Twenty four walkers including two visitors assembled at the entrance to Kamay Botany Bay NP on an extremely mild and slightly windy winter’s morning and set off into the park. After a short road walk, we turned off along the Yena Track and made our way down through bushland to join the road again at Cape Solander. A short stop was made at the NP Whale Observatory to watch whales but at that stage there was little to be seen. On moving on and descending to the rock ledge, the whales obliged and began to make appearances as we made our way along the ledge following the coast southwards. Morning tea was taken on the rock ledge with whales continuing to oblige.
Shortly thereafter, we started to make our way inland along a track which became increasingly waterlogged. Fortunately for the leaders, particularly the one with the Scottish accent, our bushwalkers are a stoic, patient and tolerant bunch. At the initial briefing, he had mentioned that there would probably be one or two puddles to be negotiated but rain a couple of days beforehand had turned them into small lakes which were difficult to walk around and wet, muddy boots became the order of the day. Two of our walkers resolved to follow the direct route, took off their socks and shoes and walked straight down the middle of the “lakes”. One of them even demonstrated that the age of chivalry was not dead by carrying his wife on his back!
A drier section of track then followed as we progressed through sand dunes on to Cape Baily Lighthouse. The walkers could accept the fact that bushes had obscured the view from the lighthouse, but were saddened to see it covered with graffiti and decided to descend back to the rock ledge to a nicer view and more whales, for lunch. On resuming the return journey, the leaders having noticed a possible alternative and drier coastal track on the outward trek, proposed to the walkers that this route be tried instead. This proved to be the best decision of the day as not only was the track much drier and shorter but views of the rocks and ocean sparkling in the sun were far more attractive than boggy bush. Eventually we re-joined the main track and made our way back past Cape Solander and back to re-join the road near the Information Centre.
As a variation, we walked from there along the coastal path passing monuments to Solander, Captain Cook and Sir Joseph Banks, encountering for the first time the full force of the predicted windy conditions for the day. Coffee, for those who were able to stay, was taken sitting outside the Kurnell Village Store in sunny but blustery conditions before facing the homeward drive north through Friday afternoon traffic.
Gathering at Yena Trail Through the angophora woodland
.......and the whales obliged
Thar she blows..............................and a whale of a tale
Shenanigans on the muddy track......
.........a bit wet underfoot Only one gentleman!
Baily Lighthouse...............................and Cliff Line
Lunch by the rock pools with Baily Lighthouse in the background
Rock sculpture and pool..................................and rock waves
Reluctantly on the move after lunch..........
Sydney Wattle........................ and Kurnell Xanathorrhoea
Leaders Deidre and Bert led twenty two other walkers namely Anne G, Anne R, Barbara, Chris McA, Claude and Margaret, David and Annette, Dawn, Don W, Elaine, Ida, Judith, Pragati, Ray, Rex and Robyn, Sue B, Sue S, Wendy P and two visitors.
Words by Bert
Photos by Sue (1, 5, 10, 13), Barbara (2, 4, 6, 12, 15, 16), Anne R(3, 14), Don (7, 8, 17), Deidre (9), Ron (11),