Wentworth Falls

Wentworth Falls.

Another attractive area in the Blue Mountains is Wentworth Falls. As an extension of the Valleys of the Waters walk I did a month ago, and with the weather quite ordinary, I was determined to get out of the house and explore the varieties of tracks that this area has to offer.


Red Browed Firetail Finch

Commencing at the West Street, I took the Short Cut Track, which is a fire trail, to the Conservation Hut. The weather was foul yet I still spotted Red Browed Firetail Finch and White Throated Tree Creeper as well as Yellow Rumped Thornbill and Wattlebird.

From the Conservation Hut to the falls themselves is a short, brisk walk with spectacular views across the Jamison Valley. Wentworth Falls is in two sections with superb views from the top, the centre and the bottom.


Steep Stairs

The track then crosses the falls and a well defined, steep, rock staircase takes you to the middle section of the falls. These steps again remind me of a Tolkien adventure. Further along you can turn left and walk to the bottom of the falls- the advise from National Parks is only if you are experienced. Whilst I feel that its not too difficult, there are plenty of tourists who could find themselves stressed by being inappropriately equipped- I saw one guy in UGG boots...


Mt Solitary above the clouds.

Its a fantastic walk, as the track follows the cliff line, under waterfalls, over bridges and ladders. Following the track which hugs the cliff face until it reaches Vera falls as mentioned in a previous post. There are quiet dark forests, exposed rocks and cliffs all within easy reach.


More water falls.

There are many tracks and diversions, however follow the advise of the National Parks signs, Avoid the tracks that are marked "Exerienced Walkers Only", and you can get fresh air, great views, exercise regardless of the conditions! Walk distance about 8km.

Birds seen:- New Holland Honey eater, Eastern Spinebill,Red Browed Firetail Finch, White Throated Tree Creeper, Wattlebird, Yellow Tufted Honey Eater, Currawong, Grey Butcherbird, King Parrot, Bell Minor,

WW2 Jeep photos.

I took a photo of the snorkel hole- used when jeeps were off loaded onto a beach and traveled underwater....




I then moved around towards the front


and put the roof on and....

had a beer.

Neats Glen, Grand canyon, Evans Lookout.

Evans Lookout Views
This is a walk I had not done since 1977! With the weather being erratic, ( variations of temperature during the day 9-19 and back again ), and a suggestion of sleet, it was time to get out and explore.
This walk is fabulous, there is no other word to describe it. Whilst the Grand Canyon bares no resemblance to the one in America, it is a walk that takes you through waterfalls, beside the canyon that in many spots you cannot see the bottom, under cliff overhangs , through tunnels, and back to the top where the contrasting view is spectacular.

Across Creeks
Again, this is a walk which can lead you into the Blue Gum forest, if you care. An easy grade, yet good shoes and water are essential.
Getting there is easy. From Sydney take the Great Western Highway, pass Katoomba and passing the famous Hydro Majestic hotel. Here the highway crosses the railway. A few km on there is a road to the right, clearly sign posted. Follow this until you reach the car park.

Behind waterfalls.
I had forgotten most of the walk, however I did recall the track being wet for most of the way. Good boots and keeping an eye on finding a good grip is essential. The National Parks are doing a great job upgrading the track, as many of the ladders and walk ways were showing signs of wear and tear. Keep an eye out for the areas of work, as some of the rocks are loose.
How can I describe it all to you? A scene from Lord of the Rings is the only way. Tall fern trees, mossy rocks, cool and dark. I would think that much of the canyon would never see full sun light. In summer icy cold rock pools would be a treat.



Into dark tunnels
Here we encountered a Rock Warbler that was not frightened in the least. In fact when I stopped, I though it was going to jump on my shoe! I can only assume it had a nest nearby.
Finally reaching the bottom you can either continue down and walk to Blue Gum forest, or take the ascent to Evans Lookout. Being a day walk we chose the look out.
Miles of mossy walking tracks
Here, step after step is encountered and like the Valley of the Waters its important to maintain a pace that you can handle without "blowing up" i.e. becoming fatigued. When you reach the top, the contrast is truly spectacular. Lockleys Pylon, Mt Hay, Mount Banks and Perrys Lookdown can all be observed from another perspective.


Rock overhangs

Again, in pausing we encountered a Lyrebird. Happy to scratch like a chook, only a few feet away from us. The walk back to our car was only 800m, and after 2 1/2 hours Rosalie and I agreed this was truly one of the better walks.


Rare Blue Sky
If you are ever in Sydney and would like information on walks., just drop me an email.

Subaru WRX STI

All my friends know I am a sucker for cars. They do not have to be fast for me to love 'em but they do have to have something "unique". In previous posts I have listed some of my favorites.
However, one of my absolute favorites is my 2006 Subaru WRX STi C spec which is enhanced with upgrades. This car is not only quick, but "bullet" proof, and good on fuel. I think its the last real STi and has as much ( if not too much ) power that i need to get me to and from work.

I have included a clip that you might find enjoyable... this is "off the chain" !!! Ken Block is an amazing driver. This is an Sti at its best

Cattai National Park

The Hawkesbury River. From the wharf.

Highlights: "The Cattai Farm area, originally a land grant to First Fleet assistant surgeon Thomas Arndell, features Arndell's 1821 cottage, historic grain silos and ruins of a windmill believed to be the oldest industrial building in NSW. In a separate section, nearby Mitchell Park features a variety of plant communities, including rare riverine rainforest."

