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With a substitute walk offered due to high temperatures ruling out our planned Upper Colo bush-bash walk, 15 intrepid walkers chose to do the Plus walk in North Hazelbrook on 20th October. The group included a number of Regular walkers eager for a challenge and a number of the usual Plus walkers. We had a special guest visitor in Claude’s brother out on holiday from France. Jean-Marie is very fit and a highly experienced walker who I understand, recently completed 600km of walking one of the major European trails. Jenny was able to have a good conversation with Jean-Marie and found him a very pleasant person. Great that he could experience some of our Aussie bush, which he took in his stride.
After meeting at the station carpark in Higgs Place and the needed car shuffles, we set off at 9:50am. The day was already starting to warm up. What was I thinking when I packed my puffer jacket! After a quick viewing of the upper Horseshoe Falls, a little further on we found ourselves at the magnificent Horseshoe Falls with a large curved canyon wall with ferns and dripping cool water.
Horseshoe Falls - a spectacular stopping place
Several photos later, we headed off down the track to visit Oakland Falls then turning south to Burgess Falls where we stopped for morning tea.
Oakland Falls The French at Burgess Falls Medium?
Burgess Falls
Now climbing back towards the northeast corner of Hazelbrook, one minor but big-stepped climb slowed us down a little. It was starting to get hot by now so some were starting to suffer a little.
Reaching the fire trail having travelled about 2km, we turned once again to the north, following an easy fire trail down a long ridge for 3km. The ridge had a few minor peaks and saddles but finished with a 150m descent down a relatively steep and loose trail for the next 700m.
Arriving at the dam at Lake Woodford about 12:30pm, we found a nice grassed, shady patch with excellent views of the dam, where we stopped for lunch. We believe this is a water supply for Hazelbrook and Woodford but were not sure about connectivity to Sydney’s water supply.
Woodford Dam Happy leader
Satisfied lunchers
Flora seen along the way
Yellowtailed cockatoo near Lake Woodford Elusive azure kingfisher
Following a leisurely lunch, all were now refreshed and the pace picked up as we followed the easy fire trail along the flats of Lake Woodford for 2km. We now had to climb for 70m over a distance of 500m. Although the climb was half the 150m we had earlier descended, the hot tarmac combined with what felt like 27 degrees, made it a very hot and somewhat steep climb. All were hot and tired at this point.
After a good rest and plenty of water, now refreshed we were ready for the next waterfalls section.
Tricky going in places!
But better going in other places.
5 participants led by Jenny took the option to exit to the roads of Hazelbrook instead of continuing. Finishing earlier than the main party, they managed to partake the excellent service of the Parade Café near the Hazelbrook station carpark, before they closed.
The remaining 10 participants continued downhill and visited the lovely and cooling Hazel Falls where Hazel was in her element, having her photo taken whilst standing (almost) under the waterfall. It was nice to just sit in this cool air that was probably 5 to 10 degrees cooler than on the track. We then headed off to visit Edith and Mabel Falls being the 6th waterfall of the day.
Hazel not falling at Hazel Falls Edith Falls Group at Edith Falls
Now climbing back out, it was not long before we reached the cars to start the double car-shuffle needed before meeting back at the station carpark. With the Parade Café closed at 3:50pm, some missed out on coffee or cold drinks but some wisely ordered by phone with Jenny and Mary waiting for us outside the café.
This walk is highly recommended but preferable on a cooler day.
Many thanks to Rick who did a stirling job as tail-end Charlie.
Walkers: Wendy C, Hazel, Leah, Claude, Margaret, Jean-Marie(V), Janet, Rick, Don B, Louis, William(V), Barbara, Mary, Jenny & Peter.
Leaders: Jenny & Peter
Photos: Hazel (14,15,16); William (2,6,12,20,21); Peter (3,4,7,8,9,10,11,13,17,22); Louis (1,5,18,19,23,24)
