GNW - Wondabyne to Patonga

A good one. Day walk with Tracey. 22k Wonda to Tonga. Actually only supposed to be 18, according to map. A few wrong turns along the way. Some one got it in the neck for that.

And a section of the Great North Walk not yet done.

Basically you start at one location on the hawkesbury hike up to the highest point on the central coast, Mtn Wondabyne and back down to another spot on the hawkesbury. Only difference, the end spot has a pub awaiting.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/341233870


gotta love the train trip. and the drop off at Wonda siding. Just tell the warden/guard fella and stay at the back, siding only accommodates the last wagon. he wasnt there when we hopped on, put us into a flat spin. Hell wouldn't want to be dropped of in Woy Woy, heaven forbid.
I was the pack horse. Tracey's first biggish walk since her Grand Canyon days. We're talking pre-kids here. Obligatory happy snap at trail-head sign. A little chilly still:

Slog upto the top of the range of Brisbane Water NP.

finally right turn to Patonga, and meander downwards. Good amount of water flowing in the rivers. And happy!

 Came across Duke of Ed group, led by crusty old hiking veterans. some looked ok, others wishing when this hell would finish. Veterans backpacks must have wieghed 14kg odd. nothing. Kids looked like they'd bought the kitchen sink. Experience tells. One Crusty had just done 13days in NT, proud to tell us.

Next stop great waterfall and swimming pool. would be good in summer.

when there's a river, it's followed by a big haul up to the top. joys. then ajoins a fire trail before a repeat.

Made the cal to take slight detour up the top on Mtn Wonda. Could not, not after all this way [does that make sense]. Great views all around.

Lunch was calling. Suitable spot required and quickly. A visit to the camping shop day before, bought a yummy dehydrated meal to cook.Mexican Chicken. didnt realise the refried beans would have such an immediate effect on someone...

And after a good meal, some R&R time essential. hard to believe, mid winter, in Tee shirts, shoes off and enjoying the sun.

Only one hour allowed for lunch. We had a long rather uninteresting slog on the fire trails from here, to the drop down to Patonga. Great vista across to Westhead with now reluctant photo model. So selfie was the go. Not a cloud in the sky. Good to choose oh wise one.

 
And trailhead at the end. the pub nigh in sight. And car strategically left there the day before still there. How did you get the car there and get back you ask? that's another story.

And a well earned drink at the end. All parties suitably rewarded.

So only the Newcastle leg of  GNW left. needs to be done by end of month.