Almost Grasstree Hill 2017

Today we're setting off from Risdon Brook Dam, walking towards a hill that gives a view of Grasstree Hill. Bob is our leader.

We last did this walk in 2014.

The weather is fairly cool with a blue sky as we gather at the parking lot to set off.

We ignore the track around the edge of the reservoir and take one leading into the trees instead.

This way does require us to cross some fences, but these are not on private property.

We came across these constructions in the photos below on top of a hill, I don't remember seeing them before. I know there was farming and livestock up here in the past as I've come across livestock ramps but I can't find out anything about the two items below. Doesn't help that my internet keeps going down!

Shallow platform

Brick lined well with channel leading in or out and a numbered stake

I'll keep looking when the internet connection settles down.

We keep walking on various old tracks leading up Blacksmiths Hill. Some would have been used for logging in the past and others leading up to an old quarry.

I used to walk up to the disused quarry back in the 80's than it became active again and was fenced off, now it's listed as unused again on the map.

Old road

There are a number of rock faces on the way

Regrouping

White gum or Eucalyptus viminalis

Nice wildlife home complete with upper porthole

Inside is fine sand which has numerous footprints

 The prints don't show very well in the flash photo. On we go, heading for Morning Tea. As we go there are many indications that the wombat population in this area is thriving.

Lots of wombat scat on the tracks

Another fence calling for a team effort

Possibly this is Madmans Hill

Morning Tea in the dappled sun

Plenty of room for all to spread out and find a comfortable spot.

Tea finished, we move on.

As we were finishing lunch, Bob promised we'd see our first Grasstree in a very short while. I suppose it took about two minutes before we came upon a group of them.

Grasstree or Xanthorrhoea australis

There was quite a few growing in this area. On we go, heading for the steepest climb of the day to our destination.

The gums are getting taller and older as we go

Now we start our climb

We're near the top, from there we walk a short distance to our turnaround point

 I said this was a steep climb, and that wombats seemed to be plentiful. The photo below covers both those points.

Hard to tell from this photo, but this is the steepest part of the climb

 You can tell because all of the cube shaped wombat poo above has rolled down hill to be caught by this small rock. Slightly blurry, but oxygen seemed more important than holding the camera steady at the time.

We continue on until we reach a circular wall of stones and a view of Grasstree Hill, hence the name of the walk.

Circular rock construction

Grasstree Hill (almost)

I found another circular pile farther on in the bush

That's Midway Point and the causeway

We walk back a short way to find a place for lunch.

Lunch

All downhill from here

Distant hills with cloud

Lunch finished we begin skating back down the hill. There were some quite interesting moves as feet met loose stones and gum leaves.

 Reaching the bottom, we now have a nice, fairly level track to follow. But only for a short while, as we turn off for a short climb on another nameless hill.

It's pleasant walking on top before we encounter another exciting downhill section. 

Mt. Wellington

Heading down

I hate to disappoint those who thought my shadow in the foreground indicated I'd stopped for a little ballet practice, I was just holding the camera overhead.

We continue down, reaching another track, following it around until we reach the perimeter road around the reservoir, but stepping off onto another foot track just before we touch the road.

This leads us through the trees and back to the car park.

  

The weather stayed kind for the 18 walkers we had. We covered 10.13km in 4:10hrs. Very pleasant walk.

I covered some of the interesting history of Risdon Brook in the entry in 2014. If you're interested, CLICK HERE to read it.

Click here to download GPX file