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Where have all the young men gone? Peter was the sole representative of the male of the species along with 9 women attending this new walk for HVB at Hilltop, in the Bargo State Conservation Area.
With a cool start after initially meeting in the little village of Hilltop, we headed off under the high voltage power lines where we parked our 3 cars
Soon taking a small easy track to the NW of this loop walk, we followed the ridge, eventually arriving at our rocky outcrop lookout for morning tea. Flowers along the way, even in June, were lovely with masses of banksia spinulosa everywhere.
Acacia suaveolens Banksia spinulosa Lambertia formosa
Morning tea Satisfied group after morning tea
The view that satisfied the group
A group photo or two later and we headed off with Jenny leading the way for the rest of the walk, soon descending the rocky track to the only creek crossing of the walk. After following a side creek for a short distance, we started the steady climb up to the northern ridge. Once again this section of the track was rocky but not too hard for this group of plus walkers with only 1 or 2 steeper sections as we climbed.
Descending................... Climbing...................... And even some flat walking
More easy walking............... ....with some tricky rocks to negotiate And a bandaged tree
Reaching the flat fire trail, Kas and Hazel showed off their matching hats. Continuing, the group quickly found themselves under the northern end of the power lines with expansive views to the north and views back to the south under the power lines.
Kaz and Hazel conforming hats - but Mary didn't conform Lunch
Leaving this track, we headed back to the rougher bush tracks of the eastern corner. After a quick discussion about where to have lunch, we took the 300m diversion out to our eastern lookout for lunch. The initial thick bush soon opened up for easy traversing along this obvious ridge. The lookout did not disappoint. More photos taken looking at the group sitting on the outcrop having lunch.
Returning to the track, discussions about the options for the remaining section took place. At the first optional exit point, Jenny led a group of 3 back to the fire trail to head to the finish. At the next optional exit point, 2 more headed across the 60m of bush, navigating by sun and compass, back to the fire trail. The remaining 4 then continued along the rougher track route exiting 300m down the road before meeting the early arrivals back at the cars.
Afternoon tea in the sun at the cars with homemade cookies and apple pie, was enjoyed by all as they talked about the fun they had on this new walk.
Well done to all participants wanting to try out this walk and rising to a new challenge.
Walkers: Hazel, Celia, Leah, Deidre, Cleona, Kas, Mary, Pragati, Jenny C & Peter T.
Leaders: Jenny & Peter.
Words: Peter
Photos: Deidre (2,7,11); Hazel (3,6,13,14,15); Peter (1,4,5,8,9,10,12,16,17,18,19)
