Plus Walkers at Whale Rock
At 8am the morning weather was slightly uninviting; nonetheless, 12 walkers assembled at the Vernon Street side of Auluba Reserve for the Plus Walk. We headed off in rain gear, but this was soon shed as the morning brightened up. A special welcome to Peter Bruce (Vice President, Bushwalking NSW) who was able to join us on the Plus Walk.
Towering gums at South Turramurra heading for STEP Track
We headed across Auluba Reserve, then down Nancy Bird Avenue until we reached the Ulm Avenue entry to the STEP track. Turning left along the STEP track, we took the diversion to the lookout, then continued down to join the Great North Walk (GNW). Here we turned right along Lane Cove River.
Grass trees and gums on the way to Whale Rock 
One of many thriving fungi along the way
Turning left off the GNW, we crossed the river to follow the Devlins Creek Trail to Whale Rock (where we paused to take a photo of us all). The leaders promised numerous creek crossings, and we achieved the fifth shortly after we turned right to follow the Kurrajong Street Track, then Mambara Track to Pennant Hills Park. From here we navigated the numerous track options down to another creek crossing then up to Thornleigh Oval, where we had a welcome morning tea break.
Majestic tree ferns along the track 
A caricature of Bertram Stevens, who became Premier of NSW in 1932, at Conscript Pass, built during the Great Depression
At Thornleigh, we rejoined the GNW for the steep descent down Lorna Pass to the Lane Cove River. The stretch along the river is by far the most challenging as much of the track resembles riverbed (sandy – puddles – loose rock) & has 5 unpaved river crossings. Although the river was not running as deep as we had feared, each crossing had its own quirks. Some of us, like Peter & Rick embraced wet feet & opted for wading straight across; others, like me, prefer dry feet & went for the rock hopping approach - although I suspect several ended up with at least one wet foot. Just to add to the excitement, there were also some leeches about.
Wet crossing of the Lane Cove River 
...another water crossings 
...and yet another river crossing!
Checking our timing when we got back to fire trail quality track, it was decided to forego the additional South Turramurra circuit. Instead, we headed up the fire trail, just past where we had come down the STEP track, along a local path to Bradley Reserve & the along Saddington, Cambridge & Vernon streets to join in the 25th Anniversary picnic.
Don's speech about the history of Hillview 
A special cake to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Club 
Margaret cutting the cake with help from Ros
Celebrating 25 years of Bushwalking
Leaders: Peter T & Polly
Walkers: Celia, Hazel, Leah, Nick S, Rick, Trudy, Wendy C, David (V), Marina (V), Peter Bruce (V-Bushwalking NSW)
First Aid: Peter & Trudy
Words: Polly
Photos: Hazel, Nick S, Peter T, Rick, Wendy C
