Sunday, February 22, 2009

Lockley Pylon

David at the start of the walk.

Perhaps one of the most spectacular and contrasting walks in the Blue Mountains is the walk to Lockley Pylon. Details are here http://ozultimate.com/bushwalking/walk.php?int_resource_id=723 It contrasts from other walks as it has an almost "alpine" feel. That is, the walk takes you across open heath and low vegetation. This walk is yet another way of decending into the beautiful Blue Gum forest, and meets at the junctions of Govetts Gorge and the Grose Valley.Approximatley 9 km it is an easy grade with plenty to see. We spotted Jacky Winter, New Holland Honey Eater and Yellow Thornbill all within a few minutes.


The weather was typical of the mountains. We started in heavy fog and drizzle, and once reaching our destination, were bathed in golden sunshine. Above us Wedge Tail Eagles soared, at our feet bull ants and bush cockroaches scurried.

Bush Cockroach about 5cm long.

About half way we stopped for lunch and enjoyed the company of a Yellow Tailed cockatoo. These large birds are quite a site, with swooping flight and a distinctive call.

Yellow Tail Cockatoo

The views from the top are simply spectacular:- Mt Banks, Mt Hay, the Grose Gorge as well as Fortress Creek Falls create a vista not seen anywhere else. We returned to the car after a few hours it was a great way to spend an afternoon.

Birds Seen:- Australian Magpie, King Parrot, Wedge Tailed Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Yellow Thornbill, New Holland Honey Eater, Eastern Spinebill, Australian Raven, Currawong, Pee Wee, Common Bronzewing, Red Rumped Parrot, Masked Lapwing, Jacky Winter.


21 comments:

  1. sorry about the quality of the videos.. I am just experimenting at this stage...

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  2. simon... I can't see any videos at all.... just a blank space where maybe they were ....

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  3. OMFGOSHWTFBBQ!!!!!111!1! I HATE COCKROACHES!!!! KILL IT!!! KILL IT!!!!!! *dies*

    Anywho, I can see your vids just fine ^_^" The first one reminded me of Riven. The second made me feel like I was watching a dream lol. Kinda like the movie from The Ring when the lady falls off the cliff. Nice bird, btw

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  4. they are there kiwi, just checked my self ! :o)

    I agree Shadow re Riven, but the Cockroach was actually quite cute, not like domestic ones at all...more like a cartoon character!

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  5. PS- the bird is beautiful and very large, sadly my photo did not show this.

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  6. Yes they are there now simon...but weren't when I looked before... maybe blogger was having one of is periodic hernias ;-)
    word verif: mingles

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  7. I just love your Aussie accent simon!
    I should be building a list of all the Aussie walks I could do, but I am too scared to drive over there.


    word verif: outoment

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  8. Hi Braja! thanks for visiting and braving the word verification! Yes I like travel a lot!

    Kiwi:- Aussie accent? Geez people laugh at me when I am in france they tell me mine is quite broad! :o)

    Maalie:- Lots of good stuff for real!

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  9. All cockroaches are evil. End of story. blech *shudders*

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  10. haahhaha! wait for my next post- on the types of spiders that live IN my house....

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  11. The photo of the bird is almost surreal - as though he is stuffed or something. How large are they?

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  12. Hi Susan!! Big. they are about 60cm ie 2 feet long with a long yellow tail.. in the photo you only see part of the body...

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  13. btw its my birthday today!! YIPPIE!

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  14. Happy Birthday for Yesterday Simon!!!

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  15. Omgosh, you should see the spiders I got pics of around my old house. They're like as big as saucers! And a vibrant shade of yellow and green. Yuck. I'm a total arachnophobe :(

    (wow, today's verification word is culedat. Like cooldat! Cuz, it's cool and uh...yeah...never mind)

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  16. yeah its VERY cool dat! our spiders are big too.

    we have one that makes a net and throws it over the "victim" :o)

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  17. Hi Simon, I love your videos, they are a treat!

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