THE COBBLERS’ CURIOSITY

Ever noticed that an old favourite walk can still throw up the odd surprise? Shrugging off the dramas of trains replaced by buses, a less than accommodating weather forecast, spiteful southerly winds and pseudo-military intervention, Bronny shepherded us around Jibbon Point and on to Marley Head. You may well wonder about the military intervention, for we certainly did when the northern headland of The Cobblers was reached. There, on a rock shelf, starkly white against the sandstone cliff, stood a contingent of Star Wars Troopers.

Well – actually there were four, dressed in Kung Fu white – they did look very martial. I’m told there is a spiritual element to martial arts and observing these graceful exercises I could readily believe it. The setting seemed alien at first, but if we walkers experience some sense of renewal from our sojourns in the bush, then why not others? The location does not suffer any lack of atmosphere.

We approached Marley Point via the coastline, sought – not completely successfully – shelter from the cold wind, and returned to Bundeena via the Marley Track and Bundeena Gully. The walk is a popular favourite. It was accomplished in a chill wind but warm companionship.

Photograph and article by Frank Davis