As our 18 walkers were being briefed the otherwise grey clouds parted, the sun shone, the birds sang and we knew we were off to a good start at Girrakool!
Epacris impressa
Starting on the Girrakool Loop, there were wildflowers aplenty - many more than were out for the recce just three weeks before.
Then, as we joined the Piles Creek Loop and started to descend down the valley, the vegetation changed to mossy rocks, ferns and very tall trees - mainly Sydney Blue Gums and Turpentines.
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And despite a near record dry period in Sydney, here water trickled out of the rocks and dripped on us as we passed under overhangs.
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By lunchtime we had passed along the riverine stretch of Piles Creek with another vegetation change to Mangroves, Casuarinas, reedbeds and salt tolerant grasses.
This section of the track is also part of the Great North Walk.
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Lunch was had on the grassy creek bank at the confluence of Piles Creek with Moonee Moonee Creek, before returning via the same track to the suspension bridge, noting remnants of Aboriginal middens along the way.
From the suspension bridge it was steeply uphill with many steps along the way. Nevertheless, taken at an appropriate pace, everyone made it to the top successfully for a well-deserved breather and drink stop.
From there it was ever onwards as we completed the Eastern side of the Piles Creek Loop to return to the cars. True, there were some ‘undulations’ along this section, but nothing compared to our earlier descents and ascents (!!!).
And then it was on to coffee at Mt Penang Gardens, once again, for most walkers: with discussion confirming what a wonderful walk Girrakool is.
With Ros and John leading were: Helen A, Tim, Elaine, Michael F, the Christines G, McA and S, Martin, Bill with John S, Bert, Wendy P, Vreni, Lyn, Don Wo and visitor Tony completing his 2nd walk.
Ros and Christine McA administered First Aid, as required, and Michael kindly took on Tail End duties.
Photos: Helen A 1,4,5,6,8,9 Christine S 3,7,10,11 Ros 2.
Words: John G.