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.

CENTRAL COAST - 15 TO 21 AUGUST 2021

 

15 AUGUST

A fun surf at Wamberal Beach – north of the big House.

This bank has been good for a number of days with only a handful of other surfers. The current was strong but the waves had power and shape. J

16 AUGUST

A fun surf at Wamby.

The waves changed a lot with the tide and backwash. Two okay barrels and one clear over the head feel good barrel. J

A hike off track at Girrakool.

Still on a high, I drove to Brisbane Water NP and walked through the bush at Girrakool. It was quiet with small cascades of water and even a red bellied black snake. A dangerous snake but they usually slither away from potential danger … very quickly.

17 AUGUST

A hike to Warrah Lookout.

This was a short hike to an amazing lookout. The wild flowers were in bloom with bees buzzing from flower to flower. The colours were white, yellow, pink, red and purple … a spectrum nearly. There were views along the Hawkesbury River to the west, Box Head to the North and Pittwater and Barrenjoey to the east.

18 AUGUST

Caught up with Paul H and we had a walk along Terrigal Esplanade and The Haven. Nice catch up.

19 AUGUST

Surf check at wamby

Mountain bike ride at Brisbane Water National Park on tracks near Warrah Trig.

Great views from the tessellate sandstone area just north of Warrah Road. A number of shorter tracks one narrow and the others wide. The best was the PMG Track which is all downhill for about six minutes – steep sections, with small and fist sized loose rocks, eroded areas, some flowy sections, views, changing vegetation and an eye out for moving pseudo-sticks.

20 AUGUST

A fun surf at Wamberal Beach. A nice right hand bank. Strong current but some waves with good shape.

CENTRAL COAST - 8 TO 14 AUGUST 2021

 9 AUGUST

A cycle at Gosford waterfront.

We started at East Gosford near the Sailing Club and followed the cycle track around the waterfront of Brisbane Water. A great ride - parklands, bridges, boardwalks, tunnels! A number of people doing the same thing either by foot or pedal.

10 AUGUST

A sunrise surf check at Wamberal Beach and North Avoca Beach.

A mountain bike ride on summit tracks of Rumbalara Reserve.

We did a n umber of circuits of the top track in both directions a couple of times. Free flowing and relatively flat. 

11 AUGUST

A kayak at Erina Creek.

The wind was light and the tide was slightly in my favour for the paddle. The best part was after the Sunken Monkey Hotel where the shoreline looked more natural and to a degree untouched.

12 AUGUST

A hike at Berrys Head.

This was a fairly rough hike. There was a lot of up and down with some steep parts. The track skirted the base of the summit. The summit was strewn with large boulders. There were also a number of side tracks. One track joined up with the other track at Berry Head.

13 AUGUST

A mountain bike ride at The Old Quarry and Tommos Loop in Brisbane Water National Park.

A fun ride. I thoroughly enjoyed myself in the quarry. I pushed my limits on the rough rock terrain and tried to remain casual. It seemed to work but maybe that was luck. haha. 

Tommos Loop seemed easier than the last time I rode it. Good views and some steep sections.

A fun surf at Wamberal Beach. A really good right just north of the big house. The current was very strong and it was tiring trying to keep in the right take off position. Only two others paddled out. :)

CENTRAL COAST - 1 TO 7 AUGUST 2021

During this time, I worked heaps in the yard - steps, fill, planting, retaining walls, etc. There were also a number of great and fun surf days in the morning at Wamberal Beach.

2 AUGUST

A mountain bike ride at Bouddi National Park.

A fun ride along the turkey, northwest ridge, cliff, strom and ferny tracks. There was also a new track running west off the turkey track. I followed it for awhile before the going got a little too tough.

A surf check at Killcare Beach. The surf wasn't good but it was nice viewing the beach.

6 AUGUST

A cycle at the Entrance waterfront.

Jacinta and I started at Picnic Point and cycled along the waterfront to The Entrance Beach. A pleasant ride with great ocean and lake views. There were a number of people about doing their exercise and their version of exercise.