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

WYONG RIVER KAYAK - 21 OCTOBER 2016

I parked at the Milk Factory at Wyong for a kayak on the Wyong River.

The start was a small weir with a notice that there are platypuses in the area - didn't see any.

The wind was light so many parts of the river were glassy and reflective. It was fun cutting over the glassy water and dodging under overhanging branches and weaving between semi submerged trees.

Along the way, I saw a few Eastern Water Dragons that were lounging on tree branches. One in particular, let me observe it at close quarters for an extended time.

Also, I heard a high screeching bird call. There were four Sulphur Crested Cockatoos chasing a Sea Eagle.  They all landed in a tree and all seemed well, until the Magpies took exception to the eagle and started swooping at it. The eagle flew off and, of course, that seemed to annoy the cockatoos who began screeching and chasing the eagle again. It looks like at breeding times, the eagle was not welcomed.

Finally, I could go no further due to lack of time and a large tree blocking the waterway.

A fun 6.69 km kayak.

CENTRAL COAST - WYONG RIVER - KAYAK - 16 march 2013

I've done the Wyong River before but lately there had been a lot of rain so how has it changed..



I parked at Woodbury park off Old Maitland Road at Alison near Wyong.

It was a bit of a steep descent to the river with deep muddy clay on the edge of the banks. The water was brown and smelled of clay.

The river had changed a lot as it was much more narrower and steeper. The banks had caved in bringing with them trees and bushes. The navigation was hard around, through, over and under these obstacles but heaps of fun and challenging.

I didn't get too far as it became too difficult to pass.

On the way, there were birds, lizards and even a fox.

distance       4.26 km
time             1 h 6mins
av speed      3.8 km/h
max speed   9.7 km/h

CENTRAL COAST - Wyong River - kayak - 3 July 2011

 

I launched at River Street, Wyong and paddled upriver.

I took a turnoff to the left that went under a low bridge. The creek was narrow with vegetation overhanging the banks. Along the way, I over landed it twice through blocked sections. The way back was great as the water was fast moving and there was a section of small rapids.

I don’t think this creek can normally be navigated by kayak but here had been a lot of rain of late which had raised the water level.