MOUNT WONDABYNE MTB/HIKE AND TERRIGAL HAVEN SNORKEL - 4 NOVEMBER 2016

A beautiful sunny morning with fog over the mountains.

I drove to Brisbane Water National Park for a bike and hike to Mount Wondabyne.

The mist was lifting but still giving a magical aurora to the setting - putting a light haze over the distant part of the track, intertwining and weaving between the trees and bushes filtering the light from the sun.

I stopped a few times to look at the wildflowers by the side of the track and listen to the birds.

Eventually, I reached the turn off track for Mount Wondabyne. I hid my bike in the vegetation and started the climb to the top. It was such a fun rock scramble. I climb up the rocks and then followed a relatively level but meandering track and then repeated this process a few times. On each level the view over the hinterland increased showing more and more untouched greenery.

I reached the top, which is the highest point on the Central Coast and enjoyed sweeping views across the ranges and back towards the coast and the pockets of urban areas of the Gosford area.

There was also a lizard lazing in the sun just below the rock of the summit. I watched it for awhile. At first, it was apprehensive of me but after a time, it ignored me and basked in the warm of the sun.

It was a great 8km hike and bike.

Later, I went for a snorkel at Terrigal Haven. The visibility wasn't the best but at the end in the shallower water, I came upon a large stingray very up close and personal. Amazing graceful creatures.

Another great day.

PELICAN ISLAND AND THE ENTRANCE CHANNEL KAYAK - 16 MAY 2016

The wind was light but looked like it was on the increase. I decided on a kayak to Pelican Island in Tuggerah Lake and then a paddle/play in The Entrance channel.

Pelican Island is part of Wyrrabalong National Park. This national park runs along the coastline in sections then covers the islands in Tuggerah Lake. It must be difficult to manage!

The paddle out was a bit bumpy due to a slightly increasing wind but drop off when I reached the sheltered side of the island. I was planning a walk but the vegetation was too thick and where it was sparser there were a lot of birds that I didn't want to disturb.

Back to the channel I followed the southern side and had a fun time passing sightseers and fishermen.

One fellow pointed out that there was a large sting ray just ahead of me. Thanks, I got some nice underwater shots of it.

In the centre of the channel are a number of sand banks where birds tend to congregate.

A fun 4.19km kayak.

KINCUMBA MOUNTAIN AND TERRIGAL HAVEN - MTB SWIM, SNORKEL - 13 JANUARY 2016

It was very warm not long after sunrise. It was going to be a hot one.

I left early for a bike ride along the tracks at Kincumba Mountain.

I took the bottom track then joined the new track and was trenched with sweat. It was a bit too hot now to do a bike ride and enjoy it. I followed the service road and followed a short track before heading back to the car wet with sweat.

Still, it was a great 3.7 km ride and I was looking forward to a swim at Terrigal Haven.

Down at the Haven the water was warm and inviting. I had a pleasant swim but towards the end I swam into a bluebottle tentacle and got a nasty sting across the arm.

Later in the day, I returned to the Haven at low tide for a snorkel.

I snorkeled around for an hour. the highlights were a large school of small fish and a stingray basking on a sandy seabed.

I was hoping for better underwater photos. I was pleased with the ones I took. It seems I need to make sure ... shallow water has better light, clear the lens and camera housing, make sure the flash is on for all shots, stay still, be no more than 1/2 meter away for macro... well,  these are my theories to test out on the next underwater session.

PUTTY BEACH - SNORKEL - 15 DECEMBER 2015

A hazy morning with little wind.


Drove to putty Beach in Bouddi National Park.

A nice walk along the beach and a brisk entry into the water.

The visibility wasn't the best due to poor light and water movement. Still, I hadn't had a snorkel for awhile so it would be a good test of the cameras.

There were a few fish, a lot of thick seaweed and a two stingrays. The rays were great. On the first pass, a small ray kept trying to hide in the seaweed. I progressed further around the rocks and on return there were two rays in full view on the sandy ocean bottom. Great to watch!