Sunset Over the Southern Walk

Post

Subscribe

Posted 2011-08-29 by Carole Kelly ⇒ follow

Sunset over the Southern Walk

Where are you likely to find yachts and a racehorse, barbeques, cappuccinos and ice-creams, rotundas and swings, the salty smell of sea air and a vista like few others? Stand on the cliff tops at the junction of Warrigal and Beach Roads, take in the vast expanse of the bay and then walk down to the paved beach path and travel left towards to Mordialloc Pier. You've probably accompanied me on my Northward journey already (refer earlier Weekend Notes on Mentone Beach Walk- Northwards) so I thought I'd show you the other 50 % of this idyllic area. To portray the area in a different light, I've chosen to walk during a late Winter's afternoon, not long before sunset. However, it is equally spectacular during the Summer months.

Greeting my fellow travellers and their canine companions, I approach the Parkdale Yacht Club. The Club House is a popular venue for special birthdays and is noticeable due to the large sailing mural painted on the side of the building. On many weekends during the year, the sea here is filled with either children learning to sail or participants of the regular sailing regattas in the area. This afternoon there are several yachts at the pier in the distance and the odd leisure craft out to sea. There are a few faithful beachgoers (it's becoming quite cool now) and one or two swimmers braving the cold waters (I think the lone soul wading in the ankle deep surf has abundantly more common sense).

I pass the tribute to our past soldiers and think about the deeply stored grief in the hearts of the loved ones who have only recently, lain their wreaths here. There are several.

As I approach the next landmark along my route, my resolve is sorely tested. Can I make it past the Parkdale Beach Café with its deck chairs, outdoor eating area and the ever present aroma of freshly brewed coffee? Can I ignore the smell of barbequed sausages from the picnic shelter attached to the kiosk. My intent is to take my photos for your enjoyment before I lose the light, so I propel myself past the goodies and travel onwards.

The path here, leaves the edge of the sand and travels up past the kiosk to the top of the cliffs. The sweeping view is of the tranquil bay and the air smells clean. As I pace Southwards, I come across a life-sized statue of a horse, silhouetted against a darkening sky. It stands on the cliffs overlooking the area where many trainers frequently worked their horses, particularly when the nearby Epsom Racecourse was in use. The plaque doesn't tell me its name, so I nickname it, in an attempt at some originality, "Wave Lap".

Onwards I travel through several car parks and past many rest areas, trying to stay with the light. When I reach the Mordialloc Surf Lifesaving Club House, the path takes me back down to the beach. If my outing was a morning one, I'd probably stay a while and watch the young lifesavers at their practice or the locals enjoying a game of beach volleyball. The path here is separated from the sandy beach by attractive balustrading which runs all the way to the pier.

I stop at the very popular Peter Scullen Reserve with its ever present mass of noisy seagulls, knowingly waiting for the barbeque leftovers. The up-market Windows by the Bay restaurant is lit up and preparing for its evening trade. Had enough of barbeques, but aren't ready for the big dine out? Pop across the reserve to the Bay Hotel for some jazz music with your meal. The adjacent playground is filled with the sound of healthy, happy laughter from the visiting children. There are two rotundas and I head up the steps of the one beside the path and gaze out to sea wistfully as dusk descends and I am treated to a glorious sunset.

I can't resist my stroll along the pier and I chat as usual to the locals fishing. Today they're biting well apparently! I'm always tempted to sit along -side them and swing my legs and wait for 'the bite' to happen (but only if armed with a good book). However not time, nor tide, nor nightfall will wait for me and I finish the first leg of my journey at the Pompeii Bridge, passing the small kiosk and accompanying seagulls in the local park. The Bridge Hotel on the far side of the creek, is lit up and is busy preparing for the many diners who'll sit out on the deck. The now silent boats are moored for the evening.

I have reached the turn-a-round point but before I head for home, I greet the small fishing boat, illuminated in neon red that forms the monument to the local and revered boat builder, Jack Pompeii who lived in the area for many years.

When you reach this point in your rambling, you may choose to stay a while longer. The nearby Main Street area has an abundance of places to eat, all of which offer great food at a great price. The round trip takes 40-50mins at a brisk pace, but I suggest that you meander a bit and smell the roses along the way. It is an attractive, clean, healthy walk. It would be a shame not to share it with me. See you there!