The Great North Walk 2006: Day 8 - Greta Rd Bumble Hill

Clear, sunny morning, beautiful for walking and scenic driving. Some(most) walkers assembled at the ‘end of the day’ location (Walkers Ridge Rd), others like myself decided to orientate a fellow walker (Limping Linda) to a number of roads and later date meeting spots (Mt Fauk Rd, Old Forest HQ, The Pines, Walkers Ridge Rd and Letter A) and drive indirectly to the start of the days walk at Bumble Hill (ie a handicap start to the rest of the group).

The entry point of this section of the track lead us down a power line easement to a section of a historical track winding its way down to the valley floor (or more importantly our morning tea stop at the Yarramalong General Store) below a steep standstone escarpment. This track was apparently constructed in the mid 19th Century and used for the carting of cedar to the Hawkesbury River for shipping to Sydney.

Part way down the track we looked back to the top of the escarpment and noticed a home positioned very close to the edge, what a view to they would have but what a worry for littlies or biggies who had consumed a few drinks or sleep walked. We anticipated that we would probably catch up with the group at the Store (probably just as the five minute wind-up was being provided by our veteran GNW leader Peter). We the scenic routers came across Dougie and the tail enders (including a notable Heather whom is usually up front setting the pace in her running shoes). Thankfully for us we would have the full allotted morning tea break to enjoy our frothy coffee, hot chocolate and taste bud tantilising treats at the very civilised morning tea spot.

Again there were approximately 30 walkers in the days group. We headed off in clear, sunshine along the country road, thankfully the traffic was pretty scarce, the cows were plentiful, mooing and grazing, and the black cockatoos flew overhead squawking in giving notice of our presence. Ursula actually caught up with a friend as she was preparing to reverse out of her driveway. Verandahs and sun bathing spots at people’s homes were envied as we passed by. At the point (at last) where the track finally left the road for the bush our group reassembled half expecting the property owner from the adjoining property to appear and provide us with a serve which it is understood the previous years group had been privy too. The track lead through moist shaded damp vegetation (turpentine trees, rock orchids, elk horns, bird nest ferns lined the way) before the winding path lead us to the higher dry reaches of the forest. Adjacent to the intersection of the track and a forest road was our anticipated lunch pozzie, complete with rays of sun and seating for the weary walkers legs. Some sat in the shade on the seats whilst others spread themselves out on the ground in the dappled sunlight.

After lunch a relatively easy meander along the forest road lead us back to the vehicles on Walkers Ridge Rd. Eskies were retrieved, twist tops were undone as the dust and sweat of the day was eagerly washed away by some. Start-up drivers were transferred back to their vehicles as the group dispersed to enjoy the sunny Saturday afternoon. Peter and his girls were heading back to The Basin for another night under the stars.

Helen