First stop was Frenchmans. A nice looking wave but it was dropping down in sections. There were only a few guys out there and some of them were riding well but really pushing it to get to the wall.
I went further down the beach and saw a nice wave at Hams Beach. I went out and had fun. I had a few good waves but I am definitely not surf fit and I really need more strength in my right leg muscles to compensate for the lost hamstring. Still, I had a goodtime and I was feeling good.
I drove further south to check out the possibilities of future hikes and bike rides in Wallarah NP. I had a short hike to Spoon Rocks Beach which was very pretty.
Later, I had a visit from old mate Terry H. It was good. He has had so many amazing adventures and experiences that can't be repeated again in the same contexts in an evolving world.
A morning hike in Strickland State Forest along the Strickland Falls Track.
I parked in the top carpark and started along the track to Strickland Falls.
It was an easy track meandering along pass ferns, waratahs and boulders. There were pretty sandstone hewn steps and weathered log retained steps.
The sounds of birds followed me along the track. I had glimpses of them in the distance and close encounter with one medium sized woodland bird that I disturbed when walking around a bend in the track.
The falls were really a trickle but the sound of tinkling water as it cascaded on the rocks was very souring soothing.
The latter part of the hike was along the top of the ridge and the vegetation changed from ferns and cabbage palms to flowers.
The highlight of the walk was the abundance of waratahs. A beautiful plant with a large stem jutting up from the centre of the plant with a huge red flower as its crown.
A bike ride at Kincumba Mountain to start the day.
I rode along part of the Glasson Trail but wasn't too impress. I started off nicely through the picnic area but the next section was a pathway of steps that were too numerous and close for my liking. I made it down but I had to stop three times to hook my bike chain back on.
The next section was good but then it turned steep with obstacles that weren't much fun. I back tracked and then rode the summit trail. That was heaps of fun.
I'll try the Glasson Trail again at a later date.
Off to Terrigal for a coffee, beach walk and swim. Well, I skipped the swim as it was getting wind and chillier.
Later that day, my daughters and I went to The Entrance for lunch. After eating, we watch the pelican feed. Actually, quite entertaining.
I started the day with a morning kayak at Fagans Bay in Brisbane Water.
The conditions were ideal earlier with a high tide, sunshine and a light wind.
It was a pretty paddle with a mangrove shoreline and fairly clear water.
There were heaps of birds - cormorants, ducks, pelicans, cockatoos, galahs, spoonbills, herons and ospreys.
The railway bridge was an interesting feature to paddle under and around. There is one bridge and the rusted pylons of an earlier bridge.
Strangely, I kept finding things in the water that were waterlogged and useless - a large drill and case, a lounge, a kayak, two eskies and a fishing kit. The drill and case, I took to shore and put in a bin.
The wind was fairly strong on the return leg with spray flicking occasionally in my face.
A great and pretty 4.5 km kayak with birds and bridges.
I started off the day checking the waves at Pelican Beach.
Later, my daughter and I had a wander around the art gallery at Gosford Regional Centre.
There were a number of pieces that I liked - a scene carving on wood then acrylic paint - a stone sculpture with hanging figures - a magical bush scene - a portrait of a young woman where the eyes tell a story.
After that, we had coffee and was served by Nikki, who I hadn't seen for ages.
A cultural day with a bit of beach and friend reunion.
I drove to Sydney to catch up with my nephew Robert and Theo. We had a good chat then wandered around the streets of Newtown. This was where I grew up. Of course things had changed but, funnily enough, when looking at my old home, the gate was still the same and the front step was still cracked. :)
After that, I drove to Robbo's 60th. What a great afternoon and night. I caught we people I see now and again and others that I haven't seen since surfing school days down at Bondi. Time passes but everyone was more or less the same.
An early morning check of the surf at North Avoca and Wamberal Beaches.
Next, a drive over to Bouddi NP for a bike and hike to Tallow Beaches.
It is a steep start to this one with some riding and walking till I got to the top.
Took a short rest while viewing and photographing the wild flowers ... purples, yellows, reds and whites ... and a flock of Sulphur crested cockatoos.
The ride became fun now with good views and downhill.
At the gate, I climbed up the rocks for a more expansive view. Well worth it.
The ride was now steep downhill with erosion prevention humps until Tallow Beach. Yahoo!
At Tallow Beach, I wandered along the slightly windswept sand admiring mine and animal footprints. There was a small waterway at the northern end that ended by seeping into the sand. The beach was magnificent with a backdrop of rocky cliffs and greenery.
I backtracked a little and took a turn off for Little Tallow Beach. A great short track with a surprise series of steps - too late to slow down.
The views from the headland between the two beaches were great - looking along the coast north and south, as well as, the cliff drop off.
Little Tallow Beach was small and pretty, surrounded by cliffs with a small creek that bubbled over the rocks and once again disappeared into the sand before meeting the sea.
I started the day with a walk along Terrigal Beach and the promenade. It was bright and sunny. I enjoyed the warmth of the morning sunrise and thought about what I might do today.
I had a few tasks to do and as the day progressed so did the wind.
I drove to Canton Beach on the northern end of Tuggerah Lake. The wind was howling and a few friends - Bill and Lance had just arrived.
Things were looking disastrous as I didn't have the right mast for my sail but luckily Bill had a spare.
What a great windsurf! I was feeling better ( hamstring injury) and in better control. Lots of long and fast runs with some chop jumps at times.
Craig joined us towards the end of my session.
As it turned out, Bill needed a helmet and luckily, I had a spare. In the end, we did a trade - helmet for a mast.
Out of the last three sessions this was by far the best .... keep it coming. :)
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