Yet another modified walk on an initially cool day that warmed up nicely and no rain!
After traffic delays cause most participants some grief getting there, seven of us set off on our car shuffle to the start (northern end) of the Centre Trail on General San Martin Drive.
An easy fire trail led us to a lookout after 700m that provided great views over Coal and Candle Ck to our NW. We completed this 3.7km leg on good fire trail with ease.
Coal and Candle Creek from 1st lookout
Tessellated Pavement near lookout Bottle Brush
Crossing the southern end of General San Martin Drive, we ducked behind the big sign to start our journey down the Smith’s Creek East Trail downhill for 1.7km to the upper reaches of Smith’s Creek.
The new unofficial bridge (a set of planks nailed to a fallen tree) made for easy crossing of the creek, after a picturesque morning tea on the sandy banks of this scenic creek.
Morning Tea at Smiths Creek
Bridge over Smth's Creek at MorningTea
Following Smith’s creek for 1km to our NW, we traversed lovely rainforest, open mangroves, salt marsh and areas of bright golden coloured reed grasses.
Quite a few spots were wet with ponds and mud to traverse but this added to the fun!
A 2.5km long, 170m climb up the Smith’s Creek Fire Trail brought us to the relatively flat and easy going Perimeter Trail. It was actually hot work climbing which was quite different to the start of the day.
Rainforest Ferns on Track along Smth's Creek Exiting the Rainforest on Track along Smth's Creek
Reed Grasses along Smth's Creek
Peter Selfie along Smth's Creek
Mangroves along Smth's Creek
Reed Grass head along Smth's Creek
We were all looking forward to lunch but the 4km did not deter anyone from wanting to see the promised views at Wilkins Lookout at lunch time, so we pushed on.
The views did not disappoint with the lower reaches of Smith’s Creek in view. The return to our cars was only 3km so we were back for coffee at Terrey Hills in no time.
Lunch at Wilkins Lookout
View of Lower Smith's Creek from Lunch at Wilkins Lookout
Most agreed it was a nice varied walk on a beautiful day, no rain and no leaches reported.
Leaders: Jenny C, Peter
Walkers: Nick S, Polly, Christine S, Celia, Pragati
Photos: Nick S(13), Peter T(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,14,15,16)
Words: Peter