Kurt and Bert led a group of six walkers, including a visitor, the sister of one of the walkers, in a unique HVB walk along the Lockley Pylon track subtitled “that’s not a wind, this is a wind”. Starting in 50km/hr winds, which in view of what was to come seemed like a gentle breeze, we reached a rocky outcrop for morning tea where on past occasions we admired the view. This time, however, a few took shelter in the lee of the rocks whereas others retreated to a nearby ravine. On to Lockley. Once we left the tree line and entered the grass covered open area and the saddle separating us from the ascent to Lockley the fun started. Wind gusts increased to between 80 and 100 km/hr and possibly more which often forced us to sit down, sometimes involuntarily, before crawling on towards our target. On reaching the ascent to Lockley Pylon the look on everyone’s face said it clearly – there is no way I am going up there. Instead we descended the 196 steps into the gully separating us from Du Faur Head but baulked from crossing the small natural stone causeway leading to the Head as a quick involuntary trip into the Grose Valley was considered a certainty. We had lunch in the gully, retraced the 196 step and held counsel how to recross the 300 metre saddle without becoming airborne. This was accomplished by pairing into couples, and with interlocked arms giving extra weight and support, crossed unscathed, not easy on a single file track. Here credit must be given to Clive who crossed by himself, left his pack, recrossed to pick up and support one of our featherweights who would surely have floated away. We reached our cars safely and retired for coffee to our favourite Leura Mall coffee shop. Despite all it was a rewarding day and will become a benchmark for windy HVB walks.
Looking back on the Pinnacles on the way out to Lockley Pylon
Some of the group sought lower, more sheltered ground for morning tea (above)
Kurt striding out with the group after morning tea, blissfully unaware of the blast
soon to come(right)
Looking down the GroseValley (left) View of the saddle across which the group battled crouching then making a dash (right)
Lunch in a less exposed gully heading down to Du Faur Head. Clive discusses the strategy to cross the saddle on the homeward trip 
Wind whipping through the trees Hang on to your hat and more importantly- a rock as you struggle across the saddle!
View of Mount Hay to the right and the Grose Valley
An unwelcome local on the track
The last ridge before returning to the Pinnacles Billowing trees on the top of the ridge
Kurt and Bert led six other walkers, Clive, Helen A, Wendy C, Polly, Lyndy and a visitor.
Photos: Bert (2,3,6), Lyndy (4,5,11,12), Wendy (1,7,8,9,10)
Words by Kurt