Manly to Spit Bridge walk and photo ops galore! 23.09.07

[Geoff]

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE: Sunday September 23, 2007

Hi all,
I was thinking that I'd see who may be interested in this spectacular walk from the Spit Bridge (Mosman) to Manly. This is not a walk for those concerned about hills, difficult terrain and a little sweat and hard work.

It's approximately 9km's and its suggested duration is 3hrs. Bel and I did this walk a few years ago and it took us around 2hrs, with brief stops for photos along the way. That said, I'm not as fit as I was then.

I am thinking of organising this for some time in September, possibly Sunday 23rd I'm thinking at this stage.

Parts of this walk are on sealed roads, and parts are on quite rough, bushwalking tracks that are very steep!

The walk is beautiful though and well worth the effort put in. I would recommend taking your most versatile/walk around lens and minimising backpack weight etc as this walk will test your endurance and fitness.

I'd like to keep this to a maximum of 12 people. This simply makes it easier to manage than a bigger group. If demand is high then perhaps we could organise another walk a few week ends after this one.

So, if you are keen (and won't complain along the way about the length, difficulty or anything else!!) the please put your name down here. I will follow this thread with great interest and keep it updated as we get a list going.

Starting at Manly would be the better option, as this is achievable by public transport (bus or ferry) or car (parking available). Once we all arrive safely at The Spit, then we can do a brunch type thing ior a few beers at Skiffies Club. Suggested meeting time 10:50am at Manly Ocean World.

For those needing to get back to the city, then a bus from near the Spit Bridge is ideal. I will hopefully have a car (with room for 3 others going back to Manly).

Cheers!

[Jeff]

I'm keen ,it's a great walk we did it several years ago .

Jeff

[Geoff]

ok...

Geoff
Bel
Jeff
Patrick (Reschsmooth)
Paul & Rachel
Peter (Stubbsy)
Craig (Alpha_7)
Rod (Sandyfeet)
Matt.K & Philo

[Reschsmooth]

You can count at least me in Geoff (not sure about Alicia & the bub at that stage) - sounds fantastic. We a very small part of the Dolboyd - Manly walk on Saturday, and the vista is awesome.

So, you are suggesting we keep the field camera at home? (just kidding - we don't have one of those.....yet).

P

[Paul]

Put me down as a tentative yes for now Goeff, I'll confirm if Rachel can make it tonight.

[gstark]

So, you are suggesting we keep the field camera at home? (just kidding - we don't have one of those.....yet).

Wanna borrow the Speedgraphic?

[Reschsmooth]

So, you are suggesting we keep the field camera at home? (just kidding - we don't have one of those.....yet).

Wanna borrow the Speedgraphic?

At any other times - yes
For a 9km bushwalk - umm, thanks but no thanks

Incidentally, you can pick these up for between AUD200-500 on that auction site.

P

[stubbsy]

Put my name down Geoff. I need the exercise.

[Alpha_7]

Sounds good, not sure how I'll get there but I'll work that out later.

[Paul]

Ok Geoff, were both good to go on the 17th
And it's Rachel not Rachael

[Sandy Feet]

Iv'e always wated to do this walk, Roster pending count me in

Cheers
Rod

[Matt. K]

Put me and Philo down for this. Hope the rest of you can keep up with us.

[Glen]

Geoff, not sure if I can make it, but just want to compliment you and Stubbsy (with his ongoing harbour walk series) for thinking of and putting on these walks.

THANK YOU BOTH.

[Geoff]

Ok....
Sunday the 17th of September...everyone ok with this date? Should I 'lock it in' ?

[Paul]

Geoff,
Isn't Sunday the 16th September?

[Glen]

Paul, don't be so picky


Sunday is the 16th

[stubbsy]

That date sounds good to me Geoff.

[Geoff]

Wooops yes, that Sunday is the 16th

[Yi-P]

Geoff, I'm keen in doing this, but I'm not sure yet how to get there from public transport... I might have to find out... Still couple months to go...

Tho getting there at 8am.. hehe, that means just a few hours of sleep, or none at all, then followed by a 9km trek...

[Mr Darcy]

I'm not sure yet how to get there from public transport.

Train to Wynyard. Go up the lift to the top floor (or use the two escalators) Exit to the street on that level. There is a 'bus stand (Stand C) slightly to the right of you. Catch the next bus (Unless its an Lxx - ask them. Some will stop at the Spit, some won't) & tell the driver you want to get out at the Spit bridge, but you are not sure where it is. Most drivers on the north side are pretty good at letting you know when to get out. The stop just before the bridge will cost you a Red MetroTen. The one after will be a Brown. You shouldn't have to wait more than about 20 minutes at Wynyard.

Coming home, you have two easy options:
1. Catch a ferry to the city, then a train from Circular Key (by far the most pleasant!)
2. Catch a 144 bus from outside the Ferry wharf to St Leonards Station (not sure of the price, but probably a brown), then a train home. You may have to wait about 30 minutes for the 144

[Geoff]

I am going to have to change this date to a week later, on the 23rd of September, still a Sunday...everyone ok with this?

[ATJ]

Oh, I didn't see this before.

Please pencil me in.

[stubbsy]

Geoff

The new date is fine with me.

[Matt. K]

Is that after church...Geoff?

[Geoff]

Is that after church...Geoff?

[Geoff]

For those that are interested, here's a link to the walk track:

http://www.manlyweb.com.au/information/what_to_do/walks/walkway.asp

[Oscar]

Hi Geoff,

Room for one more?

I think this new date will be good for me to come along too.

Cheers, Mick

[Geoff]

Mick - no problems.
Paul and I did this walk today, it's excellent!!
People must know however, it is NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED. The difficulty level of this would be classed as 'hard' in certain parts but we won't be hurrying.

