with a ladle was designed to add a bit of steam and increase the humidity.
I’m enjoying the heat
After ten minutes we were glad to get out into the cooler air and didn’t hesitate to jump in the water which was cold at first but not unpleasant. The only problem was my cap floated off when I first jumped in so I was left bald headed. Fortunately I was able to rescue it before it sank but should have learnt my lesson as next time it sank straight to the bottom. I had other caps so didn’t have to go home in the train with a bald head.
Cooling off after a toasty sauna
Sitting on the pleasantly scented timber seats looking at the passing boats and the coals of the fire we talked companionably about many things. I was so glad we were the only ones as it was possible to relax completely. Our guide sat in his boat to give us privacy but checked on us now and again to make sure we were all right. Then he announced herbal tea was coming up in a few minutes so we used the fresh water cold shower and changed in the dressing rooms before having our tea and fruit. This is “Wellness Afloat” so no alcohol is allowed and as the energy balls had nuts to which my daughter is allergic we had strawberries provided instead.
The boat with the pot plants on the roof
Our guide dropped us off at Barangaroo so we could catch the Metro to Central. He promised to fish out my cap but I told him not to worry as I’ve plenty more. I’ve got a feeling he is going to find it at the bottom of that net and we are going to have to work out a way to get it back. As a keen recycler he is not just going to throw it in the bin!
The trip home flew by as I read a book on my phone. It takes an hour and a half, travelling through the Royal National Park and coastal villages with the lights of Wollongong ahead, welcoming me home.
The Curry Apple Orchard 