Nineteen walkers set out on a beautiful spring day, starting at the West Head parking area. The track down to the headland provided the first of many steps, but provided breathtaking views at the end, across to Barrenjoey, up the Central Coast, and back along Pittwater. We continued along the track, with more great views of Pittwater, creek crossings and waterfalls. Then down another set of steps to West Head beach. Both it and the next beach, Resolute, are pristine small beaches, with clear turquoise water. Many steps up and down to both, but well worth the visit, with morning tea at Resolute. The track continued on, requiring careful attention. The descent to Mackerel Beach became an ‘optional extra’, requiring quite a bit of agility. We then headed back towards Resolute, and up another long set of steps. Lunch was at a rather uninspiring spot at the top of the steps, but most were agreed it was worthwhile to have completed the last lot of steps before lunch.
Then along a rather rubbly fire trail, enhanced by wildflowers and an aboriginal engraving site.
The consensus was that the length of the walk gave no indication of its degree of difficulty, but was nevertheless very enjoyable.
At track head - Elaine E absent in search of a couple of dilatroy walkers. At West Head - Elaine does some serious briefing.
Don Wo: 'Looks like a good place to live'.The view from the West Head track.
West Head Beach. Climbing down with Barrenjoey Head across the water; taking a break; 'Don B contemplating life without 20 walkers in front'.
Resolute Beach and Morning Tea. Lilian feeds a sea-gull. This time it's Pragati in a contemplative mood.
Mackeral Beach: The steep way down; Pragati and Don Wo - two of the seven who did the 'optional extra'; and two of those who waited on the upper track.
On some good tracks: 1. Hiding or lost? 2.Trick photography? 3. How did they get down there? 4. Defintely lost this time.
Tracks not so easy: The lunch spot was at the top of this climb. Coffee was at the end of this fire trail - and every one stopped at P'neenies.
For the record:
Coffee was at the usual spot at Terrey Hills.
Thanks to Kurt and Mary for First Aid , and to Red Sox Don B for bringing up the rear.
Elaine and Dawn led Helen A, Don B, John d’C, John and Ros, Mary, Lilian, Helen L, John M, Margaret P, Bella and Pete, John and Pat, Pragati, Kurt, Don Wo.
Words: Elaine E.
Photos: Don Wo(1,3,5,6); Lilian(2,4,11,13); Pete(7,8,9,10,14,15,16,17,18,19, 20); Helen A(12).