Waking up Early
I woke up early. Put this down to sleeping in a tent again. I assume waking up early it is something to do with my circadian clock. I headed across to One Mile Beach and look a picture of the sunrise. It seems that I have developed an interested in sunrises and sunsets.
It took me a while to pack-up. This has not been my strong suit – but I am slower being out of practice. After a short ride I was in Nelson Bay. I found a café by the Marina and ordered breakfast.
Order at the Bar
When I finished my muesli , I asked a passing waitress, one of 4 in the place (the same number as patrons) for another coffee. I was told to “order at the bar”. I followed her 5 metres to the bar, where I she asked me what I wanted. I told her “the same thing I want 30 seconds ago at the table”. She asked me “what was that? I suspect that if someone was suffering a heart attack in the café you would have ask for the ambulance at the bar, rather than calling out from beside the dying person.
Old Ferries
I caught the ferry across to Tea Garden. Two heritage ferries ply this route. They are classics. Earlier in the year to took the larger one which has a sign reminding patrons “not to spit”. Good advice. This time I took the smaller ferry. It is over 70 years old and going strong. The trip across Port Stephens takes about an hour. If you are in luck, you get to see dolphins on the way. I was not in luck this time.
You Call this a Track?????
From Tea Garden, I head north along the Mungo Brush Road. I had decided to take the Miners Track that runs along the coast side of Myall Lake. This track was used when there sand mining took place on the beaches. Since the closure of the mining, the track has been closed to all vehicles. I had tried to take the track in January earlier in the year, but it was closed due to extremely fire danger.
Within metres of heading on the track, I became apparent this was not going to easy. In parts the track is virtually completely overgrown. I assume bushwalkers use the track, but there was no evidence of any mountain bikes (e.g. tyre tracks) this part of the track. I had called a mate before leaving Nelson Bay and told time that I expected to get to Seal Rocks Rd in about 5 hours. It looked as though that could more like 10 hours.
Finally, after some very slow going, the vegetation cleared and I was on track, albeit vey rocky. The track then became a dirt road.
Give me Water
I drank the last drop of my water as I turned onto the Seal Rock Rd. I stopped at the first hour I came to, and asked for some water. I drank a whole 1.5 litre bottle and asked for more.
It was good to be back on a real road. After a short stop for an ice cream and a check of the cricket score (the Poms are being flogged), I headed to Bluey’s Beach. I SMSed my mate that “I made it”. The response was, “I have called off the search party”.
A good meal in a trendy café . Another night in the tent at the Oasis Palms camping ground. The place has palm trees.
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