Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Sullivan Rock to Monadnocks Campsite Walk

In a thick drizzle we assembled in the car park at Sullivan Rock, about 30km from Armidale on the Albany Highway. Ten walkers and two Bibbulmum Track Foundation guides. 

The 15 km circuit was to take us over Mt Vincent and Mt Cuthbert stopping for lunch at Monadnocks Campsite on the Bibbulmum Track, returning along a relatively flat fire track.

The early drizzle ceased as we began our way up Sullivan Rock - a shiny, slippery granite dome.
Setting out up Sullivan Rock
Guide Tony (left) points to Mt Vincent our next objective
 Winter flowers
 View from Mt Vincent
 Back down the saddle

Nearing Mt Cuthbert
Brief rest on Mt Cuthbert
Lunch at Monadnocks campsite 

At the Monadnocks campsite our guides Tony and Ian gave an equipment demonstration for overnight trekking.




Sunday, 10 June 2012

Paruna Sanctuary Walk June 2012

Saturday 9th June 2012: Myself and seven others walked the 12km Numbat Trail at Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, Avon Valley, WA.
http://www.australianwildlife.org/AWC-Sanctuaries/Paruna-Sanctuary.aspx
The walk was organised by Glyde-In Community Learning Centre
http://www.glydein.org.au/
and expertly guided by Simon and Emily of Inspiration Outdoors
http://www.inspirationoutdoors.com.au/index.html

Peter Brock memorial
I arrived a little early and decided to drive on down picturesque Clenton Road for a few minutes. Much to my surprise a came across a memorial to the late Peter Brock, who died in 2006 while rally driving the road.

Peter Brock Memorial, Avon Valley
Numbat Trail
The day was dry, cool and cloudy, perfect for walking.
 Briefing from Simon among Powderbark and Wandoo trees

There are three trails at Paruna - Quenda, Numbat and Possum.
Trail markers
The entire 12km Numbat Trail walk is up or down and reasonably taxing.
Steep terrain
Lunch at a lookout
The Paruna Wildlife corridor was opened in 1998 linking Walyunga and Avon Valley National Parks. 
Plaque to mark the opening of Paruna
A train passing through Avon Valley below us 
Stone Survey marker
Nearing the end of Numbat trail

A difficult but most interesting walk.