CENTRAL COAST - 24 TO 30 JUNE 2022

 24 JUNE

A short hike at Brisbane Water NP just off Warrah Trig Road. The excess water was slowly running along the ruts of the tessellations. It looked especially nice with the sun reflecting off the water. The vegetation had growth much thicker since the last time I walked here. A few wildflowers were in bloom.

26 JUNE

A mountain bike ride at Bouddi National Park.

The tracks were a little worn and there were a couple of wet spots. Overall, it was good. Had a fun time going over and between some rock obstacles and enjoying the scenery.

28 JUNE

A few laps of the Haven and family visitors.

29 JUNE

A hike along the Mooney Mooney Nature Trail in Brisbane Water National Park.

A great hike following a track beside Mooney Money Creek then branching off to follow Piles Creek to the suspension bridge. From here you could continue to do the Piles Creek Loop track and others. We were happy to cross the suspension bridge (always fun walking over something narrow with height) and bask in the sunshine on a few large boulders.

The track was very muddy in parts but generally okay. It gets and stays wet here as the track is in the shadow for most the day. The vegetation was thick with mangroves on one side and ferns with large trees on the bank on the other. There were great views of Piles Creek as it sped its way along with an outgoing tide. We heard lots of birds but didn’t see any.

30 JUNE

 A mountain bike ride along the tracks at Kincumba Mountain.

Picked up new surfboard. Yahoo! Lookin’ good methinks. It has to cure for the next week.

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 - 1 TO 7 JANUARY 2021

The start of a new year. 2020 was a very different year for everyone. 

1 January

A hike to Mount Ettalong. It was only a short hike with excellent coastal views north across the peninsula and Box Head There were further lookouts to the south with views of Pearl Beach to Sydney.

3 January

I tried out the mal board given to me by Ken. It was heaps of fun with a little bit of getting use to it. I had some small fun waves to myself further down the beach at Wamberal.

4 January

A fun morning surf at Wamberal Beach. The best waves for awhile but very crowded.

I had an afternoon kayak at Mooney Mooney Creek. It was a leisurely paddle and I spend some time enjoying the solitude of the headwaters. A relaxing paddle back until I heard thunder. It seemed far away! More thunder and closer! I started to paddle at mega speed. Just near the highway overhead bridge the thunder pounded continuously and angrily. The heavens erupted and the rain poured down. I reached the van and quickly packed the gear. A short while later the winds went ballistic and the rain became even harder. The roads were partially flooded on the return journey and near home the power had blacked out. A fun and exciting afternoon.

5 January

A surf check at wamby with a pretty sunrise.

A little while later, a morning surf at North Avoca beach. The waves were good with lefts and rights.

A coffee at Terrigal Haven with Jacinta in the later morning sun.

6 January

A kayak at Avoca Lagoon. The skies were a moody contrast of light and clouds.