Sunday, 1 December - Thor Head, Mt Victoria
We were very lucky (or it was impeccable timing) that we dodged any rain or storms and had a lovely walk out to Thor Head which overlooks the Grose Valley. Enjoy the Relive video:
Saturday, 23 Nov - Tempe to Woolooware Bay Cycle
Thank you to the 4 Bush Lemons who came along for the ride
(no pun intended), on such an amazing day, weather and scenery was just
sublime...
Our first stop was at Cook Park in Kyeemagh for a photo shoot with the big bronze sculpture called "Come Out Hippo", no shortage of friendly random strangers to take our photo with Hippo, possibly thinking we were international tourists!!
We then cycled along the waterfront, weaving our way around pedestrians, cycling over Captain Cook Bridge and arriving at our destination at Woolooware Bay where we stopped for morning tea at Toast Cafe.
After morning tea we cycled back along the foreshore and stopped at Brighton Beach for a swim, a wonderful way to finish a cracker of a day. A very enjoyable day and ride with a wonderful group of women.
Britta🚴🌞🌈
Saturday, 2 Nov - Academic Amble, Sydney Uni
13 Lemons (plus 3 canines) had a lovely amble around Sydney University led by 2 university staff. We heard stories and legends and saw some of the historic buildings and their gargoyles! Thanks Rachael and Sam! Enjoy the Relive video: Academic amble
Friday, 25 Oct - Sunday, 27 Oct - Boyd River Campground
Boyd River Campground in the Kanangra Boyd National Park is a lovely spot to spend a weekend. There are walks and spectacular views at nearby Kanangra Walls, lots of nearby bike trails, lovely bushland, birds, orchids. The Lemons had a great time!
We walked.....
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| Kalang Falls |
We appreciated flora and fauna....
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| Isopogons |
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| Echidna |
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| White Gnome Orchid |
And of course we camped, relaxed and socialised....
Thanks to Liz and Roula for their photos and thanks so much for all those Lemons who came along an enjoyed this special part of the greater Blue Mountains. Jocelyn
Saturday, 20 Oct - 7 Bridges Walk (for the Cancer Council)
You can see the video of the walk here (but note that I forgot to turn it on for the first kilometre)
Saturday, 19 October - Scotts Creek kayak
This kayak had it all....cancellations, an ambulance called for a Lemon before we'd even launched our kayaks (don't worry, she's gong to be fine), busy boat channel crossings, dodging trainee rowing teams and predicted storms. But once we got into blissfully quiet Scotts Creek that all fell away.
Enjoy the video of the peaceful creek below:
Thanks to the Lemons who came along to enjoy this lovely area. We somehow managed to avoid any heavy rain or storms! Jocelyn
Saturday, 5 October - Maroubra to La Perouse
What a gorgeous day for a walk from Maroubra Beach to La Perouse (not quite the headland as was planned). Unfortunately the gate was closed which was to take us around the headland with stunning views of the ocean. Instead we had to walk around the back streets to Malabar Beach, coming across a dead end but not to be deterred, the wonderful locals of the area had made a big hole in one of the gates (always say hello to the locals), which took us down into some bush and onto a path where we came across a huge loquat tree, where some of the lemons decided to forage and eat the stunning fruit. After bellies were filled we decided to skip a swim at Malabar Beach and continue on around the golf courses down a small trail onto Little Bay Beach where a couple of the lemons had a swim in the cool water.
After a swim and something to eat, we headed off through the old Prince Henry Hospital ground and onto the road leading us to Kamay Botany Bay National Park, then through the bush to La Perouse where we stopped for a cold drink before catching the bus back onto Anzac Parade, then a 1km walk back to Maroubra Beach. Thank you to the bush lemons who embraced this walk with all its twists and turns and change of navigation...and not one lemon was hit by a stray golf ball and most of the golfers were very respectful of our presence! Britta
Tuesday, 24 September - Burra Korain Head explore
A few of us did this lovely exploratory walk to Burra Korain Head which overlooks the Grose Valley. Gorgeous Spring flowers and a beautiful vista at the end. Enjoy the video:
Saturday, 21 September - Sassafras Gully Loop walk
What a lovely walk this is in the mid mountains! It's under the lush tree canopy most of the way and by a couple of creeks with some swimming holes. Many thanks to everyone who came along! Enjoy the video: Sassafras Gully Loop walk video
Saturday, 14 September - Horse Track to Junction Rock, Grose Valley
The fairly recently re-opened Horse Track has had a lot of work done on it and is a terrific way into the Grose Valley. It took us just over an hour from Evans Lookout to the Grose River. The Rodriguez Track around to Beauchamp Falls is still closed (and according to some National Parks' staff it may never re-open) so the Horse Track is a really good option. We added the walk over to Junction Rock into our walk. Enjoy the Relive video, and there's a free Bush Lemons cap to whomever can identify the snake or legless lizard we sighted.
Saturday, 7 September - Marramarra Ridge
Canberra Koala Army Rally, 1 Sept
A few Lemons represented us at this important rally in Canberra and the march to Parliament House. There were amazing koala and other animal costumes, and some inspiring speeches from Bob Brown and Senator David Pocock. We had lots of fun but also know that we need to get better outcomes and protections for our native animals. Thanks Denise for most of the photos below. Jocelyn
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| Bob Brown with Saan & Edith |
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Saturday, 24 August - Woolwich to Hunters Hill
See the Relive video of the Hunters Hill walk here: Woolwich to Hunters Hill
17 August - Grand Clifftop Walk (Katoomba to Wentworth Falls)
Although this walk is advertised mainly as a 2 day walk, it's quite doable in a day. We loved the constant and varying views, waterfalls and creeks. A terrific walk that's recommended for all!
11 August - Bungonia Slot Canyon (and camp overnight)
Bungonia National Park is a a hidden gem just over 2 hours south of Sydney. The campground is wonderfully laid out with terrific facilities. There is bushwalking, lookouts, caves to explore, the slot canyon walk, wallabies, wombats, birds. See Claire's walk report below and other photos of the weekend camp. Jocelyn
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| Looking down into the Slot Canyon from above |
Five adventurous lemons took part on a hike down into spectacular Bungonia Slot Canyon. A beautiful descent with stunning views, tons of flowering Xanthorrhoeas and a friendly Lyre bird waiting at the bottom. With the Bungonia creek still pumping we had an icy wade through the water to reach the canyon entrance, and after a slight incorrect detour to get the lemons used to some climbing we finally got back on track and made it to the boulder field. The main part of the day involved sliding, crawling, jumping and jamming (oneself into small slots and spaces) to navigate through the canyon's giant rocks. There's no defined path so we had much fun in finding our way and getting dirty and wet in the process. After a heart pumping steep ascent out of the canyon we were all smiles back at the car park, limbs and sense of humor still intact. Claire
And the rest of us enjoyed the many walks around the top of the canyon area.
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| The entrance to the Grill Cave |
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| A very active wombat burrow |
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| Bungonia Creek |
3 August - Lockleys Pylon to Grose Valley
It was a perfect day for a walk down to the Grose Valley and there were lots of people out enjoying the weather and vistas. The ascent out of the valley is always a good way to get the heart started! Enjoy the video: Lockleys Pylon to Grose Valley
20 July - Faulconbridge Point and Grose Valley
It was a blustery but sunny day, so perfect for the walk out to Faulconbridge Point and then down towards the Grose River. We didn't actually reach the river as one of our walkers had a significant fall and the decision was made to not continue. However, despite initial concerns (and me going into full panic mode and planning where the rescue helicopter could land), our injured Lemon made a miraculous recovery and was able to walk out. Phew! Enjoy the Relive video and photos below:
Relive Video: Faulconbridge Point & Grose Valley
22 June - Kanangra Walls to Krafts Wall
If you haven't been to Kanangra Walls before, then you should go. They are simply spectacular. Lyrebirds serenaded us the whole way. The Relive Video does not do the Walls justice:
Sat 8 June - Pride weekend walk, Nature Trail, Wentworth Falls
Thanks to those who came along on Saturday's lovely walk around the Nature Trail as part of the Pride weekend festivities. Enjoy the Relive video
31 May - 1 June - Kedumba Valley overnight walk
Our 2-nighter walk was shortened to a one-nighter due to the rain increasing on Saturday. It was a good call because we avoided most of the rain. We had a small group because of the weather forecast, but gee it was a gorgeous walk with a few detours to check out a couple of other tracks. Jocelyn
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| One exploration ends with insurmountable rocks |
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| We found a beautiful dam |
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| Drying gear out |
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| We can't resist a sunbake |
7 Bridges Loop (modified version)
What a cracker of a walk today. 30km on many tracks and roads and of course over 7 bridges around Sydney Harbour. Thanks to all those who came along on this walk and Ange for leading us so admirably! A few Lemons left the walk during the afternoon for other social obligations but 4 of us (and one keen dog) finished! Enjoy the video:
7 Bridges walk (modified version)
Popes Glen & Braeside trail loop, Blackheath
It was perfect weather for a walk, albeit a tad chilly. This is a lovely loop walk - but you'll see I forgot to start the Relive video when I should have, but it really is a complete loop. And the view into the Grose Valley is to die for!
