CENTRAL COAST - 24 TO 29 OCTOBER 2022

 

24 OCTOBER

We woke early and drove to Sydney airport to pick up Chloe and Angus at the international airport. They had returned from three weeks in Greece.

25 OCTOBER

KINCUMBA MOUNTAIN RESERVE

We both had a crap sleep.

We drove the Kincumba Mountain and hiked along a number of the tracks. There were a few random wildflowers has we strolled along.

26 OCTOBER

AVOCA LAGOON

The surf was big, so I had an early kayak at Avoca Lagoon.

The water level was low so I was limited to where I could paddle as it was either too shallow or dry land. The sun was warm on the north arm of the lagoon. There were a few birds as well. I paddled around the island and followed the lagoon opening towards the sea. I landed on the beach and enjoyed watching and feeling the waves break over the sand bank.

At home for breakfast and later Jacinta and I had coffee at the Haven Beach.

I did a lot of home tasks in the afternoon.

27 OCTOBER

I checked the surf early. Looked like it would be better later. Back home for breakfast.

Back down the beach later but I mistimed the tides. It was a bit full and only managed three waves.

At home for van washing and path cleaning.

29 OCTOBER

TERRIGAL LAGOON

Beautiful day with small surf.

I had a kayak on Terrigal Lagoon. It was a little shallow, but I just managed to reach and paddle along one of the west tributaries. There were two ducklings on the water that took off along the creek and up and over the creek bank and into the bush upon noticing me.

There were a few birds in the lagoon – ducks, cormorants, lapwings and black swans.

I paddled to the beach and walked across the sand to the small but glassy waves. Not much to ride but conditions were perfect.

In the evening, Jacinta and I saw ‘Pricilla, queen of the Desert’ at the Laycock Theatre. Some of the songs were good and well sung.

CENTRAL COAST - 'BACK IN THE SURF' - 8 TO 14 NOVEMBER 2019

November 8

An early swim at Toowoon Bay. the beach was near empty and looked so pretty in the morning sun. The water was very cold so only a short swim. I dived in and swam full speed but just couldn't warm up. :) Sitting on the share was nicer. 

November 9

We had an early walk along the rock platform at Avoca Beach. There were deep pools that would look inviting to explore on a lo swell and warmer weather. The high cliffs made a dramatic backdrop especially when Jacinta standing near them gave its height more perspective. 

Later, we met with Chloe for breakfast on Avoca Beach. We sat on the beach in the sun and ate and chatted. Nice!

11 November

I had a hike on the Bouddi Coastal Track from Putty Beach to Bullimah Beach. Such variety in this hike - beautiful sandstone patterns, cliffs that were easy and fun to climb, huge waves crashing onto rocks and a calm and deep water swim at corner of the rocks and the beach. The water wasn't cold today. :)

I had physio treatment later - getting better.

Early in the afternoon I had a short snorkel at Terrigal Haven. It was short because the visibility was poor but I did see a massive blueish grouper.

12 November

Catastrophic fire warning today. Schools closed and national parks closed.

I finally tried surfing again. The injury was fine but the water was so cold - I was wearing boardshorts and a rashie. Wetsuit next time! The new board rode going well considering the surf was under a ½ metre.

Afterwards, I sat at the Haven for coffee and the wind picked up quickly and began to howl.

13 November

A path walk  around the haven twice.

Afterwards, I had a small surf at North Avoca Beach – The small rights were okay and my new surfboard handled a lot better.

Dinner with Jacinta at the Kincumber Hotel - yum meal!

14 November

A longer surf at North Avoca. The board handled better and I even pulled into a few nice semi cutbacks in the small conditions. Heaps of waves.

BOUDDI BIKING AND AVOCA BEACH - 5 SEPTEMBER 2017

This morning I drove to Bouddi National Park to ride the Turkey and North West Ridge tracks/trails.

The new bike went so well. I attempted and went over bigger drop offs with ease, climbed the steeper sections quicker and rode smoother over roots and rocks. Overall, I felt more in control. Well, this all sounds like I'm building myself up for a big fall at some stage soon.

The ride was about 5km and I managed to finish it in about half the time it normally takes me. Hmm, I am heading for a fall.

Later, Kara, Mr Archibald and I had a sit down on Avoca Beach.

Mr Archibald attracted a lot of attention, as usual, and I was happy drinking my cappuccino while Kara did a lot of talking.

BEACHES, NATIONAL PARK AND BIRTHDAY - 18 MAY 2017

A pretty sunrise at Avoca Beach - looked a bit Monet-like.

I drove over to Umina Beach. There was a bit of an infrequent wave but I didn't feel tempted enough.

I settled for a mountain bike ride at Bouddi National Park on the turkey and NW ridge tracks. It was a fun ride and I definitely felt that my riding technique had improved. I was getting over rocks and small drop-offs  a lot easier and smoother.

After the ride, I had an ocean swim at Terrigal haven and saw a large blue groper in the water. Nice surprise.

Today is Kara's birthday. She opened her presents when everyone was finally home. Then off to dinner at the 'Thaiger Temple'. Nice. :)

BEACHES - 17 MAY 2017

I wasn't feeling too well this morning but okay enough to get out and about but nothing too energetic.

First stop, Avoca Beach. There were some waves south but generally it was a bit messy. the sunrise was glorious. The north end of the beach was suffused by thee salt mist and rising sun in yellow and gold light. The ocean was twinkling and radiating gold.

Next stop, Wamberal Beach. There was a great wave at the big house but there weren't many of them. Mainly, they were closing out but when someone got a good one, it was good.

Next stop, Shelley Beach. It was a random mess.

The final stop was Toowoon Bay. There was an occasional decent wave off the point but generally more suited for SUPS and kayaks. I sat in the café above the beach and enjoyed the view. After awhile, I wandered around the edge of the beach. Walking in the shallows and taking in the ocean world. I was feeling inspired by the water and had an ocean swim. I couldn't believe that I as summing in board shorts two weeks before winter. The water was warm and clear.

Getting out of the water and walking back to the car and ran into old windsurfing mate Lance. A great chat as I hadn't seen him for ages.

Back home and after the morning chores, the girls and I went to the Erina Fair Mall for lunch. Yummy Moroccan pizza.