With autumn at its best 14 walkers set out from Pennant Hills Station. However, before reaching the playing fields we collected four more walkers – those with inside knowledge of where to find a good parking spot! 
Mary G briefing the walkers
So, with a party of 18 we continued on our new walk through Pennant Hills Park bushland and the newly opened bush track behind the playing fields before entering Lane Cove NP following the fire trail to the Lane Cover River. The causeway crossings were not problematic and were easily negotiated by stepping through the water.
Scenes from the walk
2nd time visitor Ineke 
The rear guard
Morning tea was held at the picnic tables near the Archery Club
Morning tea 
......at a safe distance 
Bottlebrush 
...and some bush tucker?
Elaine and friend 
Are we there yet?
with lunch taking place near “Ahimsa” – the house left to the National Trust of NSW by Marie Byles.
Marie was an avid bushwalker, mountaineerer, explorer and conservationist. She did much to have the bushland around Cheltenham preserved as a National Park.
A welcome lunch ..... 
...stalked by feathered gate crashers
Leaches were on the agenda as well as very aggressive Kookaburras – both at morning tea and lunch.
It was now street walking up towards Cheltenham Station. Before catching the train most walkers went to Molly’s Pavilion in the Cheltenham Recreation Club for Coffee.
Two leaders savour a coffee after a memorable walk
Again, many thanks to John and Ros for designing this alternate walk due to the recent heavy rain in the area.
Walkers: Nick B, Elaine, John, Ros, Christine Mc, Jan, Wendy P, Guenter, David S, Sue S, Lyn, Drina, Louis & Don Wo.
Visitors: Clive and Ineke.
Leaders: Robyn Ma & Mary G
Words: Robyn Ma
Photographs: Robyn Ma (15); Sue S (2,5,6,9,10,11,13); David S (1,3,7,12,14,16); Don Wo (4,8)