Saturday, 11 May - Mt York loop
Well it was a soggy walk, but so good to get out regardless. There were understandably multiple cancellations for the walk, so only 3 hardy souls and 1 foolish dog ventured forth.
Enjoy Ange's Relive video: Mt York loop
Sunday, 28 April - Bike ride Mt Victoria to Hanging Rock
It was a perfect day for a bike ride! Olga led us in her usual inimitable style. The view from Hanging Rock is one of the best (see the below video). Thanks Olga!
Check out the below Relive video (mainly for the route and to see Olga clinging to the cliff edge:
Wednesday, 24 April - Grand Canyon
7 lemons did this midweek walk today. Unfortunately I'm not as good on the Relive as Jocelyn - forgot to turn on at the start and off at the end! The walk was only 7 km not 25km!!
https://www.relive.cc/view/v4OGx47dL56
Our next midweek walk will be Tuesday 7 May and will be Lockleys Pylon ( Golden
Stairs are closed so we can't do ruined castle) . Hope to see you there.
Anne
Saturday, 20 April - Kamarah Gully, Upper Grose Valley
We had a lovely walk today! It might have been misty and raining but in Kamarah Gully it was beautifully protected and you wouldn't have known. We spent time looking around this gorgeous area where trees and plants reign supreme. The photos don't do it justice....
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| Before the descent into the gully |
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| And in the gully itself |
Then there were the plants....
And then the trees......
Thanks so much for all those who came along to enjoy this special part of the Upper Grose Valley. Jocelyn & Anne
Saturday, 13 April - Taronga Zoo to Balmoral
Taronga Zoo to Bradleys Head walk
Thank you to the 9 wonderful Bush Lemons who came on this
absolutely sublime walk, and the weather goddess being so kind
as to give us beautiful weather.
After traversing Sydney Harbour towards Sydney Harbour
National Park at Middle Head, we alighted our ferry to start our walk on the
Athol Bay track. This walk definitely didn't disappoint for sweeping harbour
views, picturesque bays, historical sites, and a long track of eucalyptus
trees, ferns, and wildlife (mainly bush turkey's, we even got a display on the
way back to Taronga Zoo ferry, of a bush turkey building a huge mound of
leaves, and a pair of female turkeys admiring what we thought might be their
new home...very impressive!). Points of interest were Bradley Head, the
foremast of HMAS Sydney cruiser. Clifton Garden Reserve and Chowder Bay,
looking around the Naval buildings, (where I did the Chariot of Fire run to
save our group a table for morning tea), Georges Heights Headland Park, where
we looked around the Artist Precinct. Finally arriving at Balmoral Beach for
lunch and a swim. Also on the way back 5 of us found time to visit the Mr
Whippy van to top off a wonderful day with an ice cream. What a cracker of a
day😁 Britta
Sunday, 7 April - Kiama Coast Walk
Clear blue skies, warming sunshine, big swell,
dolphins, light easterly breeze and lovely company on the walk from Minnamurra
to Kiama today.
Thanks to those who joined this picturesque stroll along beaches, through bush and then to the Kiama lighthouse for lunch.
Interesting chats, lots of laughs and great to meet new Lemons.
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Special mention to Rachel for her ‘Wonder Woman/
Chariots of Fire’ run back along Bombo Beach to find a lemons lost phone - bit
wet and sandy - but miraculously found. Fran
Bushrangers Bay snorkelling - Sun, 7 April
We had to postpone snorkelling at Bushrangers Bay on Saturday due to giant waves down the south coast. A few of us did a recce on Sunday in the calmer conditions and Rachael will plan to put this on again in the summer calendar. Meanwhile here are some photos of the Bay, including an amazing collection of shells in the rock pools.
Easter 2024 - Peakgrove, Yass Valley
19 Lemons had a wonderful Easter at Saan & Jo's property in the Yass Valley. We not only spent time walking, birdwatching and mountain biking on the property but did some good deeds such as treating Serrated Tussock with Granulated Urea and tree planting. Seeing how the mistreated property Murrumvale is being cared for and returned to the animals and nature was heartwarming. We had lots of wonderful meals and talks over the weekend as well as a visit to Mulligans Flat sanctuary in Canberra. Thank you to all who came along to make this such a terrific time!
Some photos of the properties........
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| Paloos checking out the badminton set |
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| A large wombat burrow |
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| The new 'soft' wombat release area |
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| A magnificent Kurrajong tree in the middle |
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| Tree planting |
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| A Tawny Frogmouth |
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| Watching footage from the wildlife cameras |
Sat, 23 March - NPWS Rainbow Lyrebirds
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We had a lovely day with the Rainbow Lyrebirds at Middle Head and hopefully this will be the first of many such opportunities. We started the day with some bonding activities and then moved onto removing Asparagus Fern which was taking over the area. It was a real bugger to remove! We were then taken on a guided walk. What a wonderful location to spend the day with a great bunch of people!
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| Bloody Asparagus Fern |
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| Bags of the ferns |
Saturday, 16 March - Narrowneck, Medlow Gap, Dunphys Campground
What a cracker of a walk today! We started off in fog and drizzle which cleared to patches of blue sky. Thanks to the hardy souls who came along. Enjoy the Relive video: Narrowneck to Dunphys Campground
Saturday, 2 March - Volunteering at Mardi Gras Parade
A number of Lemons had a wonderful time volunteering for the Mardi Gras Parade. It was terrific to give back to our community! Thanks to all those who spent hours on the parade route. You are champions!
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| The iconic barricade move |
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| We had a refreshing drink after hours of work! |
Sat, 24 February - Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest
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| Snoozing Blue Banded Bee holding on by its mandible |
What a beautiful walk in the mist! The mizzle cleared as we came down the Pass and then we followed the Grose River to the forest, where a few Lemons walked on through it and the rest of us lunched. The leeches were around (no surprises there) but we also saw a PLATYPUS in the river!! How special (but it was too quick for our cameras)! It was lovely to walk in the cooler weather and as usual Pierces Pass and the Grose River were a delight! Enjoy the video:
Sat, 17 February - Spit to Manly
Thank you to the 11 amazing
Bush Lemons who braved the heat to make this a most enjoyable and fun walk. We
had a few swims along the way. A few of our newer Bush Lemons to this walk,
viewed the historical Aboriginal Engravings at Grotto Point and took in all the
beautiful views along the way. We also made time for a swim at Forty Baskets
Beach, then onto Fairlight Beach for lunch and another swim. Some of the women
took a ferry back to Circular Quay and the rest of us walked back to Spit
Bridge and had another swim at a little secluded beach along the way. A
few of us got to see a little wallaby foraging in the bush. The little lizards
and Water Dragons were also putting on a show along the way. A walk with lots
to see and do! Thank you again Jocelyn for the Relive video. Britta
Enjoy the Relive video of this popular walk, (but do note that this was the slightly shorter dog walking road route): Spit to Manly & return
Sat, 11 February - Cabbage Tree Bay snorkel
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| Groper |
Entering off Shelley Beach and after some adjustments to
masks, we cruised down the western side of the bay, spotting Blue and Green
groupers, large schools of Luderick, Blennies, Wrasse, Red Morwongs, Mados, and
Fiddler rays.
On the Bower side of the bay it was an absolute aquarium,
with a very low tide and lots of Leatherjackets, Stripeys, Angle fish and
Estuary Catfish.
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| Estuary catfish |
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| Fiddler ray |
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| Moon Wrasse |
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| Red Morwong |
The water was flat and the sun shone in the late afternoon,
making it a very pleasant summer beach outing. Thanks to all who came along!
3 February 2024 - Remote First Aid Training
15 of us attended Remote First Aid training for the Bush Lemons held by Pulse First Aid in Hazelbrook. Never was the saying 'the more you learn, the more you realise you have to learn' more true. We had undertaken 3 hours of online training in the lead up and then this full day of practical training. It was very informative and in parts stressful but also fun! Our Remote First Aid certificates will last for 3 years and our CPR component for 1 year. I really want to thank the Lemons who came along - good on you all!! And a big thankyou to our trainers Victoria and Frances. It's so important for everyone to learn first aid. Jocelyn
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| Lots to learn! |
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| Testing the storm shelter |
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| All hands on deck for our casualty event |
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| Torniquets and packing wounds.... |
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| CellAED - a lightweight defibrillator |
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| More learning.... |
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| Our lucky casualties - Ken & Sarah (we reckon the accident was Ken's fault) |
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| Our casualties being beautifully looked after (even Ken) |
Saturday, 20 January 2024
Thank you to the 9 awesome Bush Lemons who made this a
fun, interesting and informative walk. The talkative Flying Foxes were putting
on a show in their camp, while some of the female bats were hanging in their trees with little ones on their backs…I don’t know how they do it! We also had
the best view’s of the surrounding Inner West area on top of Nanny Goat Hill,
where we stopped for a short break surrounded by fig and gum trees. The next
section, walking along the trail and a few reserves, patting a few well behaved
dogs along the way, we eventually came off the Girrahween Track leading us onto
the footpath into Bexley North Village. Here we had a well earned cuppa. Thank
you Lea for your knowledge of Bush Tucker and plants, and Manuela for your
amazing photos. A very special day indeed🦇🦇🦇 Britta
Sunday, 21 January - Lions Head, Wentworth Falls
16 Lemons did this new walk is fairly hot conditions. At morning tea we split into two groups, one heading slowly back to the cars and the other pushing on to summit Lions Head. Thank goodness for the cooling breeze! And thanks to all those who came along to soak up the spectacular views. Enjoy the video: Lions Head
13 January 2024 - Mt Banks Loop
What a super walk this one is with such sublime views! It was a warm day so there are only photos on the way out on the below Relive video as I was too keen to get back to the shade. Thanks Anne!
