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Another beautiful spring day except for some smoke haze from hazard reduction burns. Thought we were going to have the Fantastic Fifteen initially, but that dropped to the Fabulous Fourteen, and then to the Dynamic Dozen and eventually the Energetic Eleven by the time we set off.

From Mosman Bay UP and UP steps and paths to a ridge top and then down the other side to Sirius Park. On leaving there we saw signage telling us that the section of path just before the Zoo wharf was closed due to construction work and that a street diversion would be required. We pushed on to admire the harbour views from Little Sirius Point before back tracking to tackle some more UP to circumambulate the Zoo via streets instead of foreshore.

Soon took the track down past Athol Hall and back on to foreshore track to Bradley’s Head where morning tea was enjoyed.

Continued on to Chowder Bay where 2 of our number took an early departure leaving the Nifty Nine to enjoy the recently improved track past Obelisk Beach and fortifications, some back to 1801, before a top lunch spot on Middle Head.

Made our way back past the naval hospital and then onto track through great angophoras to the stairs down to Balmoral Beach. One of the group decided to miss Balmoral and return to Mosman from that point but the Edgy Eight were enticed by the mention of ice-creams (or coffee) at Balmoral. All enjoyed their refreshments before 2 buses back to our starting point.

Should have been about 12km, but track closure brought it to 13.5km. Many thanks to all for an enjoyable day. And for some of us, the satisfying achievement of a successful tick removal from the back of the head of one of our group

After various options on how to get to the start of the walk at Mt Kuring gai station, 15 hikers set off to safely cross over the highway and then start the descent into the valley.

Weather was the best we’ve had for walking so far this year (even some jackets on!) so everyone was very happy with that.

After recent rain, forest was very lush and “clean” and the fungi were putting on an amazing display from caramel coloured to blue to orange to red.

Morning tea was enjoyed at a creek crossing with lots of suitable rocks for sitting on. There were many creek crossings throughout the day and all conquered without too much drama.

The forest changes throughout the walk make it interesting: almost rainforest to salt marshes.

The steep climb up from Sam’s Creek was rewarded with views, lunch and seating at Naa Badu Lookout over Berowra Creek. Final stretch after lunch maintained the upward direction but more gently.

Refreshments at Berowra RSL were enjoyed by all and it was good to welcome our newest members Helen and Alice to the fold and compliment our visitor Tutu on her first outing with us.

Despite a paucity of walk description, and forecast high temperatures, 6 walkers packed more water than usual and their sense of adventure for this new walk for the club. The walk is an alternative to the Great West Walk, Glenbrook to Woodford section and was chosen because the original was uninspiring.

After leaving cars at Glenbrook Station, we drove 23klms to the start of the walk at Woodford, parked and headed down the Oaks Firetrail. This is a wide, well maintained firetrail, shared with mountain bike riders. Fortunately, there were only a few mountain bike riders, as those travelling in the same direction as us were travelling very fast. As the temperature rose, the bush flies made their presence known, encouraging us to keep walking at a good pace to keep them out of our faces.

After about 6klms, we left the Oaks Firetrail and turned on to the St Helena Ridge Firetrail, again wide and well-maintained. Areas which had been control burned a  year or so ago were awash with flannel flowers. It was a very impressive display. There was a diversity of wildflowers throughout the day, but none in great numbers other than the flannel flowers.

Afew kilometres further on, we left the wide firetrail and started along a heavily overgrown firetrail, slowing progress. We found a tree throwing good shade for lunch and then pressed on, the trail narrowing to a bush track.

The most interesting part of the walk then commenced with the descent to the creek, the track zig zagging down a steep rocky slope. The temperature was reaching its peak for the day, so it was with relief that we reached the creek and found it had plenty of water. Boots off and feet int eh water. Bliss!

Once cooled and restored, we crossed the creek, followed the creek edge a short distance (and saw a magnificent swimming hole) and then tackled the cliffs, scaling boulders on the way.

By the time we were close to the railway line, water was running low, but by sharing around what we had left, we reached the cars.  Peter shared some chilled drinks he had thoughtfully stored in his vehicle, to the evident pleasure of all. After unding the car shuffle, we stopped at the Lapstone Hotel for a dr ink on the way home.

This walk is a much more interesting option than the original Glenbrook to Woodford section of the GWW as it is through pleasant bush away from the highway. The creek was a high light and worth considering for a swim. However, it would be best done on a day that was not so hot.

Thank you to all for your resilience and team work.