Thirty-one enthusiastic walkers gathered and chatted, celebrating the chance to be back on the track again after such a long break, all HVB walks and activities since late June having fallen victim to the 2021 Covid lockdown. 
Leader, Ros briefs the walkers
Walkers were challenged by the changed route with the ascent to the track out to the Cityviews Lookout drawing comments such as ‘difficult but rewarding’. The changed route, ably navigated by assistant leader John G and his phone app, was a response to sections of the Pennant Hills Fire Trail having been closed for maintenance. 
Leader, Lyn with walkers following
A fine and sunny day compensated somewhat for the blackened appearance of the bush near the lookout where the view was enjoyed with morning tea. The burnt bush was the result of a recent hazard reduction burn. 
The steepish descent to the Great North Walk was navigated without serious incident and walkers were generally stoic in response to the discomfort of the cobblestone surface of the section of the GNW that took us to Devlins Creek where we continued back to our starting point, crossing the many creek crossings - all of them dry because of our good fortune that none of the predicted rain on the day and the days preceding the walk had eventuated.
(1) Snake Orchid Cymbidium suave (2) Fern Leaf Grevillea Grevillea aspleniifolia (3) Flannel Flower Actinotus helianthi (4) Black Wattle Callicoma serratifolia 
Kookaburra 'chomping' and Kookaburra 'digging'
Lunch was enjoyed in the sanctuary of the grounds of Marie Byles’ property, Ahimsa, previously unknown to many of the walkers. Walkers were grateful to Tail-ender Nick B, first-aiders Lyndy and Don Wo, and Guenter for directing traffic.
Leaders: Lyn and Ros, assisted by John G.
Walkers: Nick B, Sue B, Elaine, Annette Ell, Michael, Anne G, Phyllis, Keith, Aileen, Sue K, Helen L, Lyndy, Chris M, Bruce, Georgina, Bill M, John S, Robyn Ma, Lydia, John M, Claude and Margaret, Elizabeth, Pete and Bella, Guenter, Anne R and Pauline.
Words by Ros
Photos by Don Wo (1, 12-14), Pete R (2-8), Anne R (9, 10), Sue B (11), Lyndy (15)
