Mona Vale to North Narrabeen

With Shaz not feeling great we stayed close to home this morning and did one of my favourite tracks and one that we have already reviewed – South Mona Vale to Narrabeen via Warriewood and Narrabeen Headlands. I run this track a couple times a week and never tire of it – it has it all – spectacular views of all the beaches from Mona Vale to Narrabeen, a great track through bushland and a few hills and stairs to really challenge yourself. I always think to myself how fortunate I am to have this all at my doorstep and how brilliant it is to out there making the most of it.

Starting off at Mona Vale Hospital we headed south along Narrabeen Park Parade, down to Warriewood beach to join the track which goes up through Warriewood Headland, past Turimetta Beach, past the houses to the bottom of the hill and up and around the Narrabeen headland and down to North Narrabeen Rock Pool car park. Then it was onto our breakfast stop on the other side of the bridge.

AJ’s Café

This café on Ocean Street near North Narrabeen Surf Club was our breakfast stop this morning and I would have to say I left disappointed. It looked promising – the menu had all the standard breakfast dishes, the waitresses were hovering and a table in the sun beckoned. Shaz made the better choice of muesli with fruit and yoghurt which was really nice. I had the omelette with spinach and fetta which looked pretty sad and uninspiring – and it was – it was overcooked and tasteless! The bacon, eggs and  other dishes served to other tables looked pretty good so I left feeling slightly cheated. At least the coffee was good, though we won't be back for breakfast in a hurry!

Jude's thought for this week

I can't help noticing that the waitresses uniform de jour is the short shorts which seem to get shorter as the legs get longer and stronger. I am glad that as a mother of sons I don't have to confront girls fashion issues! The boys are bad enough with their pants half way down their backside. I will be glad when this fashion changes. I have always thought that in 15 or so years when they look back at themselves they will be just as mortified as I am looking back on old photos of me in shoulder pads with huge hair.

Our reviews
South Mona Vale to Narrabeen
difficulty:                        moderate
distance:                        6 km return
time taken:                    2.25 hours (including breakfast)                  
parking:                          On street at Mona Vale Hospital or nearby
worth doing:                  definitely
dog friendly:                  Dogs are not allowed on headland trails. You can avoid trails and walk on the adjacent roads.

water and toilets available at the Warriewood ad North Narrabeen beaches.

AJ’s Cafe
food:                                good
service:                           good
ambience:                        ok
would we go again:         probably not

Mona Vale to Church Point

Bayview

A beautiful sight greeted me when I woke up this morning - clear skies and the shining sun. After two wet weekends Shaz and I finally hit the tracks again. It was a stunning morning – cold, crisp and sunny. Today we returned to Mona Vale and walked around the beautiful Pittwater foreshore to Church Point.  It is such a lovely walk  - around Winnereremmy Bay, then Bayview and onto Church Point. There were loads of people out enjoying the fresh air and sunshine - we even ran into a friend (and blog follower) who was out on her morning walk with her dog. Hi Lynda!

We are now getting to the stage that we have done and reviewed many coastal walks on the Northern Beaches. We now need to expand our horizons and perhaps even venture out of our comfort zone beyond the Northern beaches. We plan to do walks around West Head and Mosman but (both being princesses and fair weather walkers) we need a Sunday when we the tracks are not so boggy and when both have a bit more time available. If you have any suggestions we would love to hear them. You can send it to us in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.

 

Naturally Shaz and I spend a lot of time talking on our Sunday walks. We often solve world problems, pick apart our politicians and celebrities, but mostly we just chat and counsel each other. I thought I might start sharing some of these thoughts with you……

Jude’s thought for this week

Last night I attended a fundraising function for a father at my sons’ school who has a terminal medical condition. The night was amazing – amazing because it brought a community together; amazing because of what a community can do when it gets together; and amazing to see, and be reminded of the inherent goodness in people. A lot of money was raised for the family and that is fantastic, but even more important is the moral support, comfort and love shown to the family. It really is priceless. My family and I have received an overwhelming amount of community support and love ourselves and I do know how comforting and uplifting it is. Never ever doubt how far a little kindness goes, nor how well it is remembered!

Church Point General Store

We decided to give the Church Point General Store another try for breakfast. Last time we gave it a bad wrap because it is a bit more pricey than other cafés and because you have to order your food by joining the queue for the general store. I do still find that a little odd but as the saying goes I built a bridge and got over it!. The food and the coffee were pretty good: we both had dishes with poached eggs that were cooked to perfection. However the best thing about this place is the setting. It has a cruisy atmosphere and it is so peaceful sitting there and watching the boats and people come and  go. It would be a great place for lunch and I hear its pretty good on a summer's evening too.

Our reviews
Mona Vale to Church Point
difficulty:                        easy
distance:                        8km return
time taken:                    2.5 hours (including breakfast)                  
parking:                          Woolworths carpark or on street
worth doing:                  definitely
dog friendly:                  yes, on leash and off leash dog park at Rowland Reserve

water and toilets available along the way at the various parks and marinas.

Church Point General Store Cafe
food:                                good
service:                           good
ambience:                      great
would we go again:      definitely