Following a few days of rain 14 walkers started out on a beautiful morning. To allow members to use public transport, the track head was from a North Rocks Road entrance - which later presented the group with a problem ! (Read on!!)… Many parts of the track were very wet and slippery with many stretches of large rocks and protruding roots - so great care was required.
Pete R briefs fellow walkers and then off we go
It is a beautiful walk, but for an Ezy walk, quite taxing. The 6 km circuit has stretches of excellent track interspersed with short but sometimes tricky ascents and descents. We went in a clockwise direction and we found the ascents were manageable and the descents (some steep) had been stepped, making them easier / safer.
Parramatta Lake was the first large dam to be constructed in Australia in 1856. The dam was made of sandstone blocks and in 1898 its height was extended by 3.3 metres.
Morning Tea
At the Lake and Nick meets Nick
Lunch and coffee was at the Visitor Centre, leaving only about a kilometre to walk back to our cars. However the recent rain thwarted our plans as the stepping stone crossing below the dam was flooded, dangerous and impassable. This meant we had to find a way back via street walking which added about 1.5 km to the length - some elected to catch a bus for the last kilometre or so.
Many thanks to Barb, who delved into her phone and skilfully dug out the alternative route and bus connection!
The flooded stepping stones
Walkers: Barb R; Christine G: David S (tail-ender); Dennis S; Hye K-L; Kas (joint Leader); Lyn; Lyndy (first Aider); Margaret P; Nick B; Peter R (joint Leader); Robyn Mi; Theresa; Martin.
Photography: Peter R (1,4,13), David S (2, 3, 6, 8, 11, 12), Margaret P (5), Lindy (7), Kas (9, 10).