WHERE ARE ALL THE GAY COWBOYS?

OK Anyone who knows me knows I have a shocking memory for names. If ever you meet me it would be advisable to pin your name to your shirt if you want to get the right one. Like for at least a month. Now, a few years ago a film called ‘Brokeback Mountain’ caused quite a stir, particularly in the USA, because its two main characters were gay cowboys. Well, to me that’s normal/ no big deal. But apparently not so in the era the movie represented (or, even now, in certain parts of the USA). So when I saw SADDLEBACK Mountain just south of Jamberoo, I immediately thought – Gay Cowboys! Cool. Yes, yes… I know. Not the right name- but I genuinely thought I remembered the movie was called ‘Saddleback Mountain’ at the time. And I know it was just a Movie. And it’s in NSW not Wyoming. But I thought – hey, maybe some bright spark has a crazy house sign or something there, referring to the movie. Look, I found TIN cows in Cowper. However, there was nothing. Well nothing except some really beautiful countryside and fantastic views of Kiama. In fact, it was such a lovely drive over those high hills, it was well worth it- even without the gay cowboys. As I stopped on the highest part of the road, and had my morning cup of coffee (ain't it great when your kitchen is in you transport?), I imagined those two happy fellas, ambling on their horses over the green fields , blowing a kiss to each other in the early morning sunlight. Aaaahhh.

Kiama Blowhole

Minnamurra

Kiama

From there, I wound my way down to Kiama and its famous Blowhole. A blowhole, by the way, is formed as sea caves grow landwards and upwards into vertical shafts and expose themselves towards the surface, which can result in blasts of water from the top of the blowhole. (Yes I used Wikipedia) Kiama has an awesome one and is a really special place. The town sits in a curved bay, steep at one end where the lighthouse and the Blowhole are (and the masses of visiting tourists!). Also the information Centre and its café. A harbor is cradled in the middle with a great fish and chip place, with the town radiating out from it full of little shops and cafes. To the other side, a sandy beach curves around the bay. Kiama has it all! In fact, Kiama has more than all. Like most of the NSW coastline I’ve visited so far, it is fairly hilly, with roads winding up the slopes from the seashore. So if you follow the road around the beach and go up a little, you get to part of the Kiama Beach Walk that takes you to wide parklands with the most stunning  360 degrees views  and picnic areas, traversed by a broad path. This Path runs all the way over the top of the sea cliff and round to Minnamurra. No NOT Minnamurra RAINFOREST , but Minnamurra town, which is gorgeous. A small, select area of nice houses, and a shallow inlet where sports like kayaking and stand up paddle boarding take place. The inlet is boarded by a sandy bank separating it from the sea and other sports- like fishing and boating.  I didn’t stay long however as I had neither kayak not paddle board and I was getting miffed with those that had!

Killalea Cafe and BBQ Area

Shellharbour was the next port of call on my journey, but as the A1 turned into the B65 I did detour a little at Killalea State Recreational Park. This place is amazing. And FREE! Well done Shellharbour. Killalea State Recreation Park is a spectacular tract of coastal land that has been dedicated as a public recreation reserve available for surfing, fishing, picnics, bushwalking and camping.  It has two favourite surf beaches, Killalea Beach or 'The Farm' as 

locals know it and Minnamurra Beach 'Mystics'. I had to get through the convoluted roads of Shell Cove to get to the entrance, but it is well sign posted and takes you to the grassy BBQ/ cafe area at the top, overlooking the beaches. There’s plenty of parking there too, which was awesome. If you want camping and accommodation, that's there also, but at a price. Little is said about this area in tourist brochures, I’ve found. Probably because it's free. But the locals know it well. I stayed there for a couple of hours, eating my chips and an icecream (don’t preach to me about my eating habits and I won’t comment on yours) the  from the café and sitting at a picnic table, enjoying the sun, before, reluctantly moving on to Shellharbour Village.

Bass Point Reserve

Shellharbour Village also turned out to be a good stop as it has hot water showers there at the open sea baths. These baths were lovely and clean, reasonably modern and right on the beach front. The only drawback was- the showers were open ones. But I’d washed in my bathers before now! And it felt so good to have hot water.  Afterwards I didn’t feel like staying in the baths. Instead I felt in need of nature again and drove up to Bass Point Nature Reserve, which is located just south of Shellharbour Village. This headland features one of the few diverse littoral   

rainforests in the Illawarra Region, a large collection of significant Aboriginal and European heritage sites and extensive marine habitats. I went to the lookouts at Bushrangers Bay and Maloneys Bay to take advantage of the coastal views and walk the rocks there. At first it was so peaceful and blissful, with only a few of us communing silently with nature. Then came the scuba divers. One car load after the other. Spoiled. No I don’t care that they had every right to be there too. I was communing. So I threw the teddy out of the cot and moved out with my titty lip pouting, even though I knew how lucky I had been to see such beautiful places that day.

May you all find the peace you seek on your journey .
The Grey Chihuahua