As both the Plus and Regular walks commenced at the same time from the same starting point walkers met at the parking area in Lake Park Rd North Narrabeen to exchange greetings for these, our first walks, for the current semester after the long Christmas break. Walkers then separated into their respective groups. The day was forecast as hot, and did not disappoint, but the heat was mitigated by a cool breeze from the ocean.
1 'Ten walkers joined the Plus group... ' 2 Some of Narrabeen Lake from Turimetta Head
Ten walkers joined the Plus group. We set out from the parking area around the recreation reserve to Turimetta Head and from there descended to Warriewood Beach. We then followed the ridge along Mona Vale Golf Course, deciding to remain on the ridge rather than walk on the beach as we had many climbs still to come. We stopped for morning tea at Basin Beach Mona Vale where two of our adventurous walkers took a dip in the ocean whilst the others enjoyed their snacks.
3 Warriewood Beach 4 Basin Beach Mona Vale
After morning tea we climbed to the Mona Vale Headland with spectacular views both north and south and on towards Bungan Beach where we faced a serious decision to either continue to walk to Bungan Head along the roads at the top of the cliffs or descend the steep track down to the beach and then ascend the equally challenging steep track back up to the road near Bungan Head. Despite the heat the more adventurous, or dare I say younger walkers, five in number, decided for the up and down challenge whereas the other five took the gentler route and then waited for the first group to re-emerge near Bungan Head, which they did with sweat running down their faces.
5 Walking past dogs off their leashes 6 And the 5 who tackled Bungan Beach - and then the ascent
After Bungan Head we continued into Newport for a short stop and then on to Bilgola Beach and the steep steps from the beach up to the Serpentine. At Bilgola Head we stopped briefly for photo opportunities and then continued down to Avalon Beach for lunch.
7 The eight finishers pose on Bilgola Head 8 And where the swimmers swam
After lunch we had coffee in Avalon and then split into two groups, one group to take a further swim at Avalon on this lovely day and the other to return to our cars by bus. A very enjoyable day.
9-11 On the way to the bus: Painted bollard Spiderman, Woody and others hitch a ride Painted bollard
Walkers were: Bert and Kurt leaders, Don B, Celia, Michael R, Hazel, Pragati, Barbara R, Deidre, and Louis.
Words by Kurt.
Photos: BarbR 1,8; Louis 2,5; Hazel 3,4,6,7,9-11A