21 October - Regular Walk: Parramatta River - Huntley's Point to Meadowbank

18 starters, including two visitors, for the regular walk from Huntleys Point to Meadowbank. Weather fine and warm with an overhang of haze and smoke from some burning off.
An interesting walk, often thought longer than the 10 km specified. Mostly through parks and streets, so mainly walking on sealed surfaces. A few steps and inclines but basically a flat walk through parts of historic interest.
Silky oaks were in flower and our progress was observed by a Tawny Frogmouth perched in a tree near Looking Glass Bay. We reciprocated and settled for the odd photo.
A good walk but late starting due to ferry times (10.10 before we started walking) and therefore a latish finish. Coffee was in the Village shops of the Sheperds Bay unit complex and considerably better than the coffee from the shop near Meadowbank station.
                      Above, the first photo of the day - Wullumatta Bay and below and later, enough space to get the group lined up

Trees (Part 1):Some gathered under a Silky Oak Grevillia robusta and all passed by the mangroves
 
There was a lot of history. For instance, 'Banjo Paterson Cottage Restaurant' is in a house purchased in 1866 by Banjo Paterson's maternal grandmother Emily Barton.
And who was the Governor in 1828?


More recent history: Was the demolished house the 2nd last fibro cottage on the Parramatta River? And when was blue a fashion colour?
  

Two birds. The Australian Magpie Craticus tibicen no surprise, but the Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides, was.
          

Trees (Part 2): Some trees flaunting roots above ground, others hiding theirs under rocks.

And the final photo of the day: Maurice leads the group to coffee. (Jim commented at this time that Ray would have drawn our attention to the high tide, and told us exactly when and what was the peak at Fort Denison. Re-join us soon, Ray. We miss you.)

For the record: Susan and Maurice were followed by Robyn M, Lea, Mary, Don W, Rex, Sue K, Jim, Lydia, Ida, Andy, Liz R, Bill McD, two visitors and alternating Tail-end Charlenes Helen A and Elaine E.