Well the Big Day is nearly here!! Despite the rather unpleasant looking weather we were really keen to have one last go on the trail so we decided what better way that to tackle the toughest leg and roughest part of the third leg? We were also keen to try and replicate the Event as best we could so we started at Cowan Station at about the time we hope to passing through on Friday - around 1200. After a brisk warm up walk to the first checkpoint we headed off down the trail towards Berowra. Despite the threatening clouds the early part of the walk had some lovely sunshine and enough wildflowers to tempt Tony into his photography again (see below).
Despite the recent rain the higher parts of the trail were still in quite good condition, but by the time we got to the first creek crossing it was clear what we would be up against. Unlike the team in front we decided against removing our shoes for the wade across - it saved some time but we did have soggy feet for a little while, although they soon dried out. We continued off up the steep hill and all the way to Berowra Waters, and then up to the fire trail and into Berowra Checkpoint without having to stop at all - this section is a really good measure of your fitness. We had been caught in some very light drizzle but generally stayed pretty dry. Tony also managed to capture the rainbow picture from the lookout. Once at the checkpoint we headed to Subway for a quick refuel before heading off into much more threatening looking weather.We didn't have to wait too long for the weather to break and the rain to start coming down. Fortunately we made it down the steep hill and most of the way across the marshy flats nearing Calna Creek before it got too heavy. This part of the trail is very soggy under foot and will hopefully hold up ok for Friday. With the prospect of a warm and dry car waiting for us at the top of Lyrebird Gully we proceeded with great enthusiasm picking our way through the trees and raising water. The only barrier ahead of us now was the steep bitumen track that makes up the last section of the Lyrebird Gully track. Even this wasn't enough to deter us and we finished this section of the walk again without having to stop for a breather. Hopefully this is sign that we have done enough training, but it is all too late now if we haven't.
This will be the last post before the Big Day so good luck to all Teams and we look forward to seeing you on the trail on Friday/Saturday. For anyone around the Lower North Shore mid afternoon on Saturday please wave at us as we walk past.
THE WALKERS: AJ, Ian, Tony R
THE STATS:
Cowan – Cp1
Start Time: 12:05pm
Duration: 0:16:36
Finish Time: 12:22pm
Distance: 1.60km
Average Pace: 10:24 min/km
Average Speed: 5.8 km/h
Cp1 – Cp2
Start Time: 12:25pm
Duration: 2:39:37
Finish Time: 3:05pm
Distance: 11.72km
Average Pace: 13:37 min/km
Average Speed: 4.4 km/h
Cp2- Kuring-gai
Start Time: 3:31pm
Duration: 2:00:24
Finish Time: 5:31pm
Distance: 8.43km
Average Pace: 14:17min/km
Average Speed: 4.7 km/h
Total Time: 4:56:37
Total Distance: 21.74km
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