MARRAMARRA NATIONAL PARK TRIP REPORT.

Working-bee to help keep the "Gentleman's Halt" track clear for bush-walkers.

This trip was undertaken as part of the MOU between the Association and the NPWS.

Participants on Sunday 11th October 2009
  • David & Robyn Hastings      -      Jackaroo
  • Redmond Hastings      -      Suzuki
  • Wal Phelps      -     Jackaroo
  • Keith & Marilyn Murray      -     Nissan Patrol
  • George & Vicki Cottee      -     Nissan Patrol
Departed the Bunning’s Dural car park at 8-45am in cloud and very light drizzle. Bit of an ominous weather sign considering we were about to work outdoors. Arrived at Marramarra at 9.20 and the weather was holding clear for us. We stopped to do a small amount of road building about 2km from the furthest end of the track then continued on to the track’s end and the magnificent view down to the river far below.

{Click on thumbnails for larger image.}

View from 'gentleman's Halt Track.  View from 'gentleman's Halt Track.    Gentleman's halt Track  

The five vehicles parked near the base of the high tension tower at 10.25 and we, the thirsty occupants, enjoyed a welcome cuppa. Noted the track had patches of minor deterioration since we were here last, possibly from the recent heavy rains.

Back to Gentleman’s Halt to begin some track clearing and or repair work at 11am. Still overcast but hot and humid also. Two whipper snippers, numerous pairs of loppers, a brush hook and secateurs made short work of overhanging track side shrubbery that was getting too vigorous and encroaching the narrow walk way. David also employed a mattock to widen the path in places where foot placement was getting difficult. The secateurs handlers attacked the branches hanging over the path that threatened to poke our eyes out and pull our hats off.

We were able to clear from the road to the 2nd Gentleman’s Halt sign, also showing camping to be 2.2km further, and approximately another 500mtrs forward before the rains came. We headed for the cars for a short period then, as the heavens opened a bit harder, decided to gather up our tools and head out of the park. To stay would have meant getter wetter and also maybe doing damage to the track on the way out. A shame we couldn’t stay and do more, but we did a surprising amount in the time we were there.

Departed Marramarra National Park at 1.30pm and headed back to the Hasting’s home to have our picnic lunch in the comfort of their covered patio. Thank-you to Robyn & David for their generous offer for this lunch stop as eating in the rain or balancing our food in the cars on our knees would have been a very sad alternative option.

 
 Vicki & George Cottee – winners of the lucky draw!

RETURN.