Kettering 2015

Today we're walking Manuka hill tracks at Kettering, Morning Tea at the oval then around Kettering Point for lunch. I was the (nominal) leader.

The weather was clear with the promise of being warm. I walked up from Woodbridge as usual to meet everyone at Kettering Oval, and what a crowd!

But wait, there's more!

Walking from the oval, we headed north before turning off on a remaining bit of the old Channel Highway to reach Manuka Rd., where we turned right. This is pleasant walking, but leads to a little up hill section that energizes the body before we turn off onto the track.

Remains of the Channel Hwy. I remember it as narrow when driving home, but not that narrow!

On the uphill section of Manuka Rd. Everyone manages to smile for the photo.

Looking south at Kettering, I remember when there were about six yachts in the bay.

Beginning of the track, and a little hill.

The only marking for the start is a small stone cairn, and as there are numerous tracks on the hill  plus it's been over a year since I've been here, I relied on my GPS and a copy of the track from last time. However, we still managed to get on the wrong one, but only for a short time.

The GPS was slow to update our position, so I was tempted by the Devil (thanks, Bob!) to follow the wrong way (story of my life). I/we soon realized our error, and lost little time from our walk.

Back on target, we continued up to the top of the hill where the track runs down the north side of the hill, along a fence line until we turn left.

Having the dual responsibility of leading and photographing for this blog, I was often at the rear of the group. Questions were asked about this, criticism offered, and complaints made. As I said at the time "Does the sheepdog go at the front of the flock?" and "I want  people to feel empowered by leading the way." I rest my case.

Walking through the very dry bush, we reached a road that led down to Wilsons Rd. and back to the Oval.

Lovely uphill track.

Native Cherry (Exocarpos cupressiformis) Fruit is about the size of your little finger nail. It's quite tasty and the seed is external. It would take about 40,000 to make a pie.

The full tree, which is actually a parasite on roots of other plants.

Heading down the north side of Manuka Hill.

The track turns left at the bottom and continues along the boundary of several properties.

Going to be a while before this paddock is grass.

Not easy to see, but this is covered in flowers.

At the end of the fence, we turn up hill again and go right.

More Native Cherry. Must be something they ate.

Very dry. I don't think I would like to live here.

Looking south over Kettering towards Woodbridge.

Heading down.

Just before the oval, and running around the foreshore, is a pleasant track created by various organizations, that leads down to the foreshore, and around the bottom of the cricket oval. We walked down here, then back to the oval for Morning Tea.

Overview of the Nuenone people who inhabited the area before settlement.

Heading for Morning Tea.

After the break, we headed back down to the track to find the bridge over the creek (I can't find a name for this creek on any map). Then we walked through the boat yard to Ferry Rd. and down the new footpath to the track around Kettering Point.

Tas contemplates putting one of these installations in his back garden.

Kettering harbour.

Here's an interesting story. Click on it for a larger image you can read.

 Or if you want to read the full story, Click Here.

Looking back at the Oyster Cove Inn

Now we walk around the point for lunch at Trial Bay.

Another pleasant walking track created by the locals.

Kettering Point complete with seat and steps to the foreshore.

I couldn't get dolphins this year, so I arranged for a sail past of the new auxiliary Bruny Island ferry!

Lunch at Trail Bay.

After lunch, I walked the group back to the Channel Highway, pointed out the way, left them to Bob and walked home.

So far, so good.

We had 18 walkers which increased to 19 at Morning Tea and covered 8.89km in 3:34hrs. A good little walk.

I, of course, have to say I covered 16.8km in 5:25hrs. So there.

Click here to download GPX file