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.

WOKO NATIONAL PARK - 12 TO 13 FEBRUARY 2023

 

12 FEBRUARY

The day was getting hotter. 

We drove to Woko National Park camp. We set up camp in the partial shade overlooking the river. We spent the afternoon having dips in the river (only waist deep water) and chatting with the only other campers.

Late in the afternoon, we had dinner and enjoyed a wine fest.

13 FEBRUARY

A good sleep.

We woke to a cloudy morning and much cooler temperatures.

Jacinta slept a little longer while I hiked the brush turkey track. We did part of this track a few weeks ago. There were a lot of birds at ground and tree level. I got fleeting glances of willy wagtails, wrens and fan tails as a walked. The vegetation was mainly eucalypt with sections of dry rainforest. A good easy track.

Back at camp Jacinta was awake and after breakfast, we headed back to Gloucester.

GLOUCESTER TOPS NATIONAL PARK - 10 TO 12 FEBRUARY 2023

 

10 FEBRUARY

We decided to head to Gloucester Tops National Park as the weather prediction was for strong onshore winds for the next few days.

It was time for an early lunch and coffee at Tea Gardens. Next, was groceries and petrol and we were back on the road.

About two hours later, passing through lush green countryside and over six weirs, we arrived at Gloucester River Camping Area.

After setting up camp, we walked down to the river and had dip in the waters. It was very cold which was great because it was a very hot day. We relaxed through the afternoon.

11 FEBRUARY

A beautiful day.

After breakfast we drove to the top of Gloucester Tops for some hiking.

The first hike was the Gloucester Falls track. Easy to follow and steep in some sections. The first event was a lookout with a great morning view across the mountain ranges in the direction of the coast. The next, was a lookout over Gloucester Falls, A good view but parts were obscured by vegetation. A little further along, we diverted off the main track and down to the falls. A nice place to sit, eat a snack, watch the water flow and the skinks darting out between rock cracks. We continued to follow the track back to the car park.

Feeling like a bit more, we drove to the first carpark and followed the beech track (short loop). It stated off in an open area, but we were soon enclosed by the rainforest. The upper canopy blocked most of the sunlight and the ground level was mostly ferns and moss-covered logs. A small creek bubbled along part of the track.

Back to camp for a late lunch on the edge of the Gloucester River. The water was very cold. Excellent for cooling the body down.

12 FEBRUARY

We woke to clear skies and warm temperature.

I had a hike along Sharpes Creek. A great 3 km return hike through dry rainforest, a number of shallow creek crossings and a lot of bird calls. All of this with morning sunlight filtering through the trees.

We packed and left for Gloucester, where we had lunch, made some calls and stocked up on food.

CENTRAL COAST - 26 JANUARY TO 8 FEBRUARY 2023

 26 JANUARY

We drove back from a two week road trip while we had the wooden floors being restored. The floors looked great! Now to put everything back. This will take a few days. Haha!

27 JANUARY

An early walk around some of the tracks at Kincumba Mountain. Very quiet. Down to the Haven where Jacinta continued walking and I had an ocean swim. Coffee on the beach.

Back to getting things back in place at home.

29 JANUARY

Cooler day.

A walk around the Haven with Jacinta. Coffee on beach.

Finally, got everything back in place in the living room. Now to get on with other things.

A few visitors. Haha

30 JANUARY

A windsurf at Canton Beach. The wind had just a bit too much east to it so it wasn’t very good. The first run was the best but I hit a shallow section and wham the knee into the boom. A few cuts and a lot of bruises. The rest of the session was off/on wind.

2 FEBRUARY

An ocean swim at Terrigal Haven

3 FEBRUARY

A kayak on Terrigal Lagoon.

There was enough water in the lagoon to paddle to the western backwaters. Very quiet amongst the mangroves and casuarinas. I paddled to the beach and had a wander as well. 

4 FEBRUARY

So hot, so busy lately, so many things to sort out. 😊 We got in a coffee and apple muffin on the haven beach.

5 FEBRUARY

A surf at North Avoca Beach. It was fun with a very strong rip. Had a few nice waves and quite a few nose dives. It got better as the tide got higher.

6 FEBRUARY

Hep B first shot.

Later, I had a kayak at Kincumber Creek with Angus. A different sort of kayak starting at the Kincumber boat ramp - past mangroves, houses, a mixture of overhanging trees and ending at large drainage pipes.

7 FEBRUARY

Surf check North Avoca Beach.

Decided on a mountain bike Kincumba Mountain. A short fun ride of about an hour.

Another surf check of North Avoca Beach. A fun surf on the rights. Much better than two days ago. A lot of good waves till the wind increased.

Blood tests for cholesterol and prostrate checkup.

8 FEBRUARY

A surf North Avoca with Terry. Not so good (bumpy, random) but there were a few good waves. A lot of jellyfish.