Thursday 21 September 2017

Hilly (H)

Granite outcrop

Carol

Betty with visitor Wendy

Rough Track (RT)

Shirley at the granite garden

Granite garden with Burrawangs and Spotted Gums

Photos by Shirley, Carol & Denise

The promise of seeing Rock Orchids blooming in the wild enticed 21 Batemans Bay Bushwalkers to embark on an 11 km hike, starting 3 km west of Misons Road south of Mogo.

The lack of rainfall over the past few months made tracks very dusty and the bush lacked the usual profusion of Spring wild flowers. Our walk leader, Betty led us westward, up steeper and steeper inclines with granite boulders and interesting rocky formations that, at times helped to divert our attention from the physical exertion of our climb. As the track curved south we stopped for morning tea and noticed that the rock orchids at that site had been eaten by wildlife seeking moisture and nutrition. Bird song was ever present on our hike and the calls of Noisy Friarbirds, Golden Whistlers and Pardalote were identified.

Upon reaching the top of the crest our group was rewarded by the sight of Rock Orchids blooming atop of a granite prominence. Many cameras came out of backpacks to capture the sight.

The return journey was mostly down hill and an understorey of Burrawangs gave the bush a lusher appearance.

Thank you Betty, for an enjoyable walk.

Denise

Wednesday 13 September 2017

Sea eagle nest in lower branch fork on right

Morning tea break by the lake

Bev by the lake

Burrill Lake

Photos by Denise & Karen M

Karen C introduced the group to a new walk behind Ulladulla along the northern shore of Burrill Lake and through Kings Point.  It started in the shady Ulladulla Wildflower Reserve with a break for morning tea beside Burrill Lake.  The dry season has not been good for wildflowers, but we spotted flowering wedding bush and several outcrops of blue sun and pink lady finger orchids.  High up in a tall blackbutt tree by the water’s edge, keen eyes also spotted a sea eagle’s nest.  The photo doesn’t do it justice.

Thanks Karen, it’s always enjoyable wandering through the bush, but is a bonus to see something new and interesting along the way.

Karen M

Sunday 10 September 2017

Bartleys Arm track

Durras Lake

Jane at lunch by the lake

Russell and Rosalie on their lunch perch

Russell and Phillip at Beagle Bay

Photos by Carol and Karen M

With winter blowing a soft retreat, 16 walkers set out for the Bartleys and Punt arms of Durras Lake on a 13 km walk. It was a lovely sunny day and a welcome break from the windy conditions of the last few weeks.

The walk took in parts of the National Park and followed along old working sites in the timber-getting history of the area, at times following the remains of old tram lines used to move timber around the area. Although many of the old tracks are now overgrown with hop bush and wattle, the walkers pushed through for morning tea and lunch alongside the lake on the Punt Arm. The final part of the walk took us through to Beagle Bay, ending with a pretty walk along the coast and back to where we left our cars on the old Benandra Road in South Durras.

Phillip

Thursday 7 September 2017

Batemans Bay Coastline Part 1

Batemans Bay Coastline Part 2

Quiet sandy coves

With trees right down to the waterline

Photos by Wayne

What a lovely walk it was. Commencing at Lilli Pilli beach, our happy group of 13 headed north, following the coastline, walking between the houses perched just back from the cliff edge and the edge itself. The views were wonderful. The different shades of blue and green were amazing. It was a very easy walk, following a well worn track, up to Circuit Beach and Grandfather’s Gully  and back again.

Wayne

Thursday 7 September

Relaunching after morning tea

Nancy, with Karen & Sharon

Tree blocking the end of the creek

Photos by Karen & Bob M

The paddling bushwalkers braved the weather and squeezed a paddle into a calm period between high wind forecasts.  The destination was Cyne Mallowes Creek at high tide.  Starting at the little beach next to Nelligen boatramp, paddlers headed north to quickly exit the Clyde River into the creek.

We explored both arms and around the little island, having lunch in a paddock with very dry crispy grass.  We knew we had arrived back at the junction with Clyde River when we saw a jetski roaring up and down in front of us.  Thankfully it was much quieter in the creek.

Karen M

Saturday 2 September 2017

Spring by the Moruya River

Riverside gardens

John, Val and Barry

Bushwalking Dads with Keira, Briony & Tara

Photos by Helen

20 members of the Bushwalkers headed off along the Moruya River on a perfect Spring Saturday morning. Walking across the bridge along river to the hospital, magnificent views with mirror images in the brilliant blue waters. We headed back through the crowded Riverside Park with the Moruya markets, then onto Ryan’s Creek. A very happy group, ending up at the Waterfront Hotel where we enjoyed a delicious lunch sitting out in the sun.

A great highlight of our walk was when a car pulled up along the walkway and 3 delightful young girls from the Seventh Day Adventist Church approached us with baskets of beautifully decorated, home made cupcakes for the men in our group as a gift to wish them a Happy Fathers Day. This certainly put a smile on all our faces, what a wonderful gesture. A very big thank you to Keira McTernai, Briony Floreani and Tara Watts.

Helen