Sunday, September 24, 2017

BRISBANE WATER NP- TOMMOS MTB - 24 SEPTEMBER 2017

A small surf again this on this warm and cloudy morning.

I drove to Kincumba Mountain But it as closed due to the high fire danger.

Next stop was Brisbane Water National Park.


I parked at the dirt carpark on Woy Woy Road at the start of the Tunnel Trail.

It was a pretty straight forward ride along the trails - Tunnel and Tommos. I stopped now again to take in the bush views or to look at the wildflowers. I heard a number of birds but no clear sightings.



I finished the ride via Woy Woy Road which had a lot of fast traffic.


A pleasant 7 km ride.


After the ride, I had an ocean swim off Terrigal Haven Beach. The water was very brisk but
bearable. My seasonal swim baptizing.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

BOUDDI LOOP MTB - 22 SEPTEMBER 2017

A surf check revealed smaller waves of poor shape. Maybe later.



I drove to Bouddi National Park and had a mountain bike ride along the Turkey, NW ridge, unknown, Allan Strom and unknown tracks.


It was a fun ride. I felt I had improved on all the runs. The first unknown run has a number of difficult sections being boulder obstacles and the sheer drop over the escarpment. I managed them better and actually made it over a number of obstacles that dwarfed me previously.



The second unknown track leads off the Strom track and it was very pretty. It wound its way through ferns and grass trees.



A fun 7 km ride.

A second surf check revealed no improvement.

Late morning, Kara, Mr Archibald and I drove down to Wamberal Beach for a sit and chat in the sun.



A warm day today.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

BRISBANE WATER NP - WARRAH TRACKS HIKE/MTB - 20 SEPTEMBER 2017

I checked a couple of nearby beaches but the swell had increased and the sandbanks weren't handling the waves.

I decided to check Umina Beach and The Box. unfortunately, they weren't too good either.

Next choice was a cycle around the tracks at Warrah Trig in Brisbane Water National Park.



I parked at Warrah Trig and had a short hike enjoying the wildflowers. I wandered into the bush and followed a series of sandstone boulders. The boulders were slightly above the vegetation so I had some good views north over Box Head and Bouddi National Park.





I drove back down the road and parked close to the main road.


I was testing the new gel bike seat. It was so good that I didn't need the bike pants.

My first track lead to a massive relatively flat series of tessellated sandstone. It was heaps of fun  cycling over the rough surface and finding a path through the clumps of bushes. The views over the spoon shaped depression were rugged and pretty. I found a plant I haven't seen before - Drosera Spatulata of the sundew family.



Next, was a fun short track that followed the main road.

I crossed the main road and followed the service roads to a couple of smaller tracks that lead to wide areas of sandstone that I had a cycle/play on.

Returning back along the main road, I spied a track to the left. I followed it and had a fun time meandering around boulders and vegetation until I reached a series of huge sandstone platforms. It was excellent riding over them and finding a at down and up to all the different levels. There was also a great view across the spoon shaped depression to where I was in the beginning of the ride.



A fun and adventurous 5km ride.

After the ride, I drove to Ettalong for a coffee and a bite to eat at 'The Box on the Water Café'. A great place to sit in the sun while watching the slow boating view across the exit of Brisbane Water.


I checked the waves on the way back home but still a no go.

Later in the afternoon, I had a walk with Jacinta from Terrigal surf club to and around the Haven. A nice finish to the day.


PATONGA CREEK KAYAK - 19 SEPTEMBER 2017


A beautiful day.
I checked the surf which was a bit small and full. I drove over to Patonga Creek to paddle around the mangroves.


Being high tide, I was able to paddle amongst the mangrove trees. It was a nice feeling, paddling over the crystal clear water and around trees with a canopy of green above me. Peaceful and serene.



There were a lot of birds about. I could hear them but it was difficult to see them as they blended in so well in the environment. When I managed to spy one or two, they were quick to fly off or hop out of sight.


After my paddle, I drove the short distant to Patonga Beach and enjoyed a cappuccino in the warm sun while looking over the awesome view of Broken Bay.

Later, I had a middle of the day walk along the Haven Beach and much later still, I had a sunset walk with Jacinta around the Haven.
A nice day.

AVOCA LAGOON KAYAK - 18 SEPTEMBER 2017


I checked the surf but it was random and mono banked.


I decided on a kayak at Avoca Lagoon.

The wind was a little strong but in the sheltered areas there were a number of birds. I watched and admired them for awhile.



A black swan was in the reeds and on a closer but not too close inspection I realised that he/she was nesting. The swan left the nest and stayed close to me trying to encourage me to follow it and so move away from the nest. I obliged took a couple of photos and all were happy.

After the kayak, I sat down at Terrigal Beach in the shelter of the surf club. I then had a wander along the promenade and the beach. Such a pretty day.


Tuesday, September 19, 2017

BOUDDI NP - DALEY TRACKS HARDER - 17 SEPTEMBER 2017


A morning surf check showed wild waves. I continued driving to Bouddi National Park to cycle along the Daley tracks. I tried this a short while ago but didn't do too good as the virus sapped me.


Today, I had a much better ride and managed to ride a long a number of tracks. Some of them were a bit hard for me in parts with big drops. I walked or slid down on these sections.


Overall, I had a much better ride but I think I can do better. Next time! :)

Afterward, I went down to Terrigal Beach for a cappuccino and a sit in the sun.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

TUGGERAH LAKE CYCLE - 16 SEPTEMBER 2017

In the early afternoon, We drove over to ride the cycle path at Long Jetty around part of Tuggerah Lake.



Jacinta's bike had remained unridden for a few years but the other day I cleaned it up, lubed the chain and pumped up the tyres and all seemed good.


Jacinta and I cycled for 13 km and the bike went well with no problems. the cycle track is easy and has nice views over the Tuggerah Lake. A strong wind was blowing so there were a lot of birds along the lakeside in the sheltered areas.



I had a bit of fun riding along a couple of piers.



Back at the start, I took Mr Archibald for a ride on my bike. He loved it.




Thursday, September 14, 2017

TOOWOON BAY HIKE - 13 SEPTEMBER 2017


A hot day predicted for the beginning days of Spring.

Still with this virus, I decided on a short hike/meander around Toowoon Bay.



It never ceases to amaze me on how different this place looks every time I visit. The shape of island and changing swells cause the sand to move in a variety of directions. Today, there was a shallow sandbank on the end of the beach towards the island plus a deep channel between the beach and the island.


The sun was twinkling on the water, the swell was small. the weather was warm and it all added up to a pretty and scenic walk.



After the walk I had coffee at the Toowoon Bay surf club.


Later, Kara, Mr Archibald and I had brunch at the Cove Café at Terrigal Haven.

The wind had increased dramatically so we only had a short walk. We amused ourselves watching a pelican trying to land on the top of a lamp post. It took four attempts before it as successful.

CENTRAL COAST - 4 TO 11 MARCH 2023

 4 MARCH I woke and unloaded and tidied the van. I drove Jacinta to the Hens party for Chloe at Glenworth Valley. Back home and I tidi...