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......

WW2 Jeep Update.

American Soldier in a Jeep

Well, its running, but there is still a lot to do and I broke down whilst climbing the mountain. Some of the oil leaks have gone, others have sprung up. I am going to convert the electric fuel pump back to the original mechanical one. I think fuel starvation was the cause of the trouble. I also flattened the battery, and have bought a trickle charger to keep it in tip top shape.

Australian Soldiers on patrol in Jeeps

The Jeep makes the garage smell like old leather and canvas which I enjoy. It has a new shovel as the one on it was not the correct shape.

Landcruiser- the gearbox is repaired but the mechanic forgot to tighten the drain plug so I ended up with oil all over the driveway, and had to finish the job for him.
US soldiers with French guides 1944 France
Oh! I discovered a really useful blog about Jeeps.. What Bob does not know does not seem to be worth knowing. I placed a link to it. Check it out!

Frankly its very pleasant to put a CD on, and get the spanners out for a tinker.

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.

Colo River Walk

This weekends walk was into the Colo River Gorge. With recent heavy rain, we wanted to see just how the river was flowing.

The track to the car park is easy, although just after filming this first clip, the track was washed out in places. We both got the giggles, after filming.



The walking track wanders through tall gums, thick undergrowth and rain forest areas. I am sorry for the quality of the videos, I kept losing sound and nearly dropped the camera in the mud. It is difficult to drive, or walk whilst filming!!



After a few kilometres we arrive at the river. Its very beautiful, although with the water receding we did notice that the river mud was a bit smelly. We enjoyed some fruit bars, Vegemite, and nuts, before returning to the top.



Overall length of walk 7km. Time 21/2 hours including lunch. Decent 350metres with equivalent climb.

Birds seen:- Whip Bird, Bell Minor, Lyrebird, Tree creeper, Superb Fairy Wren, Yellow Rumped Thornbill, Grey fantail. Masked Lapwing, Crested Pigeon. Plus one yet to be determined.

How to ride a skate board

This is my sons first U tube. A lesson in how to ride a skate board! I discovered this by accident and it made me smile a LOT! What a guy!

Bike Ride

The Beautiful Hawkesbury River...

After 2 months off, and with the hand out of the cast, it was time to "test my arm"on a ride. I chose the beautiful Hawkesbury lowlands, about 25k in all. Passed market gardens, Polo fields, the RAAF airbase and back.

Fishing at dusk

I don't mind saying, I felt uncomfortable, the right hand is stiff and every ripple in the tar, every grain of sand could be felt through it. It took me about 15km just to feel moderatley settled.

Dave getting baited

Have said that, the bird life is astounding, White necked Heron, Yellow rumped thornbill, Little eagle are just a few of the highlights.

Little Eagle

After the ride David asked me to take him fishing, it was peaceful although windy by the river and whilst there were plenty of nibbles we did not catch anything. I guess Mullet are smart....