I joined Brian Everingham and party, on an activity of the National Parks Association of NSW on a walk in Royal National Park from Wattamolla, along the Coastal Track to Little Marley Beach and back.
On the walk were Brian, Valerie, Paul, Lynn, Carolyn, Marnie, Jane, Gary, Ken, Suzanne, Derek, Cheryl, Deo, and myself. But on this walk, things did not go as planned. Gary was not happy with the first creek crossing and turned back, and he then spent a few hours at Providential Point. And at the first coastal cliffs we encountered, Jane, slipped on wet rock and fractured her wrist. She was able to walk back to Wattamolla, accompanied by Valerie, and was later picked up by her partner. I hope she makes a quick and full recovery.
Otherwise, the walk went very well. We saw an amazing number of Humpback Whales, cruising up the coast, not too far out.
The weather was very pleasant for winter.
Here are some New Holland Honeyeaters –
Coastal Heath
When the track reached the cliff, we paused and spent some time looking for whales (and I also looked for Peregrine Falcons). This was when Jane had her accident.
Humpback Whales
Eastern Yellow Robin
Aboriginal Sharpening Grooves
Humpback Whales
We then continued walking north along the cliffs.
This section has some wonderful eroded sandstone.
We had lunch on this small headland near Little Marley.
In the sea, nearby, we spotted this sleeping seal –
After lunch, we walked down to Little Marley Beach and then started walking back.
A few more Humpback Whales –
And we also saw this Rock Warbler –
The Grass Trees will be flowering soon –
Back at Wattamolla, Valerie had left a note saying Jane had been picked up, and she had walked out to Providential Point. Since I had got a lift with Valerie, I walked out, and found Valerie at the point. We waited a while to watch some passing whales.
Humpback Whales
Thanks to Brian for organising the walk, and to Valerie for a lift down and back.