I wasn't well yesterday nor much better this morning but by mid morning I felt okay enough to ride my new mountain bike.
I decided on Kincumba Mountain as it has a number of places to loop back to the start if I started to feel to sick again.
The bike - Trek Marlin 7 - went really well. It felt higher to ride due to the 29" wheels compared to 26" wheels and generally it felt very loose.
After awhile, I got better control of the steering and stated to pick up speed. It was faster than my old bike and so much easier to peddle with the better gear system. The hydraulic brakes were excellent.
I finished the ride, the fastest ever for me and I didn't feel at all tired.
I need to work on a few aspects of my steering and going over obstacles. Looking forward to it.
After the ride, I went down to Terrigal Beach and had a coffee in the warm sunshine then a walk along the beach. It was such a pretty day - warm, blue sky and clear, brisk water.
Later, Kara and I took the birds to Kincumba Mountain. We sat on a large sandstone rock overlooking a large clearing. The sun was still warm and it was so quiet and peaceful. A nice afternoon.
A morning hike around the rocks
at Terrigal Haven. The tide was low and the ocean swell was very low so I was
able to walk to spots that are normally too wet and slippery. At the top of the
Skillion ( a large headland) I watched a whale journeying to the north. It was
clearly visible and sent up fountains of spray. Nice.
Later, Kara and I took the birds
out and sat around Wamberal Lagoon. The weather was arm and the water was very
reflective.
My bike was in for repairs. I got
a call and the cost was going to be $380 to fix it. I decided to buy a new
bike. I picked up the old one and bought a Trek Marlin 7 with hydraulic brakes.
14 August 2017
I checked the waves and had a fun
surf at Wamberal Beach. The waves wee okay but it was so awkward surfing in a
wetsuit after two months.
I took my time and eventually
went for a surf. There were okay at North Avoca. I put on my wetsuit, got the
board out of thee van and realized I left the fins at home. I took that as a
warning sign.
Luckily, I had the kayak in the
van so I went for a paddle around Avoca Lagoon.
It was so peaceful and relaxing,
especially at the western end where the wind was minimal. There were heaps of
birds out. The highlight was the Black Swan sitting on its nest in amongst the
reeds.
Back home and I put the surfboard
fins in the van. :)
12 August 2017
So tired today. I just pottered
around the house.
Jacinta and I had coffee down at
Terrigal Haven.
I put my bike in for a service
and brake adjustment.
We spent the day getting the
house in order. A big job!
Late in the afternoon, I had a
bike ride on the tracks at Kincumba Mountain. The Summit Track had been
extended a few hundred metres. I fun ride though I need to urgently to get
my brakes fixed.
I went down the Haven beach to
enjoy the sunshine. The water was so warm I strolled along the water's edge with
my feet in the water.
10 August 2017
Back from Indonesia at 6:15am
Ran into long time friend Roger
at the airport. A nice start to our return.
We got through customs relatively
quickly and were soon on the shuttle bus home.
We arrived home at 10:30am and
unpacked and started the getting the house back to normal tasks. That was fine
as i slept poorly on the plane so do mindless things was okay.
I had an early long surf in the morning. It was a bit bumpy but still good.
Breakfast.
A fun second surf but I was so tired by the time I got out.
We ran into Col and Jeff, while having dinner. The
girls from Emerald Beach were in good 'spirits' walking up the hill yahooing and gesturing. They had
lost one of their friends (Tammy) who I found for them in Deki's safe and well.
28 JULY 2017
A morning surf check revealed Russell from WA, who I met in
Balian about 4 years ago.
I had a mid morning long and fun surf.
Back in for a short sleep (tired!) then we had a great lunch at Tom's
Garden.
I had a late okay surf.
We had a pleasant dinner at Gubug Cafe.
29 JULY 2017
I woke to a light rain and smallish surf. I paddled out
and had a fun time with no one out.
Back in for breakfast with Kara and Jacinta.
I had a second okay surf later. Getting out I had chit chats with
Russell, Loz, Tammy and Michelle.
I met Nathan, who is here for a month. He has just finished
a messy divorce and settled other issues and now needed a place to rest and
chill out. Good decision and good place to choose.
I joined Kara and Jacinta for lunch at Tom's Garden.
A third surf with some good waves amongst the mushy ones.
We had dinner at Tekor, chatted with Trevor's family and later Col,
Jeff and a Canadian girl.
30 JULY 2017
The surf looked a little sloppy earlier so I waited till
after breakfast before paddling out. I had a few nice waves but it was a little
bumpy.
I met Frank and Adam from Coffs Harbour.
We had lunch at Pitaya and then I had an afternoon kip.
31 JULY 2017
Surf messy all day.
I had an early morning walk through the village. It was nice watching the locals at their morning activities and enjoying the rising sun.
Lazed about the rest of the day.
1 AUGUST 2017
A messy surf in the morning.
Had a surf after breakfast but it was all over the place.
I caught two waves then came in.
The rest of the day was lounging about.
We had a nice dinner at Istani's with Nathan joining us. On one of the tables was surfing legend, Simon Anderson, who invented the thruster system of fins for surfboards. A total revolution in design at the time.
2 AUGUST 2017
I had a morning surf in good size waves. it was a tricky surf with the waves a little random but I had some good waves amongst the
ordinary ones.
Breakfast.
The second surf as better and I had some fun challenging waves. The waves tended to rear up quickly
and were a bit random. I took a lot on the head but enjoyed myself.
3 AUGUST 2017
Messy surf.
At low tide, Nathan. and I had a long, coastal hike south. I've done this a number of times but it amazing how much the sea changes the coastline in a short amount of time in this area.
There were some interesting features - mushroom shaped rocks, massive sea arch to walk through, local boats, massive and pounding waves, temples, new dwelling and old neglected dwellings.
We met Becky and Rob a few days ago. Becky is very bright and bubbly and Rob's claim to fame was/is that he is a foot model and competed in Wipe Out in 2009 (TV show) and was eliminated in 11th place.
A messy surf so just pooled it and ate. 5 AUGUST 2017
An early surf with size and good shape. I had a lot of fun.
Breakfast.
The second surf was fun but not as good.
Resting the rest of the day.
6 AUGUST 2017
Morning surf. It started off a little bumpy but there were
some nice waves but after an hour it lost a lot of form and I belly boarded in.
Breakfast
Caught up with Jeff and Mark. I passed a few unwanted items
on to Mark.
7 AUGUST 2017
Early surf in fun waves.
Breakfast.
Second surf. I was a bit tired but it was the last day so I
paddled out and had a good time.
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