Date: Sunday 3rd April 2022. A & B Options: vehicle support – Weather permitting due to road conditions.
Please RSVP: to Elly berands@bigpond.com (by Thursday prior to the walk), for your name to be added to the list.
Meet Time: 8:00 am Lovejoy Street carpark (Douro Street near playground equipment) for registration and/or carpooling.
Re-meet: 9:00 am (after a brief nature stop at Capertee) to then
Travel a further 9km along the Castlereagh Hwy to intersection Hutchinson road (Left hand side of Hwy), (safe parking area), just over the railway line at the hairpin in the road, total driving distance 92km. Walking Distance: 6-8klm – more if desired. Grade: Easy to medium with some challenging inclines and declines. Details: Vehicles (4wd or with vehicle with a high clearance), drive along fire trail, to the area known as “Moffit Pagodas lookout,” for a shared morning tea, from here vehicles can journey along this well used fire track until approx 4klm from the Gap. Here we will leave the vehicles and walk the 4klm to the Gap & marvel at the view and lunch and return. Arranging a 4wd support vehicle to be available to the Baal Bone Gap & return to vehicles (if needed). Info: Ben Bullen Trail from start of Hutchinson Road to Gap is 12.8km. The trail is well used, near the last 3 km from Gap there is several boggy sections, hence we are leaving vehicle(s) before this point, however a 4wd will do the trick and continue to the Gap. Members are welcome to walk full distance & return for those training up, or options, to suit your walking abilities. The plan is to drive to a nominated area; then walk, and explore and admire the pagodas along the way, enjoy your packed lunch at Baal Bone Gap (picnic table) before returning the same way. A 4WD required as support vehicle. * Great area for birdwatching so remember the binoculars. Travel Driving Distance: Mudgee to Capertee: allow 1 hour; 83km, Capertee to Ben Bullen meeting area: 6 mins; 9km. We will be visiting the jewel in the crown of Gardens of Stone and marvel the magnificent rock pagodas, sheer cliffs and endless scenic views of Baal Bone Gap. What to bring: Morning tea to share, Lunch to eat, Water to drink, Hat to wear, Sturdy walking shoes and walking poles. Don’t forget your enthusiasm. Map Ref: 8931 -4S
To participate you need to be double vaccinated. Please do not attend if you feel sick in any way. Leader(s): Joby Mitchell & Elly Rands Contact: Elly Rands Please RSVP: to Elly berands@bigpond.com (by Thursday prior to the walk), for your name to be added to the list.