What a birthday

April 10, my birthday. We left home around 9.30 in the morning. The sun was shining, but the promise of a beautiful day was marred by the forecast of showers.

Traffic was not a problem as everyone was really headed in the opposite direction, it being the day after the Easter break. It only took about an hour to arrive at The Entrance where we stopped for coffee. We sat on the waterfront and watched the pelicans do absolutely nothing out on the sand bank. It was quite breezy, but not too bad.

After taking copious pics of pelicans and crashing waves at the entrance to the Lake, we headed off for a quick visit to Norah Head.

Well that was one side trip we were very happy we took. There was a round of the NSW Bodyboarding Championships taking place. The ‘breeze’ was now a gale and we stood back from the headland for fear of being blown off. We were still able to watch the youngsters braving the waves.

Further up the coast we visited Munmorah State Conservation Area which follows the coast between Budgewoi and Swansea Heads. A very wild coast it is too. We visited two spots one at the end of a road which led to a boardwalk overlooking Bird Island. Once used for target practice during WWII, it is now a bird sanctuary. The surf was pounding the coast with the cold front that was sweeping up from the south.

Later we visited Snapper Point. Here we had commanding views up and down the coast, but many young folk have perished there. A memorial gives testament to those, including an 8 year old girl, who have lost their lives at this point.

However, the rain threatened and as we reached the car it was looking very likely we would have a heavy downpour. I was still able to get a couple of video shots of the sea cave and blowhole.

Back on the main road we gradually drove out of the bad weather and headed to Swansea for lunch. The wind prevented us from sitting outside, but we found a pleasant spot to stop beside the lake. All in all the plans for the day went very well and we arrived at our accommodation around mid-afternoon.
We rounded off the day with a lovely meal at the restaurant on site. Before dinner I indulged in a crocodile cocktail (vodka, melon liqueur and curacao - very tasty). I had calamari in coconut batter followed by pear and pecan pie washed down with a lovely pinot noir from the Tamar Valley (Tasmania).

Day 2

After a delayed start because of a late breakfast, we headed for Gloucester. Info centre first stop was very helpful providing us with the details of the walks we were interested in doing up at Barrington Tops.

After coffee at the bakery we headed off up Thunderbolt Way, named for the bushranger. After about half an hour we started the long stretch of gravel road. It was slow going.

Fields of grass swaying in the wind gave way to temperate forest which in turn gave way to sub-alpine forest. The temperature dropped and by the time we were stopping to take the first of the forest walks, I reckon it was only about 5 degrees C.

Donning our jumpers, scarves and hats, we wandered off down the path through the arctic beech forest. Could have done with some gloves too!!!! The cold weather which came in yesterday afternoon was intensified with the elevation.

The second walk took us to the first lookout. Apparently this is considered one of the finest views in the Tops – that is if you can see it!!!! Clouds, clouds and more clouds proved a disappointing view.

By the time we reached our last point of interest, the clouds had dispersed slightly to reveal a beautiful sight of sun in the valley, Barrington Tops National Park finally revealing what is famous for.