Seventeen walkers including leaders set out from Staples Lookout in freezing conditions made worse by strong cold winds. Two kilometres into the walk the group deviated from the main track, left backpacks on a sunny rock shelf and descended the steep path to Kariong Brook. After viewing the beautiful Kariong Brook waterfall, the reason for this deviation, the group retraced its steps and had morning tea on the rock shelf where the backpacks were retrieved. The weather became warmer and the wind dropped. The group then continued towards Mt Wondabyne. As the track climbed around the western side of Mt Wondabyne towards the final ascent, giving way to the views of the surrounding area, the wind increased again. Two thirds up the final ascent a wind still area was selected for lunch, backpacks were once again left behind, and the group undertook the final climb to the top where some brave souls climbed the trig in strong winds for photographs. The group then retraced its steps to the backpacks and had lunch in sunny and relative windless conditions. Towards the end of lunch walkers from the Regular group appeared on their way to the top. After an exchange of greetings the Plus group descended the mountain and completed the walk via Thommos Loop Circuit. Challenges were thrown out for eager walkers to repeat the detour to Kariong Brook but as there were no takers the group retired to the Waterfall Café at Mt. Penang Gardens for the obligatory coffee, thus completing a great day.
The leader briefs the walkers anxious to get underway and warm up
Heads down as we near Kariong Brook
The waterfall at Kariong Brook and reflections looking down on the waterfall photographers
Morning tea after climding back up from Kariong Brook. Some stood, some sat and some just lounged
Getting ready to move off after morning tea but what was Don B's joke.
Just in case you were unaware, the wildflower season has arrived as evidenced by the Flora Gallery below: 
Wattle in full bloom
a 
Grevillia Baronia ledifolia Boronia
Red Spider Flower Heath leaved Banksia (Banksia ericifolia)
Eriostemon and
Pink SpiderFlower(right)
Wattle of a different shade
On Mt Wondabyne This spot for lunch? Done!
At Mt Wondabyne Trig, first Martin got up followed by Barbara and then the others followed
Looking back on Mt Wondabyne on the homeward track
Kurt and Bert led fifteen other walkers:Nick, John B, Don B, Susan, Polly, John D'C, Elaine, Anne G, Martin, Kas, Dawn, Barbara, Anne R, Vreni, Sue S.
Photos: Anne R (7,8,9,11,17),Bert (3,18,19), Susan(2,12,16), Sue S(1,4,5,6,10,13,14,15,20,21)
Words by Kurt