Google Maps led a few of us astray when driving to our meeting place which caused a slightly delayed departure. Unless we specified Little Shoal Bay Playground, we were detoured out to a headland not the car park! The group grew to seventeen and we set off in brilliant sunshine led by Jill Bishop. As we wended our way through Le Roy's Bush, she pointed out how far up the creek the eels swim. We continued on to the Chelsea Sugar works but quickly bypassed the Chelsea Cafe to avoid temptation! We then walked into Kauri Point Centennial Park, enjoying morning tea and lunch in quick succession. We were keen to linger in the sunshine at the beautiful Kendall’s Bay, but it was time to move on.

We followed the very secure fence line which borders NZ Defence Force land. There were some tricky steep climbs and descents but all without mishap. We eventually joined the Chatswood Reserve and returned to Chelsea. Rosey Buchan described her experiences working at the Chelsea Sugar mill in the eighties. There were 300 employees at that time with plenty of health and safety issues for Rosey to manage.

As we returned to Little Shoal Bay [Playground!] a stunning flower was spotted by one of our beady-eyed WOPpers (see photo). 

Thank you, Jill, for a wonderful day of walking through large, beautiful bush reserves hidden away in the heart of suburbia with some gorgeous harbour views.

Linda R.

Click here to see photos by Jill B.