On this the first walk of Hill View’s July to November program 25 walkers assembled at Putty Beach in Bouddi National Park before a short car shuffle up to the Maitland Bay Information Centre and start of the day’s walk. We followed the Bullimah Spur Track along the narrow bush track which winds past rocky outcrops through Sydney Red Gums and Burrawangs down the ridge to the Bullimah Lookout at the end of the spur for morning tea with views of Box Head, Putty Beach, Maitland Bay and towards Lion Island, Barrenjoey and Pittwater.
Returning to the Maitland Bay Track we descended the many steps through coastal forest to Maitland Bay and Beach where Sue B reminded us of the storm in 1898 when the S.S Maitland was smashed against the rocks and 24 passengers out of 36 lost their lives. A far cry from the idyllic scene we experienced today as we stopped for a short water break. At this point we joined the Bouddi Coastal Walk undulating up and down steps over boardwalks and bridges along to Gerrin Point Lookout where we searched for whales heading north but today were disappointed.
Although the day was clear and mostly sunny there was a cool wind blowing as we walked along the more exposed coastline so lunch in the shelter among the rocks at the end of Bullimah Beach was very welcome.
A full Winter sun and the scenery owned the day - for instance the view at morning tea from the Bullimah Lookout. Putty Beach in the foreground, Lion Island in the middle ground. Out of the photo, we could see Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Head and the coastline South to Manly.
On the track, the leading group posed on a bridge. Notable headwear included Bert's Cossack hat and Peter's copious red, white and blue beanie (Brexit?).
Some pretty coastline, with Manly in the distance.
The lunch spot on Bullimah Beach is on the same longitude as Bullimah Lookout, but at 'our' end of the beach, sheltered from the Southerly. The first arrivals were waiting, not for their comrades, but for the photographer to focus his shot.
On the left, Ida, was best prepared for sun
and cold.
Afternoon tea was at the Mount Penang Gardens in the cafe by the lake for some of us however a few went astray and ended up at Hardys Bay.
For the record: On the recce, leaders Vreni and Sue B were joined by Jill and Rhondda (the last not walking on the Friday). Other walkers on the day were David E, Ida, Helen A, Judith, Peter, Elaine E, Lea, Kurt, Annette, Don W, Don B, Margaret B, Robyn M, Ros G, Cherry, Chris Mc, Dawn, Rex, Bert, John G, Deidre and Barrie.
Words by Jill.
Photos by Deidre (1, 5) and Don W (2-4).