Huskie to Shellharbour
Huskie was beautiful, we had a great evening meal in a traditional Australian Italian restaurant accompanied by some good Australian red wine.We were so tired that despite much enthusiasm we were unable to finish the bottle, (eyes bigger than belly as mother would have said), so the remainder went into the water bottle for consumption at an opportune moment the next day! 🙂
Breakfast in the 5 pigs cafe was highly recommended. Paddleboard surfing seems to be the in-thing, – the bay being so beautiful it looked really calm. There was also one of what we realise are regular outside swimming pools- loving the fact that people are up and out so early getting their exercise in at the start of the day, neatly compartmentalising work and leisure.
Setting off up the coast it is easy to see why this section of the coast is a go to zone. Beautiful bays, clear seas and happy cyclists. We pedalled on up to Gerroa, admiring views and being frequently reminded that a coastal cycle route is never going to be flat. It was on route that we stopped at the bike shop in Nowra to buy some bits – you always need bits! Whilst there the owner came out to warn us against certain element soft the road saying there had been frequent deaths…the roads are fast and lead to the coast and people get excited.we set off with care and caution along the road , trying to keep to what was in places a non-existent hard shoulder. Here there was industrial traffic in between the odd vineyard. When the roads were good we were able to make decent progress but unfortunately this was not always the case. Lunch was at the Blue Swimmer – a great mini restaurant with a view over a sandy inlet. Conscious yet again the hill on the other side was substantial and steep we opted for a light lunch – a bit of a shame given the quality of the restaurant, – sharing a Tuna Ceviche and the most amazing Queen Fish dish with Fennel. After this it was back on the road slowly, admiring the beautiful coastal views as we climbed. Although obvious in many places the cycle path was sometimes there and sometimes not, sometimes not on the pavement and sometimes over roads and drives, resulting in frequent stops check Garmin. However – great views all round.
Still smiling… – just!
However, yet again we got to the stage where fighting our way up the coast was not going to work out and with reluctance – we ended up jumping onto a train for the last 10 k. It was on the train to Shellharbour that we met another cyclist , a rare thing, who was busy dong his morning laps but had also decided fighting the cycle path was not an option and had also taken to the train. What was helpful was that he was able to tell us about the planned route for the next day , where the path lie and what beautiful beaches lay ahead. Top tips are always useful. It also gave an opportunity to talk all things bike…
From the train we were able to a cycle relatively easily onto the site we had booked for the night. Our mobile home was spacious and almost on the beach. Having cleaned and locked the bikes we decided to walk up the road to get a beer and enjoy a fish basket of shellfish and battered everything at the local hotel. Having started outside we moved inside relatively fast, aware a storm we had been warned about was brewing. The storm was something else. Winds at 53 mph thunder and lightening. Fortunately no canvass was attached to us – however for some of the other campers there was a less pleasant experience.
Yet again the beach was beautiful with an outdoor swimming pool filled by the sea. The morning was calm, the views clear and a number of the locals out catching their breakfast.
After an early walk and coffee, it was time to hop back on the bikes and make our way onward to the next destination, Caringbah on the outskirts of South Sydney.
There and Back: 