We will need to allow 4 hours for this walk (just the walk) and we found a great place to have a beer/drink and a snack at the end. More details to follow.

[daniel_r]

Hi Geoff

With the new date, I'll be able to make it.

Room for one more ?

[Geoff]

Hi Geoff

With the new date, I'll be able to make it.

Room for one more ?

Yep

[Geoff]

Ok...so the updated list for the walk is as follows:

Geoff
Bel
Jeff
Patrick (Reschsmooth)
Paul & Rachel
Peter (Stubbsy)
Craig (Alpha_7)
Rod (Sandyfeet)
Matt.K & Philo
ATJ
Mr Darcy (or were u just giving directions/PT advice??)
Oscar (Mick)
Glen??
Daniel_r

I'm still undecided on which end to start at, I'm thinking Manly as there is a fantastic club/pub at the Spit with a great view and cheap beer!!

As some of you know I did the walk on Wednesday with Paul. DON'T look at this link if you want it to be a surprise but I took loads of photos on the walk the other day - they can all be seen here.

[Reschsmooth]

And if you end up near the Spit, you will be near the spot where the greatest wedding of 2006 was held!

Geoff, how much gear do you reckon is enough/too much/too little? Did you take a tripod on Wed?

[mattyjacobs]

haha ... ha ... haha ... Spit Bridge ... I *may* have helped/encouraged/forced a good mate of mine to finish his bucks night off with a nudie run across that bridge a couple of years ago ...

[Geoff]

And if you end up near the Spit, you will be near the spot where the greatest wedding of 2006 was held!

Geoff, how much gear do you reckon is enough/too much/too little? Did you take a tripod on Wed?

Good question Patrick. I strongly advise against taking a tripod, as I've said a few times this isn't an easy walk (in parts) and lugging a tripod is likely to give you the shits . I suggest taking the following if possible:

A general "walkabout" lens, minimise the amount of gear you take. Maybe one zoom and one prime. I suggest NOT taking a big lens like the 70-200VR etc.

Comfortable bushwalking shoes or trainers.

A hat/sunscreen/sunnies.

Comfortable clothing (shorts and not jeans is recommended).

Plenty to drink (water or a sports drink)

An energy bar or muesli bar etc.

A sense of fun, mateship and adventure is a must!!!

There are plenty of spots along the way to stop, sit and admire the views and hence I advice allowing up to 4hrs for the walk alone.

I'm more decided on the meeting spot for this and I think (at this stage) it will be at Manly Ocean World. Opposite where the Ferry Wharf is, which is a <5 min walk from the ferry. Parking is available at

Whistler St Car Park (most convenient for this meeting spot)
First two hours is free
then next hour is $6, 3rd hour is $12, fourth hour is $16, then to $20 (til midnight). This isn't horrendous and if people car pooled it could definately be affordable. So..max is $20 for all day parking.

If parking at Whistler St, simply walk down to the wharf, turn right (onto East Esplanade) and head to Ocean World. By bus, simply get a bus to Manly Wharf (or a Ferry). Too easy!! I'm also thinking of a 10am sharp start time. Aiming to be at the Spit Bridge and club by 2pm at the latest. Buses are readily available here to the city OR on the other side of the road, a bus back to Manly Wharf would go every 15-20mins at that time of the afternoon.

[Reschsmooth]

A sense of fun, mateship and adventure is a must!!!

Can I order this from Poon??

Thanks for that Geoff.

[gstark]

A sense of fun, mateship and adventure is a must!!!

Can I order this from Poon??

On special this week: he just got a fresh shipment in.



And for Sheepie, it came with some very inexpensive troubles.

Which Mingus fans should pack up.

[iluxa]

Guys, may I join you?

[Geoff]

Sure thing Iluxa - I will be posting more updated info regarding this soon-ish. Watch this space.

[stubbsy]

Needless to say I'm out having broken the distal fibula in my right leg

[Matt. K]

Come on down anyway Peter and we will push you along in a wheelie-bin.

[Sandy Feet]

Unfortunatly due to work comitments i will be unable o attend on this occasion.

maybe next time

Cheers
Rod

[big pix]

Needless to say I'm out having broken the distal fibula in my right leg

look on the bright side ...... you could hop along with everyone else......

[ATJ]

Geoff,

I'm going to have bow out of this one. A family activity has been planned.

[Mr Darcy]

Mr Darcy (or were u just giving directions/PT advice??)

Just giving directions. Need to be in Canberra that weekend. Damn. Love that walk.

[Geoff]

I'm thinking of an 11am-ish (yet to be fully confirmed) meet time at Manly, everyone ok with that?

[Reschsmooth]

I'm thinking of an 11am-ish (yet to be fully confirmed) meet time at Manly, everyone ok with that?

Tis good with me, even earlier if you wish.

[Geoff]

ok...
For all those attending.

10:50am meet for a STRICT getaway at 11am.

For those of you considering bringing kids under the age of 12, please do not bring them

We will meet outside/near Manly OceanWorld.

My mobile no. is 0412 752 250 if there are any concerns on the morning.

I expect to arrive at The Spit Bridge by approx 3pm or later, as we will be stopping a fair bit along the way for photo ops/rests etc.

[Jeff]

Hi Geoff
Thanks for organising this walk. I was keen to go but have made arrangements to go to Sandown this weekend for the V8s.

Thanks again

Jeff

[Alpha_7]

Geoff the Conflicting times in the body of the post compared to the title are pretty confusing can we fix that to avoid confusion ?

[Paul]

Geoff,
In light of the reccy walk we did I'm thinking that this walk will be too much for Rachel to handle in her condition.
If there's other people more keen to do this than me then I'm willing to drop out to let them have our spots.
Let me know through the usual channels.