Saturday, 23 December - Thor Head afternoon/evening walk
We had a very lovely last walk for the year out to Thor Head which overlooks the Grose Valley. And although I had lots of cancellation due to forecasted rain & storm........it did not rain!!! The views here are sublime, the bush full of beautiful flora, we were lucky enough to see a Rockwarbler, Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos, and on the way back at dusk we shared the track with a kangaroo. Dining on Thor Head was perfect and the walk was very special. All the best to all for a kind Christmas Season. Enjoy the Relive Video of the walk here: Thor Head evening walk
Saturday, 16 December - Megalong Valley, Megalong Rd to Coxs River
Our scheduled wallk in Glenbrook was changed due to the forecasted high temperatures and instead we did part of the Six Foot Track which leads down to the Coxs River in the Megalong Valley. It was a shorter walk with lovely swims, much nicer to do in the warm weather. Thanks to those who went with the last minute change. Jocelyn. Enjoy the video: Megalong Rd to Coxs River
Tuesday, 5 December - Under & Over Cliff walk, Katoomba
Hi Lemons
Today 4 Lemons did a midweek walk on the under/overcliff walk at Wentworth
Falls. The sun was shining and it was a cracking day to be out in it. We lunched at the Conservation Hut afterwards (new management and delicious
food and good coffee).
The next mid week walk will be Wedneday 20 December. Details will be sent
shortly. (Not on current BL calendar) Thanks to those who came along. Anne
Check out the Relive Video: Under & Over Cliff walk
Saturday, 2 December - Wentworth Falls Lake walk & picnic
The threatened rain stayed away and the sun came out in the afternoon, so those of us that braved Wentworth Falls Lake had a lovely walk and picnic. Thanks to all those who came along and thanks to Anne for providing cups of tea and coffee for us all. Enjoy the photos. Jocelyn
Saturday, 18 November - Middle Harbour Creek Loop
What a fantastic walk we had today. I hope you enjoy the Relive video and sorry for a couple of smudged photos (I think it was water and not my attempt at some misty romantic shots!). Thanks to those who came along on this beautiful walk.
Relive video: Middle Harbour Creek Loop
Saturday, 4 November - Explorers Tree to Megalong Road
It was predicted to be wet on this walk, and consequently I had lots of cancellations, but the conditions turned out to be pretty lovely for the 3 of us who persevered. Only a light shower or two and the mist around the escarpments was very atmospheric.
Relive video - 6 Foot Track - Explorers Tree to Megalong Road
Saturday, 21 October - Victorian Period Costume walk - Scenicworld to Leura Forest
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| Walking in period costume is a serious business |
We had a fun time walking in rather warm outfits from the Scenic Railway to Leura Forest. Tourist and locals were both bemused and amused.....and who could blame them.
After a lovely luncheon we then returned back to Scenicworld and a trip back up the Cableway.
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| Some of us had to dab away the perspiration |
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| There's always work to do at Scenicworld! |
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| What a gorgeous group of Victorian women! |
Thanks to all who accessed their inner Victorian walking woman and experienced the difficulties of walking in this garb. I for one couldn't wait to get that bloody hat off. Jocelyn
Saturday, 7 October - Mt Solitary Traverse
We were a small and fast moving group who tackled the iconic and challenging Mt Solitary Traverse. Perfect weather and good company made it lovely. Enjoy the Relive Video:
Saturday, 23 September - Coastal Walk, Bouddi National Park
Six Lemons had a wonderful walk along the Coastal Track in Bouddi
National Park on Saturday. The weather was a lovely 19C with the sun sparkling
on the water at times, and we saw the spouts of several whales, and a few
distant glistening black backs. Wildflowers were everywhere and the water,
though cold, invited at least half of us into a dip! The promised stairs were a
good workout, but worth it for the fabulous views at every turn. Thanks to the
Lemons who came along, and special thanks to Susan for the photos. Jem
Saturday, 16 September - Kedumba Pass, Kedumba Valley & Lions Head Pass
6 of us took on this walk in fairly warm conditions. Although we have walked down Kedumba Pass plenty of times, the ascent up through Lions Head was a new and exciting one. Enjoy the Relive Video: Kedumba and Lions Head Passes
Saturday, 9 September - Birdwatching at Rhododendron Gardens
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| What a keen lot of birdwatchers! |
We saw Golden Whistlers, Grey Shrike-Thrush, Rosellas, Kookaburras, White-browed Scrubwrens, Striated Thornbills, Currawongs, Magpies, Red Wattlebirds, Eastern Spinebills, a Yellow Robin, and lots of small and quick moving birds. No photos of birds as I was too busy looking through my binoculars! The gardens were beautiful too.
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| And Alie's shot of the day - the Golden Whistler's bum! |
Saturday, 2 September - Perrys Lookdown to halfway up Du Faur Head
It was a perfect Spring day to walk through the Grose Valley. The descent down Perrys Lookdown left our knees a tad weak before we stopped for morning tea on the Grose River.
We then crossed the river and ascended around 2/3rds of the way up to Du Faur Head for lunch. The crossing of the Grose River was by way of a downed tree.
The walk back up Perrys Lookdown is always a good challenge and it was somewhat of a relief to see the cars at the top.
Jocelyn
Saturday, 26 August - Loftus to Audley
Seven
Lemons enjoyed the Royal National Park. The weather was fine & warm. The
14km of tracks were dry with very few other bush walkers. Highlights were
Bungoona Look-out (views over the Hacking River), Honeymoon Track, Robertson
Roundabout, Kangaroo Creek, gorgeous angophoras, massive outcrops of sandstone,
Waratahs in bloom, stunning green 2m high Gymea Lillies leaves, & a
painter’s palette of spring-time flowers. Up & down we went. Then more up
& down. It was a fabulous day out adventuring together. The photos (below)
tell the story best …Sue. (photo credits to Sue, Rachel, Julia)
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| Bungonia Lookout |
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| Bungonia Lookout view |
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| Stairs down escarpment |
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| View into Botany Bay & north to Centrepoint |
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| Kangaroo Creek |
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| Drosera spatulata - carnivorous perennial herb |
Saturday, 19 August - Box Head, Bouddi National Park
6 lemons enjoyed the spectacular views and weather in Bouddi National Park. Thanks for coming and sharing and thanks to Rachel and Leah for photos. Dee
Saturday, 22 July - Cowan to Berwra (va Berowra Waters)
We had fantastic winter weather for the 7 Lemons on the walk. It was up & down all the way - ie tough, but extremely enjoyable. Hikers were rewarded with stunning views, and continually changing tree & plant species during our 6 hour adventure. [13km; 630m descent/ascent].
This walk is part of the “Great North Walk” route. Lots of sandstone, bush & some creek crossings. Mainly single track, but also a km or two of management trail. Highlights are the Aboriginal middens & the descent into the timelessness of the Hawkesbury River at Berowra Waters. Here is the photographic record of the day (thanks photographer Kylie). Sue
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| Morning tea |
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| Down |
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| Roland Murray Bench |
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| Triumph after walk back up from Hawkesbury River |
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| Lunch view |
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| View near the end |
Saturday, 14 July - Medlow Bath explore
There are places on this walk when you feel like you are walking back in time. Some gorgeous old tracks through a wide variety of landscapes. Thanks to those who came along. Anne
Saturday, 8 July - Lower Porters Pass & Centennial Pass
Walking these two lovely lower passes means that you rarely see anyone and you can get off the main tracks. However, it also means there are a lot of obstacles, including a huge amount of downed trees, but that can also be part of the fun! We did lose the track a few times but it was all good in the end and everyone was very patient and good company! Enjoy the Relive video:
Lower Porters & Centennial Glen Passes
Saturday, 17 June - Sphinx Track & Bobbin Head loop
A most lovely walk today in beautiful winter weather.
Relive Video: Sphinx & Bobbin Head loop
Saturday, 10 June - Asgard Swamp & Thor Head, Mt Victoria
What a lovely King's long weekend walk 19 of us had today. Thanks to everyone who came along, to Anne, Olga and Lesley for their cars. Check out the video: Asgard Swamp & Thor Head
And then there was the lovely lunch at the Victoria & Albert Guesthouse afterwards
Saturday, 3 June - T3 track to Colo River
What a fantastic walk this is in such a spectacular wilderness area. We all agreed that the challenge of the ascent back up from the river makes this walk, even as tough as it is. Thanks to the tough Lemons who came along!! Enjoy the video: T3 to Colo River track
Friday, 26 May - Sunday, 28 May
Well yes, it was cold.....perhaps one could say freezing. Six of us threw caution to the winds and enjoyed a weekend at Kedumba River Crossing Campground. This valley is teeming with wildlife and beauty.
