After the programmed Blue Mountains - Hazelbrook Waterfall Circuit walk had to be cancelled yet again (4th time!), the leaders, Ros and John, assisted by Mary, worked up this walk as a ‘close-to-home’ substitute walk. It seems to have been well received with 23 walkers turning up on the day to try it out! The driver of our bus from Hornsby to Westleigh was somewhat surprised when we all boarded his 9 am bus which normally seems to carry about one, or possibly two, passengers as the regular load (this time it was a Regular load – of walkers).
The briefing - Are you listening?
Unlike previous weeks, the weather was kind with but a drop or two of rain, a pleasant temperature and almost no leeches, hurrah! The first section of the walk on the Benowie Track has been walked by Hill View many times, so nothing new there, although the lack of any significant track maintenance over the years has made sections of it more difficult than it should be. Turning off we took the lovely Blue Gum Track down to Ginger Meggs Park: where we stopped for lunch.
Rocky path
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aAfter lunch there was a little road walking as we tackled the very steep Pretoria Parade, before a ‘side-track’ took us into the Florence Cotton Reserve and onto the Loop Track which was a new track for many walkers. Then the challenge of some cardio exercise on the 108-step stairs from Jimmy Bancks Creek up to Lisgar Gardens!
Lunch Lisgar Gardens
The gardens were an opportunity for a bit of a breather and a look around, although not the best season to be seeing these gardens at their best: particularly after the recent heavy rains which have ‘washed-out’ most of the shrubs in flower. However, the gardening staff have been busy planting out lots and lots of flower beds which will be looking magnificent in the weeks and months ahead.
Last of the spring blooms in Lisgar Gardens
Another shortish street walk back to Hornsby, taking in the newly extended murals in Dural Lane, before an almost full complement of walkers stormed Brew Ha Ha and demanded coffee – almost running the wait staff off their feet! Most enjoyable.
. Taking in the Dural Lane murals
Leaders John and Ros were joined on the walk by Helen A, Susan C, Elaine, Annette Ell, Christine G, Phyllis, Keith H, Christine M, Bill M, Dawn, Robyn Ma, Bert, Margaret P, Elizabeth, Wendy P, Christine S, Nick S, Lyn, Pauline, Bill’s carer Sally and a visitor Tracie. First Aid: Margaret P Tail End: Helen A & Susan
Photography: Helen A (1,4,6,7), Christine S (2,3,5), Pauline (8), Ros (9,10,11,12)