Our autumn weekend getaway was a trip to Greens Beach, where we stayed in a large house and enjoyed several day walks along the weatherswept northern coast.
Lyn was our intrepid organiser for our group of 11, what a challenge. We were: Lyn, Philip, Kat, Di, Robert, Angie, Gerwyn, Wayne, Bob, Gary and Rachel. Five and a half bedrooms were created in a big beach house on Gardiners Rd (a big thankyou to Bob for sacrificing your privacy for two nights!).
We arrived at lunchtime on day 1 and worked off the travel stiffness with a walk eastwards along Greens Beach towards the top of the Tamar River. Great views across the river to Low Head and Georgetown.
When the pellet heater served up only error messages, we all had suggestions :). Lyn called for assistance from an actual expert, and the team got hands'on. A tube had come unstuck, which we were able to fix. Success!
Our tradition of a barbecue on our first night away came up trumps, with Robert's salads, and Gaz and Bob managing the barbie.
Then followed delicious desserts! The fire pit was popular too.
On Day 2 our excellent location meant we could set off directly along the West Head Coastal Track, westwards towards Badger's Beach.
(the gang sans Kat, the photographer)
This was a very easy walk along sandy and leaf littered trails, and hugging the shoreline it was pretty flat too.
The weather was overcast and slightly drizzly, but there was plenty of shelter under the coastal bush.
Our only confusion was not recognising when we had commenced the loop around the headland, but it would be hard to get very lost here!
We were ready for lunch by the time we arrived at the West Head lookout over Badger's Beach. After a short break here to admire the view we dropped down a gully to reach the beach. Some of us returned to base at that stage, others went on further to explore the beach.
Dinner for Day 2 was roast chicken and a pile of roast vegies, creatively brought together in the small kitchen and the barbie by Kat and Lyn and helpers. Another feast! We enjoyed some debates and shared a few tips for ageing knees and other body parts. Then showed we can still dance to some golden oldies, with Robert fielding the requests :).
On Day 3 we loaded into vehicles for the short drive to Baker's Beach. With beautiful weather we headed off along the pretty beachside trail, stopping in en route at the bird hide on the lagoon.
It was a little climb to the top of Archer's Knob, but well worth it for the views.
Back down again, we headed for Baker's Beach.
Time for lunch, and it was such a serene spot to sit, with enormous views of the sky and Bass Strait.
We headed back along the beach, with a rainstorm threatening. In such a vast environment, somehow closer conversations were easier.
All the elements were experienced today! It was jackets off, jackets on, jackets off...
The signage to the exit paths from the beach was the best we've ever seen.
The Bennetts Wallabies and Rufous Wallabies were very tame here.
Some of us stopped in to have a look at the historic location of the original York Town settlement on the way back. There's not much to see any more, but it served as a reminder of the rise and fall of civilisations!
Back at base, Kat and Lyn put together a nice dinner of revitalised leftovers, and we settled in for a kiwi movie night - both directed by Taika Waititi, classics (The Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and JoJo Rabbit).
Day 4 was for packing up and making our various ways home. It was a great weekend getaway with good friends. Thanks all!
