#078 Hilltop-Bargo State Conservation Area

This walk traverses an area which is different to our usual haunts. The bush is lower and undergrowth is sparser. The ground is mostly quite rocky. The hills are fairly low and creeks small.

We (16 walkers) met at Hilltop (some of us very early, as the meeting time was half an hour later than usual). We then piled into 4 cars for the short trip to the start. After a briefing and circle (in the wrong order) we set off. The morning was uneventful, with lots of chatter as we strolled along a mostly flat bushwalking track to morning tea overlooking a view of hills and creeks. We then descended to a small creek, easily crossed as it was lower than usual, and then wound our way up a side creek.

This was followed by the only really steep section of the day. Halfway up this section, one of the walkers fell over and gashed her arm. A joint effort ensued to clean and bandage the injury. This was later augmented by an antiseptic spray applied at lunch to further clean and disinfect. As a result of this, several of us have realised our first aid kits need an upgrade.

By lunch time the weather had become quite warm and humid and dark clouds were gathering. One group, some of them with pre-existing injuries, followed the fire trail back to the cars, as planned. Another group left to follow what turned out to be a very overgrown track parallel to the fire trail. This group found that the narrow track was so overgrown that they picked a point where it was only 60 m from the fire trail and left it to also follow the fire trail back to the cars.

We had bought drinks and snacks to eat at the cars, but the threat of rain and the noise of gunfire from the rifle range and sirens from an unknown source made us decide that the park in Hilltop was a much better option for drinks. It was very shady and grassy, with picnic tables supplied. Since the last time we visited this area, the options for post walk drinks have improved. There are now 3 small cafes in Hilltop, which could be possible venues for drinks in the future. Thanks to all walkers for their company, enthusiasm for walking, and willingness to pitch in to help others.

Jenny