Last Thursday's walk south of Bermagui was cancelled due to the total Fire Ban and very hot windy conditions however Saturday 23 November saw seven very keen bushwalkers meet for a mini coastal challenge, Mystery Bay to Narooma Surf Beach, a distance of 11km, along the coast.
After a quick discussion of cars and shuffling, the walkers arrived at Mystery Bay to begin the mini challenge, led by an experienced bush walker Jo Jean-Mairet, whom knows these coastal headlands, which ones to avoid by going over headlands or around that we can stick to the shoreline.
We started by passing through the Mystery Bay campground, through to Billy’s Beach startling two yellow tailed cockatoos. Along the trail over the headland to Corunna Point, down onto Loader Beach, passing sooty oystercatchers on the way. Looking up to the sky they saw a sea eagle, so a great start to the morning walk. Reaching Fullers Beach after walking along hard sand as the tide was low and going out, they had morning tea on the south side of Bogola Head, looking at the rocks and sand dunes. With blue skies, a slight wave in the sea, all sparkling and clear with a cool easterly breeze, just perfect for walking and so easy to stride along this wonderful coast of ours.
After our morning tea, the walkers headed over Bogola Head, beautiful view from up here, along the Plovers Way, a 1 ½ km walk behind the fenced properties, to Barunga Point. Here the walkers looked at the entrance to Nangudga Lake and with all that sand at the entrance it will be a long time before it opens again to the sea. A couple of more km’s along the hard sanded beach to Glass House Rocks. The walk was timed to perfection by our walk leader Jo, a quick scramble over the big rock, and timed to the waves coming ashore, we all made it with out getting wet.
A rocky outcrop looked good for a bit of shade, so a leisurely lunch was had. Then a short walk to Narooma Surf Beach, where we stopped at the café for refreshments. Jo was thanked by all for a wonderful, timed, 11km easy walk. All agreed we must do this again while the inlets are closed.
Above: The seven walkers were, from the left, Pat Hellsing,Margaret Moran,Michael McDonagh, Jo Jean-Mariet,CindyChipchase,Maggie Finch and Jan Thomas( not in picture)
