Despite the discouraging weather forecast, 6 walkers met at Circular Quay for the L94 bus trip to La Perouse.
Weather on arrival was fine but cool, and the first obstacle (a large gully at Coowong beach running stormwater from a nearby swamp out to sea, which was not present during the recce) was conquered with aplomb. A heavy shower followed, but this cleared by the time the morning tea spot at Henry Head was reached.
Fine but cool at the start of the walk.......... Pretty rainbow over the ocean and the eye of God is watching us......
A significant part of the next section to Cape Banks has been upgraded to boardwalk and the last part has also been upgraded to a magnificent concrete pathway as it crosses the NSW Golf Club course. This pathway is lined with massive cut blocks of golden sandstone with beautiful grain patterning.
Illustrious leaders, Sue and Mike Winged victory!
The return journey from Cape Banks (in slightly less fine weather) landed the group back at Henry Head for a sheltered, but uncomfortable, lunch in the derelict gun emplacement, after which a slightly varied walk enabled us to avoid the gully on the beach and safely reach the coffee stop at La Perouse
A sheltered but not so comfortable lunch spot Graffiti in a bunker on a higher level
We were privileged to see many whales heading north, both blowing and breaching, at most points along the walk after Henry Head and particularly at the southern end of Cape Banks, where a group was as close as just 100m offshore. As well as the whales, there was much interesting bird life on show – Wrens, Honeyeaters, Wattle Birds, Crows (!) and the proverbial “shag on a rock”, drying his wings, and who had been joined by a colleague or mate when we passed the same spot on the way back.
Cormorant drying its wings on the updraft from the cliff
A highlight was the antics of the crows on the golf course who stole a ball from the approach and another from the green itself as well as nudging a third ball closer to the pin, all while we were watching. We speculated that the crows might be running a racket out there by selling the balls back to the Pro-Shop.
Sue and Mike led four walkers: Barrie, Lyndy, John M and Elizabeth P.
Words by Mike
Photos Lyndy (1-9), Elizabeth P (10)
