CENTRAL COAST - Waterfall Bay - kayak - 18 october 2012

I launched opposite Waterfall Bay at the public wharf. The weather was cloudy and there was some drizzle on the drive but none at the venue.



The paddle was pleasant over still glassy water and there were a number of small beaches on the way to the falls. I stopped at one for a rest and walk around.

At the falls, I tucked the canoe between the water and a rock overhang. The banks of the falls were steep and a bit too high to lift the kayak on to drier grounds. Anyway, it worked.

I walked around the falls which aren't really falls but rather a casade of water. Most of the water flowed under rocks. Still, it was a pretty scene and it was fun climbing over the large rocks.

Back at the kayak, I continued to another small beach, which despite the no camping signs was used for camping. It was a shame that whoever stayed last left a lot of broken bottles around the abandoned campfire.

The return leg was a bit more difficult paddling into an increased wind and wave chop.

A great 2 hour kayak with pretty stopovers.

CENTRAL COAST - Wamberal Lagoon - kayak - 16 october 2012

A hot day with flat surf. I passed Wamby lagoon and it looked inviting for a kayak.

I launched and paddled slowly around the lagoon. It was very hot so I tried to keep in the shade as much as possible.

I disturbed two eagles as i paddled around one of the bends of the lagoon. They were such a majestic sight as they powerfully flapped away to a quieter area.

I wanted to try out the kayak in case of a fall. I sank the kayak and it still remained afloat but getting the water out was a problem. Eventually, it was best to empty the water as much as possible then go to shore to drain the remaining water.

The second test was getting back in the kayak from deep water. That was no problem by staddling the bak and hauling myself along to the seat. If the kayak was filled or half filled with water it would be very difficult to paddle the kayak onwards.

Fun day!

CENTRAL COAST - Munmorah SCA - 13 to 14 october 2012

We just purchased a new Hiace campervan and were keen to take it on a test run.



Munmorah SCA is located at the northern end of the Central Coast in NSW, Australia.

We arrived at Frazer Park and went for a walk along the beach and the rocks to the south. There was a bit of an ocean swell running so there were some large waves that caused large sprays of water into the air. The rock platforms were mainly conglomerate which lead to some interesting rock formations with the help of wave action and salt corrosion. Bongon lagoon is next to the southern carpark. It is small but looks like it would be interesting to kayak along.

Our next stop was the palm circuit walk. This walk was short but lead through rainforest and drier vegetation on the steeper section of the walk. At the top of the track, there was a track leading onwards to Snapper Point Road. The track leading down the hill runs beside a small creek that would be more scenic after rain.

We drove to Freemans Camping Area and set up for the night. We extended the awning, made the bed and dinner. We had a lot of gear from tent camping and used what was needed in the campervan.

It rained during the night but we were dry and warm. It did get cold during the later hours of the night so warmer sleep gear would be needed for the next trip.

In the morning, we had breakfast, packed and drove to Snapper Point. At Snapper Pt, we walked around the cliff top looking at the fishermen below. We were lucky as a pod of dolphins cruised past while we were there. There was a large cave at the base of the northern side of the point where the waves crash up and surge into. We then followed a short  track to Bongon Beach. The flannel flowers amongst other flowers were in full bloom.

We drove a short distance up the road to the carpark at the start of the Moonee Beach walk. Jacinta remained behind for this one. The trail lead downhill to Moonee Beach and beyond. (It would be a good bike ride down and challenging on return). I walked along Moonee Beach towards the south coming to flat island which I climbed and walked along. Nice view from this point. I returned and walked through the sand dunes to Ghosties Beach and Timber Beach. The coastal cliffs here were very high and looked very unstable. On the return walk, I ventured through the dunes close to the cliffs and had a nice view from the highest dune above Moonie Beach. I continued backtracking returning to the van. The return walk from the track at Moonie Beach to the carpark took 25 minutes.

We drove to Frazer park for lunch and a rest. After that, we returned home.

Munmorah SCA is a great place to stay and visit - beaches, cliffs, pockets of rainforest, islands and walking/bike tracks. The campervan worked well. It was so much easier to set up and pack up than camping. It was especially easier once home. Camping use to take a good half day but the van took 20 minutes. Now to plan for the next trip!

