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Due to the weather forecast of 35 degrees at 1 pm, the leaders decided to shorten the walk by leaving out the climb to Thornleigh Park (substitute for Pennant Hills Park which was closed). This made the distance approx. 8-9 km instead of 12 km and allowed us to finish by approx. 12.30. Despite the weather forecast and the steady increase of the temperature throughout the morning, 25 intrepid walkers turned up at the George Christie playing field in Wahroonga. They were ready for a pleasant day and catching up with walking friends after the lengthy COVID break. The walk took us down to the Lane Cove River and into the National Park. The track - very ‘ rubbly’ at times - followed the river which we crossed several times. Due to the lack of rain the river was almost dry, but not dry enough to stop a dog from finding a smelly hole to cool down in! The STEP Track which started approx. 3.5 km downstream is well maintained and very scenic, especially at our Morning Tea spot. Cockatoos seem to own that part of the bush. After morning tea we followed the STEP Track which eventually led us back to the river and again on the rubbly track back to the oval. Some steep sections were slightly taxing but lunch under a shady tree and the promise of a cup of coffee certainly made up for it. A good time was had by all!
(Editor's Note: STEP Inc was originally South Turramurra Environment Protection. It grew out of local opposition to the proposed construction of netball courts at the end of Canoon Road in a poorly chosen location that is still causing problems for local residents. HVB members were active in the protest movement and in the formation of STEP. The organisation has grown well beyond South Turramurra and is very active in the wider environmental movement. Among other things it has created the STEP track we walked on, published some detailed maps of the Lane Cove Valley area and published some excellent books including Field Guide to the Bushland of the Lane Cove Valley. See STEP)
Don B and Vreni led Helen A, Nick B, Susan C, Tim and Lydia, Elaine, Annette Ell, Anne G, John & Ros, Kas, Bill M, Dawn, Robyn Ma, John M, Bert, Kurt, David S, Deidre, Cleona, Theresa, Don Wo, John C
Words: Vreni
Photos: Helen A (9,11), Deidre (4,7,10,12), Don Wo (1,2,3,5,6,8,13)
Leader Don B briefing the troops
Plenty of weeds and flowering privet The sign says "Wet Sclerophyll Forest" - no mention of privet
Track very rubbly in places! Patient walkers waiting for the photographer
Attractice sights and steps, along the STEP track
Creative stump Morning tea Cockies at work on their nest
Welcome lunch break, after a steep final climb on a very hot day! Covid cairns?