A chilly morning saw 18 bundled up walkers set off under forbidding skies. The cold, niggling wind cleared the skies revealing some wonderful cloud scapes as we made our way along the fire trail for 5 ½ klms. We left the fire trail and tackled the short but rocky and uneven track into Butterbox Point. Along the way, we stopped to take in the view of Hays Monolith before continuing the track to the point where an ascent of Hays Monolith was possible. The ascent was steep and rugged, but successfully completed by all walkers, who were rewarded with a magnificent view of the Grose River Valley. After descending, we continued around the base of Hays Monolith (and discovered a much easier route to the top!) and most walkers continued down to Butterbox Point for more spectacular scenery. Two walkers continued down to what seemed like the edge of the world.
After lunch in a sunny sheltered spot on the rocks, we made our way back and eventually, everyone made their way to the coffee shop in Leura for a coffee and de-brief. Lots of golden wattle was in bloom. No snakes were sighted on this walk (see final picture)
View of the Grose Valley from Mt Hay Monolith,
Wattle brightens the track
A picture pause on the fire trail 
Wendy explains where we are heading -to climb Hay's Monolith 
On the ascent of the Monolith At the top with the cliffs of Grose Valley behind
A closer view of those cliffs
Sunlight highlights the rock stratas but what are these weird patterns?
Cloud and cliff patterns
Photograph of the photographers. Taking pictures of the Grose Valley from the lower part of the Monolith, was still worth catching
The group in the distance descends to Butterbox Point
Wendy and Martin on Butterbox Point
A well chosen sunny spot for lunch 
Is Michael trying to fish in the Grose Valley? The wide open skies on the track
Photographed on the recce right where we stood at Butter-Box Point -a Broad-headed snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) -one of Australia's most endangered snake species and very venemous. Its habitat is confined to a 200km radius from Sydney. Note carefully the distinct yellow dotted pattern down the entire length of the back and avoid !!
Wendy C and Clive led sixteen other walkers: Sue B, Maurice and Susan, John D 'C, Elaine E, Michael and Sue, Celia, Chris M, Bert, Wendy P, Kurt, Lyn, Drina, Don W and Martin.
Photos : Christine M (8,9,13,14,17), Clive (1,6,15,16,19),Don W (2,4,5,7), Susan C (11,12)Wendy C (3,10,18)
Words by Wendy C.