It was a tough group of ten walkers that set off this morning for what turned out to be a bonanza for leeches (Peter T)
After a short section of the GNW we followed a number of roads through Thornleigh to eventually head down the Larool Creek track. Turning off that track, we scrambled steeply down and then across a very slippery crossing of Dog Pound Creek to join the very scenic Blue Gum walk that offered nice valley views and lots of ferns/bracken. Many a leech removal stop however, was had along the way. 
Leader Peter T with a map of today's walk A wonderful mural encouraging us to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Heading dwon the Larool Trail Creek crossing under the pipeline Plenty of new fern growth after all the rain
Once we met the Great North Walk below the end of Quarter Sessions Road, we stopped for a mostly safe morning tea high and dry above the leeches, or so we thought. The ground was moving around us so an “active” morning tea ensued. 
Morning Tea - the photos speak for themselves!
Now heading back towards Thornleigh on the GNW, it was easy going until we met a small tributary leading from Westleigh into Berowra Creek. The crossing at the track was a no-go! Exploring just upstream, Peter found a point to cross. With the aid of a light rope fixed above the 2.5m wide crossing, fourteen minutes later we were all safely across and back on the track. Well done, Peter for your initiative and perseverance in finding a safe way for the walkers to cross. We were all very appreciative (Ed).
Contemplating the bridge that wasn't there! The crossing!
.......and where the bridge should have been! Safely back on the track
Climbing out of the creek we had lunch on high ground, once again to the relief of all concerned. More de-leeching again as well as the application of repellents to socks and shoes was done by most on our rock refuge. 
High, dry ground for lunch More rain after lunch The creeks were fast flowing
It was quite easy going for a while until we reached our crossing of Berowra Creek 170m before The Jungo. It was wide, deep and fast flowing so the decision was made to abort the rest of the walk, thus missing out on the Pennant Hills Loop. Instead we used the uphill exit to Westleigh. The bonus of this decision was that the Westleigh coffee shops were easily accessible. Coffee and cakes went down a treat. Sitting on the outside tables however, we quickly discovered that our unwelcome travelling companions (leeches still attached to our bodies and packs) had decided that this was a good place to drop to the floor. An estimated 20 leeches had to be picked up and tossed into the garden below! As most people discovered later, more were still attached to our bodies, packs, boots, socks and gaiters. We finished by walking the last kilometre or so via the track we started on in the morning, back to our cars at Thornleigh. I forgot to mention that the light rain was on and off for some of the walk but the focus was definitely elsewhere!
Berowra Creek not long before we turned back from the track Our enthusiastic leaders and the sign we chose not to follow due to hazardous crossing
Coffee at Six and Seven Westleigh Wendy C taking aim with the salt! A clew of leeches
......and along the way flowers, lichen, fungi and a millipede
Mountain Devil Lambertia formosa Flannel Flower Actinotus helianthi Dampiera stricta Dillwynia retorta
Dog Rose Rosa Canina Pale-pink Boronia Boronia Floribunda Pattersonia sericea following a shower of rain Millipede
Lichen covered bark - seen after our crossing under the pipeline The result of rain and warmth - fungus Angophora on our way to coffee at Westleigh
Many thanks to Rick for doing a great job as Tail end Charlie and all participants for being great company and willing to have a go in some tricky situations.
In conclusion, our walk can be summed up as either: “I’ve Got Another Leech” or “Are We Crossing That?” It will be a memorable walk.
A walk to remember!
Peter T and Jenny C led Wendy C, Kas, Rick, Hazel, Pragati, Nick S, Deidre and Cleona
Words Peter T
Photos : Peter T (1, 8, 9, 13, 16, 26-28, 30, 34, 35), Deidre (2, 7, 14, 23), Hazel (3-5, 18, 19, 22, 24, 25, 31, 33), Wendy C (6, 12, 15, 17, 29, 32), Kas (10), Nick S (11, 21), Sue S who joined us for coffee (20)
......and where we went
Map with Track and WP
Track Profile