The pre-registration system worked well and 34 walkers arrived on the waterfront at Woy Woy on a heavily overcast and chilly morning. On arrival, each walker was immediately triaged into one of two groups. The groups then assembled separately at least 50 metres apart and remained independent of each other throughout the day. The first group, led by Martin and Lyndy, was given 10 minutes start by the second group (lead by Michael and Sue).
The walk proceeded along the tranquil waterfront reserve to the Morning Tea spot at its far end. Towards the end of this section, the infamous (from its odour point of view) sandbank with its multitude of roosting pelicans and other seabirds was its usual busy self.
Scenes directly opposite each other......house in Brick Works Road and Brisbane Waters edge Sleepy Pelicans Royal Spoonbills Easy walking around Brisbane Waters A very tranquil Brisbane Waters
Following the break, there was a fair bit of street walking to the next point of interest - Governor Phillip Reserve, at the southern end of The Rip Bridge. This reserve contains two monuments commemorating Phillip’s initial arrival in Brisbane Water in March 1789 and Hunter’s more extensive exploration a little while later.
The climb to the top of Blackwall Mountain then followed. This is a short but steep, in parts, climb up the northern ridge of the mountain and was successfully completed in great style by all who attempted it. In transit, a large & interesting “grove” of Cycads and various, but limited, wildflowers can be observed while pausing for breath at the steeper “jump-ups”. The climb is revealed to be well worthwhile when rewarded on reaching the summit ridge by magnificent views of the lower part of Brisbane Water and of Broken Bay - once one can lift one’s eyes over the charming (!) rooftops of Ettalong.
Climbing to the top of Blackwall Mountain and attractive rock formations and bush on the upward climb
Above....Native Iris Patersonia sericea
Top....Wax Flower Eriostemon australasius
Colourful wildflowers View over the rooftops
Lunch was taken on the summit ridge before visiting another lookout and then descending the main fire trail to the water tank on the western side and ultimately back down to the eastern end of the waterfront reserve. The final stretch of the walk back to Woy Woy through the length of the reserve retraced the outward journey with a fine mist of “Irish Rain” operating as a cooling device for most of the way. View over Ettalong from lunch spot
Lunch spot Ridgetop Mt Blackwell after lunch
Rip Bridge
Red Wattlebird A game of quoits
Due to the size of the groups, no formal coffee arrangement had been made but most weary walkers found their way to several of the coffee houses close to the well-known waterfront Fish & Chip palace, some siting inside and some taking takeaways closer to the waterfront.
A very pleasant walk enjoyed by all on a day with good, if cool, walking conditions.
The walkers were:
Group A
Martin & Lyndy (Leaders), Helen A, Bronwyn, John B, Elaine, Judy G, Ros G, Bert, Steve and Jan, Claude & Margaret, Elizabeth, Bella and Pete, Anne R.
First-Aider: Lyndy
Tail-end Charlie: Claude
Group B
Michael & Sue (Leaders), Tim, Annette & David, Vivienne, John G, Aileen, Andy and Sue, Helen L, Cherry, Lydia, John M, Don and Visitor Millie Wa, Don Wo.
First-Aider: Don Wo
Tail-end Charlies: David (first part) & John G (second part)
The pre-registration system was instrumental in helping the official leaders (Michael & Sue) plan and recruit the resources and design the protocols needed to cater for over 20 walkers.
Many thanks to Martin & Lyndy for taking on the leadership role for Group A and to the First Aiders & Tail-End Charlies.
Words by Mike F
Photos by Pete R (1, 10, 11, 13, 14, 23, 24), Helen A (2, 3), Don Wo (4, 6, 9, 15, 17-20), Anne R (5, 12, 21, 22), Margaret P (7, 8, 16)