"Aussie Coastal Bushwalk" Conquer 2022 Virtual Challenge Progress March 31, 2022

It's official, I altered the route I designed for my Aussie Coastal Bushwalk Conquer 2022 Virtual Challenge! I decreased the distance by 528 kilometres. Now, instead of conquering 2550 kms, I now have to conquer 2022 kms.  My new finish line will be at Cape Howe Marine National Park on the border of New South Wales and Victoria.  So that is the official announcement for now!!!  This is the updated map.  To get the distance necessary, I will detour inland in various locations along the way, accessing as I go.  The finish date remains the same which is finish by end of day December 31, 2022.

After inputing into the challenge site the ten kilometres I walked today, it brought me to the 464 kilometre mark along this virtual challenge. When I called up google maps to add the distance there, once again the flood alert warnings appeared for northern New South Wales and bordering on southern Queensland.  I have approximately three dozen kms to cover to bring me to Coffs Harbour.  I kept looking at my map on the cork board every time I added a distance and it felt like I would never reach Coffs Harbour.   Now there is a light at the end of this section of the tunnel!

Over these past few weeks, I took a few hours in total to learn about some of the places I virtually hiked through and passed by.  The photos are from google maps and I also included a snap shot from a tourist site about the forest bathing and information about a grade level of hiking.

Yamba Lighthouse:  

I love anything lighthouses so delved a little deeper into learning about this one.   Yamba Lighthouse sits on Pilot Hill which is the highest hill in Yamba.  This current functioning lighthouse was built in 1955 and measures 18 metres tall.  The original lighthouse was built in 1866 and was a wooden structure that sat on a platform and was lit by a kerosene lamp.  

Woody Head:  

When I reached Bundjalung National Park, I saw an advertisement offering a forest bathing experience.  I was curious as to what what type of forest existed on the north eastern coast of New South Wales that would lend itself to become immersed in.   

This is what I found!  This type of forest bathing would be a win win situation offering the best of both worlds.  Where a forest like this meets the beach and ocean like this, I would love to forest bath here!  

Squeakygate Retreat & B&B:  

The route I am following veered inland a bit to a place called Ashby which sits on the Clarence River.  Here I discovered the inviting looking Squeakygate Retreat & Bed & Breakfast.  It looks like the ideal spot to get away from it all.  

While looking at the photos from their site, this one stood out.  

I like what that sign says!

Brooms Head:  

This beach front town sits in the heartland of Yuraygir National Park.  Like most of the villages along the coast, Brooms Head too is a beach treasure offering great spots to watch for whales and dolphins.  It is known for red cliffs and comes with a guarantee that you will see kangaroos.    

This one way hiking track that starts at Brooms Head looks like it would be quite enjoyable.  I was curious  how their rating system works and found a good explanation for what a Grade 3 level would involve.

Corindi Beach:

This small village community is located approximately 33 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour.  Corindi means "grey" in Indigenous language and that refers to the pipeclay on the beach.  The islands, ocean, headlands and estuaries around the area are in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. You will find long rolling beaches, sections of coastal rainforests and many walking areas to enjoy during your visit.  This location is known for being a blueberry producer.

Once I reach Coffs Harbour, my next big milestone to reach will be Sydney which will be another roughly 500 kms or so to cover.  I will see what I can accomplish over the next couple of weeks before in reality heading off to Spain.  While there I will definitely track my distance as there will be lots of ground covered sightseeing.