MARCH 2017 : CANBERRA : Mt Clear campground, Burnt Hill, Westermans and Bradshaw Homesteads Loop : 17km - 5 hours

Today was the most beautiful weather for a walk in Namadgi National Park with the Brindabella and Canberra Bushwalking Clubs' Wednesday walk. After the recent rain it was green and lush with lots of new growth. We left Kambah at 8am, drove for an hour to Mt Clear campground.

 

Mt Clear is at the southern section of the Park.

 

There are several walking loops in the area.

 

Mt Clear campground.

 I

Gums with gorgeous coloured trunks after the recent rain.

 

 

Bush tracks, minor roads, fire trails and some minor off track walking today.

 

We walked on the Long Flat Fire Trail, up to Burnt Hill (400m) and down, before heading on to the Settlers Trail.

 

Some exposed sections on previously pastured land. The road leads to Westermans Homestead.

 

Over the hill and our first view of Westermans hut or homestead.This was built in 1916.

 

Some of the family history, including details of family graves nearby.

 

This was the third hut built by the Westermans on this site. The stone chimneys were constructed by Thomas Westerman who was a stonemason. It was lived in until 1946.

 

Kosciusko Huts Association have brought the hut back to its former glory, showing the building techniques used.

 

Perfect setting for lunch.

 

Leaving Westermans Homestead walking towards the river.

 

Large mushrooms of various species on this stretch - both edible and poisonous.

 

 

Small picturesque bridge.

 

Crossing the bridge and then walking up a shaded bush path.

 

Walking towards Brayshaws Homestead.

 

A smaller structure than the Westermans home, built in 1903. It housed several families until 1951.

 

We crossed the Boboyan Road where there were scant remains of the Tin Dish Subsidised school. Built in 1908 to educate 7 local children.

Six children was the minimum number to establish a school. It only operated for a few years.Then we walked along the Boboyan Road to the Mt Clear campground.

 

Driving back to Canberra there was a 60cm goanna crossing the main road. A highly recommended walk. 

Thanks to Harry, Sim and Maude for these photos today.

M

MARCH 2017 : SYDNEY : Coastrek - Fred Hollows' fundraising walk : 30 kms - 8 hrs 51 mins 43 seconds

 

30 kms from Kirribilli to Bondi on a most scenic route.

 

After months of fundraising, we arrived at Kirribilli at 7.30 to begin our 30 kms Fred Hollows' fundraiser.

 

Gabby Hollows was there to send us on our way.

 

We crossed the Harbour Bridge.

 

We headed into the Botanical Gardens by Mrs Macquarie's chair.

 

Passing through Woolloomoo.

 

Clever sculptures on the Finger Wharf.

 

A glimpse of Elizabeth Bay House.

 

Walking towards Rose Bay.

 

Welcome coffee break after 13kms.

 

Luv Spot including Podiatry treatments for blisters and sprains. No problems for us, thank heavens!

 

Thank you, Coastrek, for such a creative trail. What a fabulous walk around Sydney Harbour.

 

Excellent path along the shoreline.

 

 Views into the misty Harbour. Intermittent rain but lovely mild temperatures.

 

Vaucluse House.

 

Crossing the bridge at Parsley Bay.

 

A welcome rest at Watsons Bay.

 

Heading off from Watsons Bay.

 

Walking along Camp Cove.

 

The old ferry pier at Camp Cove,

 

A bit of nude bathing anyone?

 

An extra loop to South Head lighthouse.

 

Views to North Head.

 

We met some deep- sea divers - thought it was appropriate gear for our wet and misty walk.

 

 

Descending from The Gap lookout.

 

The view south. Walkers all along the coastal path.

 

Diamond Bay. Our equivalent of the Cliffs of Mohr.

 

Walking along cliffs near Dover Heights.

 

Misty view of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and CBD.

 

First view of Bondi. Big seas today.

 

The finish line. Jan and Maire finish well before us but we are happy with our 8 hr +.

 

Adam Spencer gives us our medals. Lovely to see such support from so far afield.

 

Sore feet but such a satisfactory walk through such scenic Sydney views. Beautifully run by the Coastrek crew!

M

 

PS We had coffee at a cafe on North Head the next day and I could see the Coastrek route perfectly all around South Head. Such a spectacular view.