The forecast of heavy rain didn't deter nine walkers who gathered at The Outlook track head today for a walk along tracks and fire trails in Hornsby's 'Bushland Shire'. Initially we followed the Simon Trail which was wide, steep and slippery and squelchy in sections, through lush green vegetation. At the top of a steep hill we detoured to a viewpoint where we could look across the Berowra Valley National Park. Our leaders took the opportunity to enjoy a swing, reliving happy childhood memories.
Clive demonstrating that even grandparents can't resist a swing! Hazel also having some fun! Walkers on the Simon Trail
Continuing on and passing the wreck of an old ute we walked to, then joined, The Great North Walk towards Galston. This took us down a steep hillside dotted with wildflowers before we reached a waterfall.
Celia and Claude enjoying the waterfall
Bronwyn leaving the waterfall for another uphill climb
Following another uphill climb we enjoyed a socially distanced morning tea beside the track, then set off towards the Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge. Named after Major General Sir Clive Selwyn Steele and commissioned to allow fire trucks access over Berowra Creek between Dural and Hornsby, it is one of only four still in use in NSW. It's based on the 'Warren' Truss style, using equilateral triangles, traditionally used in railway infrastructure in Britain and India. These bridges were also very important during the South West Pacific campaigns of WW2. From the centre of the bridge we admired the sandstone overhangs that edge the creek, then headed to Tunks Ridge Campground, a large open area. There are currently dangerous trees overhead so camping is not allowed.
Hazel had researched some interesting facts about the 'Steele' Bridge Heading down to the 'Steele' Bridge
The sandstone overhang along Berowra Creek seen from the Historic Military 'Steele' Bridge Berowra Creek
Walkers on the bridge (Photographer Claude) Bright orange shelf fungus Pycnoporus cinnabarinus
Decision time......do we ascend further to the unnamed lookout or return to the cars!
The rain that had started earlier in the day showed no sign of easing, and with nowhere to shelter from the bad weather, the leaders made the decision to abandon the remainder of the walk. We returned along the same route and managed to reach our cars just as the heavens really opened up.
Striding across the historic bridge on the way back to the trackhead We farewelled Claude who had a short walk back to his house
Plan B's picnic at Crosslands was hastily abandoned as we set off home to hot showers and dry clothes. We were fortunate to have managed to walk as far as we did and enjoy the social aspect of the walk in the bush we all love.
Clive and Hazel led Barbara C, Bronwyn, Celia, Claude, John M, Kas and Deidre (Tail End Charlie and First Aider)
Words by Hazel
Photos by Hazel (1-5.10, 12, 15), Deidre (6, 7, 11, 14, 16), Barbara C (8, 9, 13)