If you get up early enough, you can enjoy sunrise across our lake.  This morning we were not quick to get up, instead enjoying a lazy morning before venturing into Budgewoi, which is universally known as Budgee.

As you cross the road bridge over Budgewoi Creek, which joins Lake Munmorah and Lake Budgewoi, you might spot a teeny tiny island.  If you look on Google Maps, you’ll see it named Smugglers Island.  Its real name is Dunkey Island, but the former sounds much more enticing.  It is accessed by a footbridge over the creek.  The trick is to avoid being splashed by the kids jumping off it.

Smugglers Island is of course uninhabited by anything or anyone, other than pirates.  Captain Kumamon recalled his days as a fearsome seafarer, and he led the way, ready to fend off any dastardly wrongdoers.  Luckily for us, the pirates were all elsewhere today (probably the Budgee Pub).  So instead we completed a circumnavigation (5 minutes), and an ascent of the highest point, marked with a trig point, which we name Mt Kumamon. I have no memory of any actual ascent, so I don’t know who conducted the surveying.

This expedition was preceded by burgers and chips at the Swordfish Café. Ian decided to work off the excesses by walking home, so Captain K and I took charge of the car, and went exploring further afield.

First stop was Norah Head Lighthouse, a splendid sight sitting on top of the dramatic promontory of Norah Head.  You can see the light rotating at the top.  Down below (84 steps – I counted), is the beach, consisting of some sand, and huge slabs of flat rocks, which the ocean swells crash against.  Enjoying the sea breeze, I wandered along admiring the views and skirting the rock pools, until I realized the tide was on the turn and part of my route back would soon be under water.

Our final stop was at The Entrance, where the Tuggerah Lakes system flows into the Pacific.  There is a surprising amount of high rise here, compared to the sleepier villages to the north.  There is also a safe swimming beach, a large sand spit, an ocean beach, and eager pelicans keeping a firm eye on the day’s catch.

Tomorrow we reverse the two day drive, to head for home. We may, or may not, get up early enough for the sunrise.

PS – we did.