This walk replaced the Empire Circuit walk in North Lawson since that walk was considered dangerous following the heavy rain in the Blue Mountains NP where many walks are still closed. This alternative walk itself was truncated as the recce could not be completed due to heavy rain.
After several days of glorious weather the rain returned during the night of Thursday. Friday morning looked promising until the start of the walk. Right on queue at 9.30 am, as we started the walk, it began to rain.
Nevertheless eleven walkers set off in the rain. We walked past the Bonnie Doon turn off now closed due to a land slide to the intersection with the Soldiers Point Track. Here we looked at each other – should we continue? Of course we should and we were rewarded as the rain stopped just as we got to the morning tea stop overlooking the Basin Camping area, Coasters Retreat and distant views of Lion Island.
As we left morning tea the rain started again. We retraced our steps to the Bairne Track / Soldiers Track intersection and went on to the Bairne LO. The view over Scotland Island, Towler’s Bay, Woody Point, McCarrs Creek, Clareville, Newport and out to Mona Vale was still spectacular despite the overcast skies.
We then moved on to our lunch spot overlooking Lovett Bay. Towards the end of lunch the temperature dropped and rain threatened again, so we began our return trek back to the cars. On this part we even glimpsed some blue skies but it did not last long.
We then drove to Terrey Hills for well deserved cups of hot chocolate or coffee.
Sign marking the start of our walk Pre-walk briefing
The view over to Currawong Beach Jetty from our morning tea stop The view towards the wharf at The Basin from our morning tea stop
Morning Tea Soldiers Point
Bairne Lookout The view towards the wharf at The Basin from our morning tea stop
Lunch Bairne Lookout
Trees by our lunch spot on the Bairne Track The return journey up the Bairne Track
The walkers towards the end of the Bairne Track with Pittwater behind them
Tadpoles in the puddles of water on the track The very colourful leech that hitched a ride home on Hazel's boot
Walkers were: Kurt and Hazel (leaders), Barbara C, Jenny, Polly, John D’C (tail end), Elaine, Bill Mc, Guenter, Deidre (first aid), John S (Bill’s carer)
Photographers: Deidre (5,6,8) Hazel (1,2,3,4,7,9,10,11,12,13)
Words: Kurt