NOVEMBER 2016 : CANBERRA : Molonglo Gorge Walk -15kms - 5 and half hours

We walked the length of the Molonglo Gorge via the foot track to Blue Tiles and continued along the River Road fire trail for a few more kilometres for lunch and then returned along the lower path along the water's edge.

Setting off - 21 enthusiastic walkers

Spring wildflowers- a native pea

Climbing the high path above the gorge.

Lots of talent with experts on local flower and fauna

Daisies bordered the path like a wedding trail.

Gorgeous colour and variety.

Rocky paths

Native lilies

Everlastings 

Morning break by the river

Wombat prints 

An echidna in defence mode, protecting itself by burrowing and only exposing its spiky exterior.

Native geraniums

Kangaroo paw prints, left in the clay after rain

The ruins of the Coppins homestead. We reflected on how hard and lonely life would have been for early settlers in this area.

Gum blossoms

Some of the walk was on fire trails.

Bush tracks

Canberra bluebell emblem

Then the rain set in....

Returning along the path

Views of the gorge

Last stretch along the gorge on slippery stones and uneven path.

Another interesting and enjoyable walk with some challenging ascents and fascinating wildflowers.

M&M

NOVEMBER 2016 : CANBERRA : Orroral Valley : Nursery Swamp to Rendezvous Creek Cascades and return - 14 kms - 6 hours

"The track is from Nursery Creek carpark with a steady climb with some steps to the saddle, then off-track in open country to cross Nursery Creek. The walk follows a scubby footpad to another saddle then down to cross Rendezvous Creek, then to the lunch point, the cascades."

A climb up to the saddle.

Some open country

Some heavily wooded sections with challenging obstacles

Tussock grass - with many wombat holes

Crossing Rendezvous Creek

Much of the path was bordered by heavy scrub

Lunch at the cascades.

The cascades - a very pleasant lunch spot

The return journey

Native orchids

Exquisite colours

Eucalyptus shoots

A ladybird resting on a walking boot

Some tiny fungi

Colourful grevillea.

An enjoyable but challenging walk negotiating  the dense scrub.

M&M

OCTOBER 2016 : SYDNEY : SEVEN BRIDGES WALK - 30 kms - 8 hours with breaks

                                           

Excellent staff and volunteers who made the organisation seamless.

First bridge - Sydney Harbour. Michelle and I join the other 15,000 walkers at 8.30am.

Stunning views of Sydney Harbour.

Barangaroo Reserve - with Anzac Bridge in the background.

Pyrmont Bridge

Climbing up to the Anzac Bridge

Anzac Bridge

Walking through Callan Park to the Rozelle Village Stamp Point.

Iron Cove Bridge 

Refreshments and toilet stops along the route

Enterprising locals 

Neighbourhoods preparing for Halloween

Views from Gladesville Bridge

Gladesville Bridge

Native trees

Orchids

Bush paths

Bushland near Tambourine Bay

Creativity in the suburbs

Rest near Longueville

Wollstonecraft

One of the few Brush Turkeys we encountered

Last stamping Point at Wollstonecraft Village

Lavender Bay

Back at our starting point, Milson's Point.

Back to Milson's Point to celebrate. A bit footsore but no blisters!

M&M