Ascending Mt Taylor

In the Southern parts of Canberra Mt Taylor dominates the scenery,

more or less forming the boundary between the townships of Woden and Tuggernong.  I have run around the fire trail at the base of the mountain many times but have never visited the summit.  So having a few hours  to spare while the Jetta was serviced in Woden gave an opportunity to remedy the omission.

The initial path was between two sets of houses following a shady reserve under some power lines.

Getting close to the start of the Mount Taylor Reserve I came across this sign honouring Ben Chifley, a Prime Minister after whom the suburb was named.

A Grey Butcherbird posed nicely.  This species has become relatively common in the urban area after the 2003 bushfires obliterated their former breeding habitat in the Ranges.

Then we got to the business of ascending the Summit Fire Trail.  It was rather steep, but had been bitumenised, presumably to make it easier for servicing the communication facilities on the summit.  The red arrow indicates a runner (on her way down).  There were a lot of people, many with dogs, gong up and down the mountain.

Other denizens of the mountain seemed more relaxed.  The observatory on Mt Stromlo has been rebuilt after the fires and is visible on the skyline.

On the higher slopes a good number of Casuarinas were growing.  Very few had nuts but it does seem to offer a prospect of good food for Glossy Black-Cockatoos in the future.

 Yer summit trig station.  The arrows show two other runners.

The view to the North with Black Mountain dominating the plain.

 To the West, with Tidbinbilla Peak crowned with cloud.

 A couple of fancy signs have been placed to show folk what they are looking at.  A good idea, but one wonders how much they cost. Perhaps it is an indicator of a sign-writing led economic recovery for Canberra?

 The view South with Lake Tuggeranong and the bogan infested Hyperdome.

The track down.  Given its steepness and roughness I was astonished at the number of folk coming up it.  It must be sponsored by by the local physio practice.

Finally, I dug this image out of my archive.  I got it third hand and was told it shows Mt Taylor in the evening of January 18 2003.

The lights are not houses but burning gum trees, with the main fire front on the summit.  The area has recovered well since then.