Ku-ring-gai Caper.

[kanangra]

Before work this morning I went for a jaunt in the Ku-ring-gai NP. I parked at the start of the Perimeter Trail and jogged along there before turning down the Smiths Ck. West trail. This led out and down to the valley of Smiths Ck. At the bottom the tide was in so I couldn't get around to the camping spot without getting wet feet. So I continued on the faint foot pad. Occasional sky blue tape marked the way up valley till a large log presented as the obvious crossing point. Once across there was emergency tape marking the route up on the other side. It climbed up and eventually became a 4WD track which led out to Mc Carrs Ck Rd. right at the park entry gate.

Here I crossed the road and picked up the Centre Track which I followed. This gave some excellent views over the park particularly to the north. At one there was an engraving that was hard to read. The last word was "Praised"? Before long this track dropped down to the road up from Akuna Bay. Here I turned right and jogged down the West Hd Rd back to Mc Carrs Ck.

From the creek I took the Duckponds track which led up to Terrey Hills. At the far end was a gate. On the other side the track changed direction. Heading down across the creek then along the back of some very nice properties. This led out to the Coal and Candle BFS. Here a paved road led back up to McCarrs Ck rd. again at the entrance to Angophera Lodge which looked very nice.

From there it was a short jog back to the car. The total distance was about 19km. Very pleasant.

K.