It was a very chilly but thankfully sunny morning as 2 cars left Turramurra oval for our trip to Glenbrook where we met my co leader John Mence & the rest of our group of 15 (names included at the end of the report). After transferring into 3 cars we drove to Blaxland & started our walk at approximately 9am.
There was a gradual descent at first, which then became rather steeper as we got closer to Glenbrook Creek & the first creek crossing. Bert took a slight tumble when one of the loose rocks gave way but luckily was saved from any serious injury by Pragati who was in front.
At the creek crossing Clive stood valiantly in the middle to help us across the very slippery rocks. There were no major mishaps & only Pragati & Clive got slightly wet feet! Thank you Clive for your assistance.
After the creek crossing we gradually climbed very steeply to the top of the ridge & a well earned morning tea break with a lovely view over the valley.
After morning tea it was quite an easy walk along the ridge top past St Helena Crater (photo on the left) to our lunch spot at just over the half way point on top of some rocks in the sunshine. After lunch we went about another 4km to a more gradual descent to the second creek crossing, which was much easier because although a bit deeper it had a nice soft sandy bottom. My co- leader went ahead here & unfortunately we missed the pleasure of seeing him "Walk on Water" & keeping his feet dry! The rest of us had to take our boots off & brave the chilly water to get across.
After the creek crossing it was a gradual climb & about 2km back up the hill to the cars at Glenbrook & a car shuffle to pick up the rest of the cars in Blaxland. We had another great coffee at Glenbrook before leaving for the drive back to Sydney at about 4.10pm. Our total distance covered today was 13.7km.
The group : John M & Celia leaders, Bert, Sue S ,Jill, Rhondda, Clive, Anne R, Anne G, Barbara & a friend, Lyn, John B, Don B & Pragati.
Words by Celia, photos by Barbara.