On a very frosty morning 20 of us met at Summer Hill station as 5 of the group travelled on with the train to Ashfield. Anne G led the group down Grosvenor Crescent to meet Hawthorne Canal where she outlined the history of its conversion from a creek to a cement lined canal. John met us with the “lost “ 5 who had now returned to Summer Hill.
We walked along a tree lined path to cross Parramatta Rd at the Taverners Hill light rail station. After crossing Marion St the canal was edged with parklands, incorporating sport fields through the heritage suburb of Haberfield. We arrived at Iron Cove after walking underneath the City West Link and crossing over the canal along a section of Lilyfield Rd now closed to traffic. We then walked the Bay Run around Iron Cove. Morning tea was in a sunny spot beside the water just past Le Montage, formerly the APIA Club. Anne took the opportunity to outline the history of the Italian community in the district and the formation and demise of the Club building as a community hub.
The sun had now warmed us and we enjoyed the waterside path across the Iron Cove bridge and around the Drummoyne waterfront. We enjoyed a sunny lunch spot at Rodd Point where Anne again provided historic notes to supplement the plaque on the Rodd family vault. A short walk returned us to the canal and a opportunity for coffee at Bones Café in the off leash dog park. Many decided to take the light rail experience and have coffee at Glebe Tramsheds under the leadership of John M. After coffee Anne R and Jenny took the rail back to Central while Tim and Lydia and Anne G walked back to Summer Hill.
A briefing after the laggards caught up Anne G.gives them the history
Walking along the Hawthorn Canal Colourful Banksia and a "Forbidden" sign (note the horses)
Rodd family vault and crest on vault
Some chose shade whilst others chose sun for their lunch spots
a White faced Heron Ibis in correct habitat
Pied Cormorant (left) and Australian Darter(right)
a Lunch-time view from Rod Point Rubbish trap at outlet of Hawthorn Canal
North Sydney and Iron Cove Bridge, Rodd Island Sydney Tower and Iron Cove Bridge
Enjoying the view- of her phone perhaps?
Walkers: John B, Tim and Lydia,, Elaine E, Michael and Sue, Mary G, Rosie, Aileen, Sue K, Helen L, Christine McA, Dawn, Elizabeth P, Wendy P, Anne R , Bill S, Jenny, Vreni, Bill T, Don Wo and two visitors, were led by led by John M and Anne G
Photos: Christine McA (9,10,15), Anne R (2,3,4,5,6,11,12,16,20), Don Wo (1,7,8,13,14,17,18,19)
Words: Anne G