Thursday Walkers group continue to explore across the Hunter

THE inexorable Thursday Walkers group took full advantage of brief periods of sunshine through the month of June.

“Continuing problems with heightened lake levels and even more rain forced the cancellation of the planned walk along the shoreline of Wallis Lake so a trip to the Hunter Wetlands Centre was mooted instead,” group coordinator Ray Hughes told NOTA.

The rain mostly stayed away, and the sunshine came out, as the walkers enjoyed the Wetlands Centre’s diverse offering, with a wide variety of flora and bird life, an Australian native plant nursery, and lunch options.

The month’s walking schedule had to be rejigged more than once, this time to take into account the continuing closure of Myall Lakes National Park.

A sojourn to Freshwater Beach was also put on hold, and a Lemon Tree Passage walk was brought forward.

“The Walkers managed the easy drive around to the other side of Port Stephens for a pleasant out-and-back walk alongside Tilligerry Creek, rather a misnomer for a vast amount of water
that looks more like a river and even a bay in parts,” Ray recounted.

Despite a cool start, the parkland, bush, forest and water views were enjoyed in the dappled sunshine and blue skies, while birds twittered with the good company.

Further schedule changes saw the Walkers head to North Arm Cove for a wander in and around the village with a mix of suburbia and forest.

“The clouds started to disperse as the walk started, and the intermittent sunshine made everyone feel a little warmer, as did the morning tea stop with some of the locals,” Ray added.

“Water surrounds the village on three sides so the walk is interspersed with views of coves, bays and Port Stephens.”

Alum Mountain in Bulahdelah was the setting for the final group walk of June.

Conquering the mountain can be a challenge, with a long, slow climb following an old trolley trail towards the upper mining level.

There are several viewing points towards the top of the mountain, and the northern end of the track passes several old quarries and a few caves with views over the township and out to t
he Markwell Valley.

“At the southern end the track pushes up a steep incline to a vantage point looking further south over the Myall River and to the east with ocean glimpses, and a wide range of flora and forest cover the mount including superb grass trees plus the contrast of some huge boulders here and there,” Ray said.

Scheduled walks for July include Grahamstown Dam-Raymond Terrace, Boat Harbour (looking for whales), Hawks Nest and Maitland.

By Thomas O’KEEFE