It was time for another adventure walk with the kids. So last Sunday we headed off along the Molonglo river from Sheperds Lookout, on the western side of Canberra.
Murrumbidgee below Molonglo, from Sheperd's Lookout
Sheperd's Lookout ACT
The path was supposedly well marked and we even had a map showing it’s course. With Ethan leading the way we set off.
After traveling across the top of the hillside for a while, we started down a wash-away, down towards the river. It wasn’t long before it became apparent that we were no longer on the trail. We were bashing through the undergrowth and blackberries!
Our path followed the Molonglo & Murrumbidgee rivers
I decided we should keep going down to the river and then follow it along until we got to the crossing bridge, our intended lunch spot.
After much bush bashing and course changing we managed to follow the river and eventually came upon the trail we were supposed to be following all along! A few hundred meters on we were at the crossing.
Lunch, intrepid crossing of the washed away causeway and a good rest later, we were ready for the return trip.
Lunch and cooling the feet
not an easy crossing
Made it!
We decided to try for the proper trail this time. But first we had to try to to go around the water treatment plant. No go, a fast running spillway blocked our path. Back to the main trail again…
The return journey was much quicker, although not so much fun. The trail was clear, if steep in places. How did we go off track to start with? We found the spot where we went wrong in the beginning and committed it to memory for next time!
The walkers, Grace & Ethan
After lots of fun and energy spent, we decided to return at a later date.
Now, with a big week of rain still going, it may be a while before the river crossing is useable again. Once it is we plan to go all the way through to Uriarra Crossing on the next trip.
This entries photos from my Blackberry phone’s camera. Surprisingly good!
More to come, Brian…
Tags: bush bashing, bush walking, Molonglo River, Murrumbidgee river, river crossing, walking, walking trail