So says the National Parks and Wildlife information site. Its a beautiful park, with lots of domestic facilities and runs right beside the Hawkesbury River. I had last visited this park when Maalie was in Australia back in 2004. This visit was a little different as I was there the cheer on my son who was in the zone (area) cross country races.


The Troopie hiding behind one of the superb BBQ facilities.

Having come 3rd in his age group in the school, (with no training I might add), he was selected to represent his school in this highly organized event..

As I have said in previous posts, the Hawkesbury region was the First Fleets food basket and remained so for many many years, supplying the Sydney markets with fresh fruit and vegies. The area is a a flood plain, and as such soils are rich and fertile.

David in amongst it! 

The drive to Cattai National park is easy- Head west from Sydney towards Windsor, and take a right hand turn to Pitt Town. About 12km from this town is the park- clearly marked. Because if its historical significance, the park is well maintained, with shelters suitable for big groups, toilet amenities and pre booked camp sites are available. Bird life is immense, with Long Lagoon nearby, its a regular haunt for avid birders...


One of the many water birds. ( not my  photo)

However today I was focused on David, who despite a very bad cold ran about 45th out of 125 boys.

Well done David!

Valley of the waters

Yellow Tufted Honey Eater.

This weekends walk is perhaps the most spectacular of all the walks in the Blue Mountains. It would take me along the nature trail and into the Valley of the Waters. It commenced in West Street, Wentworth Falls, passed Edinburgh Castle rock and along the cliffs. What is different about this walk is- most walks in the Blue Mountains are either on top of the cliffs or, down into the valleys. This walk places you in between with some of the trail cut into the side of the cliff. This give the walker incredible views and aspects. From intimate water falls to views across the Jammison Valley.

New steel walkways across swamp areas

Spectacular waterfalls, rain forests and distant views are part of the package. What surprises me though, is the number of walkers ill prepared. YOU MUST ALWAYS CARRY WATER and a FIRST AID KIT. There were a number of tourists and walkers asking me how much further to go, looking stressed and uncertain because, whilst not difficult, you must be fit. Seven km does not sound far until you are finding yourself climbing ladders and stairs that seem to go on "for ever". The best way to enjoy a walk like this is to plan, take plenty of fluid (you cannot drink from the streams as one fellow was), take lots of snacks and rest when you feel the need. Getting too focused on the walk and placing each foot in front of the other can ruin what even Charles Darwin walked and commented on. Places such as Lodard Falls and Vera Falls are truly spectacular and an ideal place for lunch or a swim ( weather permitting).

Some of the cliff faces I would walk along.

Its important to note- that there are 2 trails in this area, one that even the inexperienced ( though well equipped) can enjoy, and the other that which the national parks suggests more experienced walkers only try. All tracks are clearly sign posted.
On this walk I spotted Lewins Honey Eater, Regent Honey Eater, New Holland Honey Eater, and Grey Shrike Thrush. I was very pleased to identify one I had not seen before-Yellow Tufted Honey Eater. A striking bird with very yellow markings and a distinct black eye mask. Yellow Rumped Thorn Bill were always a welcome sight too.

Vera Falls

After lunch I chose to return the way I came- all up hill. After a few hours walking I had returned to the car- the only evidence of the walk- a HUGE blood blister on my big toe. I did not notice this until the following day!

Walking in the Blue Mountains is fun and beautiful but cannot stress just how important it is to be prepared- carry plenty of water, know your limitations, and plan. Frankly there were just too many people asking my advise and looking stressed. If the day was hotter, some may have been in serious trouble.

OUCH!

Birds seen:- Australian Magpie, Pee Wee, grey Butcher Bird, Currawong, Bell Minor, Masked Lapwing, Lewins Honey Eater, New Holland Honey Eater, Regent Honey Eater, Yellow Tufted Honey Eater, Rosella, Yellow Rumped Thornbill, Grey Shrike Thrush, Satin Bower Bird.

Oil Cans, Roast Duck, Bird watching..

The humble oil can

Do you know how hard it is to find a humble oil can? You dont? Well I can tell you they don't make 'em anymore! Not in general spare parts anyway. Such is the change in the way we see things- going from those items we repair and service, to items that we throw away.
The jeep has many grease nipples, steering box, clutch brake pedals, transfer box, there is even a small hole in the distributor where you have to put 2 drops of oil every 1000miles.


Front diff, and steering grease nipples

So this weekend- thats exactly what I did- lay under the jeep, in the rain, and greased it up and added oil the the dissy. Doesn't the oil can look grand? Found at a market...



Oiling the distributor- to be done every 1000miles..

After finishing this, and cleaning the pool, I decided to go for a walk along a local fire trail. I spotted Yellow Robin, Eastern Spinebill, and New Holland Honey Eater. These are all very striking birds, with distinct markings and bright splashes of yellow (on the Robin and Nhhe)



New Holland Honey Eater

Whilst observing these ( and there were many) amongst the low growth I spotted an Eastern Whipbird, not just a glimpse,(as is often the case), but a real good look. He seemed preoccupied in catching his food than me.


Eastern Whip Bird

When I got home I cooked duck- which I basted in a marinade of olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, white wine and lemongrass. This I cooked slowly on the open spit of the bbq until golden brown and crisp....

And thats all I did on my only day off......