Stepping Out: A Hiking Weekend

We had a long patch of rainy, gloomy weather which sent me a'napping at every possible occasion and inspired little in the way of interest in any outdoor activities. At last, this weekend, beautiful, mild Fall weather arrived.

Partner-in-Crime and I thought it was high time we dusted off our hiking shoes and explore a bit of the northern part of Sydney, now that we live on this side of the bridge.

On Saturday, we wandered off to North Head, which we knew featured some of the best bay views in the area.

We were certainly not disappointed in harbour views ...

As it turns out North Head is also full of Army relics, as much of the property was previously barracks, Army lookouts, and munitions storage.

Former gatehouse entry to the army base - now a welcome center for intrepid hikers, such as ourselves.

Former observation post where the harbour was monitored for enemy ships. 

Wall that once surrounded the North fort - now a little not-so-secret passage on the hiking trail.

One thing I've learned in all of our hiking endeavours, is whenever you encounter a detour or sidetrack leading off the main trail, take it. Sometimes, you are rewarded with the best surprises. 

Like a cemetery from the 1800s ...

... or a view like this.

The wildlife on this walk was pretty standard rugged Australian bushland - nothing that inspired me to create photographic evidence. Except, I was rather taken with the abundant Heath Banksia, which were in full Fall glory, and are just so Australian.

This unexpected little patch of marshland wasn't bad, either. It reminded me a lot of Florida.

We also heeded the many warnings to watch out for bandicoots ... but we did see one wee bandicoot skeleton on the side of the side of the road, so clearly not everyone is as diligent as we are. They are shifty little rodents marsupials, those bandicoots.

On Sunday, we decided on a short walk not too far from home, which was an easy paved trail that forms a "V" shape around Cremorne Point Reserve. 

It was a funny walk because, on one side was the water, the sailing club, and the park --

... while directly on the other side were people's homes ... the types of homes that would easily sell for $3 or 4 million in Sydney. Easy.

We hiked our way through a well-groomed stretch of English gardens and enticing water views until we got to the striking view of the Harbour near the end of the peninsula. 

From here, we hiked back, this time with the water on our left and the same fancy houses on the right. As you can see in the picture, our lovely weather was soon to be replaced with yet another midday rainstorm, so we wasted no time, you know, enjoying the view, opting instead to hike briskly to shelter. We did make it back to the car before the rain and enjoyed the dryness, instead of the panoramic view.

We have another half dozen hikes picked out to keep us busy for the remainder of the Fall. Check back with me this winter to see just how in shape, and at peace with nature we've become after our Autumnal Hiking Boot Camp/Meditation Sessions. 

You'll recognize us as the blissed out couple with the sore legs, blistered toes, and sunburned noses.