30 Walkers and a couple of Visitors gathered at Rhodes Station for this walk - thanks to Mary for shepherding her part of the mob at Rhodes until we arrived.
We were greeted by a very chilly breeze initially but as the walk continued away from the river it became warmer.
The City of Canada Bay commissioned Caroline Rothwell to produce 6 sculptures “Cartwheeling Youngsters” which are placed at various locations along the Rhodes foreshore. The figures are described as a being a metaphor for the regeneration of Rhodes and the vibrancy of the young community. They are fun and a delight to see on the walk.
Tim & Judy playing along 
Mangroves 
The large group, early in the day 
Port Jackson Fig Tree
Our jolly band managed to stay together on the paths avoiding many bike riders. Morning tea was at the Concord West Picnic Area in Bicentennial Park, where there were plenty of shaded seats and a couple of lovely flowering jacarandas plus a group of ladies doing Tai Chi.
We continued on into Bicentennial Park, past the Trellage tower and across the park to walk the Wetlands Boardwalk and on to the bird sanctuary. Not many birds and parts were quite dry. There were Black Swans, Bronze Ducks, Moorhens and Pelicans but sadly no Godwits. Several Fairy Wrens were spotted on other parts of the walk. On our recce, we saw about a dozen Red-Necked Finches close to the Newington Wetlands, but unfortunately they were not to be seen on this walk.
Nearing the end of the Wetlands, Trevor, a returning Visitor, talked to us briefly about the wrecks in Homebush Bay and how the area had been a dumping ground before it got cleaned up for the Olympics.
Sundry birds in waterbird refuge 
Decaying shipwreck 1 
Decaying shipwreck 2 
Once was a ship
After a very dodgy crossing of Bennelong Parkway, managed in batches of 8, we continued on our way past the Archery Centre and over another two dodgy road crossings, walking up the Woo-La-Ra mound for lunch, accompanied by the bush flies, which were most annoying, however the extensive all-round views from the summit more than made up for the inconvenience. 4 members left the walk after lunch, but before coffee.
On to the River Walk, the Olympic Park ferry wharf and back to the Rhodes waterfront for coffee, after which 11 walkers went on to Rhodes Station (thanks to Guenter for shepherding them) and 2 had their car parked at the Rhodes Centre. 15 then continued on over the old rail bridge walking track to Meadowbank Station.
Lunch group in the sun 
Enjoying coffee
Walkers: Michael & Sue F (Leaders) were accompanied by Helen A, Habi, Nick B, Cliff, Susan C, Gabriella, Tim, Elaine, Judy, Mary, Martin, Keith H, Howard & Margaret, Cherry, Lyndy, Dawn, Christine M, Bill, John M, Wendy P, Tony, David R, Guenter, Vreni, Dennis, Lyn, Don Wo and Visitors Jocelyn & Trevor
Leaders: Michael & Sue F; Tail-ender: Nick B; First aider: Lyndy
Photos: Helen A (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10); Don Wo (3, 5, 8)
Words: Sue F