August 2021 Port Huon to Geeveston
Bob suggested that we try out this newly built walking and bike riding connection between Port Huon and Geeveston. It was a relatively warm Spring day and we had a good crowd: Philip, Kat, Di, Lyn, Bob, Angie, Summa, Wayne, Gerwyn, Sophie and Austin. We gathered in the carpark of the Port Huon Aquatic Centre (note - it's easy to to miss the entrance!).
This is a short walk, only 6km return, of widely varying quality (there are a couple of delightful sections, a couple of basic roadside footpath sections, and a couple of risky highway crossings to keep you on your toes). It's a basically flat walk, following the bends of the Kermandie River.
Here's the record of our walk:
This was the sign at the start of the walk:
The first section of new boardwalk over the saline sedgeland/rushland was delightful. The edges were still a bit trampled by the work crews, and it was not quite finished - it looked like some seats were still to arrive.
It was a peaceful, pretty spot.
All too soon we had to cross the busy highway, with vehicles hurtling along at 100km/h. Then there was a distinct lack of signage, but we followed our noses along a trail alongside the road, which then became a bright new footpath. The locals must be pleased to at last be provided with a safe path to walk on! It was good to see that one of them is enterprising enough to sell flowers to the flaneurs.
Soon the path moved away from the highway again (phew) and through some pleasant woodland, following the bends of the Kermandie River again.
This used to be a timber railway line, and some nice interpretive signs give some history.
A neat little bridge now spans the river and delivers walkers back to the highway on the outskirts of Geeveston.
We were surprised to find only a couple of shops open in the town - and we retraced our steps back to Port Huon. We reconvened at Frank's Cider House in Franklin and enjoyed some generous and yummy pies, toasties and soups! Hopefully this short path will soon be added to by a quality connection from Huonville to Port Huon, and we will be able to walk or ride this whole route, that would be great.
May 2021 - Narawntapu NP
Our autumn weekend getaway was a trip to Greens Beach, where we stayed in a large house and enjoyed several day walks along the weatherswept northern coast.
When the pellet heater served up only error messages, we all had suggestions :). Lyn called for assistance from an actual expert, and the team got hands'on. A tube had come unstuck, which we were able to fix. Success!
Our tradition of a barbecue on our first night away came up trumps, with Robert's salads, and Gaz and Bob managing the barbie.
On Day 2 our excellent location meant we could set off directly along the West Head Coastal Track, westwards towards Badger's Beach.
(the gang sans Kat, the photographer)
This was a very easy walk along sandy and leaf littered trails, and hugging the shoreline it was pretty flat too.
The weather was overcast and slightly drizzly, but there was plenty of shelter under the coastal bush.
Our only confusion was not recognising when we had commenced the loop around the headland, but it would be hard to get very lost here!
We were ready for lunch by the time we arrived at the West Head lookout over Badger's Beach. After a short break here to admire the view we dropped down a gully to reach the beach. Some of us returned to base at that stage, others went on further to explore the beach.
Dinner for Day 2 was roast chicken and a pile of roast vegies, creatively brought together in the small kitchen and the barbie by Kat and Lyn and helpers. Another feast! We enjoyed some debates and shared a few tips for ageing knees and other body parts. Then showed we can still dance to some golden oldies, with Robert fielding the requests :).
On Day 3 we loaded into vehicles for the short drive to Baker's Beach. With beautiful weather we headed off along the pretty beachside trail, stopping in en route at the bird hide on the lagoon.
It was a little climb to the top of Archer's Knob, but well worth it for the views.
Back down again, we headed for Baker's Beach.
Time for lunch, and it was such a serene spot to sit, with enormous views of the sky and Bass Strait.
We headed back along the beach, with a rainstorm threatening. In such a vast environment, somehow closer conversations were easier.
All the elements were experienced today! It was jackets off, jackets on, jackets off...
The signage to the exit paths from the beach was the best we've ever seen.
The Bennetts Wallabies and Rufous Wallabies were very tame here.
Some of us stopped in to have a look at the historic location of the original York Town settlement on the way back. There's not much to see any more, but it served as a reminder of the rise and fall of civilisations!
Back at base, Kat and Lyn put together a nice dinner of revitalised leftovers, and we settled in for a kiwi movie night - both directed by Taika Waititi, classics (The Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and JoJo Rabbit).
Day 4 was for packing up and making our various ways home. It was a great weekend getaway with good friends. Thanks all!
Lyn was our intrepid organiser for our group of 11, what a challenge. We were: Lyn, Philip, Kat, Di, Robert, Angie, Gerwyn, Wayne, Bob, Gary and Rachel. Five and a half bedrooms were created in a big beach house on Gardiners Rd (a big thankyou to Bob for sacrificing your privacy for two nights!).
We arrived at lunchtime on day 1 and worked off the travel stiffness with a walk eastwards along Greens Beach towards the top of the Tamar River. Great views across the river to Low Head and Georgetown.
Then followed delicious desserts! The fire pit was popular too.
March 2021 - Organpipes Track
Bob's plan was to tackle the Devil's Throne track, but the weather was against us, with low clouds, winds, drizzle and it was cold! We decided to drop down a little, out of the clouds hopefully, and do the Organpipes Track instead. The group today was Bob, Kat, Philip, Angie, Min, Lyn and Di.
The first task was organising the car shuffle, so that we only had to the do the track in one direction. Several discussions later :) it was done, and we were all at the Chalet, getting ready to go.
The track has been upgraded by the City of Hobart, with excellent stonework and drainage. The walking was easy and dry.
The plants and trees are so pretty. All the mountain berries seemed to be on display. Birds heard or spotted included: Grey Fantail, Cockatoo, Eastern Spinebill.
 |
| E. coccifera in the rain |
We caught some views in between the drifting clouds.
The organpipes looked awesome, as usual.
The lower we got, the better the weather seemed, but water was pouring off the mountain.
We reached The Springs, and settled at a picnic table to have our sandwiches. Then we discovered that the Lost Freight cafe not only provides coffee in proper ceramic cups, but also does table service. Wow. Highly recommended!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)