ILUKA - 23 TO 26 FEBRUARY 2023

 23 FEBRUARY

The clouds on the drive to Iluka from Lennox Head were gradually, getting darker. Eventually, it poured. On the Iluka Road, we stopped at Sharky Bay for a brief look at the beach. On the exit road, there was a large carpet snake on it.

We continued to Iluka and the camping area. The rain bucketed down as we arrived and settled into our camp site. Later, the rain finished and there was partial sunshine. We took advantage of this and had a long bike ride out to the beaches and breakwater and back via the river pathways. A good ride.

24 FEBRUARY

During the night there was strong wind and rain. About 1am, I had to wind up the awning.

About mid-morning, we hiked the Iluka rainforest walk. A pleasant and easy walk on level ground. We could hear a lot of birds and saw a few but they were very quick. The walk finished at The Bluff Lookout. There were good views along the coastline. On the return we came across a large black lizard.

Later, in the afternoon, we cycled into the shopping area for food and the chemist.

25 FEBRUARY

A heavy bout of rain last night.

We woke to cooler temperatures and light winds. We drove over to the Esk River where I had a kayak. Along the way I saw small kingfishers and a few other small birds. I also paddled in Jackys Gully. It was a nice kayak passing large trees and water lilies. On the return, I spotted a large eagle.

I was tired on the return leg as the tide and wind were against me.

We stopped for coffee and cake then bought some fish for dinner.

Back at camp, we set up on a different site and then I had a relax in the camp pool/spa.

The temperature increased as the afternoon progressed.

26 FEBRUARY

We packed, checked the surf and drove to Bluff Beach for a swim and sun relax. On the point, it was teeming with birds roosting and preening. The water was crystal clear.

Our next stop was Maclean for food supplies.

LENNOX HEAD - 21 to 23 FEBRUARY 2023

 

21 FEBRUARY

We arrived at Lennox Head, picked up some food and settled into lake Ainsworth camp. The afternoon, was doing nothing much. A bit weary from yesterday.

22 FEBRUARY

We woke to off and on rain and strong winds.

Later in the day, the weather sort of improved and I had a bike ride around Lake Ainsworth and the various paths leading to the point.

In the evening, we walked to the bowling club for dinner to meet up with Jacinta’s old school friends, Con and Angela. It was good company, a few drinks and nice food.

23 FEBRUARY

It rained a few times during the night.

When we woke, the weather was windy with the possibility of rain. We decided to leave for a change of scenery.

GLOUCESTER - 14 to 15 FEBRUARY 2023

 

14 FEBRUARY

At Gloucester, we made a few calls and decided to stay there as the drizzle had turned to heavy rain.

Later in the afternoon, the rain lightened so we had a bike ride around the district park. A pleasant ride past a variety of sporting facilities and gardens.

15 FEBRUARY

We woke to heavy fog. After breakfast, we decoded to head back to the coast.

GUNNEDAH - 20 TO 23 OCTOBER 2022

 20 OCTOBER

GUNNEDAH

We visited the tourist Information Centre and settled into the Tourist Caravan Park. Small, spacious and nice.

Later, we had dinner at the Gunnedah Hotel.

21 OCTOBER

A day of roaming around the area.

Porcupine Hill – awesome lookout over the area, especially with so much land flooded.

The Water Tower – A mural painted on the tower depicting a scene from the Vietnam War.

The Silo – a mural of Dorothy McKellar, an Australian poet.

Pensioner Hill – great views and a path past sculptures and plants.

I had a bike ride along the path following the river. It was very muddy. I also followed a road leading to farms in the east. Many fields were flooded.

Later, we had dinner at the Courthouse Hotel.

22 OCTOBER

There was heavy rain last night and we woke to a massive rise in the waterway behind the campground. The road which I cycled on yesterday was not passable as it was covered by deep water for 100 metres.

We went back to Porcupine Hill, where I had a pretty hike on the track that traverse around the hill. A great walk with some great views.

We stayed another night as all the roads out of Gunnedah were blocked by flood waters.

23 OCTOBER

The sky was lightly clouded and no rain.

We decided to pack and check if the roads were open. We were given the all clear at the road detour. Still, there were two locations where the water was still running across the road but not too deep. Apart from that, it was a pleasant drive home.

CENTRAL COAST - 21 TO 26 MAY 2022

 21 MAY

A hike in Bouddi National Park along the Rocky Point Track with Jacinta.

This hike was along the tracks with a return along the trail. The tracks were quite eroded from the recent rains and muddy in spots. It made for a few obstacles to work around. The view at the lookout was superb over Hardy's Bay and surrounds. The return along the trail was easy as it is mainly along a dry service road.

24 MAY

A hike on the Cabbage Tree Track at Strickland State Forest with Jacinta.

A narrow up and down track that passes huge boulders, cliffs, soft ferns and cabbage trees. The track was muddy in parts. Watch out for the leeches!

26 MAY

A cycle from Long Jetty to The Entrance with Jacinta.

An easy cycle with great views over the lake. the tracks passes through parkland, picnic point and the lake foreshore.