The weather finally turned into a cool autumn morning. From Mt Colah station we walked quickly through the streets to join the Kalkari Track to the Discovery Centre. We viewed the Cowan creek below from lookouts as we approached the centre. 
Not the morning tea spot!
The leaders with the Canadian visitor No, Dawn didn't do those scribbles on the tree
At morning tea we mingled with the Easy walkers. The Volunteer Guide offered to take Samuel to see the kangaroos in the enclosure. The Birrawanna track passes beside the fence enclosing the Discovery trail and the kangaroos, as it winds down through fern covered bushland to the Regional office.
Colourful fungi Fern covered bushland Fern covered bushland
The short rocky track then descends steeply to Apple Tree Bay where we enjoyed lunch sitting on the rocks in the Autumn sun, or under the shade of the tree. 
The descent to Apple Tree Bay
After lunch we walked a kilometre or so along the creek where we saw and smelt the burn bushland which had been an active fire on the day of our recce. Lunch 
Happy walkers after lunch Two birds collecting grass for the birds (Gouldian finches)
The result of the recent bush fire
The Mt Ku-ring-ai track ascends with plenty of opportunity to look back at the view of the water to a short hill climb to the station.
Resting at what we thought was the top after the tough climb out of Apple Tree Bay
But there were more and more steps to come!! We enjoyed our coffee at the shops near the station afterwards.
Walkers: Pete and Bella, Sue F, Elaine E, Martin, Christine McA, Dawn, Don Wo, Margaret P, Barrie, led by Anne R and Anne G with a visitor from Canada. Samuel, on his way to the Solomon Islands to volunteer teaching Mathematics.
Photos: Christine McA (2, 3, 5, 8), Don Wo (1, 4, 7, 9, 14), Anne R (10, 12, 13), Pete (6, 11, 15, 16)
Words by Anne G.