Leader: Jennie Kelso

Orange Central West: Three Peaks Walk

9th April 2019

An 80 leaders walk

Photos Helen Zammitt

Participants:

Jennie Kelso, Adrienne Kinna, Carol Henderson, Dale Baker, Sarah Bodlay, David Cunningham, Suzanne Cunningham, Katrina Gaitero, Sarah Hurley, Douglas Irvin, Mary Anne Irvin, Joan Johnson, Julie Kelly, Jill Paillas, Jan Wilson, Warren Southey, Helen Zammitt

Walk description:

On this walk we will climb the 3 peaks in the Mt Canobolas State Conservation Area, the Pinnacle, Mt Towac and Mt Canobolas. This walk will be done as a part of the group's walks on the Orange trip 7-12 April. Map: Orange and Cudal.

Report:

We had sunshine, showers and wind but nothing seemed to dampen the spirits of the walkers. We were taking jackets on/ off for the first part of the walk, but then the weather settled down to low 20’s which was great for walking. Someone commented that they were pleased to show off their whole wardrobe in one day.

First we climbed the many stairs to the Pinnacle from where we had a great view.

We then followed a dirt road to our first morning tea at a trig point. Then there was the Glider Track which was a very long trail with many undulations, the last one being a challenge, because of its steepness. It was a “2 stick day” in order to keep going forward.

Time for our second morning tea, which was well deserved. We then climbed up to Mt Towac where we were rewarded with a 360 degree spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. Adrienne commented that, of the last three times that she had been up this peak, this was the first time she could see the view. We were very lucky.

After returning to the track, we picked up the beautiful Nature Track, which was full of prolific regrowth, including the grasses, after the fires. The silvery colour of the leaves of the snow gums shone in the sunshine. Purple flowers were out, and there was even a 600 year old tree which had escaped the fires. The birdlife, including crimson rosellas and parrots was abundant and beautiful.

One can’t come to Orange without seeing Mt Canobolas, which we learnt was the highest point in a direct line between Sydney and Perth.

At last a toilet at the top, making the trip worthwhile!

I can report that there were no falls, the walking was well paced, and I give a big thank you to the group for supporting me for my first walk as a leader.