a
Today’s walk was a truncated version of the planned walk from Belrose to Narrabeen Lagoon followed by the Narrabeen Lagoon Circuit. Following the heavy rains that hit the Northern Beaches last week the section from Belrose was not feasible at the moment and we had to contend with limiting ourselves to the Narrabeen Lagoon Circuit. To add a few kilometres the walk was commenced at the Pelican Park at North Narrabeen.
Kurt briefing the walkers On the way round the lake
Nine walkers, including leaders, met at Pelican Park and commenced the walk at 9.00 am under overcast skies. We walked along Pittwater Road and crossed to the Narrabeen Lagoon Circuit at the North Narrabeen Bridge. The circuit follows the shore of the lagoon to Billarong Reserve where we had a short stop. From the Reserve to the crossing over Deep Creek we saw a number of areas where water was still pooled from the recent floods. Although the Lagoon is known for its water birds including black swans, pelicans and ducks we saw no evidence of any bird life apart from one duck with a number of ducklings. Maybe the birds were still busy rebuilding their homes as so many humans are currently doing.
We carried on to Middle Creek Reserve where we had morning tea. At this stage the sun came out and the rest of the day was brilliant although a little muggy. From here the circuit continues past the Cromer Golf Course, crosses South Creek and intersects with the Jamison Park section at James Wheeler Place. This part of the walk is unpaved and meanders through bush areas some which are quite tropical in appearance. Unfortunately this part showed evidence of the recent floods with a number of very muddy sections churned up by bicycle tracks and a little difficult to get around.
Morning tea stop On the way
After Jamison Park the circuit continues along The Esplanade to Wheeler Park and along the eastern side of the lagoon to Berry Reserve on Pittwater Road which effectively completes the circuit.
To return to Pelican Park we continued for a short section along the eastern side of the lagoon, crossed to Lagoon Street and up via Malcolm Street to Ocean Street and then across the bridge at the estuary of the Narrabeen Lagoon to Narrabeen Head Aquatic Reserve where we had lunch.
Lunch beside the lake
After lunch we walked the short section along the southern edge of the Lakeside Holiday Park back to Pelican Reserve and our cars. We deposited our backpacks into our cars and finished the day at one of our favourite coffee shops opposite the parking area.
Coffee (and other things) at the end
In all a pleasant, although shortened, walk.
Walkers were: Kurt and Deidre leaders, Don B as tail end and Margaret P as first aid officer. Other walker were Wendy C, Kas, Claude, Vreni, and Louis.
Photos: Deidre 1,3, 4, 5, 6 (all the food), Louis: 2, 4.
Words: Kurt