Despite the heavy rain over the previous week, 11 walkers met in the sunshine at the far end of the Eric Mobbs Reserve sports field parking area in Ferguson Avenue, Castle Hill and set off along the Platypus track section of the Bidjigal Reserve to the sound of kookaburras in the nearby trees.
The walkers gather 
What goes up... 
must come down
(This walk was a substitute for the scheduled Blue Mountains NP - Leura Cascades/Lyrebird Dell Circuit walk, as there was no vehicle access to the proposed meeting place at Leura Cascades, due to a landslip.)
So… in lovely sunshine, but wet afoot, walking along the Platypus, Burraga and Murri-Yanna tracks, this substitute walk was reduced by a few kms due to the high-water level of the Darling Mills Creek which made it impossible to do the necessary double crossing, to reach the Stevensons Creek Track.
Water...... 
water..... 
everywhere!
Stepping stones to where? 
Is it my turn? 
Another successful crossing
That was easy! 
Another way to get across?
The high road or the low road? 
A kiss for good luck 
This will be a little tricky....
We are the champions! 
David and Goliath?
However, we accessed the Ted Horwood Reserve from the Murri-Yanna Track where we enjoyed lunch.
Common hop bush Dodonaea triquetra 
Pomaderris Pomaderris intermedia 
Eggs and Bacon Dillwynia retorta
Returning along the Murri-Yanna, Burraga and the remainder of the Platypus Loop Track to the cars at Eric Mobbs Reserve, we had a short drive to enjoy coffee at Youenis in Castle Hill.
Walkers: Deidre and Sue S led Chris G, Cleona, David S (Tail end) and Theresa, Don Wo, Kas, Lyn, Margaret P (First Aid) and Mary.
Words: Sue S
Photos: Cleo (6); Deidre (3,5); David S (2,4,8,9,12-16,19); Don Wo (10,11); Kas (17); Margaret P (18); Sue S (1,7, 20-24)