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 On a chilly winter’s morning, thirty five walkers including two visitors, assembled at the Banksia parking area in Strickland Forest. Setting off first on the Stoney Creek track we followed the winding downhill track through the forest for about fifty minutes to arrive at our morning tea spot at the shady Stoney Creek parking area.  We then joined the relatively level Arboretum track, the site of the first NSW Government forest nursery (1886-1890) and site of the first national forestry training school (1920-1927).  Proceeding through the arboretum a variety of trees could be identified from aging signs such as Hoop Pine, Tallowood, Bunya and Australian Red Cedar.

Following the decision of the leaders to walk the Bellbird Track - yes we heard them calling - in reverse due to previous problems identifying the track entry on the recce, we had to cross the same suspension bridge three times giving rise to the nickname of the three bridges walk by one walker.

It was then time to climb back up to the Banksia parking area via the Ridge to Rainforest Track, with more than fifty percent of the walkers opting to do the extra one kilometre plus, along the circuitous Cabbage Tree Track to return to the parking area and lunch.

2018 07 13 ATW Susan C briefing                                                                                                               Leaders' briefing - it was still chilly!

 

2018 07 13 ATW Sue S Palm gully on the wide loop to the Stoney Creek Carpark    2018 07 13 ATW Christine McA a long line of walkers   2018 07 13 ATW Don Wo two bods and a birdsnest                      A view from the heights                                                                                        A long single file                                                    Two bods discuss a birdsnest

 

2018 07 13 ATW Sue S Sunlight through the trees  2018 07 13 ATW Don Wo morn tea conversation   2018 07 13 ATW Don Wo morn tea conversation 2                         Lovely light in the forest                                                                                                                                                 Morning tea conversations

 

                                                          2018 07 13 ATW Barb walking in the forest               2018 07 13 ATW Christine McA one at a time on the bridge                                                                                                                                                                  Walking in the forest                                                                 One at a time on the bridge!

 

                               2018 07 13 ATW Don Wo waiting for the tail to catch up         2018 07 13 ATW Sue S Arboretum planting 1887 1924                                                                                        Waiting for the tail to cross the bridge and catch up                                            The Arboretum. It all happened between 1887 and 1927

                                                                                     

                     2018 07 13 ATW Barb angophora  2018 07 13 ATW Barb tallowwood  2018 07 13 ATW Don Wo tall trees in the arboretum                                   Plenty  of tall trees!              Angophora                                                            Tallowood                                                           Bluegum 

 

2018 07 13 ATW Don Wo lunch for some                                       

                                     2018 07 13 ATW Sue S Stoney Creek               2018 07 13 ATW Susan C P1080361                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                         It was just a lovely place to be!

Bert and Kurt were followed by Wendy P, Pete and Bella, Guenter, Deidre, Sue S, Lyn, Don Wa, Don Wo, Chris B, Don B, Sue B, Maurice and Susan, Sue and Michael, Steve and Jan, Helen A, Anne G, Ros and John, Mary, Lyndy, Chris McA, John M, Marilyn, Barbara, Martin, Lilian, David C and 2 visitors.

Words by Bert.

Photos by Susan C (1,17); Sue S (2,5,11,16); Don Wo (4,6,7,10,14,15);Chris McA (3,9);Barbara (8,12,13)