22 September - Regular Walk - Georges River - Penshurst to Como

Despite there being three leaders shown on the program for this walk, a high attrition rate left only one leader still standing on the day – and even he had a dodgy knee! Still, with the slimmed down leadership team, there were no arguments as to which way to go! Commiserations to Bill S, who was there tried and true for the recce, but on Doctor’s orders following surgery, was not allowed to walk on the day.

Meeting at Town Hall station, it was off to Penshurst with 11 walkers in total – but that soon increased to an even dozen when Anne G jumped on board at Redfern.                                                                                         

2017 09 22 Reg Pete P1010655 2 Copy    Starting with a bit of street walking, we passed the imposing 1888 Victorian Italianate mansion of Kintail, once    the original homestead in this area and in its heyday would have commanded extensive views all the way to the  Georges River, and beyond.                                           P1010657 Copy                                                                               

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At least from Kintail it was all downhill and we were soon walking through Poulton Park – something of a surprise to find some good quality, almost weed-free, bushland in such a highly suburban area! That it was in such good condition seems largely due to the good work of Kogarah Bushcare – so well done them!

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Morning tea was taken in Moore Park (not that Moore Park!) adjoining Oatley Bay, and then after a circuit of Moore Park and its small lake it was back to a bit of street walking,

 via the former Oatley Pleasure Grounds (now just a small area of remnant bushland with a small waterfront park and swimming enclosure) to Oatley Point for lunch

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– however the peace and tranquillity of our lunch spot overlooking the Georges River was rudely interrupted by the arrival of a horde of Plus walkers heading north on a reciprocal route to ours. Luckily, they were soon on their way and peace was restored (just kidding, Plus walkers, it was nice to see you).

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By lunch time the forecast 28 deg. maximum for the day had well and truly arrived and the next stretch of street walking was more endured than enjoyed but that was soon behind us as crossed the historic 1885 former railway bridge and headed into ‘Blackfish’ at Como for coffee. Then it was a leisurely walk to Como Station with time to spare for the train home.

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 For the record, Leader, John G, was accompanied by Ida, Sue B, Annette, Anne G, Lydia, Bella and Pete and three visitors. Mary G was willingly co-opted for co-leadership on the day.

Words by John G


Photos by Pete.