This walk, colloquially known as the Spit to Manly walk but whose proper name is The Manly Scenic Walk, was a substitute for the Lockley Pylon walk which is still not accessible as the Mt Hay Road is still closed to vehicles.
Eight walkers, some coming by car and others by public transport, met at Ellerys Punt Reserve below the Spit Bridge on a glorious sunny morning. The weather for the entire day could not have been more perfect and made a welcome change to all the recent rain. Unfortunately, as expected, large parts of the track were very wet and very muddy but this could not dampen our spirits in this marvellous weather.
From the Reserve we walked to Clontarf and had morning tea in Clontarf Reserve against a backdrop of white boats on blue water in the morning sunshine.
MT at Clontarf Reserve (left) and approaching Clontarf Reserve
Helen surveys the tranquil harbour waters 
Waiting for the peleton Rain soaked bush
After morning tea the track wound along the foreshore of Middle Harbour with ongoing views. On the approach to Dobroyd Head we visited the Aboriginal Stone Carvings in the middle of which sat a Water Dragon not at all perturbed by being surrounded by eight humans. It had staked out its place in the sun and was determined to stay there. Slightly further up the hill we came to Dobroyd Head with its extended views over the entrance to Sydney Harbour, North Head, Middle Head, South Head and Manly, one of the best spots to view the beauty of Sydney Harbour. Here we were welcomed by another, this time quite large, Water Dragon who also was not too perturbed by our presence. 
Second water dragon Water dragon posing
At Dobroyd Head
Magnificant views which just got better and better
Magnificant views continued Ferry misses the sailing boats
Because of the splendid weather we tarried here for a while and then began the decent to Reef Beach. Just short of Reef Beach is a lookout with benches and once again we stayed for a while watching the ferries pass by.
Fuschia Heath-Epacris longiflora and Acacia linifolia (above)
At Reef Beach is a minor detour where the track has been washed away. From there to Forty Basket Beach the track was especially wet and muddy and progress to North Harbour Reserve a little slow. At North Head Reserve we were met by co-leader Bert for lunch. After that, the now nine walkers, continued along Esplanade Park to Manly and our usual well deserved coffee or hot chocolate
Manly Wharf Which coffee shop is important
Walkers:Kurt and later Bert led Helen A, Chris B, Wendy C, John D’C, Elaine, Gunter, Claude.
Photos: Helen A(3,5,6,8,13,17) Wendy C(2,7,10,11,14,15), Claude(1,4,9,12,16)
Words: Kurt