I took a short (10 km) solo hike today along the Benowie Walking Track, which is part of the Great North Walk.  I had hoped to take a longer walk this weekend, but it has been a busy couple of days and couldn’t get out on the trail until almost noon.  So I chose a short walk close to home since it gets dark around 5pm this time of year.

Hornsby Mall – The Start of the Hike

Some people wonder why I would walk alone.  I was recently asked by a good friend, “Isn’t it funner to walk with others.”  My reply was that if I am walking for fun, then it is better to walk with others.  But if I am walking for peace of mind, then it is better to walk alone.  But when I tried to explain what I meant by “peace of mind” I had difficulty.  Here’s another attempt.

For me walking alone in the woods can almost put me in a meditative state.  There are no demands on my attention other than finding the next spot to place my foot.   So I can enjoy the scenery and the fresh air, and just allow my mind to wander without expectation of interruption.

That having been said, I must say that I do also enjoy hiking with others.  It is just a different type of experience.  Often when walking with someone else they will point out scenery or wildlife that I would have missed on a solo hike.  It becomes a fun walk with good conversation and a shared bonding experience between good friends.

Sign Near the Start of the Trail

The significant landmark on today’s trail was a series of ponds called Fishponds.  The ponds were nice, but I found the rock formations above the ponds to be the most interesting part of them.  All of the rocks in this region are very worn and give an impression of being ancient formations and almost otherworldly. I was disappointed not to see any fish.

Fishponds

Stream Crossing

Another Stream Crossing

Although the expectation is that you would see Australian wildlife in the bush.  I’ve found on most of my hikes in the Sydney area you just don’t see the iconic Australian animals, like the kangaroo or koala.  But you do see and especially hear lots of birds.  Today I could continually hear the birds singing, but only got a good close look at one of them.

Brown Kuckoo-Dove

Banksia Flowers

It was a short but enjoyable walk.  Soon after 2:30pm I found myself at Thornleigh Station, looking forward to the next hike.  I’m hoping to make the next hike for an entire day.  I had considered walking Thornleigh to CBD to cover the first 31km of the Great North Walk, but judging by the way my legs feel right now, I am clearly not in good enough shape to walk that far yet.  But I’ll find a good trail to walk and if you would like to join me for a 20km hike next weekend please let me know.

Thornleigh Station

Hornsby to Thornleigh