Tuesday 7 May 2013

Turret Reserve - lovelier the second time around


The first time, entering from The Parapet, and heading towards the Turret Reserve, I was confronted by a wizening of the pathway, and felt uncomfortable, an intruder upon the privacy of others. But Castlecrag is not like that: it is riddled with walkways between, and behind, private property. Well-used walkways at that. After consulting my map, I realised that this particular laneway could also be entered from The Postern. So I set my compass, took a deep breath, and toddled off, poking my stick here-and-there to ensure a secure footing.


As I toddled, a sense of the struggle of the Australian environment was with me, cloaking my shoulders with bougainvillea and banksia from one side, and camellia and azalea from the other. This was no goat-track off into the bush, no bush-bashing required whatsoever. One almost expected a stile and hedgerow around each curve.


From The Postern, Turret Reserve was easier to locate.


I did walk down those steps, and out onto the flat rocked 'turret', watching my footing all the way. I looked out and down, and the drop was substantial, down to Warner's old dairy, now occupied by bowling clubs and playgrounds, out and across to the TCN9 transmission tower in Artarmon. The view and the muffled sounds were a delight. Would that my balance had permitted me to stay longer out there AND TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS.


9 comments:

diane b said...

They do look inviting walkways. I'm saddened to hear that your balance is not so good and it prevents you from taking photographs.

Julie said...

Well, from taking photographs out on a rocky ledge about 100' above the ground! Mostly I control the wobbles, with concentration and energy. However, I am aware that there are times when I cannot muster that control and over I go. I would prefer that is NOT when I am looking over a 100' drop!

Carole M. said...

that walk sure is picturesque Julie

Virginia said...

Thoughts of The Secret Garden!
V

Joan Elizabeth said...

Hey I get the wobbles near 100 foot drops too! I give cliff edges are very respectful distance. It is just too easy to hit an unexpected slippery bit.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

You were brave to even go near the ledge Julie, I'm pitiful in high places, the important thing is that you enjoyed the experience and the view. I'm hoping when I come over later in the year you might take me for a walk around Castlecrag :)

Julie said...

It would be my pleasure, Grace. By then I hope to have ventured the full way along the peninsula and down to the waterline at the far end.

Joe said...

That archway to Turret Reserve beckons the wanderer.

Julie said...

Many of the walkways through Castlecrag have this sort of 'beckoning', Joe. There is a very famous photograph that established this as a technique ... but I cannot think of the photographer's name ...