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| Glossy Black Cockatoos |
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| Kangaroos in the campground |
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| Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos |
And we did some walks out of the valley too.
And the frost and ice had it's own beauty too.
No, not a magic trick, just frozen water.
Thanks to those who shared their photos and came along on this adventure. Jocelyn
Sat, 20 May - Gordon Falls & Sublime Point, Leura
A beautiful walk today and more lookouts than were promised. Thanks to Anne for leading this walk.
Relive Video: Gordon Falls & Sublime Point
Turon Gates weekend camp, 12-14 May
Turon Gates really is a fantastic place to camp with a beautifully located campground, good bathroom facilities, wildlife, pet friendly, lots of walks, fireplaces, places to explore, bike rides etc. We made the most of it, but we also had lots of chats, laughs and times around the campfires!
There were good walks, bike rides, painting, photography, cooking, gazing at the river....
And we were pretty lucky with only one rain shower....
Thanks to everyone who came along, to Olga for bringing her gazebo and everyone for the firewood and your wonderful company! We will be back to Turon Gates!
After a solid day of rain on Saturday, the clouds finally ran out of water to drop. Blackheath to Medlow could have been ridden or canoed, the puddles were large, deep and plentiful. Thanks Rach for doing the Relive and Vee for taking out “best in puddle ride technique”. Muddy butts and big grins … enjoy. Olga
Puddle video: Puddles video
Relive video: Blackheath to Pt Pilcher Relive
Happy
walking everyone. Anne
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| The quiet before the storm |
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| Gathering for the dance practise |
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| A chat and rest! |
Thank you to all who joined the Kiama Coastal Track walk
travelling from near and afar.
It was quite hot at times but the north easterly made
walking more comfortable as did the occasional dip in the ocean.
Such a lovely group of women, interesting conversations, laughter, excitement in anticipation for Mardi Gras and a beautiful swim in the waves to finish.
We are all so lucky to be part of the Bush Lemons.
With thanks, Fran.
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Wrasses a plenty - (Crimson Banded, Senator, Maori and
Snakeskin Wrasse), Eastern Pomfreds, schools of Silver Sweep
swimming and turning in unison, Old Wives, A Moorish Idol or two, Eastern
hulafish, large schools of sand whiting and Scad, Rock Cod, Rainbow Cale (out
for Mardi Gras), Red Morwongs, Leatherjackets, bottom-dwelling Gobys,
Kapalensis Stingarees (common stingray but cute none-the-less), bright yellow
and blue juvenile Scalyfin (worth googling), a mystery fish later
identified as an Estuary catfish, simply thousands of Mados, several large as
well as juvenile Easter Blue Groupers, Rock Blackfish, the
appropriately named Piano Fangbelly, and a hover of seven baby
cuttlefish.
And not forgetting the beautiful sponges, soft corals and
sea grass beds.
A spectacular day underwater - thanks to all who came along! Rachael
Six of us enjoyed the stunning Sydney weather for a social
spin around Sydney Olympic Park today.
There were celebrations after reaching the top of the Bay
Marker spiral lookout that gives 360 degree views over the park and surrounding
city & river landscape where we paused for morning tea. It was way
more fun on the way down where we could get up a bit of speed!
The next stop was Shipwreck Bay where old & unused vessels were transported in the 1960s and 1970s to be decommissioned & disposed of. The yard vanished and nature took over, slowly turning the wrecks into floating forests.
The final stop before lunch was the Brickpit Ring Walk
(or cycle!), which serves as a water storage and frog habitat. It's also home
to black swans and ducks that leave dark trails as they swim through what we
thought was algae, but is actually a tiny native plant called Duckweed Lemna
disperma that the water birds love to feed on.
Thanks to everyone who came along and to Vee for her detailed knowledge of the roads and tracks throughout the park. Jan
We finally had our Victorian Period Costume walk, after proposing it years ago. Thank you to all those plucky women who came along to recreate the costumes those amazing women wore in the Victorian era. We all agreed that walking in long skirts, stiff collars and large hats took a bit of getting used to. Some also found it hard to not smile in the photos, however I found it came naturally to me. We had a private tour of the Hydro Majestic which was quite a highlight and walked on some of the older tracks behind it. We waved our hankies at a departing train and picnicked in Medlow Bath Park listening to live music. Prue has put together a most amazing video which is available on our Facebook page. Thank you to everyone who came along. What a lot of fun we had!!! Enjoy the photos. Jocelyn
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| Our tour of the Hydro |
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| Navigating a fence in skirts aint so easy |
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| A little bit of rock climbing (as you do) |
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| What a gorgeous bunch of Victorian women |
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| We also visited the Aboriginal grinding grooves |
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| Grey Butcherbird |
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| The elusive 'rock' bird |
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| And some people were such keen birdwatchers that they seemed to be everywhere! |
Thanks to those who came along and enjoyed the sun. We will have another birdwatching walk soon. Jocelyn
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| The old post office and tailor shop |
The Lemons had a lovely time at the ghost town of Yerranderie, which is now managed by National Parks. It is roughly a 3.5 hour drive from the upper mountains, but very worthy of a visit. There are old buildings (some of which have been restored) relics from the silver mining days, two campgrounds and bushwalks.
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| Private Town campground |
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| View from Bartlett Head |
Sat, 10 Sept - Staples Lookout to Patonga
Lunch again found us with fabulous views across distant hills and
the Hawkesbury hinterland. We then crossed Patonga Drive into an area famed for
its waratahs, explored another little side trip with wonderful rocks and yet
more wildflowers, until we reached Warrah Lookout over the Hawkesbury mouth
with panoramic views of Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Lion Island and West Head.
Descending down into Patonga we finally reached the beach.
Thanks to the wonderful Lemons who made this walk such a funny,
friendly and fab experience, and thanks to Manuela for the gorgeous photos! Jem
Sun, 28 Aug - Lockleys Pylon & Du Faur Head, Leura
Sat, 10 Aug - Sassafras Gully & Magdala Gully walk, Springwood
What a most gorgeous walk today! This is a beautiful area full of lush rainforest, spectacular Sassafras trees, impressive temple-like rocky outcrops and lovely swimming holes. It's a loop walk which starts behind Springwood shops, so easily accessible. Enjoy the video:-
Sassafras Gully and Magdala Gully walk
Sat, 16 July - Porters Pass & Centenial Glen
There were numerous cancellations for this walk (it's the world we live in at the moment) so we were a small group that did this most lovely of walks today. There were quite a few other people out walking, and the occasional dog too. As I was sometimes carrying Scrumpy (he's a dog, not a Lemon) some of my photos in the Relive video were taken quickly, and for some reason the Relive video stopped short of where we did! Sit back and enjoy the Zen of the video:
Porters Pass & Centennial Glen
Fri, 24 - Sun, 26 June Black Range 3 day walk
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| All fresh at the start |
We had a great walk exploring the firetrails off Black Range, out in the Kanangra Boyd Wilderness. The temperatures were pretty low overnight, but the day time temps were perfect for walking. We descended down Moorara Boss Firetrail and camped the first night on the lovely Jenolan River (where we had a very quick dip! Yes, there were some screams).
After a rather chilly night we plodded back up to the range and then down to the Little River to collect water. We had the option to camp the 2nd night here, but it was quite damp and evidence of 4WDs using the small campsite, so instead decided we needed more of a challenge, so ascended back up onto Black Range and found a lovely campsite on Cronje Mountain Trail. We ascended more than 1000m this day!
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| Finally relaxing on Cronje Mountain |
It was a slightly milder night here and we had a lovely outlook back towards the twinkling lights of the Hydro Majestic.
Sun, 19 June - Burramoka Fire Trail to Hanging Rock, Blackheath
Burramoka Fire Trail to Hanging Rock
Sat 11 June - Ngula Bulgarabang GLBTQ walk
It was a beautiful day for our annual GLBTQ walk. This time we visited Ngula Bulgarabang with its terrific tracks and views. Thanks to all who came along and enjoy the Relive video below:
Sat 4 June - Cowan to Berowra
This is a very pretty walk with lots of ups and downs, great views, gorgeous Angophora trees and rock outcrops. We were a pared down group after a few cancellations but that didn't stop our enthusiasm. Unfortunately my Relive video didn't work for some reason, but the walk was 15.7km and took us 6 hours.
We stopped for sustenance and a brief rest at the beautiful river at Berowra Waters.
Then we pushed on to the end of the walk at Berowra. What a lovely walk!!
Sun 15 May - Gordons Bay Snorkel
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| Wobbegong |
9 Bush Lemons plunged into the pleasant autumn waters in search of the Gordon’s Bay underwater nature trail. We set off from Gordon’s Bay beach up the southern side of the bay and were greeted by a beautiful 2 metre Wobbegong swimming slowly along. Several schools of Luderick (with black stripes), blue and green groupers, Māori wrasse, and a few parrot fish.
