On a crisp and clear winter morning, twelve walkers, undeterred by emails detailing the challenges of the walk, assembled at Cowan Station at 8am. The walk started with a fairly steep, rocky descent which became less so as we descended into bush vegetation and progressed down to sea level at Jerusalem Bay. A short drinks stop at that point also enabled walkers to shed some clothing in preparation for the steep ascent on the northern side of the bay. That climb achieved, walkers were rewarded at the top with morning tea and views back down to Jerusalem Bay.
We then branched east off the Great North Walk to head out to Taffy’s Rock along an undulating track with the bushes becoming more dense the further we walked. Add to this scrambling up and down over several large rocks, negotiating narrow openings between rocks and trying to avoid branches and leaf litter on the ground, ensured that walkers were well focused on the track. Viewing stops were made along the way before we finally arrived at Taffy’s Rock shortly before noon. Our lunch spot on the rock afforded superb views down the Hawkesbury to Lion Island and across the Cowan Water to America Bay, Refuge Bay and Hallett’s Beach. Before starting our return, walkers explored the northern side of the rock where landmarks such as Mt Wondabyne could be seen in the distance beyond the Hawkesbury.
After about forty five minutes at the Rock it was time to retrace our steps repeating the ups and downs and rock scrambles. Tentative signs of emerging wild flowers and Boronia by the trackside reminded us that spring was not too far away. The steep ascent from Jerusalem Bay in the morning, now became an equally steep and challenging descent and was negotiated by all with great concentration and care. We arrived safely at Jerusalem Bay where we were rewarded by a scene of absolute beauty, peace and tranquillity providing stark contrast to the traumas of the outside world. Energy boosting snacks and drinks now consumed, we made our final climb of the day chasing the sinking sun as we climbed up out of the valley to arrive back at Cowan close to 4.30pm.
Coffee, the thought of which inspired many of us in the final climb, was consumed at the Cowan general store after which we retired home with a sense of achievement to hot showers, refreshments and well-earned sleep.
Morning serenity - Jerusalem Bay
Off the Great North Walk track and on the track to Taffy's Rock: Looking across Parsley Bay to Dangar Island and the Hawkesbury River
Tail-end Charlie Don B steppping onto the tesselated rock on the ultimate summit before Taffy's Rock itself
Leader Kurt channels Pizarro as he points out Taffy's Rock (centre of the horizon).
Lunch on Taffy's Rock with view to Bouddi NP & Lion Island, Hawkesbury River & Cowan Creek (America Bay, Refuge Bay, Halletts Beach, Cottage Rock).
View north to the Hawkesbury from Taffy's Rock ... and on the right, Taffy's Rock magic and Maurice
Flora seen: Isopogon anemonifolius , on the ascent to Cowan angophora in the afternoon light and Boronia ledifolia
And some walkers..
Arriving at Jerusalem Bay (in the morning), stripping off the outer layer of clothing and preparing for the( steep) ascent ...
... In the afternoon returning on the Taffy's Rock track and negotiating a steep descent
.... and then crosssing the creek above Jerusalem Bay.
Afternoon serenity - Jerusalem Bay or 'absolute beauty, peace and tranquillity' - Bert
Leaders Kurt and Bert led ten other walkers namely Barbara, Dawn, Helen A, Jill, Maurice, Polly, Rhondda, Ros G, Susan and Tail-end Charlie Don B.
Words by Bert.
Photos and 95% of the captions by Barbara (1, 3-10) and Ros G (2, 11-14).