SCOUTS and cubs from 1st Bega and 1st Eden groups enjoyed a hike along the coast recently as part of the celebrations to commemorate the Year of Scouting and the centenary of scouting in Australia, 1908-2008.

The scouts started their part of the hike from the top of Bellbird and walked to the beach, while the cubs started their hike from the Pinnacles.

Both groups met at the eastern end of Long Beach and walked together to Haycock Point where fires were lit and the serious business of cooking sausages began.

After restoring their energy, the party moved up to the headland to view the Haystack and the many coloured boulders, then proceeded to follow the cliffs to the mouth of the Pambula River.

They stopped on the way to see the beach where Mathew Flinders and George Bass stayed overnight in the 1790s while exploring the East coast of Australia on their journey to discover Western Port Bay.

Upon arriving at Bar Mouth Beach sore feet and bodies were refreshed by a swim or wade in the river.

Then it was time to walk up to the car park and climb into vehicles for the return trip home.

It had been a mild day with not too much sun so was ideal for hiking. Judging from the smiles all round every one had a great time and perhaps learnt a little along the way.