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| Blue Grouper |
We then headed across the bay to the Northern side and finally found the trail. Some of the markers were difficult to spot due to recent weather events. This side of the bay had an abundance of Mados, Sweep, Angel fish and Stingarees and a strange looking conglomerate of anemone called Isaurus Cliftoni.
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| Isaurus Cliftoni Anemone |
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| Fan Sponge |
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| Stingaree |
After 80 minutes in the water it was time to head in and get warm. Thanks to everyone who came and splashed around, to Joc for going back to fetch the buoy, and to Vanessa for her photos! Rachael.
Sat 14 May - Tempe to Brighton Bike ride
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It was a cracker of a day for our ride from Tempe to Brighton. Eight keen women turned up for
the ride. We followed the Cooks River to Kyeemagh cycle and walk path to
Brighton Beach, where we stopped for morning tea, the sun came out just as we
arrived. There were no swims but one Lemon decided to
ride back home and pick up her stand up paddle board and drive back for a
paddle. Along the way we saw some sand sculptures and community gardens. We all had a wonderful time trying to solve the problems
of the world over a cup of coffee, tea and cake for some. After morning tea we
rode back to Tempe the same way. Britta
Sat 7 May - Sunday 8 May - Splendour Rock, Wild Dog Mountains
Thanks to the marvellous walkers who took on this challenging hike to fantastic Splendour Rock. Everyone ought to do this hike at least once! I have chosen appropriate dramatic music for the video!
Sat, 30 April - Zigzag & Reinits Pass Tracks, Mt Victoria
Good on those who joined us for an expected wet walk along these tracks, but we were pretty lucky with the weather. There was a tricky landslip halfway along the Reinits Track to negotiate, and then I complicated things by losing one of my dogs (you can see on the video where I backtrack to try to find him. He was found at 5am Sunday rather bedraggled but okay). Thanks to the walkers for their forbearance and patience and to Portia for keeping us all in line!
Saturday, 2 April - Perrys Lookdown to Lockleys Pylon Track
Perrys to halfway up Lockleys Pylon
Sunday, 20 March - Ingar & Andersons Fire Trail
Our 25km walk on the Ingar and Andersons Fire Trail was on a dry sunny day (amazing!). It's a long walk with a really decent hill and very varied scenery. My Relive video doesn't have many photos but it gives a really good overview of the walk.
Sat, 19 Feb - Spit to Manly
This walk is always lovely with harbour views and swims. Our lunch time swim at Fairlight Tidal Pool was extra exciting due to the big swell and we frolicked like kids. We also spotted a lovely acquatic animal off 40 Baskets Beach. Enjoy the Relive video:
https://www.relive.cc/view/vKv2yBEQ74q
Sat, 12 Feb - Faulconbridge Point and Grose River
The gate to the National Park at Glenbrook was closed due to water over the causeway, so we chose to do this alternate walk: Faulconbridge Point and Grose River
Fri, 4 - Sun, 6 Feb - Ganguddy camp
What a lovely weekend spent out in this beautiful area near Rylstone. We were pretty lucky with the weather as most showers were brief and followed by sun. Thanks to the 32 Lemons who came along and embraced all the different activities or just relaxed and chilled out.
There were games aplenty. Thanks for Ali for bringing her circus skills and toys!
Many thanks to generous and patient Kate who brought all her Nomads kayaks with her and led memorable kayak trips on the waters, including a fantastic evening kayak where we drifted along as night fell listening to all the beautiful sounds of nature. We were welcomed back to the camp by the other Lemons who welcomed us with fairy lights and song!
There were a numbers of bushwalks, including the lovely Pagoda lookout and Long Cave. Orchids were spied and bird lists made.
Watch the video of our bushwalk here: Video of Pagoda Lookout, Weir & Long Cave walk
Bec & Belinda put on a lovely cheese platter spread for us, there were visits to check out the campervans, small tent problems were fixed, possums, quolls and turtles spotted, friendships made, swims aplenty, much laughter and stories told.
Thanks to Anne and Sophie for many of the photos. Thanks to Olga, Deb & Gaby for their gazebos for shelter when it rained.
What a wonderful time spent in nature with a wonderful group of Lemons. Thank you all!! Jocelyn
Sun, 30 Jan 2022 - Cabbage Tree Bay Snorkel
It really was a perfect day for snorkelling, and Cabbage Bay Aquatic Reserve off Shelley Beach was the perfect location.
A lovely group of Lemons gathered for the day and very soon we were in the water and just amazed by the variety of fish that we saw! This is an accessible and wonderful spot to see so much. I'll let the photos speak for themselves!
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| Blue Groper |
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| Eastern Fiddler Ray |
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| A Wobbegong's tail |
Thanks to Ange and Anne for the photos and Rachael for leading us on such a wonderful snorkelling day, and thanks to all those adventurous souls who came along and were treated to such amazing sights! Jocelyn
Lockley's Pylon Track to Grose River - 2 Jan 2022
Lockley's Pylon Track to Grose River
Bikeride Mt Blackheath & Hanging Rock, Blackheath - 16 Jan 2022
After what seemed like weeks of wet weather, the day of the
ride began with dry blue skies and the rare sight of a golden orb in the sky. I
am told this is known as the sun.
We warmed up our legs on the more forgiving part of the ride
out to Mount Blackheath, then headed in the opposite direction on our way
to hanging rock.
This area had been affected by the fires and it was encouraging to see all the new greenery especially in the valley.
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| Hanging Rock |
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| Looks flat doesn't it? |
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| Bg smiles and jelly legs |
Thanks to Bec and Alison for joining me on this jolly jaunt
and apologies for forgetting to take happy snaps at mount blackheath. 🤦🏻♀️
Cheers, Olga
Staples Lookout to Girrakool, Central Coast - 8 January 2022
https://www.relive.cc/view/vxOQYgy8j2O
Wentworth Falls Lake - 18 Dec 2021
https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqNYQ45236
Lawsons Long Alley to Lockyers Rd, Mt York - 11 Dec 2021
https://www.relive.cc/view/vdORwkkBoK6
Furber stairs to Ruined Castle - 4 Dec 2021
Relive 'Furber Stairs to Ruined Castle'
The Bloody
Long Walk - Palm Beach to Manly - 35km
Rachael,
Angela D, Vee and Fiona B
The route (with lots of comfort stops)
The weather forecast (~10-25mm per
hour, every hour)
The Bush Lemons team at the starting point in Palm Beach. Fiona demonstrating her headwear style
Avalon Beach with Bilgola Head in the background. 7kms down and feeling quite sodden; time for a chemist stop and coffee #1.
Mona Vale Beach - White-out! 15kms
down, Checkpoint 3, with friendly marshalls giving out fruit and lots of
encouragement. Angela was mistaken for a volunteer marshall in her yellow
jacket.
The water jump!
Lunch stop at North Narrabeen,
coffee #2. Thanks to the wonderful café owners who did not mind all our
dripping gear. Rachael pulling a sad and wet face. Time to apply warm, dry
socks. Vee’s bee socks did not go unnoticed.
After several more kms, lots more rain, feet checks, and spirited
conversations with other walkers (including the Mito Minions, and one very
inspiring member with a prosthetic leg), we made it to Manly.
Elated, relieved and feeling proud of our achievement. Thanks
to Angela and Sam for the early ride to the start, thanks Fiona for the carpooling
home. Thanks gals – it was a great team effort. Rachael
Saturday, 26 June - Fortress Ridge & Darks Cave
Fortress Ridge is a fairly easy and accessible walk out to one of the best views over the Grose Valley. 20 of us from Bush lemons and Bandanna Social Lesbians were lucky enough to do this walk on a sunny, though slightly blustery, day.
11 of us then continued on for the second part of the walk to Darks Cave, a gorgeous cave used by the Dark family as their holiday home decades earlier. The gully in which it is located was not affected by the fires and it is full of birds, plants, a gurgling creek and a beautiful hush.
Thanks to all those who came on this walk, to Stevie and Bandanna Social Lesbians, to Anne for some photos, to those who helped carpool, and to those who came to the lovely dinner at The Bunker on the Friday night. Jocelyn
Saturday, 19 June - Palm Beach to Narrabeen
It was understandable that numbers were small on this walk, considering the forecasted gale winds and heavy rain, but we were very lucky with the weather. Palm Beach was gorgeous as always.
There was road walking, tracks over headlands and pathways next to beaches. And because of the huge swell the waves were extraordinary - we could have watched them for hours.
The walk took 5 hours and yes at the end the rain had started, but it just made the walk more action packed.
Nothing like a hot drink to finish off a bracing walk. Jocelyn
Saturday, 2 June - Porters Pass & Centennial Glen, Blackheath
It was a blustery winter's day for our walk in his lovely historic area of Blackheath. Under foot was still wet from melted snow, but the views were sublime and the company wasn't too bad either.
We accessed Corona Point via a rockclimbers track to take in the view and enjoy morning tea.
Then it was onto Centennial glen, the lovely waterfall, lunch at Walls Ledge, and then the return walk back up.
