The weather was perfect for this walk which we last did 3 years ago. Today's route takes us uphill from Risdon Brook Reservior using various tracks along Catchpole Gully till we reach Blacksmiths Hill from where we make our way to the hill opposite Grasstree Hill. From there it is almost all downhill along the other side of Catchpole Gully on our way back to the cars.
Thanks to M&M for the photos (Michael and Mendelt)
Initially the walk takes us past an area where there is evidence of farming in the past
Wombat burrow - we saw a few of these today
Yong doing his Jonah impersonation - just about to be swallowed by the whale
The climb continues
A flock of noisy cockatoos were keeping an eye on us
A bit more climbing and we reach our morning tea spot
This picture gives an idea of the gradient
Someones home
We're heading towards Grasstree Hill and this is our first sighting of a Grasstree (Xanthorrhoea Australis)
It's a very old species and very slow growing. A flower spike appears usually after bush fires, and can be up to two metres or roughly 6 feet in height. A trunk only appears after many years and is coloured black by said bush fires.
According to Wikipedia it had the following uses:
Indigenous Australians soaked the flowering spike in water to produce a sweet drink. The soft, white leaf bases were eaten as well as the growing point of the stem. The flower spike exudes a resin which could be used as an adhesive in the manufacture of tools and the stem used for the lower portion of a spear. Stems were also used to make a base for a fire-drill to start a fire.
As we climb, more appear all appearing fairly young. Trunks may take up to ten years to appear. It's thought they can live 350-450 years and they love poor soil.
Unusual view from above
We notice this line of rocks running parallel to the trail
Nestled among the rocks we see a cave that we haven't noticed on previous walks - of course it needs exploring
Lyn admiring a peculiar rock
It looks like someone wearing a spiderman style mask with a quirky hairstyle
As we approach the highest point of the walk views of Midway Point Causeway and in the other direction Bowen Bridge become visible
Unusual tree - shaped like the horns of a cow
And its time for lunch
After about 5kms of constant climbing gaining over 400m in height everyone is happy that the way back to the cars is almost all downhill
Amazing the things you see in the bush. Who would have thought to park their car here? You can see from the condition of the car that the owner has made good use of the long term parking !
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