Manly Dam Hike

Manly dam walking trails never cease to inspire us! We took off for the Manly Dam hike on Saturday with 12 people and 4 dogs on Saturday at 830am. We went in an anti-clockwise direction because it’s easier to stay on the trail that way, with 4 of us having become lost going clockwise!

Our loop on Saturday

The hike begins with a dodgy dash through the mountain bike single trail, before we divert off of it onto the walking trail. From here we had beautiful undulating bush hiking – some parts surrounded by tall gum trees, some parts over rock platforms, and other parts alongside gurgling streams through lush ferny areas.

Some of the sloppy sections, but no leeches this time!

Our dogs were let off the leash occasionally, and did laps of the group until Harley (the big one) almost swept Debs off her feet and we contained them all again!

We stopped briefly at the waterfall for a photo, a rest, and a bite to eat, then took off again.

  << The IntoYou groupies

A blind attempt at a selfie, and got everyone in it!

Dave at the top of the waterfall

Once we’d completed most of the trail we happened onto Manly Dam picnic areas, where dogs are prohibited. We decided to take the chance at becoming lost and hike the “Wildflower” walking trail. We did not realise that the little 1.3k detour included a 41 metre climb… Mags was particularly unimpressed, while the rest of us got a little giggly (because otherwise we might cry).

Some of the windflowers

Gorgeous honeysuckle on the track

It was another accomplishment to make it to the end in one piece with all our parts where they’re supposed to be! Whilst the 40m climb was tough at the time, it is always great when you complete it!

This week will be a challenging week, as we have our hill hike at 1030am on Tuesday, and a 6-8hr hike through Garrigal and Lane Cove National Parks on Saturday at 730am.

We have been using the 6 hills in 6k hike as a benchmark of our progress, completing it every 2 weeks to see how we fare. Saturday’s session will test our endurance on tired legs!

We are raising money for a charity called Seven Women during our training for Hike Nepal. Please head to our online shop (IntoYou Online Shop) and buy one of their handmade products to support this fantastic cause. The charity is headed by Australian women, and they are opening chapters in Indigenous Australia and Africa in the next couple of years. They are unique because they empower women to break their own poverty cycle through skills training, employment, and education; by purchasing their products you are essentially continuing their employment and providing an opportunity to better their circumstances.

Our hikes are also a part of our fundraising effort. You can buy the whole program online now for $169 (https://into-you.com.au/product/2016-hiking-group/) or bring $25/week. Any profit made will be given to Seven Women after our Nepal trip!