Sunday, 7 June - Bike ride Lawson
Once again Mother Nature
provided a beautiful day to play in the great outdoors
Pumped and rearing to go we all
dismounted to make a tricky decent 😅
Our first mechanical incident only 5 minutes in had us in pit lane.... wheels off, tubes flying, pumps pumping. A world record tube change after a nasty pinch flat saw us back on the trail in no time
Some tight switchbacks tested
our skills and balance.
It was discovered that an outburst of expletives was an effective method to stay upright in tricky situations. Pedalling with perseverance found us all to quickly at the end of the loop and heading to the nearest cafe for coffee and pastries
Thanks to all for making
the effort to join this Bushlemons ride and add some extra joy to the
weekend!!
Saturday, 22 May -Narrowneck, Katoomba
10 of us started off on Narrowneck, with 3 doing a 'lite' version of the walk. It was the perfect day for this walk as initially we had the foggy valleys and once it lifted we could see forever.
Lunch was at Clear Hill at the end before we strode back. Thanks to all for their photos and company. Jocelyn
Saturday, 15 May - Lawson Waterfall circuit - evening walk
7
Lemons thought it would be a good idea to walk around a waterfall circuit in
the dark, on the coldest day of the year so far - and it was so worth it! We
started the walk in the late afternoon, and enjoyed getting away from the cold
wind as we descended to the first of the waterfalls. We were there in time to
see it in daylight and enjoy how clear the water was. There is still a lot of
water in the creeks following the recent heavy rains, so all the waterfalls are
flowing and can be heard echoing through the bush. Its magic to walk beside the
creeks and through the bushland at twilight, with very little human noise and
the sound of babbling water to keep us company. We enjoyed the muddy sections,
occasional wet feet (did I mention how clear the water was) and the beauty of
exploring the area by torchlight. The highlight came at the very end of the
walk, at Cataract Waterfall when we all turned off our headlights and waited…
to be greeted by the twinkling lights of the glow worms as they put on their
show. Standing under a damp rocky ledge and looking up, it was like seeing the
night sky but with totally different constellations. While their light is so
bright, we couldn’t see them when we turned on our torches and tried to find
them - they must be so tiny. A fantastic walk and with good company - a perfect
way to spend a Saturday evening!
Saturday, 15 May - Mt Victoria Falls to Pierces Pass
9 of us braved the sleet and wind and had a lovely walk through the Grose Valley. The regeneration after the fires is going well and the waterfalls, creek and river were beautiful. The track down to Burra Korain has had a lot of good work put into it. We had morning tea near Burra Korain, where the creek joins the Grose River.
The walk along the river is lovely, with the escarpment towering above. We soon reached where the Pierces Pass track heads up to the escarpment and through lovely rainforest.
Many thanks to Liz, Olga and Ursula for helping with cars early on the chilly morning. Jocelyn
Saturday, 1 May - Kedumba Pass, Wentworth Falls
Eleven of us descended down Kedumba Pass and luckily the fog lifted from the valley.
We stopped for morning tea along the way before checking out the wonderfully restored Maxwells Hut.
We then lunched by the river before we walked back up the pass.
This valley is such a beautiful treasure, full of animals and birds. We may do another overnight walk down here soon. Jocelyn
25 year anniversary weekend - 23-25 April
What a way to bring in our 25 years!!! 40 women gathered at the lovely Wollemi Common for workshops, games, talks around the firepit, wonderful food, incredible desserts, drumming, the amazing olympics (full of sleeping bag stuffing, timed tent erections, boot throwing, captain ball and tunnel ball) - organised by sports mistresses Anne, Ange and Sharron.
Saturday night was full of music, speeches, stories, and a brilliant and funny skit (I still haven't stopped laughing). On Sunday there was a great attempt at recreating Renoir's painting, Luncheon of the Boating Party. Many thanks to Prue for her filmmaking skills (see her olympic games & painting recreation films on our Facebook page).
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| Winning tunnell ball team (missing Vee) |
What a wonderful time we all had during the weekend. Many thanks to all those who helped, washed up and cleaned up. Many, many thanks to Anne, Sharron and Max for being such a wonderfully easy organising group!! We may make this camp at Wollemi Common a yearly event. Thanks Lemons. Jocelyn
Saturday, 10 April - Furber Stairs to Giant Staircase
18 Lemons visited the Sculptures at Scenicworld Exhibition after descending down Furber Stairs (with one Lemon taking the Railway). The sculptures were lovely in their perfect setting in the rainforest and viewed from the boardwalk.
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| This answers the question of how many Lemons you can get in an old railway car! |
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| A familiar scene for anyone who has done an overnight walk with us |
We then walked on the Federal Pass past the bottom of Katoomba Falls to where the group split up to tackle the Giant Stairs through longer, shorter or quicker options.
It was a beautiful day for such a lovely walk and thanks to everyone who came along.
Thanks also to Ange for sharing her artwork with us, which seems to have started encouraging other items of underwear to come out! Jocelyn
Friday, 12 March - Monday 15 march - Kanangra to Katoomba (50km)
8 Lemons left Kanangra Walls very early on Friday after being safely delivered by our drivers, Sharron and Sue - thank you girls! Even though the plateau was covered with mist, it was still beautiful.
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| The Pass off Kanangra |
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| Pink flannel flowers |
Once down the pass and off the plateau we stopped for morning tea at Crafts Wall and then steadily climbed up Mt Berry, High & Mighty, Rip, Rack, Roar, Rumble and eventually Mt Cloudmaker herself!
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| Morning tea stop |
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| The Summit team on Cloudmaker! |
Immediately after Cloudmaker the track conditions changed. We had been expecting some difficulty in following this track since the bushfires and were prepared with a navigation device. It was just as well as weeds, grasses and saplings now covered the area and we only occasionally saw the track. Shortly after leaving the summit one of our party had a bad fall and did an injury to her leg. Initially it was thought it could have been a break, but after first aid was applied and the contents of her pack split and carried by the rest of us, she was able to continue to Dexs Creek where we camped the night.
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| Dexs Creek had lots of available water |
The next morning we set off to again find the track fully overgrown, so we had to navigate every step. It was an exhausting day, but beautiful scenery (when you could see over the weeds & saplings!). We had been leapfrogging with a solo walker (Garry) who found the track conditions equally challenging and asked to tag along with us. He stayed until we were well along Narrowneck on the last day before thanking us, complimenting our team and bidding us farewell.
Such a long, exhausting day full of bushbashing and navigating! There were numerous falls since we couldn't see where we were putting our feet, and the descent down Mt Strongleg was particularly trying. It could not have been done without Angela's calm navigating skills and everyone trusting that we would reach Coxs River eventually. What a bloody good bunch!!! And of course laughs kept us going, such as when we discovered that Olga and Rachael were actually twins.
The swim in one of the creeks next to our campsite late that afternoon was bliss!!
The next morning we had to cross the creek twice and then the Coxs River, and Rachael showed off her piggybacking prowess to ensure that Sharon's wounded leg did not get wet. Another team effort!
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| Clearly Angela didn't get the email about which direction to go |
After successfully reaching the other side of the Coxs River, we then started the long ascent up Yellow Pup Ridge in the rain. It took awhile and then we continued along the sometimes visible track towards Mobbs Swamp/Soak, where thankfully we were able to take shelter in the cave here to warm up and dry out!
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| The perfect cave on a wet and cold day! |
So that everyone could camp where they wanted to, we left 2 walkers at the cave to have the óvernight in a cave' experience (complete with Agile Antichinus), whilst the rest of us walked onto Medlow Gap for our last night.
Thankfully our last day dawned sunny and bright and when our 2 cave campers joined us we started the ascent up Mt Debert and to Taros Ladders.
The group cleverly engineered the best and safest way to get all our packs to the top (oops! sorry about the Jetboil, Erin!), and had a lot of fun whilst doing it!
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| Rachael and our good mate, Garry |
After clambering the rest of the way up to Clear Hill, we lunched and then did our #FedUp #EnoughisEnough performance!
Then it was the long slog back along Narrowneck to the locked gate and cold drinks from the esky in my car!!!!
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| Here's to a wonderful bunch of walkers! |
The best thing about walking in the wilderness is that you have to handle anything that happens yourselves, and that is exactly what we did....from navigational challenges, to injuries, wet & cold weather, sharing the load, working out problems, making decisions as a group! Well done Lemons √
27 February Grand Canyon Loop Blackheath
It was a hot muggy morning and the canyon was totally beautiful. We were all very glad we had started early as the tourists were thin on the ground.
Easy to forget how beautiful this walk is – no wonder there are so many people. With all the rain we have had lately there was lots of water and waterfalls and the spiders webs were magnificent.
After having morning tea under a huge overhang we headed back up. We certainly came up with some great ideas for the anniversary weekend….
Saturday, 21 February - Spit to Manly
The weather forecast had not looked good for this walk, but it turned out perfectly. It's such a gorgeous and picturesque walk and because of the forecast it meant not so many people as usual were out. Lovely swims and company.
