The Plus walk started at the Aquatic car-park, its loop being down the west side of the dam and then back again on the east side. It should be a wonderful walk, but the lack of decent rain over the past twelve months has had a very sad effect on the Reserve.
Can we please have the walk again - after rain?
There were six walkers. John M started to make some comment about being the only male, but his auditors promptly pointed out that he and his wife reared four daughters. Situation normal for him.
Above, in the car-park and, at left on the Curl Curl track
Some HVB history was then made. The leaders turned off the Waterfall Track, walked over the natural stone bridge and stopped at the top of the waterfall for morning tea, before John M asked!
After morning tea the leaders posed at the bottom of the waterfall.
On the Nature Track, Christine and Dawn hunt for the way forward.They seem to have found a path, but others hang back to make sure!
A snack break at the play/rest area near the Main Gate.
After crossing the dam wall, the Circuit Track continues up along the west side of the dam. Burn offs have left the bush very, very dry and the path stony. One of our walkers tripped and fell. Fortunately the only impact seemed to be grazed skin. However, as we were only about a kilometre from the Main Gate, we decided that two should go back to the rest area and the remaing four continue up to the Aquatic Centre parking area and the cars.
Near the top and a distant view of Manly. Maps were consulted and it was decided to take a shorter route to the car-park by leaving the Reserve for Allambie Road then walking along the water pipeline easement. Effective as a time-saver, but not as scenic.
Street kids
and, have you noticed how often when we walk in bushland in the Greater Sydney region
there is evidence of the old Sydney Water, Sewerage and Drainage Board?
Reunited at the rest area, six then went to La Crema Lounge.
For the record:
Elaine E kindly accompanied leaders Helen A and Dawn on their recce.
On the day, Christine McA, Pragati, Sue B and John M also walked.
Photos by Christine and Helen.
And from Kurt this week: 'And for our friends in the Plus and Regular group who confined themselves to Manly, we would like to point out that our walk took us through [a list of suburbs]. Yes, the EZY walkers know how to stroll.'
Well, Kurt, we'll see your 10 suburbs and raise you the 5,000 rocks we walked over.