Illawarra Coast NSW Revisited

Return to Freshwater Beach, NSW

Dawn at Diggies, North Gong Beach, NSW

630am, on a Friday, is when there is a zen-like calm on North Gong Beach's Diggies Cafe and Restaurant. However, outside, as spring progresses, the sun is already up and running - and so are many nearby residents, cycling, running, power-walking, strolling or accompanying a trotting dog. As the light got more intense, the Tasman Sea remained steady. The staff at Diggies were already ready for the day and their first customers.

Nothing is as uplifting like a good new idea. I tried the Morning Sandwich (image above), as envisaged by Diggies - made up of fresh lettuce bites, juicy tomato slices, refreshing cuts of bacon, a tangy aroma of cheese and topped up with a deep fried omelette. I already felt like I was in the middle of a weekend - and my accompanying mates did too. We all felt the presence of the wood in Diggies at this time of day more than our previous times at lunch - before the crowds arrived, we felt how the layout and accessories provided flowed well with the time and tide of the beach outside. We savoured this magical moment in time.

An Arvo at Austi Beach, NSW

Waiting and sizing up. Feeling the vibes and the wind on the face.

Getting ready for just the right moment. Visualising the moment.

Anticipating. Not too early and not too late. Recalling lessons learnt

and relishing this next time. Keeping an eye for detail. Enjoying the

mateship and the conditions of the day. Acting out the right pose.

In a split second, it is time to decide - and go. Go ride the waves.

Austinmer Beach - What A Beaut Morning

Cronulla Beach, Sydney - What a Beaut Arvo

Illawarra Beaches - Bellambi Point