After Wal gave the pre trip briefing we headed up the G.W.H. and turned off the highway at Springwood onto Hawkesbury Rd, after passing Springwood Country Club we turned right into Singles Ridge Rd where we passed several houses with beautiful gardens, hedges all trimmed and flowers in full bloom. We then turned into Yellow Rock Rd, our first bit of dirt which we followed to Yellow Rock look out. I got my camera out to take some photos only to find the battery was flat. Its not my day for electronics that don`t work. Even though there was a haze from back burning being conducted by the R.F.S. we had reasonably good views towards Sydney etc.
We then retraced our tracks to the G.W.H. and proceeded to Hazelbrook and turned left into Park Rd then Scenic Drive then Valley Road to Terrace Falls Rd. This took us down to the Terrace Falls car park. Some of us ventured down to have a look at the falls while a few stayed behind. For those who went to have a look it was very pleasant.
All too soon it was time to go, we returned to the highway via a new rail under pass which had murals of the Terraced Falls and Hazelbrook community 2011. Here we turned left and proceeded to Leura and ventured along Mt Hay Rd to a very scenic car park. There was a walking track to “Mt Hay” for those who were energetic and fit enough. It was here Wal called a lunch break, everyone sprung into action to get their lunches ready. The wind decided to pick up but it didn`t ruin lunch for any of us.
On the way along Mt Hay Rd we encountered two (2) lots of horse riders (in a N.P. ???). There was a bit of discussion about this as we thought no domestic animal was permitted to enter a N.P.
Again we retraced our tracks and headed towards Mt Victoria stopping off at Sutton Park for a comfort break. Upon reaching Mt Victoria we turned right and headed towards Bell before turning left to Hassen`s Walls look out, where we had 270 degree views.
A little bit later we were off again, this time we were headed towards the township of Lithgow and again west turning onto Castlereagh Highway towards Mudgee. Along a bit from the turn off we turned right to Wolgan Valley before heading off road again on Blackfellow Hand Cave Rd. Upon reaching the rest area at the cave we had afternoon tea. The more energetic folk took the 10 minute walk up hill to have a look. The rest stayed behind and chattered to each other. While we were having a cuppa, Scott`s chair decided it had had quite enough and politely let him down with a list to the left, at least he didn`t go through it !!!
Pretty soon we were on our way again. This time proceeding east along Blackfellows Hand Cave Rd and Old Bells Line of Rd to Bunglebooree camp grounds, before heading to the Zig Zag Railway. It was here we said our good-byes and gave Wal a rowdy applause for a good trip.
Although I got to write the trip report, Robyn and I thoroughly enjoyed the good company and a lovely days drive. It was good to see our new members along.
Thanks again Wal for another good one.
Allan and Robyn.