Thirteen keen & optimistic walkers turned up at Avalon for the Plus Walk despite the anticipated heat.
The first challenge was waiting for the Palm Beach bus for more than half an hour (due to bus drivers' industrial action) but we enjoyed the chance to chat & to encounter the Regular walkers who were programmed to start half an hour later than us.
The walk began at Beach Road, Palm Beach with an easy & shady walk through Governor Phillip Park and along Barrenjoey Beach before the steep ascent on Barrenjoey Track to the lighthouse & the stunning views north & south on the picture perfect day.
The view north over the Hawkesbury estuary from Barrenjoey
Grave of George Mulhall, first Principal Lighthouse Keeper at Barrenjoey. This way for Smugglers Track descent
Ladies on the up and up
Palm Beach and Palm Beach plus Station Beach (right) from the Smugglers Track
Twelve of the thirteen walkers at Barrenjoey lighthouse
Ladies on the up and up
Palm Beach and Palm Beach plus Station Beach (right) from the Smugglers Track
The descent of Barrenjoey was made on the Smugglers Track & we then headed south on the "tombolo" (Pauline reminded me of the geographic term for a sand pit which ties an island to the mainland - maybe useful for a trivia challenge!).
What is Hazel looking at? Down the Smugglers Track to Morning Tea at Palm Beach
What is Hazel looking at? Down the Smugglers Track to Morning Tea at Palm Beach
Our second steep ascent was from the southern end of Palm Beach before pleasant walking along Whale Beach Road to Whale Beach - though four took our usual route down steps & along Whale Beach, undeterred by the heat.
View back to Little Head and the four brave ones who did the walk along Whale Beach A whale on Whale Beach
More street walking behind the houses on Careel Head brought us to the challenge of a steep bushtrack climb to our lunch spot near the summit of Bangalley Head with its stunning cliff top views. Then there was an easy descent to Avalon with excellent views south & a welcome SE breeze to temper the heat & humidity.
View back to Little Head and the four brave ones who did the walk along Whale Beach A whale on Whale Beach
More street walking behind the houses on Careel Head brought us to the challenge of a steep bushtrack climb to our lunch spot near the summit of Bangalley Head with its stunning cliff top views. Then there was an easy descent to Avalon with excellent views south & a welcome SE breeze to temper the heat & humidity.
View north from Bangalley Head A shady lunch spot at Bangalley Head
Leader Barbara R with Deidre and Kas, enjoying the lunch spot
Grevillea beauty on descent from Bangally Hd A very fishy letter box Flannel Flower (Actinotus helianthi)
Most stayed for a convivial drink at a cafe and (for some) a wonderful cool off at the Avalon rockpool.It was a thoroughly enjoyable (though challenging...) start to our 2022 program.
View south to Avalon head and Avalon on descent from Bangalley Head. Avalon Beach and headland
Walkers: Barbara R and Kurt led Don B, Wendy C, Annette Ell, Phyllis, Celia, Kas, Hazel, Deidre, Louis, Pauline and first time visitor Christine.
Leader Barbara R with Deidre and Kas, enjoying the lunch spotGrevillea beauty on descent from Bangally Hd A very fishy letter box Flannel Flower (Actinotus helianthi)
Most stayed for a convivial drink at a cafe and (for some) a wonderful cool off at the Avalon rockpool.It was a thoroughly enjoyable (though challenging...) start to our 2022 program.
View south to Avalon head and Avalon on descent from Bangalley Head. Avalon Beach and headland
Walkers: Barbara R and Kurt led Don B, Wendy C, Annette Ell, Phyllis, Celia, Kas, Hazel, Deidre, Louis, Pauline and first time visitor Christine.
Photos: Barbara R 1,2,12,17,20,21, Deidre 11,15, Hazel 3,4,8,13,18,19, Kas 7, Louis,5,6,9,10,14,16
Words: Barbara R
Words: Barbara R