Danthonia Trail, Glen Osmond - terrific views and a bit of history

Views over the city

Today we took a different tack with our daily exercise and tried one of the local trails set up by Burnside Council. I tried out my retirement hat- it was pretty windy at times, and I think I need to get a cord to stop it blowing away on days like this.  Luckily I took the rescue man with me and when we returned it was still in my possession.

The Danthonia trail is marked by the blue dotted line on this map. We felt that this was a terrible map, given that we are used to the excellent ones we use for orienteering so often.  Any mappers looking for some practice? I think Burnside Council could do with a hand.

We figured a walk of less than 3km should be managable,  even if it was a bit hilly.

We parked opposite the Toll gate motel (just east of the old toll house) and read about the old mines in the area before continuing on up the hill.

Old mine entrance opposite the motel

A bit of history giving a spot of colour

Detail of the wall.  Nice work.

We did find some markers to help us on our way, although the trail appeared to have been renamed since the brochure and map were produced. The toll gate circuit seems to now be called the Danthonia trail.

We enjoyed some magnificent views and some interesting vegetation and wildlife.

View over the Cross Rd, Portrush, Glen Osmond Rd intersection. The old Julia Farr site shows up well.

Is this dragonfly angry?

Bees doing their thing

I wonder if these are weeds about to spread?

Before the pod opens to release the fluff

An old favourite

We enjoyed seeing the old chimney still standing guard over the city

And the smell of pine needles drying as we walked near the old pine trees.