Thursday 28 October 2021

Photos courtesy of Donna, Brian and Peter

Brian and Christine were our walk leaders for last Thursday’s walks along the coast up to Surf Beach. Brian took on leading the “medium” 10.5 km walk from MacKenzie Beach to Surf Beach and Christine the easier option of the 5km walk from Mosquito Bay to Surf Beach.

Not having walked this stretch of coast before and with some of my local friends (notwithstanding them having lived in the district for 30 + years) asking “can you walk all the way along the coast there?” and me replying “apparently ”, I jumped at the chance to follow Brian on the longer of the two walks.

On the morning, however, we were not the favoured choice. Christine had all the following and Brian just had Donna and me. Needing 4 to do the walk we shanghaied Pat from the other group to join our walk – and I am so glad we did. As an original BBBW member she kept me entertained the whole way with her bush walking travels. I realise just how much a novice I am at this game.

Our group made good pace, joking that we might catch the others but that was not to be as we could not resist stopping at just about every cove, cliff, and beach to take in the views. And, as those of you who have done these walks before will know, the views are everywhere. The weather was perfect for walking; certainly not too cold and really not too hot. A gentle breeze appeared occasionally to keep us cool and light cloud cover kept us out of full sun – mostly.

The seas were their usual deep blue and although despite trying to spot them, we missed the whales seen by the first group. But there was plenty of birdlife and a few late flowering spring wildflowers to enjoy. And, by taking a side glance every now and then, the sight of some magnificent houses built along this coast kept us fascinated. Lunch for both groups was back at Surf Beach – a perfect place for an end of walk swim.

A splendid morning of walking. Thank you, Brian and Christine.

Peter