Almanac Travel: Winter soujourn: Yamba – Part 2

 

Meryl and I have adapted to life in Yamba very well, in fact so well we have decided to stay an extra week!

 

The lifestyle here is relaxing and peaceful; with numerous coffee shops, plenty of eating venues, a bookshop, fabulous walking tracks by the river and along the beaches and all within a stone’s throw of our accommodation makes the choice of activities easy and enjoyable to select from.

 

The weather is pleasant, and except for rain last Saturday the temperature has been a constant fine and mild 20?. Very nice indeed!

 

Waiting for my crumbs at the Flinders Rose Cafe!

 

Enjoying coffee at Caperberry Cafe

 

We’ve now settled into a regular routine, at least for the mornings. After breakfast it’s a wander down to the main beach to check the surf out before heading to a coffee shop for coffee and sometimes a pastry! Not certain how many coffee shops there are in Yamba but we have probably been to at least six different ones at this stage. Most of the coffee is good but the last couple of days we’ve discovered a couple of cafes next to one another on top of the hill close to the pub and above the surf club. Both have a pleasant ambience about them and both serve very good coffee.

 

There is a good selection of shops in Yamba and it’s not too hard to make a purchase from them! We probably spend too much time in the shops but it’s nice to treat yourself to a surprise now and then.

 

 

Walking tracks by the Clarence River

 

Pippi Beach looking towards Angourie

 

Pippi Beach looking south

 

Pippi Beach looking north

 

Afternoons are for walking along the tracks by the river or along the beaches. Pippi Beach with its long crescent beach, a low tide with plenty of firm sand to walk on was a delight. Not too many people about, a couple of surfers, a swimmer or two, and maybe a dozen or so walkers helped to convey the feeling of spaciousness and openness.

 

From the balcony looking across the Clarence River towards the Great Dividing Ranges

 

Back to the apartment late afternoon and sitting on the balcony overlooking the Clarence River, beaches to the right and behind us, along with the Great Dividing Ranges in the distance make it the perfect reading nook on a warm, sunny afternoon and to unwind (if you need unwinding!) before deciding on dinner.

 

The monthly Yamba market occurring on the last Sunday of the month attracts many people, and as markets go it is one of the best I’ve been to. With a huge array of stalls the market offers plenty of variety whether it be clothing, food, art, it has something for everyone. I bought myself a midsized shoulder bag and I’m very pleased with it.

 

There is a fabulous gourmet butcher in Yamba. There I’ve bought their locally sourced smoked ham to use in sandwiches made from a sourdough multi-grain bread from one of the local bakeries along with other fillings. The ham virtually melts in your mouth, its smoky aroma is a joy to behold in taste and smell. I’ve since used the ham in pasta, and a stir fry with vegetables and it certainly adds a new dimension in taste to those dishes.

 

Headland Angourie Beach

 

Headland Angourie Beach

 

Looking south from headland Angourie Beach

 

Bay to south of headland

 

Headland

 

Looking south across bay from headland Angourie Beach

 

Yesterday (Wednesday) we drove to Angourie about 5 kms south of Yamba and took in the delights of the beaches, the surf, and the vistas found there. It is a popular surfing destination but conditions were not the best for catching a wave and only two or three surfers were attempting to do so. There is a headland with beaches either side, the south side similar to Pippi Beach is a long crescent shaped beach and very attractive. The north side of the headland is rocky along the headland and a smaller beach which noticeably had strong currents so probably not the best place to swim. A solitary surfer was on this side but I did not see him catch any waves.

 

Today (Thursday) we decided to have a day in Byron Bay. It has been twelve months since we’ve been there and the first thing Meryl and I noticed was the amount of cars and the busy traffic all trying to find somewhere to park, and the noise. I think we have been spoiled by the peace and quiet of Yamba! Quite a few vacant shops noticeable since our last visit while others look tired and jaded. The demographic is different to Yamba, much younger, families with teenage kids, but still some noticeable edginess about the town as well with some desperately trying to continue or live the hippy dream.

 

Byron does have an excellent bookshop and I just couldn’t help myself, another three books to wade my way through.

 

The main beach looked magnificent and tempting, as it always does. Not too many people in the water or on the sand but crowded on the grassy slopes near the surf club.

 

The Hare Krishna cafe is a favourite of ours in Byron. Their excellent, wholesome vegetarian meals made it easy to decide what is for dinner tonight.

 

The forecast is for the possibility of heavy rain over the next couple of days so we’ll bunker down with our books, take it easy, hopefully get out for a coffee or two, and watch the rain from the comfort of our apartment. And maybe the Bombers will have a win!

 

 

More from Col Ritchie can be read Here

 

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