CENTRAL COAST - 26 TO 29 NOVEMBER 2022

 

26 NOVEMBER

A swim at Terrigal Haven.

27 NOVEMBER

A hike on the Neera Track in Brisbane Water NP.

We parked on Patonga Road at the start of the San Depot trail. There was enough parking for about 3 to 4 cars without blocking the entry gate. About 100 metres along the track is a signed turn off to the right indicating the Neera Trail. The trail is wide for about half its distance before it narrows as a single track. There were a few turnoffs along the way leading to partial views. The narrow track vegetation is about waist high with some spiky plants. There is also a small creek crossing before a short ascent to the end of the track and the main road.

We had a swim and coffee on nearby Pearl Beach after the hire.

28 NOVEMBER

A physio check-up on the arm. More exercises to do. Getting better on both arms slowly.

A swim at Terrigal Haven. The water was very clear. There were a few cooler spots when the wind got you. A few good size fish to be seen.

A short mountain bike ride at Kincumba Mountain. Nearly ran over a juvenile lace monitor and had a big spin out when eating a patch of soft sand. Both of these hurt the arm a bit, so I decided on a short ride.

29 NOVEMBER

Early morning walk around the haven.

CENTRAL COAST - 14 TO 17 JUNE 2022

 

14 JUNE

Early morning kayak at Mooney Mooney Creek.

I have kayaked here on a number of occasions but this time it was misty and very cold. The mist was thick at the beginning casting the world into an out-of-focus hue. As it lifted, it became more magical as it floated lightly over the water. The sun was reaching parts of the creek and it was a welcome relief when I was able to paddle into its rays as my hands were very chilled. Along the way, there were perfect reflections and the ending was pretty with large boulders and ferns.

15 JUNE

Still in the kayak mode, I drove over to the Wyong River and launched at the old Milk Factory.

The water was sort of greenish and there were some great reflections of the river bank along the way.

The river had a lot of tree obstacles to paddle around and through. It did feel a bit wary paddling at times past trees that were probably due to fall in the water. The paddled ended with a log jam of a number of trees.

16 JUNE

A coastal hike from Pearl Beach to Middle Head.

A perfect day – sunshining, low swell, no wind. The hike had the most amazing coastal views with a backdrop of sandstone cliffs and greenery. There rocks were interesting to walk over with numerous shellfish clinging to the in the tidal zone. Towards the end just before middle beach, there was a small beach and some large boulders to climb. I sat here  for a while enjoying the view.

On the return, I sat on Peral Beach and enjoyed a coffee.

17 JUNE

A hike at Wagstaffe Hill with Jacinta.

This hike stated on the steps to Lobster Beach. At the top of the hill, just after the descent, we turned off and followed a track to the right. This track wound its way around two rocky hills. The bush was thick in the beginning and opened up to tall trees with lighter vegetation. There was a drop to the south with views over the Box and Umina and to the north were jumbles of boulders and cliffs which were the hills. At the far end of the loop hike, we turned off to the right and scaled the path and rocks to the top of the hill. There were awesome views of coast south and partial views of Brisbane Water. There were heaps of flattened boulders to hop across for a different view.

We stopped at Killcare Beach surf club for coffee and lunch

CENTRAL COAST - 22 TO 28 AUGUST 2021

 22 AUGUST

A kayak on Tuggerah Lake.

I launched the kayak from Picnic Point and paddled towards Pelican Island. There were a lot of birds on the island which I slowly circumnavigated. The next stop was Terilbah Island which was very shallow so I couldn’t get too close. The bridge was the next objective which I paddled under. Great view! Along the channel next going under and next to the boardwalk before paddling to the beach on the other side. 

The paddle was fun with the water being clear and glassy. The channel current was a challenge to paddle against.

23 AUGUST

A hike at Bouddi National Park.

We parked in High View Road and walked the steps to Lobster Beach. At the summit of the walk, we turned right and followed the informal tracks towards Wagstaff. There were great views, huge boulders flowers, thick vegetation and large trees along the way. Our plan was to get to half tide rocks which are opposite Ettalong. We took a number of informal tracks and even hiked off track to get to the base of the hill but we weren’t successful. Getting back to the top track was an effort.

A fun hike with some tricky rock climbing.

26 AUGUST

A morning surf check at wamberal Beach.

A short walk along Pearl beach and the rocks.

A beautiful day for a beach walk. We couldn’t get very far as the waves were breaking across the rocks on the point. We managed it to the tidal swimming baths.

A lap of Pearl Beach Arboretum.

We were close by so we tried another walk. This track is flat and was once a farm that has been gradually rehabilitated to become more natural. There were a lot of bird calls and it was very quiet as we wandered around.

28 AUGUST

A hike at Strickland State Forest on the Cabbage tree and Strickland Falls tracks.

I drove up to the top carpark for a hike. The carpark was packed and overflowing. Pre covid, I never saw more than about five cars here. The hike was great. The tracks were a bit more worn than the last time I was here. There were some flowers, trees, vines, large boulders and some views across the greenery. Strickland falls was only a trickle.

NOVEMBER FILES - 1 TO 19 NOVEMBER 2020

 

1 November

A surf at Wamberal Beach.

It was mid-tide early so I managed to get enough waves before the high tide swallowed the breaks. Some fun rights and the lefts were a bit full but okay. The temperature dropped a lot by the end of the session. It was home for  hot shower.

3 November

A mountain bike ride at Brisbane Water National Park.

I parked at Warrah Road and set off on the bike. I explored the tessellated rock platform then raced along the track parallel to Patonga Road. Towards the end of the track, there was a new track to the right. I followed it to top of the opposite rock platform. There was another new track in the far north east corner. The track was rough, through thick vegetation, over rocks and there were a lot of sections I had to get off (too hard for moi). I didn’t get to end as it got heaps harder so I backtracked.

Next, was nearby Pearl Beach for sit and coffee.

13 November 2020

A hike at Strickland State Forest.

A mid morning hike along the arboretum and bellbird tracks. Highlights - a number of short turnoffs down the sandy creeks that parallel the tracks, clear shallow water, bird calls, palms oscillating in the breeze, no one else on the tracks, no leeches and a short suspension bridge.

14 November 2020

Jacinta and I had breakfast at Killcare beach an watched the ocean and the beach activities. There were even occasional okay waves.

15 November 2020

A fun surf at Wamberal Beach.

The tide was going high but the waves were small but good for about an hour.

16 November 2020

The surf was small and onshore so I popped back home picked up the kayak and headed for Wamberal Lagoon.

It was a pleasant kayak with highlights of reflective water, the sun flickering in and out of view through the she oaks, a small number of birds fossicking on the shoreline and a short walk on Wamberal Beach.

17 November

A morning mountain bike and hike to the top of Mount Wondabyne in Brisbane Water National Park.

The journey to the mount was a gradual uphill along a number of tracks/trails until the final turn off which was steeper. The edges of the trail were festooned in yellow flowers in sections.

At the base of the mount, I hid my bike in the dense vegetation and rock scrambled to the top. The views at the top were awesome across an endless hinterland of shades of green. I sat at the trig marker for awhile enjoying the height.

The journey back by bike was downhill and fast. A lot of loose rocks made for exciting conditions. About halfway back, I came across a small flock of yellow tailed black cockatoos. I stopped for a short while watching their antics with the young and listening to their raucous screeching.

19 November

A surf checked revealed small weak waves so it was off for coffee on Terrigal Beach, a dip in the ocean and a walk along the beach with the sun rising.