CENTRAL COAST - Popran Creek - kayak - 2 october 2012

I've wanted to do this kayak for awhile but had trouble finding a closer launch spot. I drove along Wiseman's Ferry Road and came to spot on the road opposite the entrance to Popran Creek. A small path lead through the mangroves to the edge of the Mangrove River. I have driven pass this spot before but hadn't noticed the path.

It was a bit narrow so it it was a little difficult carrying the kayak and the final section was very slippery. I launched and paddled across Mangrove Creek to the entrance of Popran Creek.

Nearly, straight away I was greeted by a large eagle in the trees. Nice sight!

I paddled as far as I could along Popran Creek until I reached a series of fallen trees blocking the creek. The banks on either side were either too steep to get up and pass or too overgrown.

Along the way, I diverted off the the creek three times to followed smaller feeder creeks. One creek was very straight and lined with very tall grasses. Part of the way along there was a small bridge. I landed here and was very surprised to find that there was a raised walking platform through the rushes.

The other two smaller creeks lead through the mangroves and were narrow with low tree branches making it a fun and adventurous detour.

Popran Creek itself was very pretty and there were three/two bridges to pass under. One was very very low and I just managed to get under it. It was worse coming back as the tide was higher.

It was a great kayak and as a change I had the tides right and the high tide helped me up the creek and the low down the creek.

Back to the car  and the adventure had only just begun. My car had a flat battery as I had left my lights on. No worries, ring the NRMA. Worry, as there was no mobile phone reception. There were a few houses opposite but no one was home. I walked 4 kilometres to Spencer and got a lift off a very nice couple on the last one kilometre. They were going to do a few things and would pick me up on the way back. At Spencer, there was no mobile reception. No worries, I'll use the public phone. No change. No worries, I'll get change at the grocery shop. The grocery shop was closed. Luckily, a lady pulled in to go to the shop and had some change. I rang, got assistance and the couple came back to drive me back to the car. An hour later, the battery was charged and I was off.



A long day, a good kayak and despite the car problem, I met some very nice people!

CENTRAL COAST - Cockrone Lagoon - kayak - 28 september 2012

Off for another kayak. This time Cockrone Lagoon at Copacabana.

I hadn't done this kayak for awhile but was surprised at how much I didn't remember!

I launched on the southern side at a small park. there were heaps of ducks there and for awhile I was waylaid watching them. there was one very attractive female duck that attracted the advances of over a dozen male ducks. Funny, I thought most birds bred with only one partner. Maybe ducks are different. I'll need to find a duck expert for the answer.

Eventually, I launched and slowly paddled my way around the lagoon. There were a number of experiences along the way.



There as a small feeder creek with properties on one side of its bank. It was nice the way the land owners had kept the scene natural.

Near the same area, I came across a number of birds. The most impressive birds were the swans and their hatchlings paddling along in single formation. the chicks were white in stark contrast to the black feathered parents. A little later, I also came across a nest with three eggs.

The biggest creek was fun to paddle along. It had two bridge, one which was quite low. the base of the bridges were covered in webs and spiders. It creek also had a number of log and branch obstacles.

A great kayak with birds, bridges and eggs!

CENTRAL COAST - Avoca Lagoon - 26 september 2012

It was a bit cloudy this morning with a freshening wind. I decided on a kayak at Avoca Lagoon.

I parked and launched from the scout hall.

Usually, I paddle along to the sounds of nature but for a change I put the ipod on and paddle to a vaiety of beats. There was a bit of background traffic noise so the music was a good idea.

There were a lot of birds and they weren't too impressed with my appearance around a bend of reeds or clump of trees. I did get to see a lot of them taking off and in flight. Nice!

I paddled down the feeder creek at the western end which was narrow and fun, passing under a bridge.

The wind was a lot stronger on the return paddle.



All in all a pretty morning and peaceful way to start the day.

CENTRAL COAST - Terrigal Haven - HIKE - 23 september 2012

Another beautiful sunny morning. I was up early and felt like a short walk around the rocks at Terrigal Haven.



The morning was warm and the tide was very low. I quite enjoyed the walk as I was walking where normally it was covered by water. It was a bit slippery in sections.

The low tide formed a number of rock pools that were very pretty and clear. This was highlighted by in the early morning sunshine.

The sun was doing it's job across the ocean's surface forming playful, flickering sunlight reflections. In addition, the swell caused an undulating movement at times this to morning glory show.

