Trip Report- ANZAC Day Walk – Thornleigh to City
Participants: Lilian, Bruce, Sam, Chris, Michael, Marc and Cathy
As some may remember from an earlier post of mine, I had decided completing the whole Great North Walk in sections was part of my 2012 New Years Resolution. I have since managed to walk both Berowra to Brooklyn in a day and Thornleigh to Mt Kuringai in another day. Before crossing to complete the sections past the Hawkesbury I wanted to walk the part to the City.
So, it was that I decided to embark on this leg on ANZAC Day. I was delighted with the interest for this walk and the turn out on the day and would like towelcome ournew members who came along for their first walk.
I had previously been told that this section of the Great North Walk was fairly boring, however I actually found it to be particularly interesting. There were many comments made throughout the day of the proximity to the city, but access to the bush, marshes, wetlands etc. We are indeed so lucky in Sydney to have such diverse natural environments so close to civilisation. Unfortunate though the obvious oil and pollution that lay on top of the river.
The walk itself was quite easy with the track hugging close to the Lane Cove River for the majority of the day. There were only fairly gentle inclines and declines which made for relaxing walking on a lazy public holiday.
We stopped for lunch in the Lane Cove National Park. There were plenty of families out picnicing, but still plenty of space for us walkers. Here unfortunately we lost Sam who had not realised we had stopped and continued walking on to the Information Centre. Thanks again to mobile technology we were able to contact him and the group was reunited.
Sam hadn’t brought any lunch so he and Michael left the group to see if the park’s kiosk was open. Unfortunately for them it was closed for the Public Holiday. By this time, the rest of us had finished lunch and started heading for the Information Centre. The boys had dissappeared and again mobile technology helped us meet up again. There are some obvious benefits in completing walks so close to civilisation.
We left the national park and continued to follow the river down into East Ryde and Hunters Hill. Much time was spent eye balling fancy homes and motor cars in the up market suburbs.
With advice from Bruce we made the decision to skip the street walk to Valencia Street Wharf and cut across to Huntley’s Point. Here we caught the Parramatta Cat back to Darling Harbour and completed our trips home.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the group for a fantastic day! It would seem that there may be many more walks coming up on the mailing list and website soon, as there were many ideas suggested during the day. I really encourage members to lead walks as it has been such a fulfilling experience for myself.
I would also like to thank Chris for taking photos on the day. I am attaching the link to his photos https://picasaweb.google.com/118417721401980372599/GtNthWalkApr2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOmtrta02KK42gE&feat=directlink
As for my next walk, I am possibly looking at Patonga to Wondabyne, but currently investigating transport options- this probably won’t be until June.
Until then, happy adventuring
Cathy Stansbury