All posts by Val Flint

13 happy hikers were on good time for start of this adventure. Soon into 3 cars and off to Little Beach carpark. Walked down to beach (saw amazing native cymbidium orchid and 2 wallabies) to check out the campground (in good use) before returning to turn off to the Bouddi Trail. Side trip to end of 3rd Point Trail for morning tea on the rocks/cliff edge. Back to main trail and up and down with great coastal views until eventual descent to Maitland Bay Beach. As tide was conveniently low, most of the group rock hopped out further to see the remains of the SS Maitland paddlesteamer (wrecked here in 1898 with loss of 25+ lives). Still 3 or 4 chunks of rusty metal obvious! Lunch in shade of rock overhang was enjoyed by all, and then to the other end of the beach to start the climb out. Most of the group took the side trip in and out to Bullimah Lookout for spectacular views. Car shuffle undone and all reassembled at the Empire Bay Tavern for well deserved refreshments. Thanks to all for another pleasant day out and for working together to assist one member who found things a bit of a struggle at one stage. We all need to remember to drink more water on warm and muggy days. David and Val

This turned out to be a “Goldilocks” walk which explained the turn out of 21 keen walkers. Goldilocks as in Not too far to drive; Not too far to walk; Not too hot; Not too cold; Not too wet! Bonuses were good chatting (talk about a noisy mob!), early finish and great after walks venue. Negatives were 2 snakes sighted, one red bellied black and one tiger/brown. Both big!!

From meeting point at Mangrove Mountain Store we condensed into 5 cars and made our way to trackhead. First up visit to Mt Olive for expansive views including iconic Mt Yengo, then on to Mt Olive fire trail as far as the turn off for Hominy Creek. At the creek crossing, turned downstream for a short distance to Emerald Pool and the rock platforms beyond where morning tea was enjoyed in the sunshine.

Next up continued on our circuit before taking a left hand turn on 248 Trail to more expansive rock platforms with views to Ironbark Creek. Early lunch here before retracing our steps to the main fire trail and returning to our start point with another rock platform with aboriginal engravings along the way.

Undid car pooling and then proceeded to Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club for refreshments. Thanks John and Di for delicious chips!! Good day had by all. Welcome to Melanie and Marilia. Hope you both enjoyed your day and we see you again soon. Thanks all, David and Val.

15 keen walkers assembled at Yallamundi Light Rail Station on good time on a SUNNY morning. This saw us underway before the designated 8.30am start time! Visitors John and Di warmly welcomed by all. Short street walk to join the shared pathway along Parramatta River. Unfortunately several cyclists were not all that impressed with a group of walkers on “THEIR” pathway, but we gave as good as we got whilst trying to keep tucked in!
Female Orphan School and Whitlam Institute were pointed out as a good place to visit. Then onwards to Alfred St Bridge, Parramatta Ferry Wharf, Barry Wilde Bridge (where club’s connection with Barry was explained), view of new Power House Museum, under Lennox Bridge and then to Dodd’s Farm site in Parramatta Park. Crossed the river here and pushed on to vicinity of old dairy, bandstand, Misc Cafe and conveniences for morning tea. Fruit bat roosting trees noted (and avoided!) soon after this and then to the Female Factory site for some more sad colonial history. Parramatta Gaol soon after is another example of a wonderful old building looking for a worthwhile future.
Change of approach next as we pushed up hill to entrance to Lake Parramatta Reserve where we enjoyed the natural scenery on our circumambulation! Lunch with a view of the lake when we had almost completed the circuit and soon back near the cafe where we decided to have our “post walk” refreshments even though walk wasn’t finished!(no suitable venue back near cars). Down to Benaud Oval Light Rail stop to discover some drama with the line due to a broken down vehicle, so kept walking to Alfred Park stop where we saw trains were running again. On and away (with some unscheduled stops as they were still sorting things out)and soon back at Yallamundi station about 2.30pm after a 15km walk (slightly longer than planned!). Thanks to all for their good humour and participation and welcome again to John and Di.