Thanks to those who came along. It was so nice to have a walk without rain!! Jocelyn
Sunday, 14 February - 6 Foot Track to Coxs River
24 kayakers and 7 yachtswomen joined forces for our day in the sunshine.
The kayakers started at Bayview and circled Scotland Island before checking out Lovetts Bay & lovely Salvation Creek.
The yacht took off for a jaunt up Pittwater whilst the kayakers enjoyed the challenge of the headwind on our trip back to Bayview.
Thanks to the Lemons and Nomads who attended and to Kate and Janene for leading us, and to those who shared their photos. Jocelyn
Saturday, 6 February - Snorkelling, La Perouse
The Lemons had a wonderful day near Bare Island at La Perouse. Rachael had chosen 2 good spots for us to explore, full of sea sponges, varieties of fish, an octopus that fell in love with Angela (or perhaps it was Angela's flipper). It rained a bit but it didn't matter since we were in the water. After lunch most of us retired to a local cafe for lunch. Thanks to Rachael and Meg for their expertise and to those who came along and also shared their photos! Jocelyn
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| Angela's adoring octopus |
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| Chart of local fish |
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| Spot the Flathead |
Sunday, 31 January - Gladstone, Lindemans & Copelands Pass
Saturday, 23 January - T3 Walk from Mountain Lagoon to Colo River
Yes, it was a hot day, but what a beautiful area to spend it in. We cut out the dirt road walking so as to limit our time out in the sun and the highlights certainly were the wilderness area and the magnificent Colo River.
We played, frolicked and laughed in the river, we caught the current down from the nearby small rapids, and we lunched in the shade on the banks of the river. I was too busy enjoying the river to take many photos!
But what goes down must go back up and it was not without its challenges. Everyone looked after each other admirably.
Thanks so much to all those who came along and to those who shared their photos. What a day!!! Jocelyn
Saturday, 9 January - Vera & Hippocrene Falls, Wentworth Falls
After morning tea we then descended down along the creek and through the beautiful trees to firstly Hippocrene Falls and then Vera Falls for lunch. One brave (or foolhardy) Lemon went in for a splash under the falls!
After lunch it was up and up and we did hit the crowds through the Valley of the Waters but it didn't take away from our wonderful experience lower in the valley.
Saturday, 19 Dec - Euroka and Nepean River
So our Plan A was Erskine Creek, but with the road closed due to a miniscule amount of water over it, we came up with Plan B - the Euroka Clearing track and Nepean River. Thanks to Prue for one of her wonderful videos....
Saturday, 5 Dec - Tinpot, Coxs River, Breakfast Creek
This track is always a good challenge. Due to the impact of this year’s bushfires, it has areas where the track is even more difficult to find due to the influx of some weeds. But the Chestnut Quail, Golden Whistlers, Sea Eagle, black snake, echidna, axe grinding grooves, views, gorgeous Breakfast Creek, flowers, all made it very worthwhile. I'll let the photos do the talking....
Thanks to those who came along for the walk! Jocelyn
Saturday 28 November - Wentworth Falls Lake
The scheduled walk to Ripple Rock on Fortress Ridge was cancelled due to the hot conditions, so instead we did the Wentworth Falls Lake walk followed by swimming, a picnic and kayaking. Thanks to Prue for her lovely video below:-
Saturday 22 November - Nature Trail Wentworth Falls
7 Lemons headed out on a slow explore of this lovely track
on Saturday morning. We started at the Conservation Hut and headed out on the easy flat section which allowed us to get
our eyes working so we could see the wonders that surrounded us. The bush is
subtle and as we slowed down we could see the wonders everywhere.
We must have seen at least 30 different flowers – most of
them purple! Plus the cream pom pom of the Soft Leaf Mimosa tree and the iconic Mountain Devil. The views and rock formations along the way are fantastic too.
We found a beautiful little swimming hole that I had on good
authority was “very refreshing”. The Empress Canyon is gorgeous but we passed
so many canyoners I do wonder how it copes – another example of our resilient
bush.
It is a bit of a climb back to the Conservation Hut but we all
made it safe and sound.
Thanks to everyone who came along. Anne
Saturday, 7 November - Macro Lems Street Art
It was a great turnout with nine of us taking to the streets
of Newtown, poised and ready to snap the plethora of art surrounding the area.
The precarious weather did cast some doubt on some Bush Lemons, hence choosing
to take a raincheck for now…..pardon the pun!
After a few technical issues, we were able to secure a group
photo.
Thanks to Norma and Rachael who provided commentary on the local area, in addition to taking us to some beautiful areas for more Macro Lems photo opportunities.
Norma was able to direct us to this beautiful spot which is
like a mini version of the streets in Grafton when the jacas are in full bloom.
From this point, some Lemons started to make their long
journey home while the rest of us finished off at the Sydney Park brick kilns
and chimneys. Poppy
Sunday, 8 November - bike ride Blackheath to Pt Pilcher, Medlow Bath
The early cloud kept away the intense hum of the cicadas so we
were able to prattle as we pedalled.
At the halfway mark of Point Pilcher we had the added bonus of not only a great view, but the presence of an ah-teest
After a drink and snack we mounted up with the incentive of
a fine coffee at the finish line.
Tete de la course on the race to coffee
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| The peloton |
And as promised... some beautiful Waratahs doing what they
do best 😁 blooming!
And lastly... dodgy deals in the carpark ... what is this world coming to?
Thank you ladies for making the effort to join me on this lovely ride. For enhancing the experience with your tales, mirth and tenacity to the end. Great day! Olga
Fri, 23 Oct - Sun, 25 Oct - Six Foot Track
The next day it was an early start with the first 8km along the fire trail with orchids, flowers, and butterflies spied.
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| Caper White butterflies |
We paused at the shelter of Alum Creek Campground for lunch before pushing on up the hills to reach the Coxs River Campground.
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| We did manage to talk Ange into not taking the tour operator's esky & other items here |
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| Liz and her trusty umbrella |
We had been pre-warned by some other walkers about the party atmosphere by a group here, so after refilling our water we decided to walk on and camp up near the swing bridge.
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| The bridge was a tad slippery in the wet weather |
However, after another Lemon joined us and due to the very wet conditions, we decided to walk out to Megalong Road rather than wait till the following even wetter day. This added 8km to our already long, wet day, but everyone rose to the challenge magnificently! Thanks to Olga for walking in with full pack to meet us, and then walking out swiftly with us! We were out at Megalong Rd by 7.15pm.
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| At the top of the last hill! |
This was also the last of our walks totalling 100km for Trek for Timor. Thanks to those who participated. It's not too late to make a donation: https://trekfortimorbm.org.au/. Jocelyn
Jamison & Kedumba Valley camp, Fri 16 - Sun, 18 October
Sunday, 11 October - Macro Lems at Scheyville National Park
9 Lemons ventured back in time to explore the historical and natural features of Scheyville National Park near Pitt Town in the Hawkesbury.
This site has been a farm training school for young men predominantly from England in the early 1900s; a post World War II migrant camp in the mid 1900s and an officer training school for the Australian Army during the Vietnam War (to name just a few).
There remains a number of buildings and structures from
these uses, many of them falling into dereliction.
Surrounding the National Park Area Office are gardens with a
variety of native plants.
Saturday, 3 October - LittleZigzag, Reinits Pass, Mt Piddington
This 10km walk covers a lot of interesting areas in Mt Victoria, caves, waterfalls, rainforest areas, views into Kanimbla Valley. 18 Lemons and 5 dogs enjoyed this walk. Prue threw together a wonderful video for us, but unfortunately I couldn't upload it (it's on our Facebook page instead). Enjoy the photos. Jocelyn
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| Dog portage |
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| Safely in Mum's arms |
Sunday, 27 Sept - Pisgah Rock, Erskine Creek, Blands Pool
Erskine Creek is a magical area. It is accessed from Glenbrook and the exciting descent and ascent at Pisgah Rock.
And then there is the gorgeous creek flowing over rocks, creating natural pools and little waterfalls everywhere.
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| Blands Pool itself |
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| Woody Pear Tree |
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| The adventurous bunch! |
Seven
Lemons enjoyed a very nice meander around Wentworth Falls Lake on Saturday.
Somehow, we managed to turn a one-hour walk into 2.5 hours!
Although it was windy and cold, the Lake was a treat and there was plenty to
see. We were all surprised at how full the lake was, with water lapping over
the spillway next to the bridge. Spring has really brought out the contrasts
between the bushland and the cultivated gardens. With flowers everywhere, it
was the majesty of the waratahs that really captivated us. There is now a
coffee van (Love Bites) parked beside the Lake most days, so it was easy for us
to have a very good Covid-safe coffee in the park afterwards. I have it on good
authority that the Reuben sandwich was the “best ever”! Hope you enjoy the
shots, and my apologies for not getting one of the group - I promise, there
really were 7 of us! Sharron
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| Can you spot the bird? |
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| Mama duck and her ducklings |
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| Just in case the ducks went for a walk.... |
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| Spring was everywhere |
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| Not quite warm enough for a swim |
Saturday, 19 Sept - Gerringong to Kiama Coastal Track
Contrary to the forecast, we had great weather. Cloudy
and humid to start, followed by periods of sunshine and warmth.
