The Waratah Track is a 5km file-trail from West Head Road to a viewing point high above the Coal and Candle Creek.
Thanks to recent rains the trees are looking very healthy, the wild flowers are blooming and 16 walkers set out to enjoy the experience of walking in overcast conditions
with occasional showers of light rain.
Three photographers recorded the day.
From Pete:
Leader Michael, hand on heart, addresses attentive troops. A rock appears to hold fellow leader Helen A's interest.
Martin, Kurt, Anne G and Lyn happy on track. Bert is more reflective. 'Didn't I leave this weather behind in Scotland?'
Fragile rock erodes to give a beautiful peep-hole; grubs have been busy on the Scribbly Gum Eucalyptus haemastoma; hardy tessilated rock makes walking easy.
Leaving the lunch-time view.
From Lilian:
At least it isn't raining; Helen A on solid ground; whatever the topic, consesus has to be reached.
From Lyn:
'The boronia is growing in front of the burnt gum, not on it'; A view through to Coal and Candle Creek; 'The persoonia has water drops on it. That’s why it is included'-Lyn.
And from the leaders:
Sadly, towards the end of the walk, a walker fell on the rubbly terrain. Later a broken ankle was confirmed.
The leaders would like to thank the stoic walker; the group who assisted with first aid; the other walkers who promptly vacated the scene to finish their walk; and Grant and Darren - perfect ambos.
All phones should have this app
Search your App Store for 'Emergency Plus'
From the editor, who was fascinated by a couple of Pete's photos:
The Scibbly Gum and tessilated rocks.
The zig-zag tracks or ‘scribbles’ are made by the moth grub as it tunnels between the old and new bark. Every year when the tree sheds the old bark, new markings are revealed.
For the record
Recconoiterers were Michael and Sue, Kurt and Helen A
On walk day:
Leaders Helen A and Michael, and Nick B, Elaine, Sue F, Anne G, Martin, Lilian, Lyndy, Bert, Elizabeth P, Bella and Pete, Kurt, Lyn, Bill T.
At the start, first-aiders were Lyndy and Bert. Later others also stepped up. Bert contacted 'Emergency Plus'.
Pete was tail-end Charlie.
Photos: Pete 1-7, Lilian 8-10, Lyn 11-13, a phone 14-16, 17-NSW Govt, 18-CSIRO, 19-Public Domain.