Forecast high temperatures deterred a number of walkers, but a committed (or perhaps foolhardy, depending on your perspective) five set off with ample water and high spirits. Overcast skies and a pleasant breeze kept conditions easy as we started along Simon’s fire trail then on to a bush track to a lookout. Hazel tested the bush swing while others took in the view.
We passed the rusting skeleton of an old vehicle before joining the GNW and heading steeply down a rough track to a delightful, though sparse, waterfall (or trickle) and then on to the historic Steele Bridge. After listening to the history of the bridge, well researched by Hazel, we continued on a forested fire trail still marvelling that the temperature was so comfortable. There were many fine specimen of native timbers, including some very large and old scribbly gums.
Once we reached Tunks Ridge Camping Ground, we pressed on, skirting the base of the ridge until we reached the end of it and then took a short but steep scramble to the top. The view was well worth the effort, and we enjoyed morning tea there. We strolled along the top of the ridge and completed the loop back to the camping ground before re-tracing our steps, pausing at the first lookout for lunch.
While the day finished with the temperature rising, they were well short of the prediction and the breeze kept conditions comfortable and spirits remained high throughout a very convivial day
The group of walkers at the first lookout over Berowra Valley National Park
Making our way along a well-forested fire trail Hazel testing the bush swing
The very snazzy new style GNW sign Peter providing some engineering insight about the wrecked vehicle we came across
Waterfall (trickle)
Crossing the large steel & timber Heritage Bridge, which spans Berowra Creek north of Fishponds Sandstone overhang, seen from the bridge
One of the interesting , fire damaged trees we saw, before scrambling to the top of Tunks Ridge
Delightful bush on the top of Tunks Ridge An impressive scribbly gum
Enjoying morning tea & the cooling breeze at the lookout
Vegetation on the ridge A study in green. Scenery along the Simon Trail
A Swordgrass Brown Butterfly - Tisiphone abeona. Spotted as we began our walk back down from the ridge
Walkers: Peter T, Geunter and Celia were led by Hazel and Wendy.
Words by Wendy
Photos By: Hazel (1,4,5,7,8,9,13,15,16,17), Peter T (10,14,18,19,20), Wendy C (2,3,6,11,12).