Well there’s nothing like a few days of rain and then a warm sunny Friday to bring out the walkers! With a mob of Hillviewers even a sheepdog couldn’t keep in check, the decision was made to split into two groups with John heading off with the first group (with Marilyn keeping an eye on the tailenders) and Ros following with the second group (and Bill S, bringing up the rear).
What looked like a doddle, as we headed off on the wide concrete path (watch those edges, Don Wo…), got a bit more serious as we wound down on a bush track to cross the flowing creek below the dam on mossy stepping stones. Then a steep climb up the other side and we were on our way around the shores of Lake Parramatta on an undulating bush track through some good-quality bush with few weeds (despite the proximity of suburbia all around the lake).
Waiting for the briefing
First Creek Crossing Masonry Dam Wall
Group B after the crossing Downed tree sending out side shoots Under the overhang John M and Don B 
Reflections on Lake Parramatta
Waiting for the walkers and for the ANZAC biscuits
John G gives a talk on the history of the lake and Ros hands out the Anzacs
On a ‘headland’ promontory, the track crosses an old road formation, and a short stop there for a drink and an Anzac biscuit (thanks Ros) gave John an opportunity to talk a bit about the European history of Lake Parramatta. This included:
The masonry arch dam holding Lake Parramatta, completed in 1856 to augment the domestic water supply for a growing Parramatta, has a great deal of historical significance attached to it, including: that it is the only masonry arch dam in Australia; it was only the 11th engineered dam wall in the world to be built since the time of the Romans; and in 1898, the dam wall height was raised 3.3m with a concrete arch built on the original masonry structure – at the time a world first!
- Surveyors, of course, had a great deal to do with the dam’s construction. The Surveyor General, Sir Thomas Mitchell, selected the site for the dam; Captain Percy Simpson, surveyor and engineer (who built the Devine’s Hill section of the Great North Road – very familiar to HVB walkers), designed and supervised the initial construction, followed by Edward Moriarty, consulting engineer and surveyor, who finalised the construction,
- The old road was built around 1887 as a relief project for the unemployed. It connected North Rocks Road to the small headland, overlooking Lake Parramatta, thus providing a ‘pleasing view’ for picnics and the like (think Echo Point and the Hydro Majestic in the Blue Mountains, which were constructed around the same time with a similar aesthetic).
Then it was on to complete the circumnavigation of the lake and return to the picnic area for lunch, with many BBQ-ing. It was all very convivial sitting in the sun chatting and eating, with a few (actually more than a few) ending up having coffee in the nearby café.
Portrait Gallery
Bill S and Ros G Clive and Celia Claude and Rosemary
Lyn Lawrie
Mary G and Sue B Kurt and Linda A"mixed "group 
Don Wo John G
Rosemary and Vreni Steve Robyn Ma and Peter T 
Deidre, Elaine E and Dawn
Coffee after
Walkers: John and Ros led Helen A, Ida, Nick B, Clive, Don B, Sue B, Elaine E, Lawrie, Mary, Aileen, Celia, Kas, Dawn, Robyn Ma, John M, Robyn Mi, Bert, Marilyn and Keith, Steve & Jan, Margaret & Claude, Elizabeth P, Barbara, Bill S, Kurt, Vreni, Nick S, Deidre, Rosemary & Kevin, Lyn, Drina, Peter T, Don Wo.
Photos: Drina (2,3,4,5,6,8), Don Wo (1,7,9-20,22-28), Lyn (21)
Words: John G