I watched a group of mask and goggled cladded swimmers jump off the rocks at the base of the skillion and swim around to the haven. It looked like a lot of fun! Must try it when the water warms up in summer.

A great quiet walk!

CENTRAL COAST - Terrigal Lagoon - kayak - 21 September 2012

I've had a virus for awhile and this has been the first morning where I've woken and felt relatively normal.

The thought of a short kayak on such a beautiful morning was very appealing.



I launched at the bridge and paddled up to the west end of the lagoon. They was a large white wading bird that seemed to semi-pose for the camera. That kept me amused for a time as they don't usually let you get that close.

 

The west end has two feeder creeks. The one to the north was short but the one to the south was more adventurous. It branched off a number of times but was blocked by deliberately cut tree branches. I was amazed that someone had gone to so much trouble to block access. Anyway, I removed the blockages and came across a sunken car and a homemade wooden kayak. How the car/boat (not sure) got to that position is beyond me unless it was dropped there by helicopter.

It was a fun kayak and a nice way to start the day.

INDONESIA - LOMBOK 2012

I had three and a half weeks in Indonesia. I booked the flights and one night in Legian, Bali. Apart from this, I wasn't certain as to where I would go in Indonesia.

The surf reports showed Ekas, Lombok to be the most consistently offshore windwise with a reasonable sized swell. I arrived in Bali, walked over to the domestic airport and purchased a flight to Lombok for the following morning. I stayed at Heaven on the Planet Resort and wandered between that and Ocean Heaven Resort. They are owned by the same person.

Besides the surf, I met lots of nice fellow travellers from various parts of the world.



The local people are very nice and helpful. I was there at the end of Ramadan and so met lots of locals at the beach. Everyone was in a great mood!



The next day, i was in Lombok and by mid morning I was out surfing.



this second surf video is of additional footage I neglected to upload previously. It was on my last day in Lombok. a good sized swell had hit. great waves all day.



The waves just kept coming for the next three weeks with off shore winds.






The area is very quiet and isolated. I hired a motorbike to get around to the various surf breaks and countryside. It was lots of fun riding on the dirt roads/tracks/dry river beds along the coast of south east Lombok. There were a few villages dotted around the area.



I visited Ekas village and walked along the pretty white sanded beach and pier. A pretty place.



A few of us went on a day trip to Tetebatu. We walked to the waterfall, had a freezing swim in the waterfall pool and walked the jungle track back to the car. At the end of the walk, we stopped for coconuts



I also did a bit of snorkelling between surfs. There was coral and some fish.



One of the attractions in the area is monkeys. Around the resort, on the beach and on the roads/tracks.



After Lombok, I flew back to Bali for a few days and stayed at Balian. The surf there was okay.




Though I didn't write much, the trip was excellent and I am now waiting patiently for return trip to Indonesia.

CENTRAL COAST - Triangle Island, Mangrove Creek - kayak - 3 august 2012

I drove to Spencer, which is a small town on the Wisemans Ferry Road for a kayak. The weather was overcast.

I launched from the boat ramp which is across the road from the genereal store. Triangle Island is opposite the boat ramp.

Triangle Island (Hawkesbury River): A small mangrove covered island, triangular in shape hence its name, on Mangrove Creek, a tributary of the Hawkesbury River. The island is located off Hibbs Point and Wendoree Park, land which once belonged to First Fleeter Peter Hibbs.

I paddled along the west shore for awhile and admired the birds sunning on the poles of the netted pool. From this point, I crossed to the island and followed its triangular shape back to where I started.

At one point, I tried to paddle through the mangroves of the island. it was very thick and dense so I didn't get very far.



This was only a short kayak as I wasn't feeling well due to an up and down virus.

Back to the shore, a feed from the general store and a sit on the sunny wharf for the end of a short but fun kayak.

CENTRAL COAST - Terrigal Haven - surf - 1/2 august 2012

The weather was wild on the 1 August with a howling wind and big seas. I took videos from the lookout on Havenview Street. Very cold! Guys were getting some nice waves but most were having a lot of trouble trying to get onto the wave.

The next day, was smaller and less windy. This time, I took videos from the beach at Terrigal and on the rocks at Terrigal Haven. The tide was low and a few guys came to grief on the rocks.