December 2024 - Echo Sugarloaf, Randalls Bay

To round off the year, Summa organised this pleasant walk over Echo Sugarloaf followed by a BBQ picnic at pretty Randalls Bay. There were seven walkers today: Summa, Kat, Maryanne, Janet, Di, David and Angie. Philip enjoyed a good book from a comfortable chair overlooking the bay. Caroline, Bob and Gary joined us for the after party - a picnic and BBQ at the picnic area on the beach.

The walkers set off along beautiful Randalls Bay beach on a perfect early summer's day.

Locals expecting airmail?

We passed some Parks & Wildlife staff rebuilding the steps at the beginning of the walk. Soon we were at the information shelter, where you can pick up an excellent leaflet about the Friends of Randalls Bay and the great work they are doing to look after this fairly new reserve.

Then we were heading up the hill, with plenty of stops to eat the plentiful native cherries (Exocarpos cuppressiformis) which weere in season and very abundant on this trip and also to look at the local wildlife and flowers.

There was time for a snack at the top, admiring the view.

We descended on the other side of the hill (clockwise is definitely the right direction to take for this walk).

Then it was back to the picnic shelter to meet our friends, enjoy the spread of goodies and cook a few sausages on the barbie. It was great to catch up with our mates, and share more thoughts about next year's walk plans. Thanks to Kat for these fab photos.

This walk took us 2.5 hours, probably due to the extensive talking that goes with the walking!