BLACKWALL MOUNTAIN MTB - 18 OCTOBER 2016

Perfect weather today - sunny, blue skies and warm.


I started the day checking the surf at North Avoca. The waves were very small and the sun was just about to peak over the lightly clouded horizon.

I drove to Blackwall Mountain for a bike ride. This mountain stands out as it surrounded by flat land and Brisbane Water.

The start is very steep along an access road until the top. The road then meanders along the summit ridge and peters out into a track.

It is a short ride - 3.15km - but lots of fun with rock and tree obstacles and intermittent views over the ocean and Brisbane Water.

The tracks follow the edge of the cliff, diverting around trees and boulders.

After the ride, I drove to Ettalong Beach and had coffee at a café along the esplanade. Such a pretty view over the exit of Brisbane Water into the sea. The sun was sparkling and twinkling on the water.

Later that afternoon, I went to Toowoon Bay for a snorkel but the tide was too low so I settled for a swim and a short snooze on the beach.

A great day

AUSTRALIA - SYDNEY - CLOVELLY - 20 JANUARY 2015

We drove down to Sydney for an appointment for my daughter. While she was at the appointment we drove down to Clovelly.

We hadn't been to Clovelly for a long time and it hadn't changed all that much except for a few concrete cosmetic changes along the water's edge and the path around the beaches.

In nostalgia, I use to walk around the beaches via the cliffs and shore platforms. It was very exciting but now it is easier and safer.

We walked along the beach path admiring the changes and the manicured beach.

We stopped for coffee and a late breakfast at a cafe overlooking the beach.

I had a swim at Clovelly. It was refreshing and nice to swim into the incoming swells.

I also checked out Tommos Bay for future snorkelling. A definite 'must'.

A great day