CENTRAL COAST - 14 TO 17 JUNE 2022

 

14 JUNE

Early morning kayak at Mooney Mooney Creek.

I have kayaked here on a number of occasions but this time it was misty and very cold. The mist was thick at the beginning casting the world into an out-of-focus hue. As it lifted, it became more magical as it floated lightly over the water. The sun was reaching parts of the creek and it was a welcome relief when I was able to paddle into its rays as my hands were very chilled. Along the way, there were perfect reflections and the ending was pretty with large boulders and ferns.

15 JUNE

Still in the kayak mode, I drove over to the Wyong River and launched at the old Milk Factory.

The water was sort of greenish and there were some great reflections of the river bank along the way.

The river had a lot of tree obstacles to paddle around and through. It did feel a bit wary paddling at times past trees that were probably due to fall in the water. The paddled ended with a log jam of a number of trees.

16 JUNE

A coastal hike from Pearl Beach to Middle Head.

A perfect day – sunshining, low swell, no wind. The hike had the most amazing coastal views with a backdrop of sandstone cliffs and greenery. There rocks were interesting to walk over with numerous shellfish clinging to the in the tidal zone. Towards the end just before middle beach, there was a small beach and some large boulders to climb. I sat here  for a while enjoying the view.

On the return, I sat on Peral Beach and enjoyed a coffee.

17 JUNE

A hike at Wagstaffe Hill with Jacinta.

This hike stated on the steps to Lobster Beach. At the top of the hill, just after the descent, we turned off and followed a track to the right. This track wound its way around two rocky hills. The bush was thick in the beginning and opened up to tall trees with lighter vegetation. There was a drop to the south with views over the Box and Umina and to the north were jumbles of boulders and cliffs which were the hills. At the far end of the loop hike, we turned off to the right and scaled the path and rocks to the top of the hill. There were awesome views of coast south and partial views of Brisbane Water. There were heaps of flattened boulders to hop across for a different view.

We stopped at Killcare Beach surf club for coffee and lunch

CENTRAL COAST - 4 TO 10 OCTOBER 2021

 

# I started painting the bedrooms, one at a time, this week – repairing shelving holes, sanding, priming and painting. This will keep me busy for a month. Haha!

 

4 OCTOBER

A surf at North Avoca Beach.

There were heaps of backwash making it difficult to get on the waves and stay on them. ha-ha. Didn’t have any good waves but cop a walloping on one of the sets. Nice to get wet and the water was warm. Spring wetsuit time!

5 OCTOBER

A surf at North Avoca Beach.

The right was looking good. I paddled out and had a ball. The waves were fast and furious at times and though it was a small crowd it was a bit intense. Still, got plenty of waves. J

6 OCTOBER

A hike on the Girrakool loop with Jacinta.

It was a quiet hike with just a few people on the track. The waterfall was trickling and the wildflowers were abundant. Just a just walk through the Australian bush.

7 OCTOBER

A surf check at North Avoca and Killcare Beaches. Not much happening.

A mountain bike ride on the Bouddi Loop.

It seems that life is going quiet again on the weekdays. There were only a handful of cars parked at the Maitland Bay carpark. Lately, it has been overflowing. The bike ride was smooth and fun. I stopped for awhile at the end of the northwest ridge, sat on a rock overlooking the bush below and meditated. A fun ride.

9 OCTOBER

A kayak at Avoca Lagoon.

There were a few sups and other kayakers out. It’s always a brief encounter – hi, nice day, have a good one. I had a long chat with Trevor, who was 80 years old and paddling strong despite a number of health setbacks. We paddled around and into the wilder areas of the lagoon. We took a narrow path though the reeds and into a area relatively free of reeds. There was a swan on a nest that was there weeks ago. It left the nest when we came into the area. This was very unusual as they normally are very protective. We approached the nest, close but not too close. There was an egg unhatched in it. There was two previously. There is a off an on very narrow channel to the larger channel to the east. We battled through the reeds until the water was too shallow. We then, got out of the kayaks and walked through the reeds and across the short distance to the main channel. It was fun doing an ‘African Queen’ movie scene. Haha.

10 OCTOBER

A snorkel at Terrigal Haven.

My first for the season. The visibility was very poor. The water was brisk and clean. The haven was crowded with all manner of water craft – sups, peddling subs and motorised foil surfboards, as well as, swimmers and people hanging out on the beach and rock wall. The view from the water of the walkway was unique. It was nice to get back in the ocean.

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.