Morning tea was on one of the headlands with great views and a couple of squadrons of Pelicans gliding overhead.
Lunch was under the shade of a Coral Tree on Easts Beach, followed by sightings of whales breaching out to sea.
At the Kiama Lighthouse we then finished the walk with a refreshing swim in the Rockpool.
Thank you all for your lovely company and for making the trip down south. Fran
Saturday, 5 Sept -Ngula Bulgarabang Regional Park
Our very talented Lemon filmmaker, Prue, threw together this video of today's walk (best watched on Full Screen). Although initially it seems the photogenic poodle is hogging the limelight, thankfully enough screen time is given to the bushwalkers and the joyous labrador. Thanks Prue and everyone who came along today! Jocelyn
Sunday, 30 Aug - Walls Lookout
The bush continues to recover and last month when I did this walk there were no birds at all. But there were a few seen and heard today.
Thanks for the great company and look out 'Macrolemers', between the three of us we have come up with a few ideas for future walks. Vicky
Sat, 29 Aug - Fortress Rock & Darks Cave
This lovely walk is 8 km along Mt Hay Road and is then a relatively short walk to Fortress Rock and the beautiful views over the Grose Valley.
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| Lemons down on Fortress Rock |
Darks Cave is getting more visitors now that people can even find it's location on google maps. But this doesn't take away from its atmosphere, and the gully it is situated in is gorgeous.
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| Our very own Darks Cave expert. Lizzie, giving us a talk over lunch |
We then walked over to Fortress Ridge and ended up admiring the view from Ripple Rock
Thanks to everyone who came along and those who helped with cars out to the start. Such a lovely way to spend a beautiful day in great company.
And last but not least, there's always one Lemon who decides to go too close to the edge and has to be hauled back....
Sunday, 2 August - Great Mackerel to West Head
Sue's picturebook bushwalk report:-
5 August 2020 Birdwatching
Minni Haha Falls Katoomba
Where whistles 'n' bells, sweet songs could be heard.
With binoculars raised and ears tuning in
To Minni Haha we headed let the watching begin
New Holland Honeyeaters – there’s always a few.
Crimson Rosellas – the call of the bell
The Red Wattlebird has more of a yell.
And then there’s the littlies, the cute Pardalote,
The Eastern Spinebill looks good in its coat.
The Brown Thornbill tweets, is tiny and plain.
Had trouble finding the Tree Martin's name.
The birds were all active – chasing each other,
Preening and singing – finding their lover.
The Kookaburra laughed in the old gum tree
The Grey Shrike Thrush sang – especially for me.
One brave Bush Lemon just jumped right on in!
As we left the bush and headed for tea
Dronus Irritatus was a buggar to see.
With hot drinks in hand and blueberry muffin
A nice little walk – no huffin and puffin
Just as we left there were sprinkles of rain
I like this bird watching let’s do it again.
Thanks to Tessa, Lesley, Vicky and Jocelyn for photos and to Jocelyn for muffins, Kaye for chocs
Anne xx
Saturday, 8 August - Roberts Pass & Lindemans Pass
After a number of cancellations due to the possible wet conditions, it was 6 Lemons who tackled Lindemans Pass. We started off in sun and only had a brief shower during the day, so perfect walking conditions.
Roberts Pass descends below Moya Point and is accessible from the Fairmont Resort. After the short descent we soon turned off onto Lindemans Pass.
The track has had more people walking on it over the years so its therefore easier to follow, but we didn't see another soul on it! The waterfalls were many and gorgeous.
There have been lots of large landslips over the last 6 months, which were pretty shocking.
We had morning tea at Dash Cave and lunch a beautiful ampitheatre near the bottom of Gordon Falls
And then it was a matter of getting to the end of the Pass and walking up all the stairs to finish at the top of the cliff near Solitary Restaurant.
Thanks to those who came along with their sense of adventure, thanks to Anne for helping with cars, and thanks to those who shared their photos. What a hidden treasure this track is! Jocelyn
Fri, 24 July - Sat, 25 July - Overnight camp past Medlow Gap
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| Lemons at start |
We decided to modify this weekend walk to 1 night due to the forecasted rain and possible thunderstorm. So we decided to leave Splendour Rock for another weekend and aimed to camp in between Medlow Gap and Mobbs Swamp. 2 Lemons joined us for the walk to the end of Narrowneck.
After a short rest at Clear Hill we then descended down the pass and had morning tea at Mt Debert.
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| Some small adjustments were made to Erin's boot to stop blisters |
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| Pauline adds emergency blankets to her inner tent before adding the fly as an ingenuous way of keeping warm |
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| Liz with Mt Mouin behind |
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| Patient Pauline whilst I make a mountain out of a molehill |
Thanks so much to those who came along on a lovely short break out in the bush. I will hopefully re-schedule Splendour Rock on the next calendar. Jocelyn
Sunday, Hat Hill Road Blackheath
8
chilled Lemons enjoyed a blustery exploration followed by a good leg stretch
along Hat Hill Road today. We started before the crowds descended at the car
park right next to Hat Hill itself, and walked to the top to get a good view
over the fire ravaged valley. There’s such a stark contrast between the ribbons
of bright green hanging swamp and the deeply burned ground where, even after 8
months, there’s still little sign of regeneration.
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| Lemons at the top of Hat Hill |
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| The burn-line on the far hill shows how quickly the fire turned, leaving devastation alongside unburned bushland |
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| Looking across to a deeply burned hillside |
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| Beautifully physically-diistanced Lemons |
Saturday 18 July Devils Hole /. Nellies Glen Circuit
11 Lemons enjoyed the very crisp clear winter’s day to do the Devils Hole/Nellies Glen circuit.
Must have been
a lot of people with the same idea as the carpark at the start of the 6ft track
was full to overflowing! Luckily most were doing a different track so we had
the track pretty much to ourselves.
We found a sunny spot for lunch and then headed up Nellies Glen and returned to the
cars.
Thanks to those
all who came along in such good cheer and to Jocelyn, Sophie, Fran and Max for your photos. Happy winter walking – it is THE BEST!
Anne
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| The face in Witches Leap |
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| Photo courtesy of Sally |
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| Whoopsies....how did that get in there?! |
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| Velocipedes waiting
patiently for their leggy lemons to ride them back to civilisation Sorry no action shots this time and no before and after shots either 🤦🏻♀️ But thank you to all who shared their photos Special awards go out to Suprise arrivals 😉,
those who pushed on with lethargic legs and trying new trails. Sue for
leading the charge to the point and finally for those that made the journey
from places that exist further away than Lawson!! Whoda thought??
|
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| Little Tallow Beach |
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| Tallow Beach |
We finished by doing Walls Ledge and watching an amazing 4 year old rockclimber, then it was coffee in Blackheath to finish. Thanks to all the lovely Lemons who came along for this walk, and thanks to Fran and Ange for their photos. Jocelyn
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| Yee old Tab can |
Old and exciting walkways established when the Hydro Majestic was THE place to go. Some Lemons even faced their vertigo demons and won!
Incredibly HUGE rock formations that reduce us to our real size (can you find the Lemons?)
And then there is the minitia –featuring a bowerbirds nest and fungi:
Sunday, 31 May - Narrowneck Plateau, Katoomba
We did the right thing and split into 2 groups of 9. It was a shame the 2 groups couldn't socialise 😔but of course it was for the greater good.
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| Group 1 |
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| Group 2 - some were more assertive with their physical distancing |
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| Burnt areas with no regrowth |
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| And some with lots! |
Thanks to all who came along for the walk, and lets look forward to the next one where we can socialise with all! Thanks, Jocelyn
Saturday, 21 March - Wattamolla to Marley Head (rtn)
Sunday, 22 March - Faulconbridge Point & Grose River
The upper Grose Valley is still closed due to the fires, but not the lower Grose Valley, so it was lovely to get into it. The fire trail gets you out to Faulconbridge Point quite quickly, where you will see we took our social distancing seriously (note the tape measure!).
We then descended down through some lush areas to the gorgeous Grose River, which had clearly been cleansed with the torrential rain a while ago.
Most of us threw our clothes off and jumped straight it. It was sublime!!! The Grose has to be one of the best rivers to swim in.
And then it was just the stride out back along the fire trail to the cars. There was a swim for some afterwards. Thanks to those who came along, and to Angela, Isobel and Anne for the photos. Jocelyn
Sat, 7 March - Sun, 8 March - Ingar overnight walk
Ingar was always a lovely area when you could drive there, but now only walkers or cyclists can access it, it is much more beautiful and serene.
It took around 2.5 hours to walk in, and after setting up our tents a few of us jumped into the water and swam over to the waterfall. It was cold but so beautiful and crisp and clean. We rigged up an engineering masterpiece to keep us dry as we sat around a picnic table for dinner.
It was a peaceful night and the rain set in overnight which made for a soggy pack up the next morning and after a leisurely breakfast we made our way back up the road.
Thanks so much for everyone who came along to spend some time in this most beautiful area, undaunted by the wet. Jocelyn
Saturday, 22 November - Blackheath fire grounds