Trail Updates
3 August 2010
Trail concerns at 3 weeks out
Please let me know if you see any trees down on the trail or areas of concern before 2000 pairs of feet tread across our damp 100km trail in less than 3 weeks. (More detail on location the better)
Dept of Lands are fixing the handrail in Lyre Bird Gully (down from Mt Kuring Gai) the week of the 16th August. And i have let National Parks know about the pot hole on the fire trail before entering Davidson Park.
Please be careful of the slippery stairs coming down from CP3 to Bobbin Inn and the stairs coming down to the Spit Bridge.
It’s all too close now to risk having a slip and leave your team a person short.
I am also aware of the trees on the Magazine Track, thanks to all who emailed in, National Parks have been told about this one.
Kelly Mapleston
Operations Coordinator - kellym@oxfam.org.au
31 May 2010
There are 2 locations that we've heard of where people getting geographically embarrassed when out on the trail:
1. Section 2 from Cowan to Berowra - after crossing Joe Crofts Creek and making the climb up the other side of the valley, you will come up through a rock gully and be standing on top of the sunny flat rock with a nice view behind you. The GNW continues straight ahead here, passing an old walkers log book in a green box. Do not turn right at the top of the rock gully and wonder down the rock face and across a log with rocks built up on either side of the log.
2. Section 5 from Nth Turramurra to St Ives - on the fire trail that leads into the Wildflower Gardens you will pass the sign Wildflower Gardens 250m. Soon after this, there is a foot track on your left that has a sign pointing to the visitors centre. Do not take this track, it will follow the creek and eventually bring you up to the sealed cycle way but it is not the Trailwalker trail that we will be using on the day.
Enjoy your training.
19 May 2010
Getting water around Cowan when training
We’ve had reports that it’s hard to find water at CP1 (Cowan). The taps at the train station have no heads and toilets are rarely open and there are no taps with heads on the RFS. But there are toilets and a tap at the Cowan shop (200m north of the station during opening hrs).
So if you are walking on further than Cowan, its possibly best to carry enough water with you to get to Berowra Waters and fill up at the toilets there.
If you are starting your walk at Cowan remember to arrive with water. During the event we will be providing plenty of water at CP1.
Please avoid buying bottled water due to the environmental impacts around this practice. http://storyofstuff.org/bottledwater/ carrying water is good , extra training! :-)
3 May 2010
Snakes still active on the trail - Please be aware.
One of the joys of getting out in the Australian bush is seeing wildlife. However please be careful not to wake a snake soaking in the last of the Autumn rays.
A participant has told us that they’ve seen some out a about recently. Another good reason to train with others rather than alone.
If you’re the rest of you’re team doesn’t live close to you – maybe sign up to the facebook group and find others in your area to train with.
11 March 2010
Entrance Fee required to be paid at National Parks during training
We would like to remind all walkers and support crews that when you enter a National Park in your vehicle, you are required to pay the entrance fee, wether you are a part of or training for TRAILWALKER or not. Even if you are just picking up or dropping off at a location within the National Parks.
On the event weekend one car per crew will have a pass to get them into the parks at no cost.
11 March 2010
Locked Gate Between the Wildflower Gardens and St Ives Showground (CP5)
As will be published in the 2010 mapbook, there is a locked gate between the Wildflower Gardens and St Ives Showground. It is on the unnamed fire trail, off the sealed Browns cycleway in the Wildflower Gardens, 1.5 km from St Ives Showground. If you are intending on starting or finishing your training at CP5, you can enter/exit from the Wildflower Gardens (NOTE: you may want to park outside their gates as they are locked from 4pm - 8am. There is no one to call to get them opened once locked)
During the event this locked gate on the fire trail will be open to allow passage.
11 March 2010
On the Spot fines for cars not displaying passes or tickets within national parks
National Parks have asked us to notify all Trailwalkers to be aware of the change in procedures around entering and parking within Sydney National Parks. Cars that do not display a parking ticket or valid pass will be given an on the spot fine of $68 (rather than a warning to go and purchase your entry fee as you exit the park).
11 March 2010
Using the Train to Train and Possible Train Line Closures
Hi walkers,
Several parts of our trail and other lovely bush trails suitable for training on are located near a train station (or bus routes). And remember; the walk from the trail to the station is just extra time on your feet :-) Please think of the environment and your support crew and try to use public transport where possible.
Remember to check Train Track Closures when planning the logistics of your training days. The Northern and Northshore lines in particular are sometimes closed for track maintenance work.
For information contact the transport information line:
Website: www.131500.com.au
Ph:131500
11 March 2010
You are our eyes and ears on the trail
As we are unable to be out on the trail as regularly as training teams, we appreciate your support as being our eyes and ear on the trail. Tell us what you see. For Example; footbridges closed or damaged, fallen trees, new fences, gates or buildings erected on the trail or at checkpoints.
Please let me know by email kellym@oxfam.org.au or phone 82043914
Happy Training!
Kelly Mapleston
Operations Coordinator - Oxfam TRAILWALKER Sydney
