Hillview first planned an outing to Paynes Crossing for 25 April 2015. Unfortunately this had to be cancelled because we were unable to light the BBQ (left hand side near the tree):

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The second attempt in April 2016 also failed when Cessnock council closed the road to Paynes Crossing for a month in order to replace a bridge over Wollombi Brook.

The third attempt on, 17 September 2016, was a brilliant success with sunshine and blue skies (and note the same gate in this photo):

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And to show just how good HVB’s luck was on this occasion – here’s the lunch venue on the day after (Sun. 18th) when 28mm of rain fell:

2016 09 17 VisitPX JohnG P1030142

Now having set the scene – on with the report!

Twenty three Hillviewers made the almost two-hour journey to Paynes Crossing, including the hosts, Ros and John. Recent alternating periods of sunshine and rain had the Wollombi Valley looking very green for Spring and the blue skies and sunshine on the day just added that extra welcoming touch for visitors. After arrival at the farm ‘Paynes Crossing’ there was much socializing over morning tea with an abundance of home-cooked goodies on offer. Eventually, everyone dragged themselves away to go walking – most for the bushwalk – and few for a gentler farm walk. The bushwalk of a bit over an hour was a circuit starting at the “Ferny Glen” and climbing gradually up through a narrow temperate rainforest gully dominated by Grey Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) with an occasional much rarer Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsa) amidst a tumble of mossy rocks and ferns. We were a little early for the rock orchids (Dendrobium speciosum), but one obliged with a nice spray of creamy-white flowers. Emerging into an elevated valley floor, the vegetation changed to that of the more familiar Hawkesbury sandstone, with Angophoras, Stringybarks, Grey gums and Forest oaks dominating.

                   Slowly setting out.....perhaps too many home-cooked goodies!                         "Ferny Glen"

2016 09 17 VisitPX Kurt PC 8

            2016 09 17 VisitPX Kurt PC 11

 

Though nothing like the display of wildflowers on some HVB walks, there were sufficient examples along the track to keep the walkers interested. One example being the little-known orchid Caladenia (Lady’s Fingers) with its delicate white flowers.

After a half-way stop for a drink and a chat, the group continued their ascent circling back to the sandstone ridge where Yellow Bloodwood became numerous along with the unusual Woody Pear with its large fruit looking just like – well – a wooden pear!

                                 "Lady's Fingers" Caladenia                                                            Time for a drink and a chat        

2016 09 17 VixitPX DonW orchid white finger

                  2016 09 17 VisitPX Don john lecturing

 

Another stop at the end of the ridge (“Serenity Point”) with a fine view of the Wollombi Brook valley below and then a carefully-negotiated steep descent through the sandstone cliff edge before tracking down the ridge to emerge on the road just above the stone house – just in time for lunch!

                                      "Serenity Point"                                                            Heritage-listed 1840s stone farmhouse

2016 9 17 VisitPX Kurt PC 16            2016 09 17 VisitPX Kurt PC 18
By this time there were clouds aplenty, but the company and the food were fine as the BBQ worked overtime. By early afternoon, with everyone replete with food (and may it be said: conversation) the journey home to Sydney, for all but the hosts, began – it had been a wonderful social outing for Hill View with wonderful weather to match. The fact that it began to rain on that night just emphasized how blessed we were with the weather on the day!

       Grounds of the four roomed Georgian stone house                                                 Pretty Murray Greys       
2016 09 17 VisitPX Kurt PC 2

            2016 09 17 VisitPX Kurt PC 9

                   Ros G listening intently to Bruce                                                       Kurt and John M deep in thought
2016 09 17 VisitPX DonW ros g and bruce s

            2016 09 17 VisitPX DonW kurt s and john m

 

 For the record, those attending were: Sue S, Kurt, Wendy P, De,  Kas, Judy, Don W, Elaine E, Helen A, Annette and David, Lyn, Mary,  John M, Robyn and Ross, Jill and four visitors, plus hosts Ros and  John G.

 Words by John G

 Photos by John G (1, 2, 3), Kurt (4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11), Don (6, 7, 12,  13)