It was the sort of winter’s day that makes you glad you live in Sydney – cloudless blue sky, no wind, mild temperature – and the bush was freshly washed by recent rain with wildflowers starting to bloom in profusion, and the sparkling water of Coasters Retreat was a sight to behold.
No surprise then, that 12 of us had a really enjoyable day. The first part of the two-stage walk was to America Bay, and we stopped to look at the aboriginal rock carvings a short distance from the road.
Diana L caught us up here, and we went on down to the waterfall above America Bay for morning tea.
No boats moored here (there were two on the day of the recce) but the profusion of mooring buoys attests to the popularity of the location for boaties.
The second stage of the walk was along the Bairne Track to Soldiers Point. The beautiful rock python which had been interrupted while sunning itself across the track on the day of the recce did not bother to greet us, and we walked on past large areas of bush burned during recent hazard reduction activity. The result of the burn is large areas of burned bush, with a sprout of greenery underway. We particularly enjoyed seeing dozens of Xanthorrheas coming into full flower on their long spear stems.
The lookout at Soldiers Point was a great place for lunch, with perfect conditions in which to enjoy the view of Coasters Retreat, The Basin, and Currawong Beach – all familiar to the HVB fraternity.
Leaders Don W and Kas had a great day, with Helen A, Robyn M, a visitor, Marg B, Michael, Elaine E, Sue F, Wendy P, Rex and Diana L.
Words, photos and flora identification by Don W.