Gerringong Station to Comerong Island Ferry
25km (1284 km) 8 hr
Thrilled to be off and sauntering on the Dreamtime to Eden Coastal Camino Stage 11 (Gerringong to Ulladulla).
Caught the early bird south coast train to Gerringong to kick off the stage, then back down to gorgeous Werri Beach a little after sunrise.
Werri Beach, Ourie Pool and Gerringong Boat Harbour Rock Pool were looking A1 in the morning light, as was Boat Harbour Reserve after a short traverse through the cemetery with a view.
Tragically there's a few punters with cliff top estates, a lack of love for walkers and some serious electric fences between Gerringong and Gerroa - you can walk around the rocks at mid - low tide but it was nearly high tide for me; so I walked back to Crooked River Road and then via the edge of the golf course to lovely, lonely appropriately-named Walkers Beach.
From there it was around to Gerroa and across Crooked River to the magnificent stretch of sand of Seven Mile Beach.
I've spoken before about perfect conditions for beach-walking : the sun and a gentle breeze behind you, a falling tide and a wide flat beach. And it all clicked for my meditative meander today along this outstanding stretch of sand.
Past First and Second Teepees, a quick stop at Beach Road Picnic Area and then along the sand all by myself lost in my thoughts down to Shoalhaven Heads - the original mouth of the mighty Shoalhaven River. The Shoalhaven-Nowra SLSC was perfectly camouflaged in the dunes and made for another great place for a swim and a rest.
The old river mouth is closed at the moment, so it was just a sand stroll over to intriguing Comerong Island and its hollandesque landscape. Flat, green and a wonderful colour contrast to the beach. Plenty of contented cows for company - those eyes... no beef for dinner!
A few kms of gravel road walking along the Shoalhaven River to Berry canal. Then it was the Comerong Island Ferry to end the day with a perfect little river crossing.
Once again, one very contented NSW coast walker.
Tomorrow will be Crookhaven Lighthouse to Callala Bay. The magnificence will just keep on coming....