On a mild spring morning with a temperature of 17 deg, eight walkers assembled at the end of White Cross Rd and set off along a fire trail into the National Park.
We followed the steadily ascending track along Shaw’s Ridge, with the gum trees sheltering us from the full glare of the sun for approximately three kilometres before the fire trail started to descend.
At this point, we paused to have morning tea beside the trail. Refreshed, we continued our descent towards the Blue Gum Swamp. Arriving at the bottom, we were treated to a wonderful display of wild flowers with pea flowers small and large in profusion.
Entering the forest and dwarfed by the magnificent Blue Gums, we continued along the track until we reached the turn-off to ascend Bees Nest Hill. Slowly but steadily we started out ascent to the top, somewhat surprised later to find out that we had covered less than 400 metres.
Breathing recovered and heart rates much lowered, we then proceed on an undulating track to the Grose Mountain Look-Out where we stopped to take in the panoramic views of the mountains and lunch. We then retraced our steps carefully descending the rubbly track back to join the circuit track on the valley floor. We continued along the circuit with occasional drops of rain reminding us that the forecast rain and blustery cool change were approaching.
Arriving back at our cars shortly before 2pm, several headed for coffee at the nearby Winmalee Shopping Centre before commencing the drive back to Sydney.
Photographer Hazel (left) prepares to take a photo of the group (right).
False Sarsaparilla Hardenbergia violacea; Flannel Flower Actinotus helianthi; Twining Guinea Flower Hibbertia dentata
The Blue Gum Swamp.
Walkers: Bert and Kurt led six other walkers; Bronwyn, Polly, Mary, Hazel, Guenter and Sheila.
Words: Bert
Photos: Hazel took all but one of the photos, and provided the flower identification. Bert took the photo of Hazel.
Last image of the day, near the cars: Waratah Telopea speciosissima