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.

Gundabooka, Peery Lake and Mutawintji National Parks

Road into Gundabooka

With the Easter break of four days it was time to set off for some serious birding and exploring of outback NSW.
This trip would take us to some familiar and not so familiar places. With storms, flash floods, and a vehicle that suddenly developed a major gearbox problem, it was both exciting and stressful.
We left on Friday and headed west to Cobar. The weather was not looking good, and there was a prediction of 2 inches of rain in a few hours, a place to camp was needed. We chose to head north to Gundabooka National Park. Located south of Bourke it was a bit of a detour but the road looked solid and the trip into the park not too difficult. After about 7 hours of travel we arrived. All the camp sites were taken so we had to make do with one we created. It was not too long that we had the troopcarrier set up and the fire going. A nice meal and some time near the camp fire was welcome. The moon was full, but before long some dark clouds began to form. It was time for bed. At about 3am a large storm to the south provided a symphony of lightening and thunder. A cool breeze blew through the screens of the troopies accommodation.

The choice we made was the right one.

The next morning a light shower made everything in the camp wet so we chose to pack in a hurry and do a 7km walk to a small range. Here we discovered red capped robin, and bull dog ants nests as well as beef wood trees. These trees when cut look like a slice of raw beef and were used by the aborigines for medicinal purposes.

Brolga

Walking in the bush is a unique experience, its harsh but its something more. After returning we drove to Louth- A horrible little place on the banks of the Darling river. The road was closed so we took an alternate route to Tilpa. The road was washed out in parts and 4x4 was needed in many spots. The road conditions varied greatly- from heavy corrugations to soft mud and dust at the same time, (Yep! that's right).   At Tilpa we enjoyed a pie and a beer as well as conversation with locals.

We then pushed onto Peery Lake. The road was rough.. The rear doors of the troopie require adjusting due to vibration, and beer cans and milk cartons wear holes through them which made a mess in the esky. Whilst traveling we enjoyed a good sighting of Brolga- A stunning bird and, dare I say more stunning than Flamingo, very tall and they  move beautifully. At Lake Peery we spotted a variety of ducks and water bird. It was difficult to identify as we required a telescope.
Peery Lake on the Paroo River.

After a while we pushed on to White Cliffs. This Opal mining town is like something out of a movie set, almost surreal, the owners live underground in dwelling carved out of their Opal mining lease. A quick fill up with fuel before we pushed onto Mutawintji National Park. Here there was a huge Aboriginal gathering and we enjoyed their high spirits and the hospitality of the Rangers. I was pleased when the rangers pulled up and got out, I thought "here goes.. I am in trouble".. only for a big grin to spread over his face and he said in a booming voice "top truck maaaatee!!!" ( this comment is here for you Maalie I know just how much you love the troopie!)

White Cliffs.

This national park has a spiritual significance for our Aboriginal people. The "clever man" ( or medicine man in other nations) healed the sick and did cave paintings, and it has been a gathering place before it was a sheep station. A walk into the gorges we could see why. Simply stunning. After several km, it was time to head back to camp.

Something strange came over me- I got a gut feeling that something was going to go wrong with the troopie... the roads are extreme and I decided to leave a day early. The drive out is through properties and frankly, the roads and tracks on the farms were in better condition than in the parks or main roads.
Mutawintji Creek.

I was right- when fueling up in Cobar, I noticed oil pouring out of the transfer case. I had blown a seal. This resulted in me having to nurse the vehicle home- 14 hours in rain, non stop, at a reduced speed to ensure that I did not cook the gearbox resulted in me having to peel myself out of the vehicle. I must confess I was stressed as I waited for the gearbox to fail.

 However, It was a top weekend. 2500km through some of the most amazing outback country, a beer with friends and wonderful campfires, and the sighting of Brolga and Australasian Bittern real highlights!


Birds seen:-Australian Magpie, White headed Pigeon,Yellowtail Cockatoo, Little raven, New Holland Honey Eater, Kookaburra, Nankeen Kestrel, Black Kite, Australasian Bittern, Black Shouldered Kite, Redcap Robin, Crested Pigeon, Common Bronze wing, Black faced Cuckoo-shrike, Apostle Bird, Pee Wee, Pied Butcher Bird, Willy Wag tail, Singing Honey eater, Turquoise Parrot, Brolga, White Necked Heron, White faced Heron, Great Egret, Grey Butcher bird, Black Fronted Dotterel, common Sandpiper, Orange Chat, White fronted Chat, Black Swan, Tree Martin, Little Button Quail, Silver Gull, Major Mitchell ( now called Pink cockatoo), Splendid wren, Yellow Throated Minor, Little Crow, Gilbert's Whistler, Wedge tailed Eagle, Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Australian Pelican.

This week

Fast section of track during the day.

Since January I have not ridden nearly as far as I would like. This is due simply to sore knees. These have been a problem for a while and so I went to see a specialist about them. The upshot is- I have very little cartilage left and the knees are bone on bone.. Now for some this might come as bad news, but I was delighted to see that the wear on the bones is nice and even. This is because of the years on the bike. The doctor wants me to continue riding as it will ensure that I will not need a replacement knee for a few years!


Sandy sections to be tackled at night

So, with boyish enthusiasm, I chose three very different rides this week. The first being a ride into Wheeny Creek. This 30k night ride is a mix of tar and dirt roads, with a steep decent and return out of the camping grounds. I chose the mountain bike as it is most suitable. I would be riding with fast peak hour traffic and would need the suspension to cope with the occasional escape from idiot drivers, before riding the quiet dirt section into the National Park.

