Back on Track

Weeks away attending to land based interests and duties (think family reunion and tax time) has kept us from our cruising life. We are once again focusing on progress up the coast and chasing the sun. Unprecedented amounts of snow across significant areas of high ground from South East Queensland to Tasmania means that comfort levels on board have been compromised. A little warmth would balance life up a bit, indeed we each have a locker crammed with shorts and short sleeve shirts and we are longing to wear them again. In the meanwhile, we are greatly enjoying our Pittwater Experience and feel that we are giving the area a 'good looking at'!

We have had a lot of low level cloud and plenty of cold and rain but a high pressure system of an extraordinary 1036 hPa, is bound to deliver some stellar days. Days that are intended for 'boot camp' for The Bloke.

Coasters Retreat (also known as the Basin) is one of bays wrapped around by the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park on the edge of Pittwater. Moorings are plentiful and importantly at this time of year, freely available. There is a beach next to the Basin camping ground where one can come ashore and a track up into some of the National Park's coastal headlands. A target for the day was to see some Aboriginal Rock Engravings.

Sea fog behind Barrenjoey Headland

So with the boat secure, somewhere to leave the dinghy, something special to see and a fine day, all boxes were ticked and we were good to go!

The ducks and this wallaby were pretty relaxed in the camping ground.

Despite the cold, there were a couple of tents up.

The track was very steep and The Bloke reluctant.

... but the views just got better...

... and better and even contained Zofia!

 

The path varied from concreted road, to dirt track, to this smooth 'crazy-paving' like rock.

We knew we'd reached our destination when we came across this stern notice.

   

Some of the engravings. in another 'crazy paving' rock pavement.

From L. a wallaby, a fish and human figures.

   

   

   

The bush was full of flowering shrubs and despite giving a dull appearance from the shore, was rich with colour from tiny and delicate flowers. The Bloke grumbled like crazy whenever he turned around to find me lagging way behind and photographing these gems.

This, one of several small stone stacks, left behind by walkers. A little bit of folly!