Grey skies at Port Macquarie

We woke to grey skies this morning (Friday) but with rain predicted later we set off early to walk another leg of the "famous 9 klm Port Macquarie Coastal walk". We drove the car to yesterday's end point at Flynn's Beach and set off, under grey threatening skies, on the sand walking south towards today's destination, Shelly Beach.

We crossed Flynn's small headland, via the stairs onto Nobbys Beach - an off leash beach for a whole bunch of crazy active, delighted dogs today.

We were on the look out for smooth wave tumbled rocks - I am after a set for weighting down paper dressmaking patterns when I'm in a sewing phase. Rob has his head down in this pic - on the job finding rocks for me!

Once we crossed the distinctive headland at the southern end of Nobbys Beach we had to walk quite a way on busy Pacific Drive, before we could get back to the official coast walking trail at Harry's Lookout .......

It was fascinating to learn about Harry Thompson who set up his caravan at Shelley Beach with his wife Jean (and kids) in 1961, staying there until his death (in his mid eighties by then) in 2000. Over the years Harry and Jean acted as unofficial caretakers of their "seaside paradise" and were much loved by the locals, so much so that the council were never able to evict them. 

To recognise Harry's contribution, after his death, artists were commissioned to create hand carved furniture and an entrance archway at Harry's Lookout. It's a popular spot for weddings - and whale watching (but not today)

Harry (and Jean) also created a bush track down to Shelly Beach, of 254 hand carved steps. They're still there today, winding through the dense coastal rain forest (although we're assuming they may have had a bit of an upgrade since Harry created them).

254 steps is just fine going down - but a lot harder on the return journey!

Shelly Beach, under gloomy skies this morning (but still some diehards swimming and surfing)...........

Such a cute picnic shelter on Shelly Beach ....... it's commemorating Harry and Jean's caravan home.

And look at our beautiful wave washed rock collection - all found on Nobbys Beach this morning.

Afterwards, feeling ready for lunch, we dressed warmly and set off for the Innes Lake Estates Vineyard and its local favourite, "Little Fish Cafe Restaurant". Little Fish is run by a French born chef "who brings his passion for cooking all the way from his  family's vineyard and restaurant in France". That is such a cliche, but we loved our lunch today - French inspired country fare, showcasing the region's produce, and matched with very drinkable Innes Lake Estates wines which we really enjoyed.

Once again we sat outside today - so it was good we dressed warm - but better than being in a closed room we think in these socially distanced times.

This was Rob's entree: Provencal garlic baked mussels (I helped myself to a mussel or two too)..

Confit of duck for me (of course) and Filet Mignon with Porcini sauce for Rob

And we both fronted up for dessert: Prune and almond tart for me and salted caramel and peanut butter cheesecake with chocolate for Rob - WOW

The vineyard looked wintry and denuded today - but i bet it looks amazing in season.

Back to the Sandcastle Apartments after our beautiful, very special, holiday lunch, it was time to hunker down, heating on, books and devices out while we watched the rain start and our beautiful clear view of the Pacific Ocean become duller and greyer by the minute ........ such a change from yesterday!