Wheeny creek is beautiful and peaceful. Birds such as rock warblers, lyre birds, pacific duck as well as bell minors and superb wrens can be found here. Upon my return I met some endurance horse riders who were surprised that I could catch up and ride past them. The only difficulty on this ride is the speed down hill can sometimes "overtake" the headlights beam, making for last minute choices re potholes difficult. I was grateful for the larger tyres and suspension on more than one occasion

The Cannondale Prophet at night

The second ride was more technical and again at night, on some of the rougher fire trails in the Blue Mountains National Park. Whilst only a short distance (10K) it is a mix of rock ledges, deep sand, and wash outs. In the evening the "line" chosen to tackle these is far different to the line I would choose in daylight, and sometimes mistakes are made. Spinning faster in the lower gears makes out for a different workout too. In fact with a lot of climbing and balancing the entire body gets a workout.

Night time in the Australian bush without the moon is eerie. The thump of wallaby as well as the screech of the occasional owl makes it so. Sometimes an icy wind would blow and the gum trees would sound like the ocean. You can hear the wind coming from quite a distance away, and it was cold. Sadly the battery on my light failed prematurely, and I had to ride back with the "brown light". This creates a new problem. Without enough light to highlight the edges of the track it was very easy to get off course! Still, a lot of fun and I only just got home before the battery was completely flat!


Brown out! Only a small pool of light in front of the tyre

The final ride of the week was my usual 50km along Comleroy road. A great training ride on the road bike, again a different workout to the mountain bike. Much bigger gears, no suspension mean the power to the wheels is instant and creates a real concentrated workout on the legs, heart and lungs. This ride was pleasant and uneventful. Returning to Kurrajong via Putty road. Where I live the area and its surrounds are beautiful. The smell of fresh cut grass, horses and cattle as well as Wattle trees in bloom makes it heady!!

Saying "G'day" to the locals!

The knees? Well they are still there! I hope to be able to ride 4 times a week and get back to the distances I was doing last year... we shall see! BTW to my English friends- I am off the beer and ales......

Part of a health and fitness program is a good "cool down" after a ride....Ha ah!

Victoria Falls

Fog and Sleet

The plan was- To go to Coolah Tops National Park. The reality was- It was too wet, too hit and miss, so instead I chose to walk down to the Victoria Falls.

Situated west of Blackheath, but in the same network of valleys as Blue Gum Forest, I was curious to see just how the landscape had recovered from the bush fires. Like Perry's Lookdown, it requires a drop into the systems of creeks and gullies that ultimately form the Grose Valley, and Grose River. I had hoped to improve on the bird list as well. But with heavy fog and rain, it was unlikely.


Early section of the track.

The drive to Mt Victoria is uneventful and pleasant. Once arriving the road to the falls is easily signposted and the average sedan would cover the 12k of dirt road with ease.
I was surprised to see quite a few other dedicated walkers and campers in the area. It was good to see other enjoying the mountains despite the weather. Parking the troopie, its a decent into the valley. Not as extreme as Perry's it is a pleasant mix of steps, rock overhangs and forests. The fire here must have been intense as much of the undergrowth has vanished, replaced by succulent new growth. In opening the canopy too, new growth is rapid, as native species compete with weeds that seemed abundant.


The rain and wind were reasonable and most birds seemed absent. Not that it mattered, my binoculars fogged up and my books got soggy in the process.So I pushed on. Within a short time I was at the falls.


Victoria Falls
They looked great! Rock pools were full and the sound of falling water and Bell Minors filled the forest floor. In the pools were HUGE Yabbies! For my OS friends these are similar to a lobster or many other crayfish, and are delicious eating for sure! Some are pale blue in colour, yet these were a brilliant red. Simply boil water with salt and drop them in head first. Sadly these ones are protected in the national park, so I had to content myself with a stale biscuit!.


Yabbies with white wine and a cheese and garlic sauce........
After taking several photos I headed pack towards the car where a hot cup of coffee was most welcome. It was a most enjoyable walk.

Billy Boiling.

Even though birds were quiet, I still spotted Pied Butcher Bird, Pee Wee, Bell Minor, White Headed Pigeon, Currawong, White Browed Tree Creeper, Yellow Rumped Thornbill, Galah, Rosella, Australian Magpie and Wood Duck.

Glossy Black Cockatoos

Yesterday, I took the mountain bike out along one of the trails behind our house. Just after entering the national park, there is a small section of rain forest with casuarina trees dotted about.

I was very excited to see three Glossy Black Cockatoos. These birds, whilst not on endangered lists, are regarded as rare as the sightings must be reported to the National Parks and Wildlife service.

They are an interesting bird, feeding on casuarina, and if so are easily approached. Should they fly off, the do so with low swooping action, and a distinct "Caw" Caw" cry. They generally only fly to an adjacent tree. A splash of distinct red on their tale feathers. Also help with the identification.

I was delighted to see three as it indicated that one was a juvenile. Glossy Blacks are rare as the nest in hollows of trees. Sadly our domestic honey bee also like these hollows. generally moving in and stinging the young when they hatch. As the parents only lay one of two eggs, the failure rate can be very high indeed. Not only this but other pressures. Research was done in South Australia and when the Honey bees were removed from an area, the Glossy Black population increased.

These are one of my favorite birds.