Last time I was on Blue Gum Hill (Mt Lincoln) was 23 Oct 04.  Approaching from a different direction this time.

On the way at 7.50am and quickly covered the 400m along the track to Booroomba Rocks to the AAWT T-intersection.  From here we struck out to the NW, heading to SH1241.  Lovely open woodland walking, the area certainly more green than black (1.8km and 50mins to here).  A 150m climb.

The next leg took us down and across the upper reaches of the tributary to Blue Gum Creek which flows beneath Booroomba Rocks.  A sweaty climb of 200m to SH1318 where the leader allowed a break (2.9km and 1hr 40min).

Our next objective was SH1412, our route taking a contour around the end of a steep gully and onto the more gentle spur running generally NE up to Blue Gum Hill.  Obviously, a climb of 100m between the SHs.  The open granite slabs just shy of the SH afforded grand views - NW in the direction from which I'd previously come in from Smokers Trail; SW behind us to Bimberi Peak on the horizon; closer at hand to the SW was Dutchies Peak and Mt McKeahnie; and, to the N, the lovely open flats on Blue Gum Creek (I think Max will have us walking here soon) (5.7km and 3hrs).

Relatively open walking from here to BGH, with a bit of a climb to the narrow spine of the hill where it turned to the NW.  We found a perch on the top of the cliff for lunch (70m climb; 7.3km and 4hr 10mins).  More grand views down over BG Creek (see pic 1).  Tuggeranong and Lanyon Valley suburbs were visible over the back of Castle Hill.

We set off again, returning SE along the narrow BGH top, to 200m past where we came up.  Disturbed a fox.  We then headed SW to a friendly spur which took us down and down and down to the creek we had crossed in the morning.  We headed directly towards the open granite to the WSW of BR, excellent views of Booroomba Rocks as we descended the other side.  They towered above us as we crossed the creek, flowing with plenty of water after Sunday's showers.  A 260m sweaty climb followed to reach the slabs - immense, bare expanses (see pic 2).  Views also to The Spinnaker/Honeysuckle Craig (10.2km and 6hr 15mins).

As a payback for last week's mutiny, I suggested that we instead head for Booroomba Rocks.  Suggestion graciously accepted and we headed up another 100m, then up and down along the general BR area until we struck the blue rescue gear and the end of the BR track.  Up to the edge for a quick look over (see pic 3) (11.5km and 6hr 50mins).

All that remained was to wander back down the track to the BR car park, then on the final 4km to Honeysuckle Creek.

This was a top little walk, with all but 5km in the bush.  It deserves its H(13) rating.  Nice to get up BR from the SW - must tackle it from the NE end soon.

Distance: 16.1km  Climb: 900m.  Time: 7.50am-3.55pm (call it 8hrs) with 1hr of breaks.