Terrigal Beach

Most of the time, I organize our outings (figure out where to go, how to get there, what we need, etc). On this particular day, I suggested a nice relaxing day at the beach. I expected that we'd go to any of the many beaches right near our house. Brad on the other hand had greater aspirations for our day. A friend had just told him the night before at dinner about the Central Coast having especially nice beaches. So he went online to do some research where he narrowed it down to two beaches and off we went. Alan napped as we travelled an hour north of Sydney to do some exploring. There were multiple beaches to choose from but we decided to start with Terrigal Beach based on the reviews. Kudos to him for a great pick!

We were lucky to get a prime parking spot from a nice elderly couple that were leaving for the day. First we headed over to the opposite side of the street where all the cafes and shops are located to grab some tucker (food). After lunch, we explored the beach for the next four hours! The water was warm and perfect for swimming. We were delighted to find an occasional sea shell (even though they were rather small). Alan was mesmerized by the tiny shells with snails and bigger shells with hermit crabs in them. So many amazing little creatures get left behind in the tide pools! If only I could identify them all. I often worry that one day Alan will ask me "mommy - what is that?" and I'll have no clue myself. Kind of like when Kylie asked Ashely what a giraffe says and she came up with something about "mmm, leafy trees". Hopefully I'll think that quick on my feet! I guess we'll find out in the next ten years if I'm still smarter than a fifth grader.

Terrigal was easily the best beach we've been to by far! Our favorite beaches are the ones with lots of variety. This one had it all! We really wanted to keep going toward the Skillion to see what was around the corner from there but started to worry that we had wandered too far. Thankfully getting back to the car went much faster. We took just under 100 photos and had trouble choosing which ones to share so we ended up going with the more the merrier philosophy.

The water was absolutely beautiful - even the temp was perfect!

Alan dives right in and tells the sand how happy he is to see it.

A row of Norfolk Island pines along the beachfront esplanade.

Seaweed washed up on shore

Plenty of people checking out the tide pool.

Bucket full of sea shells (a few hermit crabs)

I really love all the color - it's like a centerpiece!

Our future beach bum.

Don't think we'll be taking this sea shell for our Christmas tree (looks like it's occupied)

Algae covered rocks were like a slip and slide.

Daddy showing buddy a snail in a shell

Family photo (Alan must be too worried about the stranger with mom's camera to smile)

Still trying to identify - probably sea anemone of some sort

Beautiful exposed rock after years of erosion from the crashing waves of the ocean.

Alan is standing next to the foot hole where we climbed down (needed a little help getting back up).

If only I could take this colorful rock back with me and add it to our next landscaping project.

Pint size explorers. At high tide the bottom third of the picture would be under water.

Massive pelicans swimming by the shore

Mommy and buddy

Daddy and buddy

As we round the corner, you can see the beach where we came from off in the distance.

Looking close to find snails, crabs, and tiny fish.

Found some! Bet the snails are thinking he should pick on someone his own size.

Water whooshing between two slabs of rock

Camouflaged crab

He's really a sweet boy when he's not sticking the shovel in my face!

Before the rocks are submerged by the waves

After (tried to catch them in action)

Camouflaged kid ;)

The Skillion - so tempting to keep going!

We finally turn and head back.

One last pic from the paparazzi. You can run but you can't hide!

Looks like it could be an old-fashioned postcard. Perfect end to an unforgettable day!