'... there was a view across the Burra Korain Ridge on one side to the first glimpse of Mt Banks on the other side.' 
The planning and checking of Hill View’s Plus Walk today evolved from a day in the Wollemi Wilderness in extremely wet conditions ascending and descending slippery firetrails to another check day in extremely cold, windy and cloudy conditions along the Burramoko Ridge for the leaders. However on the day of the now scheduled walk along the Burramoko Ridge the weather was clear and sunny. But alas the strong winds still persisted.
The group had a relaxed early morning tea in the Bacchante Rhododendron Gardens Blackheath before walking up through the gardens to the Burramoko (meaning big rain) Ridge. A few early rhododendrons were already in bloom on the lower slopes of the gardens before the bush began to dominate.
The undulating firetrail on the top of the ridge wound its way along to the short steep and rough track to Baltzer Lookout. Opening out so there was a view across the Burra Korain Ridge on one side to the first glimpse of Mt Banks on the other side. The flower of the day was definitely the wattle.
On heading down the ridge line to Baltzer Lookout the view opened up past the bluff of Bald Head towards Mt Banks and Pierces Pass on one side and across towards the Burra Korain Ridge on the other side. Down below was The Grose Gorge and River and a view of Hanging Rock. As the wind on the ridge line was intense and at Baltzer Lookout it was gusting strongly it was considered not safe enough to go down to inspect Hanging Rock this time. The few of us who had braved the descent down to the rock the last time we were in the area had to be content with our memories.
We stepped back from the ridge and had lunch among the trees in a more sheltered spot. Before leaving some of us went back along the ridge to have another look at the dramatic view from the lookout. After an equally windy return walk along the firetrail and through the gardens we stopped at the Wattle Cafe Blackheath for coffee and a welcome break from the wind.
On the right: Seriously preparing for the walk ahead? Or catching up on a week's news?
'the view opened up past the bluff of Bald Head towards Mt Banks and Pierces Pass on one side' and on the right: detail of the sandstone of Bald Head.
With their backs to the view, leaders Rhondda and Jill, supported by Sue S and John G.
'The flower of the day was definitely the wattle.' Here Sunshine Wattle Acacia terminalis.
Sunshine Wattle Acacia terminalis and Sydney Golden Wattle Acacia longifolia
'Down below was The Grose Gorge and River and a view of Hanging Rock. As the wind on the ridge line was intense and at Baltzer Lookout it was gusting strongly it was considered not safe enough to go down to inspect Hanging Rock this time. The few of us who had braved the descent down to the rock the last time we were in the area had to be content with our memories.' (If you look intently, you can make out the 2 metre chasm that separates Hanging Rock from the cliff face.)
On the left, the view of the narrow piece of real eastate that is Baltzer Lookout and on the right, Barbara returns to the lookout after scrambling down its western side to take the photo of the Hanging Rock. JOB DONE, BARBARA.
'We stepped back from the ridge and had lunch among the trees in a more sheltered spot.'
Flora other than the wattle:Hairpin Banksia variation Banksia cunninghamii with its single stem and from last Spring, the interesting Waratah seed pods Telopea speciosissima.
On the last leg of a windy day, the trees by the track bear witness to prevailing WNW winds.
Walking with Jill and Rhondda today were Helen A, Nick, Susan, John D’C, Anne G, Kas, Robyn Ma, Bert, Barbara, Kurt, Deidre and Sue S.
Oh, and Ros and John G, thinking about abseilling next time.
Words by Jill.
Photos by: Susan (1, 16), Barbara (3, 9), Robyn Ma (7, 8, 11), Sue S ( 4, 5?, 6, 10, 12-15).
(Thanks as ever to Sue for flora identification.)