Victoria Falls

The trail into the National Park

With the terrible news of a British  backpacker, feared dead and missing for 8 days, after walking in the Blue Mountains,  I feel the need to stress the importance of a few basics steps that  will help prevent trouble should you  want to enjoy  this wilderness area.

1. Plan your trip.

2. Tell others where you are going, what  your time frame is.

3. Take a mobile phone. They  do work in a lot of areas e.g.  on top of Mt Solitary.

4. Research your  trip.  Many  are unaware that there are a lot of mine shafts in the Blue Mountains.

5. If possible do not travel alone. 3 is an ideal number

6. When  walking in a group only  go as fast  as the slowest member, never walk off ahead.

7. Wear appropriate clothing. Again, today I met a guy  in a suit, business shoes and no water.

8. ALWAYS carry water with a little in reserve, a first aid kit, and enough food for an emergency night stop.

9. ALWAYS take a rain jacket and something warm. Even on  a hot day. 

10 Always take a box of waterproof matches.

11. Use a map.  There are many  little tracks that  are often "blind" but can take you  away from  the correct one.

12. Take a gps and use it

13. Know your fitness level. If you are unfit- don't do it.

14. If you are in trouble- stop, think and do not panic.  Panic will only  make it worse.

David admiring the view from one of the viewing platforms.

It's just  simple stuff, but it is simple to fall over and break a leg too. These simple things can make a night out easier, and for rescuers to find you faster. Sadly I  feel society  is being "dumbed down"  and a lot of people think its the responsibility of National Parks, rangers and rescuers and that its easy  for them  to find you. Its not.   

Today David wanted to walk to Victoria Falls to look for birds and yabbies.  I  am  pleased to say we saw both.  Its a great  walk, with  spectacular views and as said in previous posts, the western end of the Grose Valley- leading into the Blue Gum forests and all those other places I have mentioned in previous posts.

Tall ancient tree fern forests.

I love the Blue Mountains, Its where I feel at ease with myself, its where I can build my  relationship  with  my  son- away from the hectic pace of city  life. Where basics are the key. I  enjoy  watching him grow, watching him become fitter, and listen to his conversations. These are true gifts.

After a few hours we returned refreshed.

The Cascades. Red yabbies live in these pools

 On this walk we spotted:- Pee Wee, Superb fairy Wren, Black faced Cuckoo Shrike, Bell Minor, Currawong, Wedge tailed Eagle, Noisy Minor, Australian MAgpie, Striated Thornbill, Grey  fantail, Whipbird, Lyrebird, Brown Tree Creeper and Willy Wagtail.

 

Stop Press:- I did not announce that my  favorite car- the Landcruiser Troopcarrier was sold a few weeks ago, (photos of her to the right). Sadly, on the last  major trip she had some mechanical failures and I felt it was appropriate to find another vehicle. It carried Maalie and myself though the outback, and my  family  on numerous trips into the desert. It was the topic of conversation at pubs too (  Jim  will verify this) because it was so COOL! It  will be sadly  missed. But! I  have bought a Landcruiser tray back turbo diesel which I  will make into a camper.  It went on trial today, and pulled through with  flying colours. Better fuel economy, better in difficult situations, and more comfortable with  its later model suspension. It's a welcome addition to  the family!  I am sure Maalie cannot wait to get on a plane and trial it!